One year countdown to LEZ going live News Image kaallan Wed, 31/05/2023 – 12:46 pm Today marks a year to go until enforcement of a new low emission zone (LEZ) in Aberdeen city centre goes live which will help to improve air quality. Cameras are to start to be installed on the boundary of the LEZ in the coming months although people will not be fined until 1 June 2024. Motorists driving non-compliant vehicles in the area from that date will be given a fine although there are exemptions including blue badge holders. As part of a Scotland-wide programme, LEZs are being introduced in Scotland’s four biggest cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen. The objective of introducing these LEZs is to tackle air pollution in city centres, mainly nitrogen dioxide, caused by road traffic. The introduction of these LEZs mean approximately more than four out of five vehicles are likely to be compliant with the LEZ by the time enforcement starts. Blue badge holders are exempt from all Scottish LEZs and they should register their details with a new LEZ exemption system so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access all the low emission zones in Scotland. An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “LEZs are being introduced across Scotland to help improve air quality in the city centres of the four biggest cities which contributes to the protection of public health and wellbeing. “The LEZ in Aberdeen will also help the city reach its climate change targets by reducing our road transport’s contribution to emissions and prioritising active and sustainable transport movement. “All of these benefits helps to create a vibrant, accessible, and safe city centre for everyone.” People can now enter their vehicle registration number on the official website for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones to confirm if their vehicle will comply. Other classes of vehicle which are exempt from the LEZ include emergency services, naval, military or air force vehicles, historic vehicles, showman vehicles, and motorbikes and mopeds. Households and micro-businesses can apply for a cash grant to assist in the change from a non-compliant vehicle. There is also an additional offer of up to two £500 mobility grants or Travel Better vouchers for people to purchase a bike, e-bike or public transport voucher and more information about the grants is available on Low Emission Zones Scotland. For micro-businesses and following the successful disposal of the vehicle,…

Hydrogen Vehicle Club launched at HyTrEc2 Conference News Image mayule Tue, 16/05/2023 – 4:55 pm The Hydrogen Vehicle Club, an opportunity for companies across the North East to access information on hydrogen vehicles and fuel, was launched today at a seminar for HyTrEc2 in Aberdeen. The club will look to keep stakeholders updated on the latest hydrogen developments in the city, share information on hydrogen vehicle options available on the market, establish joint vehicle procurement frameworks and bid for funding to provide parity with diesel pricing for vehicles using hydrogen technology. The HyTrEc2 conference was held in the Beach Ballroom for stakeholders from across the energy sector who heard from speakers from the HyTrEc2 project as well as partners including Aberdeen City Council’s Fleet Manager, Aberdeenshire Council, bp and ULEMCo about their work in developing and scaling-up hydrogen transport projects, not only in the North East but across Europe. As part of the seminar, members of the public were invited to view vehicles from Aberdeen’s fleet of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles including HyTrEc2 cars, hybrid vans, the HECTOR refuse collection vehicle and hydrogen-powered buses which were on display at the Ballroom. Aberdeen City Council Co-leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “Aberdeen has been working for more than ten years to position itself as a leading city in bringing hydrogen technology to market, and is genuinely a world-leader in the delivery of hydrogen technology and the use of hydrogen as a fuel. “Hydrogen is here now and is providing an important part of the transport mix in the city with HyTrEc2 part-funding the delivery of several of the vehicles on display here today as well as establishing the initial business case for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub which has formed the basis of the Council’s Joint Venture with bp. “The opportunity provided by the Hydrogen Vehicle Club will support organisations in the North East in reaping the benefits of the work which has been carried out by HyTrEc2, while at the same time contributing to ambitious targets set out in our Climate Change Plan and Net Zero Aberdeen, aimed at reducing emissions and protecting our environment.”
News Time and Date Tuesday 16 May 2023 News Topics net zero/climate change Aberdeen City Council …

Aberdeen awarded top prize at Scottish Event Awards Ceremony News Image ellmcdonald Fri, 28/04/2023 – 1:36 pm Aberdeen has won ‘Sporting Event of the Year’ for the GetAbout Aberdeen Cycling Festival at the E Awards, which celebrates excellence and innovation in Scottish events.   The GetAbout Aberdeen Cycling Festival was held on Saturday 3rd September last year on the eve of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain Grand Depart, with the city centre becoming a cycling hub over the weekend.   Locals and visitors alike were able to enjoy fun activities including a cycle stunt team, climbing wall and bungee trampolining.   Around 300 cyclists gathered in the city centre to take part in cycle races at both senior and junior levels, including the Corporate Race and the Scottish Criterium Championship, showcasing the very best of Scottish talent.   The AJ Bell Tour of Britain departed the city the following day, with riders setting off on a 180-kilometre (112-mile) route from Union Street to the Glenshee Ski Centre, south of Braemar, before moving on to other stages across the UK.  Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “This award is welcome recognition of the considerable efforts that helped to make our local cycling festival such a success.  “It was a splendid day that gave enormous fun and enjoyment to a great deal of people including many visitors. It is important to try and offer a range of activities in the city to suit different interests.”    This year, the city is looking forward to the annual Aberdeen Highland Games and to hosting the European Pipe Band Championships for the first time since 1981 in June. More information on events happening in Aberdeen can be found via our website. 
News Time and Date Friday 28 April 2023 News Topics Culture Events Union Street Entertainment Family Sports Aberdeen City Council …

Jobs Fair for People with Disabilities Drives City Inclusion News Image patmurray Fri, 14/04/2023 – 11:20 am A Jobs Fair specifically for people with disabilities will be held in Aberdeen next week.  The ABZWorks event, delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to support people with a range of disabilities, both hidden and visible, into work.   Attendees will have the opportunity to meet employers face-to-face to discuss live vacancies and apply for roles across a variety of sectors, including transport, energy, security, health and social care, childminding, and self-employment.   Employers include: Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Stagecoach, Total E&P, and Wm Morrison Supermarket.  This ABZWorks Jobs Fair follows Aberdeen City Council’s Year of Disabled Workers event held last month, which encouraged organisations to become more inclusive in their recruitment and employment practises by sharing information about the benefits disabled workers can bring, and the support available both to employers and employees. Disabled workers shared their stories alongside support agencies and employers.   Depute Provost Councillor Delaney, who is the Council’s disability spokesperson, said: “I was delighted to attend a special event to mark 2022 – Year of Disabled Workers, which was a resounding success.   Approximately 20% of the UK population identify as disabled, but they are disproportionately represented in the workforce. I would ask employers to be positive about disability and embrace the enthusiasm and the various skills disabled people can bring to their workforce”.  “The upcoming jobs fair will help enrich the workplace through greater diversity, bringing benefits for both those seeking work and employers.”   The ABZWorks Jobs Fair for People with Disabilities will take place in the Beach Ballroom on Tuesday, 18 April, from 10am to 2pm. The venue is wheelchair accessible, a British Sign Language Interpreter will be available from 11.30am. A team of employability keyworkers will be on hand to provide support and guidance. Attendees are welcome to bring someone with them for support.  Book your place online via Eventbrite. If you cannot access the internet or need assistance when booking, please phone (01224) 346100. 
News Time and Date Friday 14 April 2023 News Topics Employment Aberdeen City Council …

City pupil hits the high notes in Aberdeen finals of prestigious young musician competition News Image IFrampton Wed, 29/03/2023 – 2:28 pm   An Aberdeen Music School pupil was last night (Tuesday 28 March) announced winner of the Aberdeen final of the Scottish Young Musicians Competition  16-year-old Nadine Ralston who plays the harp, beat off stiff competition from across the city at the final hosted by Aberdeen City Council’s Music Service at the Cowdray Hall.   Nadine will now go through to the finals of the national competition on Sunday 21 May at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.  Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children Services Convener, Councillor Martin Greig, said: “My warmest congratulations go to all the pupils who took part in last night’s final and, in particular, to Nadine on her success. “All of the participants are a credit to themselves, their families and their school and we wish Nadine the best of luck in the national final.” In the national final of the Solo Performer of the Year Nadine will be invited to play a programme of her choice lasting no longer than 7 minutes in competition with other finalists from local authority schools and before a panel of distinguished judges of international repute.  For more information on the competition visit: https://www.scottishyoungmusicians.com/solo-performer   Photograph shows Aberdeen winner Nadine Ralston who goes on to compete in the national final in May.
News Time and Date Wednesday 29 March 2023 News Topics education Aberdeen City Council …