Local exemptions
Updated 07 February 2025
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
Taxis
All taxis and private hire vehicles must operate in accordance with LEZ regulations and the taxi policy.
As of 17:00 on 12 September 2024 no more retrofit-delay related time-limited exemption applications for taxis or private hire vehicles will be considered.
Specialised HGVs
The following classes may apply for a time-limited exemption:
- all vehicles heavily modified for road-rail operations that require highly specialised equipment to be fitted to the base of the vehicle in order carry out their assigned tasks relating to ongoing rail maintenance; and
- highly specialised HGVs adapted to allow for the moving of fragile and unique artwork.
You may email your exemption application and supporting evidence to lez@edinburgh.gov.uk
Exemption process
Local Exemption Advisory Panel (LEZ-LEAP) will meet at least 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
- 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.
Personal Vehicles
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.
Exemptions granted to date
Granted before 01 June 2024 (applying from this date onwards for a limited period)
- Specialised HGVs - 2
- Taxis/PHCs - 0
- Events - 0
Quarter 3 2024
- Specialised HGVs - 11
- Taxis/PHCs - 0
- Events - 1 (Vehicles exempted: 42)
