Calls have been made for the Capital’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to only operate during certain hours to help support businesses.
Last week, the city council unveiled its draft proposals for establishing a two-tier LEZ – Older cars could be banned from Edinburgh city centre in 'low emission zone' plans
Under the plans, labelled “half-hearted” by campaigners, pollution-emitting lorries, buses and coaches will face hefty penalties to continue accessing the entire city, while cars would face restrictions in a city centre zone.
Opponents have now asked for reassurances that the plans, which will be subject to public consultation, do not “punish” those in lower paid jobs who rely on cars and who may be more likely to drive older models.
Conservative transport spokesperson, Cllr Nick Cook, said: “Any LEZ would have to be brought in carefully, with real consideration about who and what is impacted.
“The council acknowledges that existing action in Edinburgh is already reducing NO2 levels. Time should therefore be taken to ensure proposals further clean up the environment, without unduly punishing the lowest paid who need a car, but cant afford the ‘latest and greatest’ model.
“Business and commercial operators are already concerned too. Flexibility should also be considered around potential hours of operation.”
Green politicians have blasted the narrow city centre zone where cars will be subject to the LEZ standards.
Cllr Chas Booth, Green transport spokesperson, said: “I welcome action to tackle the toxic air quality in Edinburgh which is killing too many people. Greens will judge the final LEZ scheme on how quickly and effectively it addresses this public health crisis.
I therefore have very real concerns that the proposed city centre zone is too small, and could actually increase pollution around the edge of the zone as drivers seek to skirt the zone. It should be extended to include the area around Haymarket as a minimum. I also have concerns that the grace periods for cars are too long and will mean residents have to endure toxic air for many years more than necessary.”
Older cars could be banned from Edinburgh city centre in 'low emission zone' plans
Transport and environment convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes, said: “Our plans for low emission zones aim to minimise the devastating impact poor air quality can have on people’s health. As part of this we’re proposing citywide as well as city centre boundaries and 24 hour operation to maximise the benefits.
“The aim of our consultation on proposals, however, is to gather the views of the public, including businesses and organisations on all aspects and we will take feedback into consideration as we finalise plans for the scheme.”
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