3000 more motorists fined over LEZ breach
MORE than 35,000 fines have been issued since Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone came into force.
Thousands more have been added in the latest monthly figures.
An update shows in the first nine months of enforcement, since June last year, a total of 35,195 fines have been handed out to drivers who fell foul of the scheme.
The latest data shows 3001 fines issued in February.
The latest monthly total showed there were 113 cases where the fine reached a maximum of £ 960 because they had been penalised for the fifth time.
In total, 560 maximum fines have been dished out by the council.
In February, there were 2487 first- time penalties handed out where the drivers are fined £ 60.
The fine doubles for each subsequent breach up to a maximum of £ 960.
The zone and how it has been implemented has been the subject of criticism and protests including from some in the business community and taxi trade.
Last month, the Glasgow Times reported how a Glasgow business had dropped its appeal against the Court of Session decision that ruled the LEZ was lawful.
Patons Accident Repair Centre in Townhead had argued the LEZ was unlawful and unnecessary because the council had already net air quality standards the city centre.
Glasgow City Council said
the LEZ is necessary to reduce pollution.
The council states: “Although we’ve made good progress in recent years to improve Glasgow’s air quality, harmful nitrogen dioxide is being recorded in our city centre at
levels that do not meet the legal requirements.
“As the main source of this harmful pollutant is from road traffic, Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone is an essential measure to improve air quality and help protect public health, especially
for those most vulnerable.
“Glasgow’s LEZ can also help accelerate the uptake of less polluting vehicles, encourage people to move away from private car use and increase the safety, attractiveness, and amenity of our city centre.”