What do we want to know?
The council introduced Scotland’s first ever Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in 2018 to address levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide in our city centre, predominantly caused by road traffic. Glasgow’s LEZ is intended to protect public health by improving air quality which is of particular benefit to older and very young people, and for those with existing heart and lung conditions.
A phased approach to Glasgow’s LEZ has been adopted to give people the chance to prepare. The current Phase 1 applies to local service buses only, whereas Phase 2 will be far broader in scope and will include all vehicles entering the zone area, unless exempt.
A preferred scheme design for Phase 2 has been developed taking into consideration the evidence base, previous stakeholder engagement (including the findings of a non-statutory consultation) and the impacts of the pandemic.
We are consulting and seeking feedback on these proposals - some of which are set out below:
- That the scheme comes into effect on 31 May 2022 with a one-year grace period, which means that enforcement of Glasgow’s LEZ will start on 1 June 2023. An additional one-year grace period for vehicles registered to residential addresses within the LEZ area will apply, and enforcement of the LEZ for these vehicles will begin on 1 June 2024.
- A geographical area comprising of much of the city centre, bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High St to the east.
- That the scheme operates, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.
- That it will apply to all vehicle types, except for motorbikes and mopeds, and those vehicle types or uses considered exempt in Regulations which have been set nationally.
- That applications for a time-limited exemption to Glasgow’s LEZ under circumstances where entry of a non-compliant vehicle is required for a specific, defined purpose will be determined on merit, but will not be considered for the routine transport of people or goods or for routine commercial operations.
Full details of the preferred Glasgow LEZ scheme can be found here.
The LEZ Consultation is open between 24 June 2021 and 2 September 2021.
Responses are encouraged by completing the online questionnaire available here or by email to LEZ@glasgow.gov.uk.
You can also write to us at LEZ, Sustainable Glasgow, Glasgow City Council, 231 George St, Glasgow, G1 1RX.
Further information on air quality in Glasgow can be found on the Glasgow Air Quality website, including annual reports and action plans.
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