Spotlight: Glasgow's new LEZ coming soon. Here's what you need to know

In a spotlight series, the Glasgow Times will look at what it means for motorists and explain what you need to know about the rules of the LEZ.

Today we look at the zone, its boundaries and who can and cannot enter it.

Buses have been subject to the LEZ since phase one was in place on December 31, 2018.

After protests, some extensions have been agreed for taxis who can show they have applied for a fund to help with retrofitting to get their cab upgraded.

But for private cars, if they do not comply with the strict emissions standards they are not allowed to enter the zone.

THE ZONE

The Glasgow LEZ is the city centre which is marked from the River Clyde in the south along Clyde Street and Broomielaw to the M8 in the north.

The eastern boundary is from the M8 at the Royal Infirmary and down Castle Street, High Street and Saltmarket to the River Clyde.

The western boundary is the M8 from Charing Cross down to the river beneath the Kingston Bridge.

The M8 itself is not part of the LEZ.

Green signs on the carriageway and beside the road will tell drivers they are about to enter the LEZ.

THE STANDARDS

There are different rules for petrol and diesel cars.

Petrol cars must comply with Euro 4 standards, which are mostly cars registered after 2006.

Diesel vehicles must be registered after 2015 to meet the Euro 6 rules.

HOW TO CHECK

A LEZ checker is available from Transport Scotland.

Enter your vehicle registration number and it will tell you if it meets the standards.

The link for the Transport Scotland LEZ checker is here.

Vehicles that do not comply are not allowed to enter, unlike some other LEZ schemes where drivers have to pay a fee.

There will be a fine of £60 for vehicles entering the zone, which doubles each time the rules are breached by the same vehicle.

Motorcycles are not included in the scheme, while Blue Badge holders can also apply to be exempt and residents in the zone have longer to comply.

The council said the LEZ is needed and assistance has been offered to those who would be affected.

WHY IT'S COMING

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "Glasgow's LEZ will be enforced by way of penalty charge from June 1, so it is vital that everyone familiarises themselves with its requirements.

“This year is a key milestone in our work to reduce levels of air pollution, with the full roll-out of our Low Emission Zone to include all vehicles to maximise the air quality benefits it can deliver.

“Poor air quality presents a serious risk to public health and so the LEZ is an essential measure if Glasgow is to tackle the harmful air pollution that has dogged parts of the city centre for decades.

“Since Glasgow’s plan to phase in a city centre LEZ was announced in 2018, there has been an extensive programme of engagement to raise awareness of the scheme, its timescale for introduction and the availability of funding to ease compliance.

“Practical, targeted assistance from the Scottish Government to help prepare those most affected by the introduction of LEZs in Scotland has since 2019 included funding for households and micro-businesses, and a separate vehicle retrofit fund.”

Kevin Stewart, transport minister, said: “In advance of Glasgow enforcement commencing on June 1, I would encourage everyone to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot to find out more and to understand what this important public health intervention means for them.

"We all have the right to breathe clean air and we all have a moral responsibility to act. Air pollution disproportionally impacts the most vulnerable in our society. It causes the most damage to the youngest, the oldest and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Low Emission Zones are an important tool to protect public health and improve air quality."

A support fund is currently closed to applications but is expected to re-open once budgets have been agreed on.

People can register interest on the Energy Saving Trust LEZ support fund website with more details to be found here.