Scotland's first Low Emission Zone in Glasgow met with both support and anger from locals

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone has been met with support but also anger from city residents on day one of the eco scheme’s enforcement.The square mile zone - banning many older cars from entering the city centre - is aimed at improving Glasgow’s air quality.

With the full launch of the Scotland-first LEZ today, campaigners hailed the move as a “big moment” for the city that will save lives by giving residents “more breathable air”.But it’s been heavily criticised by representatives from the hospitality and taxi trades who warn it could hammer the city’s beleaguered night-time economy - still reeling from Covid and the cost of living crisis.

The LEZ will slap drivers with escalating fines starting at £60 if their vehicles enter the area and don’t meet emission standards - with petrol cars older than 2006 and diesel cars registered after September 2015 generally compliant.Council chiefs say it’s only aimed at a minority of older vehicles which are the most polluting - with up to 90 per cent of cars thought to already meet the requirements.

Speaking to locals in Glasgow city centre on the first day of the scheme, the Daily Record found backing but also criticism in some quarters - while others were indifferent to the changes.Walking down the Clyde riverfront near the LEZ’s boundary along the Broomielaw, Jan Cumming and Lillias Bache were supportive.Jan said: “You don’t really get that many old, old cars, do you?