Glasgow set for Scotland's first Low Emission Zone

Published: 14 June 2018

Glasgow is forging a path towards cleaner air, as timescales for Scotland's first Low Emission Zone, were today agreed by councillors at the City Administration Committee.

Proposals to introduce an LEZ in Glasgow city centre by the end of 2018 were given the go ahead by committee in September last year. Today, approval was granted to extend the LEZ to all vehicle types, by 31 December 2022.

The LEZ is an essential measure for improving air quality in the city centre and beyond. It marks the beginning of a journey to make Glasgow a better place in which to live, work and visit.

The LEZ will initially address local service buses on a phased basis from 31 December 2018, leading to all vehicles entering the zone including private cars, being fully compliant by the end of 2022.

The policy to extend the zone to all vehicle types will be supported by an economic appraisal and there will be engagement/consultation with interested parties over the next 12-18 months in order that the process is proportionate.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said:

"Improving the quality of the air we breathe is a key priority for the city and so I'm proud to stand behind this progressive policy that will see Glasgow introduce Scotland's first Low Emission Zone by the end of the year.

"Partnership working has resulted in substantial improvements to air quality however it remains a public health concern.

"The LEZ will make significant reductions to air pollution in the city centre and when fully implemented, will cover all vehicles by December 2022. This will ensure we achieve the improvements in air quality our city deserves.

"We need to work together to make the LEZ a success. There has been engagement with the bus industry to prepare for the first phase of the new zone and now we will begin full consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

"I know from the many conversations I've had, that there is widespread support for the LEZ.  It's a vital step to ensure our city centre is a welcoming, healthy and pleasant place to be"

"We'll ensure a robust but manageable timetable for implementation that will balance the city's needs whilst improving air quality."

Traffic Commissioner for Scotland

The timescales set out in the committee report are subject to the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland agreeing to impose a Traffic Regulation Condition (TRC) following a regulatory impact assessment. The council submitted an application in April 2018 to the Commissioner to impose a TRC controlling emissions from buses. It is anticipated this consideration process will take at least six months from submission.