Aberdeen Low Emission Zone: Your LEZ Guide

Aberdeen were introduced to the concept of a Low Emission Zone on May 31^st, 2022.

Various cities across the UK have been implemented LEZ regulations to better the environment through restricting what vehicles can drive throughout city centres.

After a 2 year grace period of LEZ rules,  Aberdeen now has a fully enforced Low Emission Zone, with enforcement being introduced as of June 2024. 

With enforcement being fully implemented, it’s important to outline what the fines are for being non-compliant, where the LEZ is located in Aberdeen, and how to find out if your vehicle is compliant or not to drive in the vicinity of a Low Emission Zone.

What is a Low Emission Zone?

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is a designated Clean Air Zone (CAZ) where access is restricted to certain vehicles to reduce pollution and improve air quality.

These zones are typically implemented in urban areas with high traffic volumes, such as in the case of the UK, cities such as Glasgow, and of course, Aberdeen.

Vehicles that do not meet specific emission standards are either banned or required to pay a fee to enter a Low Emission Zone.

The restrictions usually focus on vehicles that produce higher levels of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), which are common from diesel engines. The standards and regulations can vary based on vehicle type, age, and the specific pollutants.

Where are Clean Air Zone located?

Fully enforced Clean Air Zones are located in:

• London (ULEZ since 2023)
• Glasgow (LEZ)
• Edinburgh (LEZ)
• Aberdeen (LEZ)
• Dundee (LEZ)
• Bath (CAZ)
• Bradford (CAZ)
• Portsmouth (CAZ)
• Birmingham (CAZ)
• Bristol (CAZ)
• Newcastle and Gateshead (CAZ)
• Oxford (CAZ)

Even though Low Emission Zones are referred to as Clean Air Zones, some cities have an outright CAZ within their city centre, meaning less strict rules in place for non-compliant vehicles.

Like to find out the difference between LEZ, ULEZ, and CAZ in more detail? Read our article on the emission zone terminologies.

Where is LEZ located in Aberdeen?

The below map is where the Low Emission Zone is located in Aberdeen.

This area outlined shows the vicinity in which you cannot drive a non-compliant vehicle through.

Image Credit: Aberdeen City Council

Is my vehicle LEZ compliant?

To check if your vehicle is LEZ compliant, enter your registration to one of the following website’s tools:

https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/vehicle-registration-checker

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

https://motorway.co.uk/ulez-checker

What is the LEZ non-compliance fee?

As of June 1^st, 2024, drivers within Aberdeen’s city centre have to be compliant to LEZ rules.

This means certain vehicles will face charges if they do not meet the EU regulated emission standards.

Charges for non-compliant cars, vans, and special purpose vehicles:

• £60 initial PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) per vehicle – if paid within 14 days, reduced to a £30 fine
• £120 PCN upon the second breach if the same vehicle has been driven again within 90 days of first breach
• £240 PCN upon the third breach if the same vehicle has been driven a third time within 90 days of first breach
• £480 PCN upon the fourth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fourth time within 90 days of first breach

Charges for non-compliant minibuses, buses / coaches, and heavy goods vehicles:

• £60 initial PCN per vehicle – if paid within 14 days, reduced to a £30 fine
• £120 PCN upon the second breach if the same vehicle has been driven again within 90 days of first breach
• £240 PCN upon the third breach if the same vehicle has been driven a third time within 90 days of first breach
• £480 PCN upon the fourth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fourth time within 90 days of first breach
• £960 PCN upon the fifth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fifth time within 90 days of first breach

Aberdeen LEZ exemptions

The following vehicles are exempt from any Low Emission Zone charges in Aberdeen:

• Vehicles for people with disabilities (blue badges)
• Historic vehicles
• Showman’s vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
• Military vehicles

Are LEZs going away?

Currently, Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in the UK are set to remain, with no immediate intentions to discontinue them in the urban areas where they are implemented.

A reliable strategy to sidestep any fees or uncertainty about whether your car meets the standards is to transition to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. These types of cars are consistently compliant with LEZ regulations.