Councillors call for Low Emission Zone in Scotland

Edinburgh is to bid to have Scotland’s first Low Emission Zone in order to tackle air pollution, the BBC has reported.

Councillors have agreed to approach the Scottish government to call for the low emission restriction to be implemented.

The Scottish government, however, has said it will fund a Low Emission Zone pilot by 2018.

Glasgow has already declared an interest in the idea. Friends of the Earth said it was the frontrunner to host the first one.

A City of Edinburgh Council spokeswoman said: "We are committed to addressing air pollution as a priority through a range of integrated projects, including reducing congestion and investment in improved public transport, cycling infrastructure and active travel, in addition to exploring the potential for a low emission zone.

"We now intend to write to the Scottish government expressing our interest in establishing the country's first low emission zone, as part of our work with the Scottish government, Transport Scotland, Health Boards and Scottish Environment Protection Agency to assist with the development of the Scottish National Low Emission Framework."