Boundary agreed for proposed low emission zone in Aberdeen

The boundary for the proposed low emisson zone for Aberdeen's city centre was agreed by Aberdeen City Council today.

The boundary means an area of the city will not allow polluting vehicles to enter.

However, the city council's growth and resources committee agreed there would be a grace period of two years to residents, businesses and visitors time to comply with the new requirements. 

The preferred option is to make the Union Street area along with the city centre masterplan area. 

Aberdeen City Council city growth and resources committee convener Councillor Ryan Houghton said: "This is a significant step forward for an LEZ in Aberdeen.

"The creation of an LEZ will help improve air quality for the city centre and I welcome the committee’s decision today.”

The LEZ for Aberdeen would operate 24/7 and is one of four Scottish cities which is introducing LEZs by 2024 after legislation was introduced from the Scottish Government.

Exceptions from the LEZ include emergency services, naval, military or air force vehicles, historic vehicles, vehicles for disabled persons including those being driven by a blue badge holder or with a blue badge holder as a passenger, showman vehicles, and motorbikes and mopeds.

It is estimated that by 2024, 86% of cars, 70% of light goods vehicles, 93% of heavy goods vehicles and all taxis in Aberdeen will be compliant with the LEZ.

An eight-week consultation on the proposal will open on Monday. 

For more information regarding the Aberdeen LEZ visit here.