AN environmental charity has praised Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for delivering “real changes” in its first year – but insists more has to be done to tackle air pollution in the city.

John Bynorth from Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS) told The Glasgow Times: “People working and living in Glasgow are starting to see real changes to buses that operate in the city centre which contributes to improved air quality.

“Buses are the main polluters from road transport sources which are responsible for one-third of nitrogen oxide emissions in Scotland.”

The first LEZ in Scotland was introduced in December 2018, to regulate the number of and types of vehicles which can operate in the zone, with Glasgow exceeding nitrogen oxide pollution limits.

Mr Bynorth warned that in order to maintain progress, bus companies must ensure services remain affordable and reliable to discourage people from using cars as their main form of transport.

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He added: “Glasgow has led the way as the first Scottish city to introduce a Low Emission Zone, but perhaps more importantly, it is starting to make people question whether they should bring their private vehicles into the city centre.”

Mr Bynorth hailed the city’s efforts in educating younger generations about air pollution, with the promotion of more sustainable forms of transport: “On Clean Air Day in June, local school children flocked to the city’s main event in George Square to find out what the city was doing to improve air quality – and there is a growing awareness of the issue among young people.”

While there is no evidence on the effect of Glasgow’s LEZ, Mr Bynorth pointed out: “There’s a wealth of evidence from air pollution studies into the impact on the brain, to dementia, pregnancy, and in particular, what effects it has on the health of people living in deprived communities – who may have pre-existing health conditions – to suggest that we need to step up efforts to tackle air pollution.”

As convenor for sustainability and carbon reduction at Glasgow City Council, Anna Richardson welcomed Scotland’s first LEZ in 2018, but said “getting the message out there” to people and businesses was key to its success.