Drivers face fines in CCTV crackdown on pollution

HIGH-emIssIon cars, lorries and buses face being caught on camera across scotland, with a charge imposed on drivers in a crackdown on air pollution.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed automatic number plate recognition technology will be used to enforce a number of ‘low-emission zones’.

Glasgow is expected to become scotland’s first city to impose charges on motorists if their vehicles fall below strict environmental standards.

most of the vehicles affected are diesels, though some older petrol vehicles will be subject to charges. The scheme will initially be rolled out in city centres, though mr Yousaf said it could be expanded to ‘wider areas’.

mr Yousaf said: ‘It will be about number plate recognition cameras – there are cheaper ways to do low-emission zones but we would like to do it properly.’

But Hugh Bladen, founder of the Alliance of British Drivers, said mr Yousaf was ‘playing to the gallery’. He added: ‘We are punishing the least well-off people for driving a car they can’t afford to replace.’

Transport scotland said it is reviewing the regulations and technology needed to enforce the zones ahead of plans to roll the scheme out next year.

A spokesman said a public consultation will be launched during the summer, with a view to rolling the scheme out next year.

He added: ‘We are determined to improve air quality.’