New data has found that one in three drivers do not understand the Low Emission Zone rules which will come into effect in just a matter of days.
Enforcement for Low Emission Zones in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow will be rolled out from June 1 with drivers with non-compliant vehicles set to be charged.
New research has flagged that almost a third (30 per cent) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.
Data also revealed that only half (55 per cent) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating.
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To be LEZ compliant, petrol and diesel vehicles must adhere to emissions rules
PA
Meanwhile, almost one in four driversare not sure if they own a LEZ-compliant vehicle or not.
Sally Foote, chief commercial officer at Sell my Car at Carwow, said: “There are two clear issues that have come to light here.
“Firstly, more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs.
“Secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.”
Under LEZ rules, if a vehicle does not meet the specified emission standards and drivers travel through the zone they could face a £60 fine, which can be slashed by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
According to Carwow in Dundee, 29 per cent of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work.
This stat rises to 33 per cent in Edinburgh and 34 per cent in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44 per cent) and Dundee (42 per cent) are not sure where the current zones are.
Foote added: “We need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.”
Around one-quarter of drivers in the three cities do not know if the car they drive is LEZ compliant.
To be LEZ roadworthy, petrol cars and vans must adhere to Euro 4 emissions, while Euro 6 is the standard for diesel cars and vans and Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs.
Despite drivers being unsure about LEZ rules 52 per cent of people said they are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles are the future.
Foote explained that “there is also much more that needs to be done” in terms of the affordability of LEZ-compliant vehicles.
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Low Emission Zones in Scotland will begin charging from May 31 and June 1
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Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly, she noted, but it is just not “economically viable” at the moment.