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 from 1 June 2023, our Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force.
All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.
You can pay/appeal a LEZ Penalty Charge Notice by clicking on this link.
There are some exemptions to Glasgow's LEZ, and zone residents have extra time to comply.
Fully electric vehicles meet LEZ requirements in Scotland.
Motorbikes and mopeds are not included in the current LEZ schemes and no restrictions apply.
Full details about Glasgow's LEZ can be found on our LEZ Key Information page.
Quick Links:
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 away from private car use and increase the safety, attractiveness, and amenity of our city centre.
Phase 1 of Glasgow's LEZ (which affects buses only) was introduced on 31 December 2018.
Phase 2 expands the scope of Glasgow's LEZ so that it affects all vehicles driving into the city centre zone, including private cars. As of 1 June 2023, all vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.
Many elements of LEZs in Scotland are set at national level for consistency. This would include the emission standards and penalties.
The council has however determined the specific design and operation of Glasgow's LEZ after careful consideration of what is required locally.
This is set out in Glasgow's LEZ Phase 2 Final Scheme Design.
Main development/consultation stages of LEZ Phase 2:
An extensive campaign of LEZ awareness has been underway since 2018, including the installation of indicative signage at key entry points around the zone boundary.
Throughout development of LEZ Phase 2, the council has widely consulted and engaged with the public and key stakeholder groups. This includes hosting events and writing out directly to those most affected, such as zone residents.
In addition, the council has supported and cross promoted Transport Scotland's wider, national LEZ communications campaign which has included highlighting the Scottish Government's support funding and other assistance available to individuals and businesses to ease compliance.
To increase awareness and understanding of Glasgow's LEZ, our 'Plan Ahead for the LEZ' publicity campaign commenced in December 2022.
Statutory LEZ signage and road markings were installed on key routes into the city centre in 2022.
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:
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.
This area contains the evidence used in developing and designing Glasgow's LEZ.
Last updated: December 2022
Glasgow’s LEZ – Final Scheme Design as Approved [3Mb]
Glasgow's LEZ - Preferred Scheme Design (Phase 2) [626kb]
Glasgow Air Quality Evidence Report – initial report on the LEZ proposals by SEPA [5Mb]
Low Emission Zone – Glasgow Evidence Report by SEPA (final) [4Mb]
Consideration of Carbon Dioxide emissions within an LEZ scheme: Glasgow – Report by SEPA [570kb]
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 in the first phase of Glasgow's LEZ. It shows how pollution has been driven down in some of the busiest bus corridors in the city centre.