Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone set to ban drivers from city centre
There have been calls to Glasgow's city centre more pedestrian friendly
Drivers with petrol cars registered before 2006 could be banned from driving in Glasgow’s city center – under the new Low Emission Zone.
The law comes in on June 1, with motorists whose vehicles don’t meet the emission requirements facing a £60 penalty on their first offense.
Find out if your car meets the requirement using Low Emission Zone Scotland’s vehicle tracker.
Petrol cars must comply with Euro 4 standards, while diesel vehicles must be registered after 2015 to meet the Euro 6 rules.
Glasgow Scottish Green Party Councillor, Christy Mearns – speaking exclusively to the Glasgow Standard – said: “It wouldn’t be right to further delay Glasgow’s low emission zone; it’s been in the pipeline for six years and only affects the dirtiest vehicles.
“Our absolute prioritiy must be the health of our citizens, particularly children who are worst affected by air pollution as well as improving public transport.”
Opponents of the scheme say it unfairly targets those on the lowest incomes.
Laura O’Neill commutes into Glasgow by car, She said: “I’ve got an old car as a student it’s all I can afford.
“I understand the positives behind introducing the emissions zone, but it negatively impacts me because driving in is a much safer option, especially at night when there is limited public transport.”
The policy aims to tackle air pollution and move to a pedestrian-friendly city centre, mirroring places in Germany and the Netherlands.
The zone encompasses the heart of Glasgow – with the eastern boundary starting from the M8 at the Royal Infirmary and down Castle Street, High Street, and Saltmarket to the River Clyde.
The western boundary is the M8 from Charing Cross down to the river beneath the Kingston Bridge – The M8 itself is not part of the LEZ.
Phase one of the LEZ was introduced in 2018, applying to local service buses.
By 2024 vehicles registered to a residential property within the zone will also have to meet the requirements.
Automobiles such as ambulances, vehicles for disabled people, and motorbikes are exempt.
