We're now just months away from Glasgow's Low Emission Zone being enforced in the city centre.
The move to reduce levels of harmful vehicle emissions will come into force on June 1 after which all vehicles entering the zone (LEZ) area will need to meet less-polluting emissions standards or face a penalty charge.
Anyone living within the LEZ will have until June 1, 2024, while fully electric vehicles meet LEZ requirements in Scotland so aren't included and motorcycles and mopeds are unaffected.
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The LEZ will affect the city centre with signs already in place advising drivers when they are entering.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will be used to monitor vehicles driving into Glasgow’s LEZ which will be in operation 24/7.
What will the penalty charge be?
The initial penalty charge for all non-compliant vehicles entering a Low Emission Zone in Scotland will be £60 - reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
Penalty rates double for repeated entries up to a maximum of £480 for cars and £960 for buses and HGVs.
What are the LEZ emission standards?
LEZ emission standards have been set at a national level for consistency:
Petrol/Heavy Duty Petrol Euro 4/IV
Diesel/Heavy Duty Diesel Euro 6/VI
Generally, diesel engine vehicles registered after September 2015, and petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards will meet the required LEZ standards.
Drivers are being asked to check with their vehicle manufacturer if in any doubt.
Why do we need an LEZ?
According to Glasgow City Council: "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."
Who is exempt?
Motorcycles and mopeds are unaffected by LEZ schemes in Scotland. Blue badge holders will be able to register for a long-term or short-term exemption to drive in a LEZ.
If the journey is a one-off or irregular visit to a LEZ, blue badge holders will be able to register for a short-term exemption to cover their travel. The exemption applies to any vehicle whether the blue badge holder is the driver or the passenger.
Emergency vehicles, vehicles being used for naval, military or air force purposes, historic vehicles and showman vehicles are also exempt.
Zone residents have extra time to prepare for Glasgow's LEZ.
Enforcement for vehicles registered to a residential property within the zone area will not start until 1 June 2024.
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