Local exemptions
Updated 29 April 2024
According to the LEZ laws, we may grant local temporary (‘time-limited’) exemptions for a vehicle or type of vehicle for up to one year. We will only do this on a case-by-case basis, in exceptional circumstances and considering the impacts we identify in relation to the LEZ objectives. This is to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, to protect public health from air pollution and address climate change.
We've decided to take this approach as there are
- national exemptions for identified groups including blue badge holders
- national funding support has been made available for eligible
- national funding support made available to help people access more sustainable transport
- two-year grace period for all before any penalty charge notices (fines) are issued.
We do recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where a local ‘time-limited’ exemption may be permitted.
Personal vehicles may not apply for LEZ local exemptions, which are those that are:
- owned by an individual for the purposes of transporting non-paying passengers such as family or friends and small personal goods;
- used to commute to and from a place of work;
- and in addition, a personal vehicle may be one owned and used by an individual which is also used for work-related purposes that involves transporting the owner between places of work.
Taxis and private hire vehicles are not covered by LEZ local exemptions. Read our taxi policy.
A Local Exemption Advisory Panel (LEZ-LEAP) will meet four times a year (once per quarter) to review applications. The panel will
- meet once per quarter to review evidence received
- not review evidence relating to the same vehicle more than once, for example, one application per vehicle maximum
- only review evidence brought to it via the web form, unless otherwise stated
- not accept appeals on previous decisions it has made. The Panel's decision is final.
Upcoming cut off dates for applications and decision by the panel
- 1 June 2024 - for decision no later than 1 September 2024
- 1 September 2024 - for decision no later than 1 December 2024
- 1 December 2024 - for decision no later than 1 February 2025
- 1 February 2025 - for decision no later than 1 April 2025
- 1 June 2025 - for decision no later than 1 September 2025
- 1 September 2025 - for decision no later than 1 December 2025
Complete the Edinburgh low emission zone local exemption request form