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Dundee LEZ: Everything you need to know

01/05/2024Jay Kennedy

Motoring

Dundee’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced on May 30^th, 2022, with further plans of full enforcement being in place for May 30^th, 2024.

Clean Air Zones have been getting implemented in cities throughout the UK these past couple of years, with the purpose of these zones being to reduce air pollution from on-the-road vehicles in highly populated areas.

These includes regulations that motorists must abide regarding what vehicle(s) they drive in the vicinity of Clean Air Zones.

As we’re mere weeks away from a fully enforced Low Emission Zone, it is important to understand what the LEZ rules are, where it’ll be located in Dundee, and what charges you may face after non-compliance.

What is the difference between LEZ and ULEZ?

Both LEZ and ULEZ are Clean Air Zones that look to tackle vehicles that produces air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

ULEZ however, is much stricter in what vehicles are compliant throughout the zone in the city with ULEZ regulations.

LEZs, whilst stricter that basic Clean Air Zones, are less strict in its regulations compared to ULEZ.

Where are Clean Air Zones located in UK?

Many UK cities have introduced Clean Air Zones within their city centres as of late.

Fully enforced CAZ/LEZ/ULEZs are located in:

Introduced LEZ zones with plans to fully enforce are located in:

Edinburgh (full enforcement planned June 2024)
Aberdeen (full enforcement planned June 2024)
Dundee (full enforcement planned May 2024)

What is the charge for LEZ non-compliance?

Edinburgh and Aberdeen will both face full enforcement of LEZ rules in their city centres come 1^st of June 2024.

However, Dundee will be slightly earlier, with full enforcement starting 30^th of May 2024.

Full enforcement will mean that non-compliance to LEZ rules will face charges.

Fines for non-compliance vary between different vehicle types:

£60 initial PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) per vehicle – if paid within 14 days, reduced to a £30 fine
£120 PCN upon the second breach if the same vehicle has been driven again within 90 days of first breach
£240 PCN upon the third breach if the same vehicle has been driven a third time within 90 days of first breach
£480 PCN upon the fourth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fourth time within 90 days of first breach

Non-compliant minibuses, buses / coaches, and heavy goods vehicles:

£60 initial PCN per vehicle – if paid within 14 days, reduced to a £30 fine
£120 PCN upon the second breach if the same vehicle has been driven again within 90 days of first breach
£240 PCN upon the third breach if the same vehicle has been driven a third time within 90 days of first breach
£480 PCN upon the fourth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fourth time within 90 days of first breach
£960 PCN upon the fifth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fifth time within 90 days of first breach

Dundee Low Emission Zone Map

Image credit: Dundee City Council

Is my vehicle LEZ compliant?

To check if your vehicle is LEZ compliant, use one of the following tools by entering your registration:

https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/vehicle-registration-checker

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

https://motorway.co.uk/ulez-checker

LEZ exemptions

According to Dundee City Council, the following vehicles are exempt from any LEZ charges:

Vehicles for people with disabilities (blue badges)
Historic vehicles
Showman’s vehicles
Emergency vehicles
Military vehicles

Final Takeaways

For a lot of motorists in Dundee, driving experiences will be drastically altered.

Whilst it only really covers the city centre, Dundee drivers will need to have LEZ compliant vehicles to drive within the zone to avoid facing any charges.

Make sure to take in the relevant information provided in this article here today and be prepared for the new LEZ rules being fully enforced.

If you'd like to learn more on the Low Emission Zone in Dundee, pleas visit Dundee City Council