Plans have been outlined to help businesses and local residents to replace vehicles when Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are introduced in Scotland.
The £2m LEZ mobility fund, which will be means-tested, has been announced ahead of air-quality measures from transport being introduced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2022. It also follows a halt to such plans during the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, but has now been recommenced.
Grants of up to £2000 in cash or two £500 travel vouchers will be available to help citizens purchase either a bicycle, an e-bike or a public transport voucher. Additionally, funds for £2500 will be offered to business to purchase alternative vehicles that are compliant with the LEZ. Another £1m has also be set aside for retrofitting vehicles, including taxis and heavy and light goods vehicles.
Speaking about the fund, cabinet secretary for transport, Michael Matheson, said: “Low Emission Zones are required to protect public health and improve air quality in our city centres, but the transition in our four biggest cities must happen in a fair and a just way.
“The LEZ Mobility Fund will provide immediate assistance to households and businesses that are most impacted by the anticipated emission standards – and that will be enforced sometime after 2022.
“For taxi drivers or small businesses that wish to retrofit existing vehicles, in order to comply with forthcoming emissions standards, support remains available. I would encourage everyone to think about how Low Emission Zones may affect them.”
