First Low Emission Zone for Glasgow

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced while speaking in Glasgow that the city will be the first to put in place a Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

Glasgow City Council is partnering with the Scottish Government to prepare the LEZ design and proposals that will improve air quality in Glasgow. Eliminating air pollution hotspots will result in improved health, and will ensure Glasgow continues to be one of the most attractive places to live, work and visit.

The final design of the Glasgow LEZ will be informed by the guiding principles that are currently being developed through the Transport Scotland ‘Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones’ consultation. Preparation for the Glasgow LEZ is underway with a LEZ Leadership Group and associated Glasgow LEZ Delivery Group already set up.

Commenting on the announcement, Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf said:

“We can be proud of the progress we’ve made in tackling air pollution, but our biggest cities, like Glasgow, are determined to create the best possible environment for communities to flourish by improving air quality. I’m delighted that Glasgow is working to have their LEZ in place by the end of 2018.

“We have pledged to work with local authorities to introduce low emission zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020 and this is a positive step towards that vision. This is a decision based on the scientific evidence which demonstrates the link between air pollution and ill health.”

“Our position is that local authorities should be ambitious, and that all vehicles including private cars should be included in a LEZ in a phased manner. Equally, low emission buses are at the heart of improving air quality and the bus sector has a key role to play. I’m proud that the Scottish Green Bus fund has already provided more than £16 million to support the introduction of hundreds of low emission buses. Today, we have again demonstrated our commitment to the bus industry through the announcement that we are providing a further £1.6 million immediately to a Bus Retrofit Programme for Scotland.

“These steps are further supported with record investment in walking and cycling to support our vision of an Active Nation. With the doubling of the active travel budget through the recent Programme for Government, we are well positioned to deliver our green ambitions for this generation and beyond.”

The Scottish Government continues to seek views on ‘Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones.’ The consultation will be available until 28 November 2017. Views can also be shared on Twitter using the hashtag #lezconsultation.