Scotland’s first ‘low emissions zone’ begins today

GLASGOW has become the first city in Scotland to take steps preventing high-polluting vehicles enter its city centre.

The city’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has come into force today, with newer vehicles likely to comply. Says the city council, here, in an announcement: “The zone covers an area of the city centre bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High Street to the east. The motorway itself, however, is not included.

“A vehicle can only drive within a LEZ if it meets the specified emission standards, which are Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans, Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans, and Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs.’

Transgressors can expect to receive a fine.

The announcement continues: “Glasgow’s LEZ is the first to come into force in Scotland.  It follows the initial, bus-only phase of the scheme which, since 2018 has seen a year-on-year improvement in the proportion of low or zero emission buses servicing the city centre.”

The scheme sparked a robust exchange between Scottish Tories leader, Douglas Ross, and the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, during the lunchtime First Minister’s Questions (here) at the Scottish Parliament.

A LEZ is to be introduced in Edinburgh in a year’s time, as reported here.

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland

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