Local exemptions
Updated 24 July 2024
The Council agreed to a no local exemptions policy as part of the LEZ introduction. According to the LEZ laws, and the Council's scheme we may grant local temporary (‘time-limited’) exemptions for a vehicle or type of vehicle for up to 12 months.
We will review applications received on case-by-case basis to determine the impacts of local exemption we identify in relation to the LEZ statutory 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
- national funding support made available for retrofit vehicles for eligible businesses,
- 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 permissable.
Applying for an exemption
Personal vehicles may not apply for LEZ local exemptions. Personal vehicles 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;
- are used to commute to and from a place of work;
- additionally, may be owned and used by an individual for work-related purposes as well as personal reasons, such as transporting the owner between places of work.
Taxis and private hire vehicles must operate in accordance with LEZ regulations and the taxi policy.
A Local Exemption Advisory Panel (LEZ-LEAP) will meet four times a year (once per quarter) to review applications before a decision is made by the Council. 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 made by the Council. The Council's decision is final.
Upcoming cut off dates for applications and review 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
Any applications relating to events or temporary suspensions of the LEZ should also use the form below and are subject to the LEZ-LEAP processes.
Complete the Edinburgh low emission zone local exemption request form, providing relevant evidence with your application.
