The Low Emission Zone Support Fund, administered by the Energy Saving Trust, offers an incentive for low-income households, businesses with nine or fewer full-time employees and sole traders to scrap older petrol and diesel vehicles. 

Up to £2000 is available for eligible households living close to the proposed LEZ who take their non-compliant vehicle to be scrapped, in addition to ‘Travel Better’ incentives of up to two £500 vouchers to purchase a bike, e-bike or public transport voucher.

Micro-businesses (with nine or fewer employees) and sole traders can apply for £2500 per non-compliant car or van to scrap it, replace it with a compliant vehicle or to invest in an alternative mode of transport like an e-cargo bike.

The City of Edinburgh Council is currently finalising plans for a LEZ in Edinburgh, considering responses to a major consultation on proposals carried out last year, alongside further technical work and information from groups who may be affected by the changes. LEZ proposals will also take into account the impact of COVID-19 on the city.

Transport and environment convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’ve experienced an extremely unsettling year which has impacted on every aspect of our lives, including travel choices. We’re still committed to introducing an LEZ in Edinburgh and realising the many benefits it will bring to air quality, our health and quality of life.

“Of course, the need to comply with the LEZ will affect many people, especially those living near or operating their business in the zone. That’s why I’d urge those who are eligible to apply for the funding on offer, which will support them to comply with the rules once they come into force, and help us to reduce air pollution across the city.”

An additional £1m is available in 2020/21 to support the retrofitting of light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and taxis through the LEZ Retrofit Fund for micro-businesses.

For more information on the funding, criteria for applying and how to apply, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.