Cash incentives to replace polluting vehicles in Scotland

The Scottish government is offering cash incentives to help residents and local businesses replace their polluting vehicles.

Low emission zones (LEZs) to improve air quality will be introduced across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow between February 2022 and May 2022.

Earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic plans were put on hold, however, work has now restarted. 

Once complete, a penalty charge will be issued to the vehicle owner whenever a non-compliant vehicle enters the LEZ.

To help local residents and small businesses to prepare for the LEZ,  the government has opened a new £2m Low Emission Zone Mobility Fund.

The grants will be means-tested, but households will be able to receive up to £2,000 in cash, or two £500 travel vouchers that can be used to purchase a bike, e-bike or a public transport voucher. 

For micro-businesses, the fund will provide £2,500 per car or van to help businesses replace non-compliant vehicles with more eco-friendly alternatives. 

In addition, £1m will be made available to support the retrofitting of light goods vehicles, heavy good vehicles and taxis. 

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity 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.

‘Through this support, we’re improving air quality in advance of the introduction of LEZs. We’re encouraging the disposal of non-compliant vehicles and responding to the climate emergency, by encouraging a shift to more sustainable forms of travel within our cities through new Travel Better vouchers.

‘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 and to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot for the latest information.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay