Drivers fined nearly £500k in first three months of Dundee LEZ – but how much was actually paid?

Close to half a million pounds in fines were handed out during the first three months of Dundee’s low emission zone (LEZ).

Figures published in a Dundee City Council committee report have revealed that in the period between May 30 and August 25, a total of £454,000 worth of sanctions were issued.

This represents close to 6,000 penalty notices.

However, this does include write-offs for exemptions or reductions due to early payment, or provisions for unrecoverable fines.

In total the local authority collected just £96,000 – around a fifth of the total amount issued.

Fines used to maintain LEZ infrastructure

Under the scheme, fines are issued at values ranging from £60 for a first offence, rising to £960 for a fifth offence.

There is a 50% reduction if the fine is paid within 14 days.

The report also revealed the estimated cost of operating the LEZ in 2024/25 is £230,000.

As per the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, all income from the LEZ must be first used to facilitate the scheme.

Income from the Dundee LEZ is expected decline over time and revenue received in the first year will be set aside to contribute to future years costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure.

Dundee council hit with LEZ appeals

Earlier this month, The Courier reported how a former Royal Marine won his five-month long battle with Dundee City Council to overturn a fine he received for driving in the zone.

Norrie Bland, 74, was hit with the penalty notice after visiting the Wellgate Shopping Centre to collect furniture in June.

However, the pensioner argued he did not know he was entering the zone as there was no signage warning him.

After having his appeal rejected by the local authority, he subsequently took his case to Transport Appeals Tribunal for Scotland and was victorious.

And last month, a woman from Glasgow successfully appealed her own LEZ fine after claiming she had never even been to Dundee.

Angela Hamilton was slapped with the penalty notice after being informed she drove a non-compliant vehicle along Ward Road.

However, it was revealed her registration plate had been read incorrectly – with the council putting the mistake down to a “tired” employee.