Glasgow's Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) is set to come into force on June 1st, 2023. The initiative is part of the city's efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution levels. The LEZ will cover a large part of the city centre and will require drivers to have vehicles that meet low emissions standards in order to enter the zone.
For commuters who rely on cars that don't meet the low emissions standards, this may mean finding alternative modes of transportation. The aim of the LEZ is to encourage people to switch to more sustainable modes of transport such as public transport, cycling, walking, or electric vehicles. It is hoped that this will not only reduce pollution levels but also help to tackle congestion and make the city centre a more pleasant place to be.
It's important to note that not all vehicles will be affected by the LEZ. Only those that don't meet the minimum emissions standards will be subject to restrictions. This includes older diesel vehicles, which are known to be major contributors to air pollution. Vehicles that meet the minimum standards will be allowed to enter the zone without any restrictions. The minimum emission standards (Euro category) for Scottish LEZs is Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from September 2015) and Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from 2006*).
For commuters who need to use their cars to travel into the city centre, there are a few options available. One option is to switch to a more sustainable mode of transport, such as public transport, cycling, or walking. For those who still need to use their cars, there are ways to make them more environmentally friendly, such as by using electric or hybrid vehicles.
Electric Mopeds and Electric Motorcycles, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular as they are way more affordable than Electric cars. They produce zero emissions and are therefore exempt from the LEZ restrictions, the batteries can also be removed which means the current lack of charging stations does not effect E-Moped and E-Motorcycle riders!
In conclusion, Glasgow's Low Emissions Zone is an important step towards improving air quality and reducing pollution levels in the city centre. While it may require some commuters to switch to alternative modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles, it offers an opportunity to make the city a more sustainable and pleasant place to be. By working together, we can create a healthier and more environmentally friendly future for Glasgow.
So how much will you be charged for entering the zone?
Each vehicle can only receive a maximum of one PCN per day for violating the LEZ rules. The initial penalty charge for all non-compliant vehicles entering the LEZ in Scotland will be £60, which is set at the national level by the Scottish Government for consistency across cities.
However, a scheme surcharge will apply to subsequent breaches of the rules by the same vehicle detected in the same LEZ, doubling the penalty charge amount with each violation. Surcharging will only apply after the first PCN (issued at the initial base tier of £60) has been received by the vehicle's registered keeper.
The penalty charge rates are capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles, and £960 for buses and HGVs. Any further breaches of LEZ rules by the same vehicle detected in the same LEZ after reaching the cap will result in future PCNs issued at the capped penalty charge rate.
If no further violations are detected within 90 days of a previous breach, the penalty rate will be reset to the base tier charge of £60.
To encourage prompt payment, all PCNs will have a 50% reduction in penalty charges if paid within 14 days of issuance.
What is the zone Boundary?
Does my car meet the standards?
Check if your car meets the low emissions standards here - https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/vehicle-registration-checker
