Scotland's Low Emission Zones have generated more than 169,000 penalty notices worth over £19million since their introduction, according to new data.
The schemes, which have been operational for two years in Glasgow and one year in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, were designed to improve air quality by excluding older vehicles from city centres.
However, new analysis reveals that after expected early reductions, penalties have steadily increased over the past five months.
According to research, penalties issued across the four Scottish cities rose from 7,058 in January to 8,956 in May.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Fines from Scotland's four Low Emission Zones have brought in £19million
PA
The data, from the Scottish Mail on Sunday, shows that each Low Emission Zone experienced sharp drops in breaches during their initial months of operation. The trend has since reversed, with Edinburgh seeing fines climb from 2,664 in January to 3,401 in May.
Critics suggest the schemes may be failing to deliver meaningful pollution reductions whilst creating financial hardship for drivers who have not yet switched to cleaner vehicles.
Opposition politicians have warned that the zones risk becoming another tax on struggling motorists rather than effective environmental measures.
They note that the schemes particularly impact workers who must travel into city centres but lack the financial means to purchase newer vehicles.
The four Low Emission Zones across Scotland have been operational for more than a year
DUNDEE CITY COUNCILScottish Conservative transport spokesperson Sue Webber MSP said: "These figures prove what motorists already know, they're being milked for cash because the SNP have gutted council funding.
"You'd think Low Emission Zones were about cleaner air but in reality, they're trapping drivers who have no other option. Most Scots can't just shell out for a new car to meet these rules. The nationalists are completely out of touch."
The severity of penalties ranges from £60 for a single breach to £960 for five or more violations within three months, with 6,787 maximum fines already issued.
The Conservative MSP called for improved public transport options rather than financial penalties.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"If SNP ministers are serious about getting Scots out of their cars, they should show some common sense for a change and deliver reliable and affordable public transport, instead of punishing motorists," Webber stated.
Glasgow's LEZ, which covers a square mile between the River Clyde and M8 motorway, has issued 72,110 tickets worth £7.1million since June 2023.
Aberdeen drivers face the highest average fine values at £417,930 monthly, whilst Dundee has issued the fewest penalties at 1,292 per month.
The schemes have generated significant revenue, with Glasgow reporting a £750,000 surplus in 2023/24 after operating costs.
Prior to its launch, supporters demanded urgent action with a Low Emission Zone
GETTYGlasgow City Council reported a "promising start" with nitrogen dioxide levels dropping by 20 per cent in parts of the city centre during the first six months, though pollution remains high on the busiest streets.
Edinburgh's transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson attributed recent fine increases to tourist traffic, stating: "I've been really encouraged to see the number of fines for non-compliant vehicles steadily decline, showing that people are getting used to the LEZ and making changes."
Transport Scotland noted that despite recent increases, current breach numbers remain significantly lower than when Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee launched their schemes in June 2024, with reductions of approximately half in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and two-thirds in Dundee.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "In Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the number of PCNs issued in May 2025 was approximately half the number issued in June 2024."
Most Read
