LORRIES which do not meet strict emissions standards could be banned from parts of Edinburgh in a crackdown on pollution.

Latest monitoring figures show air quality in the Capital is getting better, but still falling short of European targets, which have to be met by 2015.

Now council chiefs are looking at the idea of “low emission zones” (LEZs), where lorries and vans which do not conform to tough exhaust emission limits face a ban or a hefty fine.

CCTV cameras and an automatic number plate recognition system could be used to enforce the system.

New pollution monitoring sites are to be set up after latest figures showed the city is not hitting air quality targets.

Edinburgh has three official “air quality management areas” – the city centre; St John’s Road, Corstorphine; and Great Junction Street, Leith – designated because of high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide from vehicle exhausts.

Latest monitoring results show pollution levels have improved but are still too high in all three areas.

Nitrogen dioxide levels outside these areas are also breaking the limits, so the designated areas in the city centre and Leith are now to be extended and a new one declared in Newbridge.

In the city centre, the pollution levels were exceeded at Easter Road, London Road, and in the Grassmarket and Cowgate. In Leith, the designated area will now include Bernard Street.

Excess nitrogen dioxide levels were also found at the Inverleith Row/Ferry Road junction.

In addition, there will be new monitoring sites to focus on pollution at Inverleith Park, Portobello Road, Queensferry Road, and Angle Park Terrace.

via New zones plan may mean some vehicles banned due to emissions – Transport – Scotsman.com.