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Glasgow LEZ: Your Low Emission Zone Guide
The city of Glasgow was introduced to LEZ on May 31st, 2022, with plans of full enforcement being executed June 1st, 2023.
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are a set of rules enforced by various cities across the UK to help reduce negative emissions from cars that negatively affect our environment.
With the full enforcement of LEZ in Glasgow being in full effect, it’s important to know the details and how it affects motoring within the city.
What is a Low Emission Zone?
A Low Emission Zone is a designated area where restrictions are in place for motorists regarding what vehicles are allowed to be driven in said area.
This typically targets older, non-hybrid/electric vehicles that more negatively contribute to levels of air pollution. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) are considered in categorising the emissions output of a vehicle.
If a vehicle does not meet the emissions standards set out in these zones, there will be charges per day in which it is driven within the LEZ.
Glasgow was the first LEZ introduced in Scotland.
Glasgow LEZ Map
Image credit: Glasgow City Council
Glasgow LEZ Charges
Since June 1st, 2023, motorists in Glasgow have been needing to drive a LEZ compliant vehicle within the vicinity of the zone to avoid getting charged. This means drivers using non-compliant vehicles will receive a charge. Charges for certain vehicle types will differ.
Non-compliant cars, vans, and special purpose vehicles:
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£60 initial PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) per vehicle – if paid within 14 days, reduced to a £30 fine
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£120 PCN upon the second breach if the same vehicle has been driven again within 90 days of first breach
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£240 PCN upon the third breach if the same vehicle has been driven a third time within 90 days of first breach
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£480 PCN upon the fourth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fourth time within 90 days of first breach
Non-compliant minibuses, buses / coaches, and heavy goods vehicles:
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£60 initial PCN per vehicle – if paid within 14 days, reduced to a £30 fine
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£120 PCN upon the second breach if the same vehicle has been driven again within 90 days of first breach
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£240 PCN upon the third breach if the same vehicle has been driven a third time within 90 days of first breach
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£480 PCN upon the fourth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fourth time within 90 days of first breach
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£960 PCN upon the fifth breach if the same vehicle has been driven a fifth time within 90 days of first breach
LEZ exemptions
The following vehicles, according to Edinburgh City Council, are exempt from any LEZ charges:
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Vehicles for people with disabilities (blue badges)
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Historic vehicles
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Showman’s vehicles
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Emergency vehicles
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Military vehicles
Is my vehicle LEZ compliant?
To check if your vehicle is LEZ compliant, consult one the following websites by entering your registration:
https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/vehicle-registration-checker
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/
https://motorway.co.uk/ulez-checker
Where are LEZ zones located?
Throughout the UK, there are numerous cities with LEZ zones that are either fully enforced or have been introduced with plans of full enforcement commencing a later date.
Fully enforced LEZ zones are located in:
- London (ULEZ since 2023)
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Glasgow
- Bath
- Bradford
- Portsmouth
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Oxford
Introduced LEZ zones with plans to fully enforce are located in: