Scotland’s first low-emission zone (LEZ) was introduced in Glasgow on 31 December 2018.
The first phase of the LEZ will set emission standards which must be met by 20% of buses which pass through the city centre. It means local bus services must comply with European emissions standards.
Phase Two will come into effect in December 2022 and will apply to all vehicles entering the zone. The scheme is being enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
Glasgow’s LEZ will eventually 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
A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said the council’s approach was a “manageable, yet robust” way to reduce pollution.
‘Glasgow is committed to cleaning up the air and is leading the way by introducing Scotland’s first low-emission zone at the end of the year,
‘Glasgow’s LEZ is modelled as being capable of making significant reductions in levels of air pollution in the city centre. Focusing initially on local service buses, the strict emission standards required to enter the LEZ will apply to all vehicles by the end of 2022.
‘This pragmatic and phased approach will ensure a manageable, yet robust timetable for implementation that looks at the city’s overall needs to ensure it won’t have a detrimental impact on people’s lives, businesses and the vitality of the city centre.
‘Other cities across Europe adopted similar lead in times for their low-emission zones, so it’s seen as a reasonable amount of time to get the message out to businesses and residents so they are informed and can prepare. Glasgow’s LEZ is a progressive policy that will deliver cleaner air for the people of Glasgow.’
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson described the development as a “milestone moment” and said the government was committed to introducing low emission zones into Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020.
He added: “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 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.”
The Scottish Government has pledged to introduce Low Emission Zones into Scotland’s four biggest cities; Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee between 2018 and 2020.
