LEZ markings wearing off before zone opens

MARKINGS to show drivers that they are entering a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Dundee have started to fade.

The markings were put in last September ahead of the introduction of restrictions in May.

Once the LEZ is enforced, drivers of non-compliant vehicles who use the zone face a £60 fine.

Dundee City Council says it hopes the LEZ will reduce air pollution in the city centre.

Now, members of the public have noticed that some of the markings are starting to fade away.

One person said: “It’s not even started, and the LEZ road labels are already peeling off. It’s not a great start.”

Friends of the Earth (FEO) Tayside co-ordinator Andrew Llanwarne, who has been encouraged by the progress made by Dundee’s LEZ, said the markings need to remain prominent.

He said: “Certainly, the signage needs to be clear so that drivers of non-compliant vehicles can see when they are about to enter the zone.

“Maybe the council will be doing some refreshing of road markings just before enforcement starts.”

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “We are investigating the early-life wear of the LEZ road marking identified.

“We will undertake the remedial work to renew the markings in advance of the LEZ enforcement commencing on Thursday May 30.”

All areas within Dundee’s Inner Ring Road (A991) will be included in the zone.

Three car parks are exempt from the zone – Bell Street, Wellgate Centre and West Marketgait.

LEZs will also be popping up in the city centres of Edinburgh and Aberdeen, following the introduction of a zone in Glasgow earlier this year.

Those who own a petrol car or van that was built after 2006 will be exempt from the low emission zones’ rules.

For diesel vehicles, the rules are tighter.

All vehicles registered before September 2015 will not be allowed to drive in the zone.

Buses, coaches and HGVs registered after 2013 will also be able to access the zone.

Motorcycles and mopeds and those subject to a national exemption will also be unaffected by the LEZ scheme.

The national exemptions include emergency vehicles, vehicles for disabled persons, travelling showman vehicles and military vehicles.

The initial fine for driving a non-compliant vehicle within the LEZ area is set at £60, reduced by 50% if it is paid within 14 days.

Enforcement will be undertaken through the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.

FADE AWAY: Markings were put in place last September ahead of the introduction of emissions restrictions in May. Pictures by Mhairi Edwards.