Glasgow welcomes Scotland's first low emission zone

Scotland’s first-ever low emission zone (LEZ), which is initially targeting local buses, is up and running in Glasgow.

The LEZ, which is the same as a clean air zone (CAZ), will be extended to all vehicle types by the end of 2022.

The exact area of Phase two is yet to be finalised however it will generally be the area known as the city centre which is the area bounded by the M8, River Clyde and High Street/Saltmarket.

It will be determined following detailed transport modelling and to allow for the re-routing of vehicles wishing to avoid entering the zone, the council said.

Cllr Anna Richardson, convener for sustainability and carbon reduction at Glasgow City Council, said: "Delivering cleaner air is a priority for our city and so I'm delighted that Glasgow has led the way by introducing Scotland's first LEZ.

"I know from the many conversations I've had, that there's widespread support for the LEZ. It's a vital step to ensure our city centre is a welcoming, healthy and pleasant place to be.

"Whilst it'll be another four years before the emission standards required to enter our LEZ will apply to all vehicles, we want to raise awareness early to ensure that everyone is informed and has time to prepare.

“The success of the LEZ depends on us getting our message out there as soon as possible so we'll continue to engage with individuals and businesses in the run up to the end of 2022.”

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity for the Scottish government, told Fleet News he was delighted that Glasgow City Council has delivered this "milestone moment" as part of his administration's commitment to improving air quality.

“The Scottish Government committed to introducing low emission zones into Scotland's four biggest cities between 2018 and 2020," continued Matheson. "Glasgow is the first city to implement a zone, working with the bus industry to respond to the particular air quality challenges within their city centre.

"This is incredibly important for the oldest and youngest in our society and those with existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions - but is also relevant to all of us who wish to enjoy cleaner air and less polluting emissions.

"We have provided over £10m pounds in 2018 to assist with local authority delivery and the costs associated with bus retrofit technology. We will continue to support local authorities and the bus industry in delivering transformative steps to improve the quality of our air in places that we live, work and visit."

Glasgow's LEZ will adopt the following emission standards:

• Euro 3 for motorcycles and mopeds
• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy diesel engine vehicles

The Scottish Government has pledged to introduce clean air zones into Scotland's four biggest cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee – between 2018 and 2020.