Older vehicles that produce higher emissions are set to be banned from the centre of Edinburgh under plans unveiled by Edinburgh City Council for a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which would result in heavy fines for drivers who fail to comply.

From spring next year, diesel cars that do not meet Euro 6 emissions standard will be banned.

Petrol cars that do not meet Euro 4 emissions standard are also to be banned.

Older HGVs and buses will also be prohibited from the city centre.

Councillors will now vote on the proposals on 17 June.

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Officers estimate this will affect 16,000 vehicles registered in Edinburgh, mostly diesel cars.

A grace period of two years has been suggested before fine would be issued to drivers failing to comply.

The penalty charge notice will be £60 for the first transgression – but that will double for each subsequent offence within a 90-day period.

For light vehicles, such as cars, the maximum fine will be £420, and for HGVs the maximum fine will be £900.

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Lesley Macinnes, the council’s transport and environment convener, said: “A great deal of analysis and monitoring has gone into the latest proposals for a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh.

“This takes into account the urgent need to lower emissions for the good of our health, while remaining aware of the impact on local businesses, residents and on traffic patterns.

“We know from our consultation in 2019 that lowering air pollution matters to everyone, so I look forward to hearing from the public on the preferred option, if approved by committee.”

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