Aberdeen LEZ sets new record for highest number of penalties issued in a month

Aberdeen has set a new record for the highest number of LEZ penalties issued in a single month.

Data obtained by The Sunday Post shows that drivers who entered the Granite City’s low emission zone in August this year were hit with an unprecedented 6,472 fines.

Although the council has not revealed the value of these fines, it is estimated to be in the region of £612,000 – which would also set a new LEZ record.

Aberdeen’s LEZ

Clustered around Union Street and the surrounding roads, Aberdeen’s zone covers an area of just half a mile squared.

Last night the Tories said the record number of penalties suggested Aberdeen’s drivers were struggling to go about their business without breaching the LEZs.

MSP Liam Kerr said: “We repeatedly warned that many people in Aberdeen would be caught out by these stringent restrictions because they drive older vehicles that they can’t afford to replace.

“With Aberdeen setting a record for the most fines issued in a month, it is clear that many have no choice but to drive their vehicles in the low emission zone.

“The implementation of this scheme has been botched from the start and should be a lesson to any other council considering doing the same.”

Yesterday Aberdeen City Council insisted it had gone to great lengths to ensure local drivers and visitors were given fair warning of the LEZ before the scheme’s introduction and at points of entry.

It said: “We publicised the introduction of the LEZ from the year-to-go countdown to when enforcement started via media releases, social media, paid adverts and on web pages.

“This publicity was in addition to paid advertisements and media releases for all LEZs from the Scottish Government. We have comprehensive signage in place advising drivers of the LEZ.”

In Glasgow, where the LEZ covers a square mile between the River Clyde and the M8 motorway – the highest number of monthly fines issued since June 2023 when the LEZ was introduced was 6,139 while the highest value of monthly fines was £504,840.

In Edinburgh, where the zone is significantly larger than Aberdeen, the highest number of fines in a single month is 6,039, while the highest value of fines was £541,740. In Dundee the record is 2,297 fines in a month, while the highest total value is £196,620.