Low-emission Zones

Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 23 May 2024.

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Photo of Alexander Stewart Alexander Stewart Conservative 2:30, 23 May 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what work it has undertaken to prepare for the introduction of low-emission zones in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. (S6O-03470)

Photo of Fiona Hyslop Fiona Hyslop Scottish National Party

I regularly meet the local authorities that are introducing low-emission zones. My officials continue to work closely with them and United Kingdom Government agencies, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, to assist with preparations for LEZ enforcement.

Extensive national LEZ awareness-raising schemes have taken place and continue across both new and traditional media, supported by work at local level in Dundee, where enforcement starts on 30 May, and Aberdeen and Edinburgh, where enforcement starts on 1 June, as those cities join hundreds of European cities and towns that are introducing similar schemes.

I also advise that the Scottish Government has provided full funding to establish all local authority LEZ enforcement systems and continues to provide support funding to low-income households and microbusinesses preparing for LEZs, with £16.1 million being made available since 2019.

Photo of Alexander Stewart Alexander Stewart Conservative

Almost a year after the low-emission zone came into force in Glasgow, 40 per cent of the council’s vehicles have failed to comply with the regulations. Given that Glasgow City Council is struggling to comply with the scheme, what support will be given to hard-working Scots and businesses in other locations? Is this simply a war against motorists?

Photo of Fiona Hyslop Fiona Hyslop Scottish National Party

I referred to investment of £16.1 million. I know, because I checked, that Alexander Stewart has membership of a number of cross-party groups that are related to lung disease and health issues. He understands that air quality is very important, and it is air quality that is the issue here.

One of the first lessons of politics is to learn how to count. The Glasgow area covers 127 square miles; the LEZ area covers 1 square mile. Therefore the LEZ covers 0.79 per cent of the Glasgow City Council area. Perhaps the Conservatives expect that every vehicle from all parts of Glasgow will always be within that 0.79 per cent of space.

I suspect that vehicles in areas such as outer Pollok that are not compliant will not need to go into the city centre area and be compliant. Glasgow City Council and all the other councils are looking to decarbonise their fleet, in a phased way. However, let us be reasonable and say that, with the LEZ covering less than 0.79 per cent of the area, surely we do not expect every vehicle in the Glasgow City Council area to be in that city centre area all the time.

Photo of Annabelle Ewing Annabelle Ewing Scottish National Party

We have had requests for three supplementaries. I intend to take all three.

Photo of Karen Adam Karen Adam Scottish National Party

Low-emission zones are in place across Europe, and around 320 cities have them. What has the Scottish Government learned from the experiences of the European cities while developing its work for the introduction of the low-emission zones in Scotland’s cities?

Photo of Fiona Hyslop Fiona Hyslop Scottish National Party

The member makes a good point. Scotland is not the only country in Europe that has created low-emission zones; they have been in operation in many countries and cities across Europe for a number of years and, of course, in London.

It is important that we learn from others’ experiences. We have met representatives of European cities and Government to discuss LEZ delivery in Europe. Officials have also reviewed many of the environmental vehicle access restriction schemes that are in operation across the continent. That has helped to inform the framework that has been used for the introduction of Scottish LEZ schemes.

Such schemes are normal and many countries are using them. It is about improving air quality, the quality of life and the quality of health for the vulnerable in our communities, particularly young children, those who have pre-existing health conditions and older people.

Photo of Liam Kerr Liam Kerr Conservative

The Liberal Democrat co-leader of Aberdeen City Council stated in writing that:

“The decision to introduce a Low Emission Zone in Aberdeen was taken by the Scottish Parliament, not the city council”.

He also stated:

“I asked some time ago if the Council could decide not to enforce the LEZ. I was told that it was not possible.”

Does the cabinet secretary think that the co-leader’s assertions are entirely accurate? Is it correct that, when there has been a material change in circumstances since the council declared an LEZ, legislation allows for a modification of those plans?

Photo of Fiona Hyslop Fiona Hyslop Scottish National Party

In all the cities that are introducing low-emission zones—that is, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh; obviously, the LEZ in Glasgow has been in place and has been enforced for some time—I have been struck by the co-operation and support of the local authorities in carrying out their responsibilities.

On modifications to plans, it may well be that the Conservatives want to roll back from low-emission zones because they do not believe that air quality is important, but if they want to support local authorities, they can.

I have not had representations from any of the local authorities about making any modifications or amendments. I know that Glasgow extended the period for taxis to be exempt, so flexibilities can be applied, depending on individual circumstances. It is not for me to dictate what those are; it will be up to council leaders in individual areas to decide for themselves what makes sense for their cities.

Photo of Foysol Choudhury Foysol Choudhury Labour

I have been contacted by many constituents, particularly taxi drivers, whose cars come up as being eligible to drive in low-emission zones when checks are made online. However, when they contact their councils or their taxi offices, they are informed that their cars are, in reality, not eligible. Can the cabinet secretary assure me that the Scottish Government is taking action in order to ensure that the information on the LEZ vehicle eligibility checking service is accurate?

Photo of Fiona Hyslop Fiona Hyslop Scottish National Party

I appreciate the member raising the issue of the tracking and checking service that is provided on the Low Emission Zones Scotland website, which is connected to the DVLA and its definitions. If there are any anomalies, it is really important that people contact the councils. One million people have used the tracker. As I recall, in the early days of the LEZ coming into force in Glasgow, there were a few situations in which there were discrepancies. It is definitely worth pursuing that, because we need to make sure that there is good read-across. Certainly, the tracker has been working to date, but, if members could draw any issues to the attention of their council and Transport Scotland, that would be quite helpful.