Drivers who break the same rule ‘four times in a month’ face £480 fines

Low emission zone chaos has seen motorists fined nearly £200,000 in the first few weeks of a new scheme. Dundee City Council has collected £187,650 in fines from non-compliant vehicles since May 30, when the zone came into effect.

Data recorded by the council found that in the first eight weeks of the LEZ, 3,846 fines were issued to motorists who broke the rules. The zone is an area accessible only to vehicles that meet minimum emission standards.

The council said £53,430 of the fines issued had been paid, with £134,220 still outstanding. A further thirty-five vehicles, which broke the rules four times, received fines of £480 each. The majority of vehicles (3,425) were fined the initial charge of £60, which is halved if paid within 14 days.

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The council’s leader of fair work, economic growth and infrastructure, Steven Rome, said: “As well as making the city a better place to live, work and visit, LEZs also provide health benefits for children, people elderly, those with existing health problems. , and everyone who breathes cleaner air.

“Most vehicles in the city comply with LEZ requirements and will be able to carry on as they have always done. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles are encouraged to use the multi-storey car parks located on the outskirts of the area and Exempt Blue Badge Holders are encouraged to register their vehicle online if it is non-compliant.”

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council told GB News: “Drivers of non-compliant vehicles who enter the Low Emission Zone receive a penalty notice of £60, but if this is paid within 14 days the penalty charge is reduced by 50%. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 states that all revenue from the low emission zone must first be used to facilitate the scheme.

“LEZ revenues are expected to decrease overtime, and revenues received in the first year will be set aside to contribute to future years’ costs of operating and maintaining the LEZ infrastructure.”