Low Emission Zone

Last updated 26 September 2023

It's here. Are you ready?

We want everyone in Edinburgh to enjoy a greener city with:

  • cleaner air
  • healthier people and communities
  • excellent public transport and active travel options, such as walking and cycling, that are safe, accessible, and sustainable.

Air pollution is harmful to our health, especially for

  • children
  • older people
  • people with existing heart and lung conditions, including asthma.

On 31 March 2022 the Transport and Environment Committee approved the Low Emission Zone Scheme Proposal, following legal processes. The city centre LEZ was approved by Scottish Ministers on 19 May 2022 and was introduced on 31 May 2022. Enforcement will start on 1 June 2024, following a two-year grace period for all. Find out about how the LEZ was developed, including supporting evidence.