Glasgow Marks Clean Air Day 2023

Published: 15 June 2023

Air pollution is harmful to human health - impacting disproportionately the most vulnerable, including the very young and elderly, and those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.   Whilst Glasgow is meeting the majority of air quality targets, we are committed to continuous improvement, and as we mark Clean Air Day 2023, we are highlighting just some of the work going on in the city to reduce levels of harmful air pollution.

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone came into force on 1 June 2023. The scheme, which effectively excludes the most polluting vehicles from the city centre, protects public health by tackling unacceptably high levels of harmful air pollution that have stubbornly persisted in the zone area for many years. Now, all vehicles entering Glasgow's LEZ must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.

In addition to reducing levels of vehicle emissions, Glasgow's LEZ is also expected to accelerate the uptake of more sustainable forms of transport which will contribute to tackling the climate emergency and increase the safety and attractiveness of our city centre.

The cities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh will enforce their own LEZ schemes next year.

You can find out more about Glasgow's LEZ by clicking on this link.

Glasgow's Transport Strategy

Glasgow's Transport Strategy provides a framework for investment and decision-making on transport issues in which it sets out the ambition of reducing car vehicle kilometres travelled in Glasgow by at least 30% by 2030. 

The aim is to encourage people to choose sustainable transport options such as walking, wheeling or cycling or public transport wherever possible, so there is less need to travel by car. 

Support for the 30% target comes from initiatives such as our Active Travel Strategy, which includes plans to add 270km of high-quality cycleways and improved footways to our network - and our Liveable Neighbourhoods plans which will increase opportunities for people to access services, facilities, and amenities within a short walk, wheel, cycle, or public transport journey from home.

Glasgow's Transport Strategy also supports wider initiatives including Clyde Metro, which was recently confirmed as a transport investment priority in the Scottish Government's second Strategic Transport Projects Review - as well as increased bus priority on our roads in the effort to provide a world-class public transport network.

Promoting Sustainable Transport Options

Co-wheels cars are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be booked by the hour, day or for as long as required. The cars are conveniently located in reserved on-street parking bays across Glasgow. Membership provides access to all the cars in Glasgow, as well as hundreds more across the UK.

OVO Hire Cycles powered by nextbike, offers 1,000 bikes for hire across 100 locations.  Customers can register as a member or can use the scheme as a casual user via the nextbike website. Full details can be found online and at docking stations across the city.

ECO Stars - Helping Fleet Operators Improve Efficiency

ECO Stars is the FREE recognition scheme that aims to help fleet operators improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions whilst achieving cost savings.  The initiative is operated on behalf of the council by TRL and is available for fleets of any size.  Read the case study about a local Glasgow business, McLays Foods to find out more about how the ECO Stars scheme can help your business.

Air quality improvement is also embedded within policies such as our Climate Plan and City Centre Transport Plan, all of which encourage walking, wheeling and cycling and more sustainable forms of travel for everyday journeys.

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• Glasgow's Low Emission Zone now in force
• Glasgow Transport Strategy
• Active Travel
• Liveable Neighbourhoods
• Cycle Hire Scheme
• Car Club
• Air Quality Monitoring Stations