Did you know that fossil fuels account for up to 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Or that 41% of carbon monoxide production comes from passenger cars? Glasgow is taking action against the rising global temperature by introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city centre. After years of careful consultation and planning the city will take its place beside other conscientious cities like Berlin, Vienna, Brussels and London in June 2023. Our serviced apartments are within the Low Emission Zone, and we are looking forward to cleaner air quality for our staff and guests. Here’s all you need to know about the introduction of the LEZ to Glasgow.
What is a Low Emission Zone?
After studies and tests carried out over years, Glasgow City Council has said “nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in the city centre” do not meet legal requirements. From June 2023, the city is introducing the second phase of a Low Emission Zone, a defined area where access by some polluting vehicles is restricted. From 1st June this year, most petrol and diesel vehicles entering Glasgow city centre will need to comply with LEZ restrictions. Cars that fail to meet the emission standards will face a penalty charge upon entering, with some exceptions. The LEZ is an essential measure to improve air quality and help protect public health.
Where is the Low Emission Zone?
Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone will affect the entire city centre of Glasgow. The surrounds of the River Clyde, Glasgow Green, High Street and Saltmarket are part of the zone. The area enclosed by the M8 will be restricted but the M8 itself is not part of the zone. Drivers will know they are entering the LEZ as the border of the area has been sign-posted by roadmaking reading ‘LEZ’ and roadside signage. Phase one of the LEZ in Glasgow was introduced in 2018 and phase two will be enforced from June 1st, 2023. The city is encouraging residents and visitors to make sure of less polluting forms of transport like trains and buses.
Who Can Enter the LEZ
Emission standards for LEZs in Scotland have been set nationally – these are:
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- Euro 4 for petrol vehicles
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- Euro 6 for diesel vehicles
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- 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
Vehicles which have been modified to meet or exceed these emission standards will also be permitted entry to LEZs. Diesel engine vehicles registered after September 2015, and petrol vehicles registered after 2006 generally meet the required LEZ standards. Transport Scotland is working on an online tool so visitors can check if their vehicle meets emission standards by entering their registration number or you can use a basic vehicle checker.
Penalties
- From June 1st onwards, if a non-compliant vehicle enters the LEZ in the city centre, a penalty charge notice will be issued to the registered owner by post. The initial charge for vehicles entering a LEZ across Scotland has been set at £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days. A surcharge means that the penalty will double each time the same vehicle enters the zone. Charges are capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for buses and HGVs. Enforcement for cars registered to a home within the zone area will not start until June 1, 2024. Fully electric vehicles already comply with LEZ requirements in Scotland and motorcycles & mopeds will be unaffected. Certain vehicle types are exempt from emission requirements including blue badge holders.
Better ways to get around
- In place of cars, the city is well connected by public transport and many of the popular things to do in Glasgow can be accessed by foot from our central accommodation. First Bus Glasgow has over 80 routes getting you into, out of and around the city with a variety of ticket options. The subway is one of the easiest ways to get around the city centre, west end and south side of Glasgow. It runs every four minutes and takes just 25 minutes to do a circuit of the stations. Glasgow Central Station links Glasgow by rail to the south and Queen Street Station operates routes mainly to Edinburgh and the north. There are public bikes to hire too, and our team will happily give you walking directions and a map to wherever you need to go.
Book a stay in PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments in Glasgow and enjoy the fresher air in the city. We look forward to welcoming you
