Low Emission Zones will save lives
Scotland’s new Low Emission Zones (LEZs) will save lives and will be vital to delivering cleaner and greener cities, says Scottish Green co-leader, Lorna Slater.
Ms Slater was commenting as new Low Emission Zones came into effect in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and two days after enforcement began in Dundee.
LEZs have long been supported by the Scottish Greens. Glasgow was the first city in Scotland to introduce such a measure last year.
Lorna Slater said: “There is no such thing as a safe level of air pollution, and Low Emission Zones have a key role to play in delivering cleaner, greener and safer cities.
“If we are to have liveable and clean cities then we need to reduce the numbers of cars on our roads, and LEZs are a big step towards doing that.
“It has taken a lot of work by a lot of people to get here, but these zones will save lives and have a positive impact that will be felt for years to come.”
Cllr. Kayleigh O'Neill, the Scottish Greens Transport & Environment spokesperson on Edinburgh City Council, and a candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, said: “We've been waiting a long time for the opportunity to reduce air pollution, tackle congestion and limit the amount of traffic that goes through our city centre.
“These measures will make our city cleaner and more accessible. Blue badge holders will be exempt so disabled people who currently have fewer choices to travel will not be penalised whilst we discourage private car use for others.
“The climate crisis will demand more radical action in the months and years ahead, and that needs leadership. I look forward to a time when we can look at expanding this zone and bringing in further measures to keep our streets and lungs free of pollutants.”