Edinburgh eyes low emission zones to improve air quality

A feasibility study has been ordered into plans to introduce low emission zones (LEZs) to improve Edinburgh air quality have seen further progress.

The Scotsman reported that the plans, which have been drawn up in an effort to tackle air pollution in Scotland's capital, would see lorries, buses and coaches banned from areas of the city if they failed to meet environmental measures.

The European Union will begin to fine cities that fall below stringent air quality standards from 2015. As a result, many cities are considering how best to reduce pollution in line with EU targets.

City councillors have now order a full feasibility into LEZs. Vehicles that do not meet emissions levels will be forced to take alternate routes. Some of the areas highlighted for the policy include main roads into the city and the city centre.

There are currently three 'air quality management areas' in Edinburgh that have been identified as having unacceptably high levels of nitrogen dioxide as a result of vehicular traffic. These are likely to be the backbone of the LEZ programme.

In addition to the city centre, St John's Road, Corstorphine and Great Junction Street, Leith, the A8 at Ratho Station/Newbridge and the Inverleith Row/Ferry Road junction are in the process of being brought into the air quality management scheme.

The feasibility study is expected to cost around £15,000, which is expected to be
offset by government grants for air quality schemes.

Edinburgh Council transport convener Councillor Lesley Hinds said residents were "obviously concerned" about pollution in the city.

She said: "From 2015, the European Union is going to introduce substantial fines if air quality targets are not achieved.

“We want to look at the options – where we might have the zones, how we would manage them, how they could be enforced. And we want to see what lessons we can learn from other cities which already have LEZs."

Greater London is one of the UK regions already using LEZs. While cars and motorcycles are not affected, lorries, vans, minibuses, pickups and caravans must adhere to set standards.

Posted by Claire Manning