Edinburgh sets out its plans to become ‘Scotland’s greenest city’
Capital follows Glasgow by introducing low emissions zones
Radicalplansaimedatmaking Edinburgh Scotland’s greenest city have been unveiled – including a high impact ban on some city road users.
Other dramatic options being looked at include the setting up of so-called “freight hubs” outside the city for lorries, banning regular vehicles that fail to meet emission targets and a review of how deliveries are made to homes and businesses.
The proposals – put forward as part of the forthcoming low emissions zones (LEZ) required by the Scottish Government – would be the most comprehensive changes the city has seen in decades.
Edinburgh hopes to become the next Scottish city to bring in an LEZ.
The capital follows Glasgow, where councillors were lambasted by green groups for a “lack of ambition” for exempting a range of fossil fuel burning “problem” vehicles.
Green politicians in Edinburgh said they would welcome a city-wide LEZ.
Cllr Chas Booth, Green transport spokesperson, said: “Dirty, polluted air is a silent killer in our capital and it’s vital the council leads on effective action to end this public health emergency.
“The planned Low Emission Zone for Edinburgh should be ambitious and effective, and should apply to all the dirtiest vehicles – trucks, vans and buses – from the start with taxis and cars included very soon afterwards.
“Because air pollution doesn’t stay in one place, the LEZ should not be confined to current pollution hotspots, but should earmark the whole city.”
Leaders argue the LEZ is necessary as the council looks to put citizen health and the environment top of its agenda.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, the
“Because air pollution doesn’t stay in one place, the LEZ should not be confined to current pollution hotspots, but should earmark the whole city”