Council report shows compliance rising to 89% but highlights future cost pressures for maintaining scheme
More than half a million pounds in unpaid fines have built up since Aberdeen’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force last summer, according to a new report to Aberdeen City Council.
The LEZ, enforced from June 2024, restricts access to older petrol and diesel vehicles in a bid to cut harmful emissions and improve air quality in the city centre. Drivers breaching the rules face a £60 penalty charge, reduced by half if paid within 14 days.
The report reveals that in its first year, the scheme generated £1.23m in income from penalty charge notices (PCNs) after costs. However, around £561,000 remains unpaid, leaving a net surplus of £669,000.
Council officers noted that the number of fines issued has steadily fallen as compliance with the LEZ has improved. Figures show that the proportion of vehicles meeting LEZ standards has risen from 82% in 2023 to 89% this year.
A council spokesperson said the reported £561,000 “represents the difference between the accrued position and the cash position for financial year 2024/25”, in line with accounting rules requiring unpaid income to be recorded at year-end.
While rising compliance is expected to reduce fine income further, the report warns that costs for maintaining the zone—including signage, cameras, and technology upgrades—will remain constant or could increase.
Surpluses from the scheme must be reinvested in projects that improve transport or air quality. To date, councillors have committed up to £200,000 towards an e-bike rental scheme, now out to tender, and £121,000 for city centre greening initiatives. This leaves a cash surplus of £348,000, which officials propose retaining to offset future LEZ operating costs.
The report will go before the council’s net zero, environment and transport committee next week, with a full annual review due to be submitted to Transport Scotland by year-end.
