Here are the business stories making the headlines locally and across the country this morning.
‘It’s not a cash cow’: Council chief defends Aberdeen LEZ that ‘only affects 2% of drivers’
A council chief has dismissed claims that Aberdeen’s LEZ has blocked off the city centre to drivers — claiming that far fewer fines than first thought could be dished out.
The low emission zone went live on June 1, meaning anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle in certain areas will be hit with a £60 fine.
Frustrated motorists have since fumed that the new scheme has limited their access to the city centre while others branded it nothing more than a “cash cow”.
Aberdeen City Council originally estimated 14% of cars in the city would not meet the strict requirements.
Equinor boss voices frustration that projects ‘take longer in the UK’
Other countries are “the winners of the energy transition” as low carbon projects in the UK are stalled by government red tape, an energy boss has warned.
Arne Gurtner, Equinor UK vice president, shared his frustrations over delays to key projects caught up in “highly regulated systems and processes” at the Energy Exports Conference in Aberdeen as the country looks to an upcoming general election.
The Norwegian state-backed Equinor is a partner in the East Coast Cluster which was designated a front-runner carbon capture and storage project in 2021.
The East Coast Cluster and HyNet took a share of a £1 billion government investment pot to get up and running by the mid-2020s however projects that received backing are still waiting to get off the ground.
Airport bosses criticise sudden liquids U-turn
Airports have criticised the government’s sudden re-introduction of 100ml limits on liquids in hand luggage last weekend.
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) said it had left airports "frustrated" and created uncertainty and confusion for passengers as the busiest time of year approached.
After installing high-tech new scanning equipment, some regional airports had scrapped liquid restrictions. Major hubs had not yet switched to the new rules, but are rolling out the machines.
The transport secretary has insisted the re-imposition of the old limits is "temporary’" but it’s unclear how long the situation will last.
Gaming giant Steam accused of ripping off 14m UK gamers
The owner of Steam - the largest digital distribution platform for PC games in the world - is being sued for £656m.
Valve Corporation is being accused of using its market dominance to overcharge 14 million people in the UK.
"Valve is rigging the market and taking advantage of UK gamers," said digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt, who is bringing the case.
Valve has been contacted for comment.