New funding for households made available via the LEZ Support Fund

The Scottish Government has made £3 million of funding available via a new LEZ Support Fund to help low-income households prepare for Low Emission Zones (LEZs) being introduced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2022.

The LEZ Support Fund provides eligible households in receipt of particular benefits with a grant of £2000 to encourage disposal of an older, more polluting and non-compliant vehicle. The money can be used towards replacing it with an LEZ-compliant vehicle or can be invested in an alternative mode of transport.

In addition, the fund offers up to two £500 mobility grants or Travel Better vouchers which can be used to buy a bike, e-bike or public transport voucher.

To be eligible, applicants must live within a 20km radius of the planned LEZs in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This funding supports earlier commitments made by the Scottish Government to help those who will have the most difficulty in making the transition when LEZs are introduced.

Low Emission Zones aim to reduce pollution from vehicle emissions, tackling both poor air quality and climate change. When LEZs are enforced, vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standard will face a penalty if they enter a Low Emission Zone. Vehicles that meet these standards pollute much less than those that do not. Generally, older petrol cars registered before 2006 and diesel cars registered before September 2015 will not be allowed to enter a Low Emission Zone area. *

Administered by Energy Saving Trust, the funding is means-tested. It provides households with financial support to help them travel more sustainably and meet the forthcoming LEZ measures to improve air quality and protect public health in the four cities.

To find out more on the LEZ Support Fund or to check your eligibility, please call 0808 808 2282 or visit the Energy Saving Trust website here.

*Please note that the date of vehicle registration is only a guide. Please check with your vehicle manual or the manufacturer.