Low emission zone for Glasgow

During my recent visit to London, I came across signs for a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). I had anticipated that I would find similar signs on streets around Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games.  

As part of proposals to improve air quality and create a Greener Legacy, an initial plan was developed for "low emission zones" around the 10 venues at the Games. However, it emerged that it would not be possible to introduced these zones. An opportunity was missed to try out a new approach to reduce levels of air pollution and help cut deaths caused by poor air quality. Whilst there are no low emission zones in Scotland, they have been successfully introduced in London, Oxford and Norwich.

Low emission zone sign in Chingford.

There could be useful lessons to learn from the operation of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which covers the majority of Greater London. It has developed since 2008 to support efforts to address the problem of polluting diesel vehicles. 

Over the next few months, my focus is on strengthening proposals within a new Air Quality Strategy for Glasgow City Council and supporting the implementation of a Scottish Low Emission Strategy.

Useful link:

Low Emission Zone for Greater London - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/low-emission-zone