Hundreds of drivers have been fined multiple times for entering Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone.

The penalty for driving into the zone, which is the city centre, starts at £60 then doubles for repeat breaches up to a maximum of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles, and £960 for minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs.

Figures show more than 20,000 fines have been issued since June 1, when enforcement of phase two of the zone began.

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A breakdown of the figures shows that 1863 people have had a second fine of £120 issued.

A third offence, with a fine of £240 applied, was issued 482 times and a fourth of £480 was dished out on 164 occasions.

A fifth fine of £960, issued to HGVs and coaches, was applied to 111 drivers.

Enforcement of the LEZ began in June but repeat fines only started to be issued from July onwards.

A legal challenge to the LEZ at the Court of Session failed last month when a motor trade repair firm Patons argued the LEZ was unlawful and unnecessary because air quality targets had already been met.

The court ruled it was lawful and the council was entitled to introduce the zone to help meet air quality standards.

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council, said: “Scottish LEZs operate by way of a penalty system, set in legislation to discourage non-compliant vehicle entry and to maximise the air quality benefits that can be delivered.

“Surcharging, whereby the penalty charge rate doubles for subsequent LEZ breaches, commenced in July after an initial familiarisation period, and applies after the first, or most recent Penalty Charge Notice can be expected to have been received by the vehicle's registered keeper.

“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."