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,…

School Strike Action News Image ellmcdonald Fri, 23/12/2022 – 11:06 am SCHOOL STRIKE ACTION – JANUARY 10 AND JANUARY 11 The EIS and NASUWT teaching unions have called two days of strike action in pursuit of their national pay claim, on 10 and 11 January 2023. This is likely to reduce the number of headteachers, depute headteachers, principal teachers, and classroom teachers available to work on the day. Given the high level of uncertainty around the number of teaching staff who will be available to teach classes, we have taken the decision to close city primary schools and Orchard Brae School on 10 January, and secondary schools on 11 January. Schools have written to parents and carers to inform them about arrangements.
News Time and Date Friday 23 December 2022 News Topics education Aberdeen City Council …