Glasgow Becomes First City in Scotland to Introduce Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The exemptions came into force on 1st June 2023 as part of a council initiative to improve public health.
Glasgow has joined a number of other cities in the UK in introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the area, marking the first of these in Scotland.
The restrictions were introduced by Glasgow City Council in order to decrease the number of heavily polluting vehicles in the city and improve public health.
But what exactly does this mean for taxi drivers? Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
1. Where does the Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ) cover?
2. How does the Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ) work?
3. Check your taxi is compliant with the Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Where does the Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ) cover?
The LEZ will operate all year round, covering a stretch of the city centre including the M8 motorway from north to west, the River Clyde in the South, and Saltmarket/High Street to the east.
Though the restrictions are now in full force, taxi drivers who have been granted exemption will have until 31st May 2024 to become compliant.
Those from the emergency services, motorcycles, and mopeds will all be exempt from the charges - the same for blue badge holders.
Those who are not in the disabled vehicle or disabled passenger vehicle tax class however will need to register for exemption before entering the zone. If you are a blue badge holder in Scotland, you can register for exemption here.
Of course, electric taxis will also be exempt from paying these charges meaning they can enter freely - a sure perk for local taxi drivers who have made the switch!
How does the Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ) work?
LEZs usually work by charging non-compliant vehicles a penalty for entering the zone, which depends on the type of vehicle.
Petrol vehicles need to have an engine that is Euro 4 compliant, which could be from the year 2006 onwards.
Diesel-powered cars and vans need to meet the Euro 6 standard, which applies to vehicles from 2015 onwards.
Non-compliant vehicles will be detected using an ANPR camera which is linked to a national vehicle licensing database. This will issue a Penalty Charge Notice to the driver, which they will be required to pay.
Penalties will start at £60, decreased to £30 if paid early. For further breaches, this will then increase up to £480 maximum for cars and LGVs, and £960 for buses and HGVs.
If no further breaches occur after 90 days, this will reset back to the original penalty of £60.
Check your taxi is compliant with the Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
If you operate in and around Glasgow city, it’s a good idea to check if your taxi is compliant.
Low Emission Zones Scotland’s national online vehicle checker can be used to determine the status of your taxi.
Need a new taxi which complies? At The Taxi Centre, we have a range of Low Emission Zone and Clean Air Zone-compliant taxis in stock and ready for immediate delivery including our LEVC taxis and electric and hybrid taxis. We also have a host of useful resources regarding taxi grants and incentives to help get the most from your new taxi. Simply get in touch and talk to our taxi sales experts.
We hope you found this article useful. For news and updates, keep in touch with our newsroom.