Low emission zones delay shows SNP ‘not serious’ on pollution

Delays to plans for lowemission zones (LEZS) in Scottish cities show the Government is not serious about tackling air pol lution, campaigners say.

A new indicative time - line says LEZS will be rolled out in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen between February and May 2022.

Many of the schemes, which would prevent older vehicles from entering city centres, were due to begin this year, but the coronavirus pandemic led to the plans being put on hold.

Glasgow’s LEZ has only been implemented for buses.

Friends of the Earth Scotland said the delay would jeopardise commitments to meet climate change targets.

Director Dr Richard Dixon said :“This shocking delay shows that Scottish Government and councils are not serious about urgent action on air pollution.

“Everyone understands that the pandemic has delayed action in many areas but people in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edin - burgh are now expected to wait more than a year longer for just the first steps in cleaning up the air they breathe.

“In Glasgow plans to tighten up the standards for buses and to extend the zone to cover other vehicles are also delayed.”

Announcing the changed timetable, transport secretary Michael Ma theson said :“LEZs are key to improving air quality, protecting public health and supporting Scotland’s wider climate change ambitions.”