LEZ farce shows SNP’s ineptitude

THE SNP’s political instincts tell them to legislate and regulate whenever possible. To the Nationalists, the idea of light-touch government is anathema.

Introducing unimaginative, restrictive – and often intrusive – legislation is standard behaviour. So, too, is failing to consider the implications of its actions.

Anyone looking for evidence the SNP is driven to act without thinking need only look at Glasgow’s decision to create a Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

Today we reveal that SNP-controlled Glasgow City Council blew £100,000 of taxpayers’ money in a month on hiring cars and vans because its vehicles don’t meet the necessary standards to be allowed into the city centre.

Similar LEZ schemes are to be rolled out in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen next year. Council leaders should not proceed until it is clear they won’t have to spend hundreds of thousands more on renting vehicles to get round their own restrictions.

Glasgow City Council was dismissive of the concerns of businesses who said the LEZ timetable was too tight.

It is now clear those who spoke up were correct and the council’s refusal to listen has cost the public dear.

It is also clear all of us – from large institutions to family households – must do more to tackle climate change.

But the steps we take must be affordable and practical. Introducing restrictions that can’t be met without excessive extra spending simply creates more pressure on the public purse during a cost of living crisis.

During the 16 years since it came to power at Holyrood, the SNP has earned a reputation for incompetence.

The LEZ farce in Glasgow is yet more evidence the Nationalists cannot be trusted to govern efficiently.