Low Emission Zone (LEZ) - Q and A

UPDATE: As of 7 May 2020, the Scottish Government's plans to implement Low Emission Zones across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have been paused temporarily in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. You can read more about this here.

Glasgow's LEZ which was introduced in our city centre on 31 December 2018 and presently applies to local service buses only, remains in place and in force. Development of future phasing for Glasgow's LEZ to include all other vehicle types, has however been paused temporarily. Further updates will follow as soon as possible.

 

When does Glasgow's Low Emission Zone come into effect?

Please see the update of 7 May 2020, above.

Where is Glasgow's Low Emission Zone?

An interactive map detailing the area covered by LEZ Phase 1 (affecting local service buses only) can be found here. Buchanan Bus Station and specific access roads to it are presently exempt from the LEZ. This is to allow low frequency services operated by non-compliant vehicles to continue to serve the city.

 LEZ Map - Phase 1 [288kb]

The exact boundary of LEZ Phase 2 (when the emissions standards will apply to ALL vehicles driving into the zone) will be determined in due course.

What are the expected LEZ vehicle emission standards?

• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy diesel engine vehicles

Motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles are likely to be scoped out of LEZ schemes across Scotland.

Will my vehicle comply?

Please see the update of 7 May 2020, above. Some links to external websites may not be in use.

Transport Scotland are working on an online tool that will enable motorists to check if their vehicle meets LEZ emission standards by entering their registration number. Until this is ready, they have prepared a basic online vehicle checker.

Whilst the results are not a guarantee or proof that a vehicle can enter a LEZ, they can give an indication meantime. There is also the option to check a vehicle's emission standard by consulting its log book or enquiring directly with the manufacturer.

As soon as the registration checking tool is available, a weblink will be added to this page.

Are any vehicles exempt?

Permenant exemptions for certain categories of vehicle will be set at national level by the Scottish Government so that there is consistency across Scotland for LEZs. Full details will be added to this site once announced.

In addition to exemptions set nationally, the council may also have the power to issue 'time-limited' (temporary) exemptions in respect of specific vehicle types/categories. This could mean an exemption period of up to one year which would then require renewal if the exemption were to be continued.

What times will Glasgow's LEZ be operational?

The hours of operation are to be determined.

How will Glasgow's LEZ be enforced?

Glasgow's LEZ will be enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

What happens if my vehicle does not meet the emission standards and I drive into Glasgow's LEZ?

Glasgow's LEZ is based on a penalty notice approach to effectively ban non-compliant vehicles. The penalty charge sum is yet to be determined by the Scottish Ministers.

I live/operate a business within Glasgow's LEZ - what does this mean for me?

Please see the update of 7 May 2020, above. Some links to external websites may not be in use.

There will be a continuation of engagement and consultation with individuals and businesses.

A grace period (additional time to comply with the emission requirements) will be considered for individuals whose vehicle is registered at a residential property within the zone.

Transport Scotland's LEZ Support Fund will offer £1.09 million of grants in 2019/20 to help commercial vehicles comply with expected Low Emission Zone standards by retrofitting. These grants are to support the cost of upgrading engines or exhausts on taxis, vans and HGVs in order to reduce emissions and protect public health.

A fund to provide support for households and private individuals most affected by the introduction of Low Emission Zones is also being developed by Transport Scotland and will be announced in the near future.

Why does Glasgow's LEZ only cover the city centre?

The majority of Glasgow's air quality issues relate to the city centre so the greatest benefit to public health will be gained by enforcing a Low Emission Zone in this area first.

Since many buses which travel through the LEZ will also journey through other parts of the city, an improvement in emissions is expected beyond the LEZ area.

Why are there LEZ signs around Glasgow's city centre boundary?

Indicative signage that will raise awareness of the LEZ boundary has been installed at key city centre locations. See here for further details.

Are there not better ways for the council to reduce air pollution?

The introduction of Glasgow's LEZ is part of a range of measures to improve air quality. Many of these can be found in our Air Quality Action Plans.

What is the council doing with its own fleet?

Our Fleet Strategy has set out proposals that all of the council's 2,000 vehicles should by emissions free by the end of 2029. It is intended that only electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, across all sizes and classifications, will be used to deliver crucial city services by 2030.

Meantime, all council vehicles will meet the emission standards required by the LEZ.