Glasgow Announces Low Emission Zone

(Posted on 13/10/17)

Glasgow has been named as the first Scottish city to implement a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) starting with the city’s buses then rolling out to include private vehicles. 

The plans will be in place by the end of 2018 and Glasgow City Council is partnering with the Scottish Government to prepare the LEZ design and proposals to improve air quality. 

Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf said:

“We can be proud of the progress we’ve made in tackling air pollution, but our biggest cities, like Glasgow, are determined to create the best possible environment for communities to flourish by improving air quality. I’m delighted that Glasgow is working to have their LEZ in place by the end of 2018.

“We have pledged to work with local authorities to introduce low emission zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020 and this is a positive step towards that vision. This is a decision based on the scientific evidence which demonstrates the link between air pollution and ill health.”

“Our position is that local authorities should be ambitious and that all vehicles including private cars should be included in a LEZ in a phased manner. Equally, low emission buses are at the heart of improving air quality and the bus sector has a key role to play. I’m proud that the Scottish Green Bus fund has already provided more than £16 million to support the introduction of hundreds of low emission buses. Today, we have ag`in demonstrated our commitment to the bus industry through the announcement that we are providing a further £1.6 million immediately to a Bus Retrofit Programme for Scotland.

“These steps are further supported with record inwestment in walking and cycling to support our vision of an Active Nation. With the doubling of the active travel budget through the recent Programme for Government, we are well positioned to deliver our green ambitions for this generation and beyond.”

The Scottish Government continues to seek views on ‘Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones.’ The consultation will be available until 28 November 2017. Views can also be shared on Twitter using the hashtag #lezconsultation.