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low emission zone

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Harmful nitrogen dioxide is being recorded in our city centre at levels that do not meet statutory objectives.  As the main source of this air pollutant is from road traffic, Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ)  is an essential measure to:

  • improve air quality

  • protect public health

  • support wider climate change ambitions by encouraging more sustainable transport options

 

Phase 1 of Glasgow's Low Emission Zone  applies to local service buses only, however when Phase 2 is enforced from 1 June 2023, all vehicles entering the city centre zone must meet the required emission standards to avoid a penalty unless the vehicle is exempt.

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It is the intention of Glasgow City Council to introduce the Low Emission Zone on 31st May 2022. Glasgow City Council has committed to improving air quality by enforcing the Low Emission Zone at the earliest opportunity and therefore proposes a one year grace period, meaning enforcement of entry restrictions will begin on 1st June 2023.


A further grace period is proposed for vehicles registered to residents within the Low Emission Zone, reflecting their restricted options in respect of choosing to enter the Low Emission Zone. Therefore enforcement of entry restrictions for vehicles which fall within this category will begin on 1st June 2024.

Glasgow’s Low Emission Zones will only allow access to vehicles which meet minimum emission standards or meet the exemption criteria.

The confirmed minimum criteria for vehicles to access a Low Emission Zone is:

  • Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from 2006*)

  • Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from September 2015*)

  • Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs (generally vehicles registered from January 2013*)

*These dates are only indicative - please check with your vehicle manual or the manufacturer to confirm.

 

To help you understand if your vehicle can enter a Low Emission Zone please search your vehicle details on the basic online vehicle checker linked below. Please note that results provided can only give an indication and are not a guarantee or proof that your vehicle will be able to enter the zone.

 

You may also be able to check by entering the vehicle’s details into the emissions look-up tool on the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) website.

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