Glasgow sees traffic pollution drop in first year of LEZ

In June 2023, Glasgow implemented a low-emission zone (LEZ) aimed at reducing traffic pollution in the city centre. The council's air quality report for 2023 revealed a significant average drop of 20% in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels within the LEZ, compared to a 15.3% reduction in areas outside the zone. Despite these improvements, some city centre locations, including Gordon Street and Heilanman’s Umbrella, continued to exceed legal NO2 limits due to high traffic and poor pollution dispersion. Taxis, which were given extended compliance time, accounted for many of the breaches, with 778 exemptions issued in the first year. Monitoring efforts included both automatic stations and diffusion tubes, the latter allowing for broader but less precise data collection. While automatic stations met legal requirements, Hope Street barely met the NO2 target, indicating ongoing challenges in air quality management. The council expressed optimism about the initial results of the LEZ, highlighting the positive trend in pollution reduction. Financially, the LEZ generated approximately £1 million in its first year, although operational costs reduced the net amount to £747,511. In response, Glasgow City Council announced a £250,000 fund for local projects aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions, alongside another £250,000 for tree planting initiatives. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance local biodiversity and work towards achieving "Tree City of the World" status. The council's annual air quality progress report will be presented to the net zero committee on 24 September, reflecting ongoing commitment to addressing air pollution and promoting sustainable urban development.