The LEZ will span Glasgow city centre and is enforced using automatic number plate recognition cameras, operating 24 hours per day throughout the year.

Nitrogen Dioxide emissions can lead to various health concerns, including shortness of breath and coughing, as well as bronchospasm and pulmonary edema – an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

What is a low emission zone?

LEZs restrict access for vehicles that contribute significantly to air pollution in urban areas, creating cleaner and healthier places to live and work. They’re already implemented in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow with plans to introduce them across Scotland – any non-compliant vehicle entering one will incur a penalty charge starting at PS60 per day for breaking its rules.

The city centre air quality initiative aims to lower levels of harmful air pollution that can cause lung and heart conditions, however there are exceptions such as blue badge holders, emergency vehicles and residents living within its boundaries who will receive extra time to comply.

What is the zone’s boundaries?

Glasgow’s LEZ is part of a growing national initiative to combat air pollution in urban environments and will require vehicles meeting certain emissions standards or risk incurring fines.

The zone’s boundaries are marked by the M8 motorway in the north and west, River Clyde in the south, Saltmarket/High Street in the east, as well as fully electric vehicles meeting Euro 4 regulations or higher. Most petrol cars registered after 2006 as well as diesel engines complying with Euro 4 or higher will meet all requirements set forth for entry into this zone.

Residents in this zone will have until June 2024 to comply, although those holding blue badges and emergency vehicles will have an extension before enforcement starts.

Can I enter the zone?

City centre LEZs (Low Emission Zones) are areas that restrict vehicle access based on emissions standards in order to reduce air pollution, ultimately improving people’s health and quality of life.

Diesel cars registered before 2015 or petrol ones that do not conform to Euro 6 standards are barred from entering the zone and violators may face fines for entry.

This scheme runs continuously using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras linked to a vehicle database. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN); its initial penalty rate of £60 may be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.

Can I get an exemption?

Offenders whose vehicles fail to comply with emissions standards will face fines upon entering a zone, issued via automatic numberplate recognition cameras designed to identify non-compliant vehicles.

Blue badge holders and emergency vehicles may travel within a LEZ without incurring fines; vehicles of historical interest or traveling shows will also be exempt from these rules.

Public hire taxi operators who do not qualify for grant-funded retrofit solutions to comply with emissions standards can apply for a time limited exemption until June 1 to comply with new rules.

Can I pay to enter the zone?

The LEZ was implemented to combat harmful levels of pollution that pose health threats, and has already initiated a publicity campaign to raise awareness prior to enforcement beginning on June 1. Enforcement begins that day.

The zone comprises the city center area bounded by the M8 motorway to its north and west edges, River Clyde to its south edge and Saltmarket/High Street to its east boundary. There are exceptions for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles as well as historic vehicle owners or taxi drivers requesting help with retrofitting their taxis to meet standards set out within this zone.

Non-compliant vehicles will incur a penalty charge of PS60; this will be reduced to PS30 if paid within 14 days, and will increase with each additional breach detected.

Can I get my car repaired in the zone?

Similar to schemes implemented in London and Birmingham, penalties will be enforced in the city centre area for vehicles not complying with new restrictions, starting at PS60 per violation and increasing accordingly with each violation; with exceptions or extensions provided when applicable.

Diesel cars that fail to meet Euro 6 standards and petrol cars registered prior to 2006 are not allowed into this zone, however. Drivers can use Transport Scotland’s tool to check if their vehicle complies.

William Paton of Patons Accident Repair Centre anticipates many of his customers will have to sell their cars and purchase something more compliant in June, so advises them to consider all available options carefully prior to that deadline.