Edinburgh city centre LEZ set to go ahead despite objections

Edinburgh’s plans for a Low Emission Zone covering a 1.2 square mile area of the city centre attracted 26 objections and one note of support.

But officials say none of the objections justify making changes to the scheme and councillors are being recommended to confirm their proposals next week and submit them to Scottish ministers for consideration.

The council said most objections focused on the size of the zone and the location of the boundary, the impacts of traffic displacement and the potential financial challenges of complying.

Other objections included concerns around exemptions, the effects on individuals and businesses and the evidence base for the scheme.

If it gets approval, the LEZ is due to be introduced this May – but with a two-year grace period before enforcement begins.all motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, will have to meet a minimum emissions standard to enter the zone and those which fail to meet the standard will be banned.

There are certain exemptions, including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

The ban will affect an estimated 20,000 vehicles in and around the Capital – diesel cars registered before September 2015 and petrol cars registered before January 2006 – as well as heavy goods vehicles and buses that do not meet the Euro VI emission requirements.

Objections were submitted by the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils, West End Community Council, New Town Broughton Community Council, a joint submission from Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Council, Preston Street Primary School Parent Council and Living Streets. In addition, three businesses and 17 individuals also sent in objections.

Transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “Being able to breathe clean air is a right we all deserve, and by introducing a Low Emission Zone in the city centre we want to tackle air pollution in one of the most densely-populated parts of Edinburgh.

“Our officers have carried out a great deal of planning, modelling and analysis, in line with national frameworks, to develop our proposals.”