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    Dundee’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

    In an effort to enhance air quality, promote sustainability, and reduce pollution for a healthier urban environment, Dundee introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in 2022.

    The two-year ‘grace period’ that the local council allowed Dundee residents and visitors to enjoy, whilst they prepared for the full implementation of the scheme, is set to end on the 30th of May 2024 – at which point non-compliant, heavy-polluting vehicles will be hit with fines if they are driven in the city without paying the daily penalty.

    When enforcement begins, non-compliant vehicles will be subject to penalties.

    If you want to know about the zone’s location, its impact on vehicles, and the associated costs, read on. For more info about other Low Emission Zones (LEZs) across Scotland, read our guide here.

    Why is Dundee’s LEZ scheme being introduced?

    Despite notable improvements in air quality since the implementation of the Dundee City Council Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) in 2011, certain areas within the city still fall short of meeting the Scottish Air Quality Objective (AQO). The introduction of the city’s LEZ is aimed at further expediting Dundee’s compliance with these crucial air quality standards.

    The LEZ’s implementation aligns with the local council’s commitment to achieving greenhouse emissions reduction targets outlined in the ‘Dundee Climate Action Plan’, which was published in 2019. By restricting high-emission vehicles within the LEZ, Dundee Council seeks to contribute actively to its climate goals and foster a sustainable and environmentally-conscious city.

    What area does the Dundee LEZ cover?

    The boundaries of Dundee’s LEZ are clearly demarcated by the A991 Inner Ring Road. With Bell Street, Wellgate, and West Marketgair NCP car parks currently excluded from the scheme.

    Dundee Low Emissions Zone Map
    The Dundee LEZ map: https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk

    When will the Dundee LEZ be introduced?

    Technically, the implementation of the Dundee LEZ Scheme took place on the 30th of May 2022. However, both residents within – and visitors to – the LEZ area operating non-exempt vehicle types, were granted a two-year grace period from that date, during which the scheme’s enforcement will not take effect. This grace period extends until the 30th of May 2024 – after which date, enforcement for all drivers will begin.

    What vehicles will be affected by the Dundee LEZ?

    Dundee’s LEZ adheres to the same regulations as other LEZs across Scotland, penalising older, more polluting vehicles. If your vehicle does not meet the following criteria, it will be impacted by the LEZ:

    • Petrol cars and vans must meet Euro 4 emission standards (typically vehicles registered from 2006).
    • Diesel cars and vans must meet Euro 6 emission standards (typically vehicles registered from September 2015).
    • Buses, coaches, and HGVs must meet Euro VI emission standards (typically vehicles registered from January 2013).

    Are there any exemptions to the Dundee LEZ?

    The categories of vehicles currently exempt from Dundee’s Low Emission Zone penalties are as follows:

    • Motorcycles and mopeds
    • Disabled tax class or disabled passenger tax class
    • Police vehicles
    • Ambulance and emergency service vehicles
    • Scottish Fire and Rescue
    • His Majesty’s Coastguard
    • Military vehicles
    • Registered historic vehicles
    • Registered Showman’s vehicles
    Exemptions to the Dundee LEZ
     The Dundee LEZ was introduced in 2022 with a two-year grace period before enforcement begins, charging all non-compliant and non-exempt vehicles.

    How much will non-compliant vehicles be fined if they enter the Dundee LEZ?

    When the two-year grace period draws to an end and the Dundee LEZ is fully introduced in May 2024, it will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and be enforced through a network of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

    When enforcement begins, non-compliant vehicles will be subject to penalties. The initial penalty charge for a breach is £60, which can be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.

    Subsequent violations within the same LEZ will lead to a doubling of the penalty charge. There is an upper cap on charges, set at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles, and £960 for buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The penalty is reset to the base figure (£60) if no further breaches occur within a 90-day period.

    What grants and assistance are available for Dundee locals?

    The Scottish government, through the Energy Saving Trust, is currently offering funding to eligible households and businesses as part of the Dundee LEZ Scheme.

    LEZ support fund for households:

    Eligible households can benefit from support of up to £3,000. This includes £2,000 towards the safe disposal of a non-compliant vehicle and up to £1,000 through the ‘Travel Better’ program – which encourages the use of active and shared transport options.

    LEZ support fund for businesses:

    For eligible businesses, there is a support grant of £2,000 available for the safe disposal of non-compliant vehicles. Additionally, businesses can now apply for up to £1,000 towards the purchase of a cargo or e-cargo bike for business use.

    LEZ retrofit fund for businesses:

    The Dundee LEZ Retrofit Fund is designed to assist eligible micro-businesses operating within the city by retrofitting their existing non-compliant vehicles with Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) approved solutions that meet the minimum proposed standards of the LEZ. The fund has closed for the current financial year due to full budget allocation. However, existing applications are being processed, and eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list. They will be contacted if further funds become available.

    Loans for electric vehicles and bikes:

    The Energy Saving Trust also offers various loans to support the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and cargo bikes for business use.

    LEZ support for local organisations:

    Local organisations can access free independent advice and support to explore options for implementing active and lower-carbon travel alternatives. Dundee Cycle Hub provides a range of support options, including assistance in incorporating cycling within organisations, funding advice, and free E-Cargo Bike Loans.

    How to sell a non-compliant vehicle?

    If your vehicle is not compliant with Dundee’s LEZ, the good news is – you can still sell it, in order to invest instead in a compliant vehicle. The LEZ in Dundee may also have increased your compliant vehicle’s value, making it a great time to sell. 

    Whether you’re looking to sell a compliant or non-compliant car, at Motorway we offer a simple – and completely free – method of getting the best price when selling, whatever the model.

    Sell on Motorway and our network of 5,000+ verified car dealers compete to give you their best price.

    Just enter your reg on the homepage and you will be provided with an instant estimated sale price based on up-to-the-minute market data. We’ll then ask you a few easy questions about your car and guide you through the photos you need to take to complete your vehicle profile. It can be done right from your phone – in a matter of minutes.

    If you choose to enter your car into a daily sale, it will be shown to our nationwide network of more than 5,000 verified dealers looking to add to their stock of used cars. Interested dealers will then compete to buy your car, offering you their best price.

    In as little as 24 hours you will receive your best offer – and, if you choose to go ahead with the sale, your car will be collected for free by the dealer and the money will be quickly and securely transferred to your bank account.

    Selling your car?

    Read about everything you need to know about how to sell your car with more guides here. There’s a lot to learn as Clean Air Zones and emissions standards in the UK change in the run-up to 2035.

    Sell your car the Motorway way

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