More than 160 Shetland drivers handed LEZ fines in Aberdeen

More than 160 fines have now been issued to Shetland drivers who have breached Aberdeen’s low-emission zone.

A freedom of information request shows that 16 of these notices were for one of the highest penalties—£480—given to drivers of vehicles that have fallen foul of the rules four times.

The LEZ, which aims to discourage more polluting vehicles, is near the exit from the city’s NorthLink terminal, where the overnight ferry from Shetland berths.

Between June 1, 2024, when the LEZ began being enforced, and May 31 this year, a total of 162 notices were issued to vehicles registered with a ZE postcode.

Most notices have been issued with a minimum fine of £60, but a number of penalties have been given for repeat offenders.

Aberdeen City Council said that, based on general observations, the vehicles involved were “typically passenger vehicles, light goods vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles.”

Low emissions zones (LEZ) are in place in a number of Scottish cities, and fines are dished out if vehicles which fail to meet emissions criteria are driven in them.

They aim to improve air quality in cities by encouraging the use of greener vehicles.

The LEZ in Aberdeen is located to the immediate right of the junction from the NorthLink ferry terminal and covers the main part of the city centre.

Generally, petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards and diesel ones registered after September 2015 will meet the required standards.

There are some exemptions, including blue badge holders.

Although the minimum fine is £60, it is reduced by 50% if it is paid within 14 days.

The penalty is doubled with each subsequent breach, with this capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs.

The LEZ was technically introduced in Aberdeen in 2022 with a two-year ‘grace’ period imposed through to June 2024.