Question reference: S5W-29871
- Asked by: Dean Lockhart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 12 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 25 June 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when low emission zones are scheduled to be introduced, and what consideration it is giving to their postponement in order to support the transport industry’s recovery after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Answer
The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 emergency has resulted in necessary changes to priorities across the Scottish Government. Whilst the commitment to introduce Low Emission Zones into Scotland’s four biggest cities by the end of 2020 has been paused, we remain committed to tackling air pollution in the quickest time possible, to improve air quality and protect public health. We are dedicated to introducing Low Emission Zones and regular reviews are taking place to determine the earliest date when such zones could realistically be introduced using the powers of the Transport (Scotland) Act.
This pause provides an opportunity to review how Low Emission Zones can be designed in a way that facilitates a green recovery transformation in tandem with COVID-19 recovery plans.