More than 20,000 fines have been issued to drivers since Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone started in the summer.

Enforcement of phase two of the LEZ started in June and since then the number of fines handed out has totalled 20,136 up to the end of September.

The number of fines has dropped in each of the two months since the first full month of enforcement in July.

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In June there was a grace period where people would only be fined once in the month and 2899 fines were given.

The latest figures show in July 6144 fines were issued. It fell by 6.3% to 5757 in August and then another drop of 7.3% to 5336 in September.

The LEZ is currently being challenged in court by a number of motor trade businesses within the zone, who state the aims of the scheme, to reduce air pollution in the city centre to legal levels, had already been met in phase one.

They argue that data shows improving air quality and therefore the LEZ was unnecessary and the decision to implement it unlawful.

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Drivers of cars are fined £60 for the first breach of the LEZ, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks.

Fines double for any subsequent breaches, up to a maximum of £480 for cars.

For HGV’s buses and coaches, the fines increase to a maximum of £980.

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow’s plan to phase in a Low Emission Zone was announced in 2018 to tackle the harmful air pollution that has blighted the city centre for decades, creating and exacerbating people's health conditions and the city's health inequalities, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable.

“Whilst pre-enforcement modelling showed that up to 90% of vehicles driving into the zone area were unaffected, the LEZ standards address the most polluting vehicles which disproportionately create harmful concentrations of air pollution in the city centre.

“Penalties are reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days, with all revenue above that incurred in running Glasgow’s LEZ scheme itself, only used for activities that help reduce air pollution or contribute toward achieving our climate change targets.

“We would remind drivers to familiarise themselves with LEZ emissions requirements.”