More than 90% of people in Aberdeen are opposed to the low emission zone (LEZ) that will be introduced in June, a survey has revealed.
The LEZ, which will ban high-polluting vehicles from coming into certain areas of the city centre, has already been rolled out in Glasgow.
Dundee and Edinburgh will also be introducing the controversial Scottish Government scheme which advocates say will help the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
Vehicles that do not meet the standards will be barred from entering certain streets, including Union Street, with fines handed to those who breach the rules.
Respondents fear for city centre future
In total, 3,263 people took part in the survey – which opened on Sunday and closed Wednesday.
Local campaigner David Laing, who organised the poll, said he wanted to “understand levels of support/opposition for the new LEZ in the city.”
90.7% of respondents said they are against it, with 89.6% saying they will be less likely to visit the city centre due to the LEZ.
93.3% of those who took part in the survey also think it will have a negative impact on Aberdeen, with only 9.1% saying there is sufficient signage or information about the new measures.
‘The last thing Aberdeen needs is more restrictions’
Mr Laing said: “The survey shows Aberdonians’ clear objection to the new LEZ and is another blow to the out of touch council administration. After the whole bus gate saga, the last thing Aberdeen needs is more restrictions and reasons for people not to visit the city centre.
“At a time where household budgets are tight, forcing families to fork out for new vehicles is beyond ridiculous. The LEZ risks hurting not helping the environment, forcing longer journeys and increasing congestion.
“It’s time the council’s leaders listen to the overwhelming majority opposed to the LEZ and take action to stop the scheme before it comes into force next month.
“The LEZ is proving to be another recipe for disaster for the council administration. After almost two chaotic years in power, it’s about time the council leaders start
to listen, as the future of our city is at stake.”
Responding to the results, Conservative councillor Duncan Massey – a prominent critic of the council’s transport policies – said: “This is another important survey, highlighting that the Aberdeen public do not support the numerous damaging anti-motorist policies coming from the council.
“Unfortunately, the council continues to ignore public opinion, even from their own
consultations.
“They continue to push disproportionate policies that make life difficult for motorists, cost a lot of money whilst having a very minor impact on the stated aim of increasing
cycling.”
‘Improve public health by banning the most polluting vehicles’
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill added: “The decision to introduce a Low Emission Zone in Aberdeen was taken by the Scottish Parliament, not the city council.
“The objective of the LEZ is to improve public health by banning the most polluting vehicles from our city centre and so improving air quality. This is a key element of making the city centre a more attractive place for people to live and has been strongly supported by the NHS.
“The final boundary of the LEZ was signed off by the former Labour and Conservative council leaders at Aberdeen City Council. The city council has delayed the enforcement of the Low Emission Zone as long as is legally possible but must begin enforcing it from June 1 this year.
“Perhaps Councillor Massie should raise his concerns around the Low Emission Zone with Councillor Ryan Houghton, the Conservative leader at the time, who signed off on the boundary of the zone.”
Responding to the survey, an Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The LEZ has been deliberately designed to achieve the air quality improvements while minimising negative impacts on accessibility for businesses and residents.
“For that reason the majority of key destinations, such as public car parks, can be accessed without having to pass through the LEZ, albeit some people’s usual routes to access these may have to change.
“The LEZ has been subject to two rounds of public and stakeholder consultation and a formal objection period where members of the public and businesses have been invited to have their say. The proposed boundary has been amended on a number of occasions in response to the feedback received, again to minimise any potential negative impacts, where these changes do not compromise the air quality objectives.
“Following the June 2021 report, the boundary was tweaked slightly following the second consultation and the objection period. Thereafter the then council leader and city growth convenor agreed the final boundary for submission to Scottish ministers.
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