Scottish drivers are being warned that the country's first Low emission zone (LEZ) is coming into force this week.
From June 1, any vehicle entering the zone in Glasgow city centre will need to meet certain emission standards, or face penalties. Glasgow is the first of four major Scots cities to enforce the LEZ to reduce pollution - with Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee to follow in 2024.
First introduced in 2018 for buses, Glasgow's LEZ has since become operational for all vehicles, with a two year grace period for drivers to make changes. But this comes to an end on Thursday, with all drivers needing to ensure their vehicle is compliant before hitting the road.
From then, motorists caught driving in the LEZ with a non-compliant vehicle could be hit with a £60 fine that could run up to a staggering £480. You can not pay to enter a LEZ, but certain vehicles are exempt from the scheme's regulations.
According to Glasgow City council, the low emission zone aims to protect public health improve air quality that currently does not meet legal requirements. Harmful nitrogen dioxide levels that are being recorded in the city and it's main source is from road traffic.
Here's what Glasgow City council wants you to know ahead of the big change.
Where is Glasgow's low emission zone?
Glasgow's LEZ covers an area of the city centre bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west.
It also covers frrom the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High Street to the east. The M8 motorway is not included within Glasgow's LEZ.
Residents within the zone have an extended grace period until June 1, 2024 to make necessary changes to meet requirements. This is not applied automatically and residents who think they qualify should check Glasgow City Council's website for more information.
What emissions standard does my vehicle require to drive in the LEZ?
Emission standards for LEZs in Scotland have been set nationally by Transport Scotland.
Petrol and diesel vehicles standards are as followed:
• Euro 4 for petrol vehicles
• Euro 6 for diesel vehicles
• Euro IV for heavy duty petrol vehicles such as buses/coaches and HGVs
• Euro VI for heavy duty diesel vehicles such as buses/coaches and HGVs
You can use the Transport Scotland's vehicle registration checker to see if your vehicle will comply.
Electric vehicles comply with LEZ requirements in Scotland, making them acceptable within the zone.
Exemptions
Motorcycles and mopeds are unaffected by LEZ requirements and can travel freely through the area.
Certain vehicle types are also exempt from LEZ rules and these include:
- Vehicles for Disabled Persons
- Emergency Vehicles
- Naval, Military or Air Force Vehicles
- Historic Vehicles
- Showman's Vehicles
Blue Badge holders who require exemptions can register their details on Transport Scotland's LEZ exemption system.
How will the LEZ work?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras linked to a national vehicle licencing database will be used to monitor vehicles driving into Glasgow's Low Emission Zone.
They will detect vehicles which do not comply with the required emission standards. When a non-compliant vehicle is detected in the zone, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
Transport Scotland has also installed signage on the M8 so that those exiting the motorway for the city centre are aware of the zone area.
What are the penalties for breaching the LEZ?
If a non-compliant vehicle is detected within the LEZ, a penalty charge notice (PCN) will be issued to the vehicle's registered owner.
Drivers can only receive one PCN for any amount of LEZ breaches made in one day and will be given an initial fine of £60. However, this amount will double each time the same vehicle breaches LEZ rules, with cars facing a maximum fine of £480.
Meanwhile, fines for buses and HGVs will be capped at £960 and all PCNs will be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
When will LEZ come into force in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh?
Low emission zones were introduced in the three Scottish cities on May 30, 2022, and all will come into effect on May 30, 2024.
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