THE next phase of Glasgow’s city centre low emission zone is set to be enforced from summer 2023, with a wide-ranging ban proposed for vehicles that don’t meet pollution rules.
Glasgow City Council introduced Scotland’s first low emission zone (LEZ) in an effort to address levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide in the city centre, mainly caused by motor traffic.
Phase one, which came into effect in 2018, applies to local service buses only, but consultation is to start later this month for phase two which will be far broader.
Proposals to be considered by councillors next week state: “Petrol vehicles registered before 2006 and diesel vehicles registered before 1 September 2015 will generally not meet the emissions standards and will therefore be excluded from the LEZ.”
The draft scope for phase two states that the LEZ would apply to all vehicle types except mopeds and motorcycles.
It is proposed that phase two would officially start on 31 May 2022 but enforcement of entry restrictions would not begin until 1 June 2023 because a minimum grace period of a year is required by law.
A further grace period for vehicles registered to residents within the LEZ is also required so it is proposed that there would be a further 12 months before they would be penalised.
A penalty charge (£60, reduced by half if paid within 14 days) will be payable by the vehicle’s registered keeper if a vehicle enters a LEZ and does not not meet the emission requirements.
Low Emission Zone Question-And-Answer Page on council website
Officials state: “The LEZ is an intervention directed at protecting and improving public health. This is in a context where the harmful effects of poor air quality have become a significant global concern, particularly for urban policy.
“It is also part of a broader approach to enhancing the amenity and attractiveness of the city centre through cleaner air.
“The LEZ is intended to accelerate the pace of improvement in Glasgow’s air quality and in particular to ensure that air quality levels in the city centre cease to breach EU limits and Scottish objectives for nitrogen dioxide.”
Councillor Anna Richardson, convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “The introduction of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone in 2018 shows our resolute determination to tackle air pollution in the city centre and beyond.
“To ease compliance, we are raising early awareness as well as supporting a wide range of projects and initiatives that encourage higher levels of active and more sustainable travel, and a reduced reliance on private vehicles.
“Our consultation will set out in detail phase two of Glasgow’s LEZ, and we hope to get feedback from as many people as possible when it opens later this month.”
