Overview of Glasgow's LEZ
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We need to reduce levels of harmful vehicle emissions in our city centre. These can cause health problems, particularly for those most vulnerable.
That's why on 1 June 2023, Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force.
Unless exempt, all vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.
Motorcycles and mopeds are unaffected.
Full details can be found on our LEZ Key Information page.
Quick Links:
- Check your vehicle for LEZ compliance by using Transport Scotland's vehicle registration checker.
- Blue Badge holders who require exemptions can register their details on Transport Scotland's LEZ exemption system.
- Eligible taxi operators who require to extend an existing time-limited exemption beyond 31 May 2024, can apply by clicking on this link.
- In exceptional circumstances, Glasgow's LEZ scheme will allow for time-limited (temporary) exemptions of up to one year. You can find out more and access the application process by clicking on this link.
Why Glasgow Needs a Low Emission Zone
Although we've made good progress in recent years to improve Glasgow's air quality, harmful nitrogen dioxide is being recorded in our city centre at levels that do not meet the legal requirements.
As the main source of this harmful pollutant is from road traffic, Glasgow's Low Emission Zone is an essential measure to improve air quality and help protect public health, especially for those most vulnerable.
Glasgow's LEZ can also help accelerate the uptake of less polluting vehicles, encourage people to move toward sustainable transport and increase the safety, attractiveness, and amenity of our city centre.
LEZ Legislation/Regulations
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 provides the legislation to enable the creation and civil enforcement of LEZs.
The Scottish Government has also developed regulations and guidance, relating to a number of key LEZ aspects including emissions, penalties, certain exemptions and parameters for grace periods. The council however has the powers to create, enforce, operate or revoke a Low Emission Zone and to design its shape, size and vehicle scope, based on local requirements.
There are two sets of national regulations for LEZs:
- The Low Emission Zones (Emission Standards, Exemptions and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 - these regulations cover emission standards, exemptions, penalty charge rates, and enforcement.
- The Low Emission Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2021 - these regulations cover consultation, publication and representations, examinations, approved devices, and accounts.
These Regulations were finalised following a consultation which asked questions about key aspects of LEZ regulations and guidance, particularly views on emission standards, exemptions and penalty charges.
The Traffic Signs Amendment (Scotland) Regulations and General Directions 2022 refers to the road signs and markings that indicate a Low Emission Zone.
LEZ Reports/Evidence Base
This area contains the evidence used in developing and designing Glasgow's LEZ.
Glasgow's LEZ - Final Scheme Design as Approved (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
Glasgow's LEZ - Preferred Scheme Design (Phase 2) (PDF, 634 KB)(opens new window)
LEZ Objections Report (PDF, 153 KB)(opens new window)
Low Emission Zone - Glasgow Evidence Report by SEPA (final) (PDF, 4 MB)(opens new window)
LEZ Data Analysis Tool
Using traffic modelling information provided by SYSTRA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has developed an interactive tool to show the predicted changes in both emissions and traffic levels expected under the proposed Phase 2 LEZ measures. The tool allows users to explore these changes on a street by street basis and is available via the link below:
SEPA also created a tool demonstrating air quality improvements delivered during the first phase of Glasgow's LEZ (2018-2023). It shows how pollution has been driven down in some of the busiest bus corridors in the city centre.
Related Content
Related Documents
- 2022 Air Quality Annual Progress Report (APR) for Glasgow City Council (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window)
- Glasgow's LEZ - Information Booklet (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
- SEPA Report: Positive Impact of Glasgow's LEZ (Oct 2020) (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
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