FBHVC ensures that historic vehicles are exempt from new Scottish LEZs

Published: 01/06/2024

With the introduction of enforcement from today (1 June) of Low Emmission Zones (LEZ) in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is pleased to confirm that historic vehicles are exempt, as a result of its extensive lobbying.

The latest two LEZs come after the start of enforcement of LEZs in Dundee (30 May), and Glasgow  (1 June 2023).

Representations by the FBHVC to the Scottish government four years ago, when the schemes were being drawn up in 2020, led to its acceptance of the historic vehicle movement's position.

Although the zones have been in place in all four Scottish cities since May 2022,  as part of the regulations creating them, enforcement was delayed (a 'grace period') to allow motorists to make changes and get used to them.

The LEZ in each city covers a relatively small core of the centre, rather than the entire region, as in London.

Maps showing each city's LEZ area are at the bottom of this page, along with links to the relevant websites.

Importantly, unlike LEZ/CAZ in England, Scotland has decided to ban all vehicles that don't comply with the emission standards.

You cannot pay to enter a LEZ in Scotland. All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the emission standards or face a penalty charge.

This is different from England, where a daily charge can be paid for non-compliant vehicles to enter the zone and fines are only levied if the charge is not paid in time.

In Scotland, fines, via Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) will be levied immediately on those who ignore the ban. 

For cars fines start at £60 – for each visit – and double with each subsequent breach of the rules to a maximum of £480 per visit for cars, and £960 for other vehicles.

Unlike LEZ and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) schemes in England, Scotland has also chosen a different vehicle age definition for 'historic' vehicles.

Exemptions will apply if the vehicle was manufactured or registered under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 for the first time at least 30 years ago and if the vehicle is no longer in production and has not been changed from its original state.

There is no need to notify the cities of your vehicle, as the system uses DVLA data. The introduction of Glasgow's LEZ enforcement last June appears to have worked well in this regard.

More information about all LEZ/CAZ in the UK is on the Federation's information page here: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/a-guide-to-uk-clean-air-and-low-emissions-zones

Details of the Scottish LEZ are here: https://lowemissionzones.scot/

ABERDEEN - LEZ area map
More details: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/roads-transport-and-parking/low-emission-zone

DUNDEE - LEZ area map
More details: https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/city-development/sustainable-transport-and-roads/dundee-low-emission-zone-scheme-lez

EDINBURGH - LEZ area map
More details: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez

GLASGOW - LEZ area map
More details: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ