Transport / Aberdeen low emission zone: motorists arriving by ferry urged to plan ahead
AS ABERDEEN’S Low Emission Zone (LEZ) comes into force next month, Shetland motorists arriving by ferry are urged to check their vehicles and plan routes ahead.
The zone is coming into force in less than four weeks, on Saturday 1 June, in line with Scottish Government policy to improve air quality.
After this date, drivers of vehicles which are not compliant with regulations will face fines if they enter LEZ areas.
People can check if their vehicle can or cannot drive in an LEZ by using this link.
Motorists arriving by ferry from Shetland and Orkney have been advised to check their vehicles and plan routes ahead of time.
This will affect a short stretch of Market Street, close to the ferry terminal on Commercial Quay.
Drivers can avoid the LEZ by turning left on to Market Street, however turning right onto Market Street brings vehicles very close to the LEZ boundary, with no option to turn back.
Routes heading south can be accessed by North Esplanade West, Riverside Drive, Great Southern Road, and on to the Stonehaven road.
Routes to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), the west, north-west, and north are most easily accessed via North Esplanade West, Riverside Drive, Holburn Street, South Anderson Drive, Anderson Drive, The Parkway and Ellon Road.
Blue badge holders, emergency and specialist vehicles are exempt from LEZ restrictions but need to register their details on the website so their vehicles can access all low emission zones in Scotland.
A spokesperson for the campaign Let’s Clear the Air said: “With just a month to go until the LEZ becomes operational, this is a good opportunity to remind motorists, including our visitors from the islands to double check if their vehicle is compliant. They should take time to plan ahead if they are among the small percentage that will no longer be eligible to drive in the zone.
“Clearly marked routes and online videos will show motorists how to navigate their way around the city centre, safe in the knowledge that we’re ‘clearing the air’ while still being open to visitors and residents alike.”
People can check if their vehicle is complaint, see a map of Aberdeen’s LEZ and find out more about the campaign here.
There are also LEZs in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
A video explaining how to get from the NorthLink ferry terminal to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) avoiding the LEZ:
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