Edinburgh City Council has unveiled their plans for a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which would result in different types of cars and vehicles being banned from the city centre.
Under the proposal, diesel cars that don't meet the "Euro 6" emissions standard would be banned alongside petrol cars that do not meet the "Euro 4" emissions standard.
This would generally affect diesel cars registered before September 2015 and petrol cars registered before January 2006, with drivers who fail to comply facing fines.
Older HGVs and buses would also face a city centre ban from spring next year.
Councillors are set to make a final decision on the radical car ban, which was first proposed in 2019, on Thursday 17 June.
If approved, a 12-week public consultation would be carried out seeking views on the scheme which would form a report back to the committee in autumn before the statutory process to introduce the LEZ begins.
It is being estimated that the ban would affect around 16,000 vehicles registered to the capital, with diesel car owners the hardest hit.
The plans would see Edinburgh locals given a two year grace period to adjust to the changes, with fines for not sticking to the rules to be introduced from 2024 onwards.
Edinburgh City Council plans to dish out £60 charges for a first offence, with the penalty doubling for each subsequent offence within a 90-day period.
The local authority would use automatic number plate recognition technology to fine drivers who fail to adhere to the rules.
Cars could be fined up to £420, with HGVs facing maximum fines of £900.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said:
“As we approach Clean Air Day, which aims to tackle air pollution and its harmful effects on our health and wellbeing, it’s fitting that we’re progressing our own plans to significantly improve air quality in the city.
“A great deal of analysis and monitoring has gone into the latest proposals for a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh. This takes into account the urgent need to lower emissions for the good of our health, while remaining aware of the impact on local businesses, residents and on traffic patterns.
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“We know from our consultation in 2019 that lowering air pollution matters to everyone, so I look forward to hearing from the public on the preferred option, if approved by committee.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said:
“We have committed to introducing a Low Emission Zone, both under the national drive to implement LEZs across the country but also through the City Mobility Plan, as part of our plans to deliver a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transport future in Edinburgh.
“We will continue to work closely with residents, businesses and stakeholders as we move a step closer to its introduction, ensuring everyone is well prepared for the changes.”
