Cleaner Buses Journey Toward Glasgow's Low Emission Zone

Published: 9 October 2018

Getting ready for Glasgow's LEZ

With Glasgow's Low Emission Zone set to be delivered by the end of the year, local bus operator First Glasgow has launched the roll-out of 75 brand new buses following an investment of £14 million.

Today saw the company unveil the first of these state-of-the-art vehicles as part of a packed programme of entertainment, music and fun in George Square.

The initial batch of new buses will start to go into service from tomorrow and are compliant with the strict vehicle emission standards required by Glasgow's forthcoming LEZ.

About Glasgow's LEZ

Scotland's first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) comes into effect in Glasgow city centre on 31 December 2018.

The LEZ will be introduced in phases, and to start with will only apply to local service buses.

On 31 December 2022 when the LEZ is fully implemented, all vehicles entering the zone will have to meet specified exhaust emission standards.

Delivering Cleaner Air

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction said: "Delivering cleaner air is a priority for our city and I'm delighted that Glasgow will have in place Scotland's first Low Emission Zone by the end of the year.

"Glasgow's LEZ will reduce harmful vehicle emissions and make our vibrant city centre a safer and more pleasant place to be.

"The bus industry has worked closely with the council to ensure delivery of the first phase of the LEZ and I was delighted to hear of the investment First Glasgow has made to its fleet in advance of its implementation.

"Partnership working is key and we'll continue to work together to improve services which are vital to the lives of Glaswegians."

"Whilst the first phase of Glasgow's LEZ applies to local service buses only, we're committed to improving air quality and by the end of 2022, the strict exhaust emission standards required to enter Glasgow's LEZ will apply to all vehicles."