Glasgow Low Emission Zone

Glasgow LEZ map: where the zone starts and ends

The Glasgow LEZ covers about one square mile of the city centre. The M8 forms the edge to the north and west. The River Clyde marks the south side, and Saltmarket and High Street mark the east.

The M8 itself is not in the zone. You can drive past the city centre on the motorway with any vehicle.

Streets in the Glasgow low emission zone

The council's street list sets out which roads are included.

• In full: High Street, Clyde Street, Cowcaddens Road, Killermont Street and North Hanover Street.
• East of Newton Street: Argyle Street, Broomielaw, St Vincent Street, Sauchiehall Street and William Street. This is the western edge, near the M8.
• Duke Street: from High Street to Havannah Street.
• Castle Street: south of Cathedral Square.
• Cathedral Street: west of Stirling Road.
• London Road: west of James Morrison Street.
• Garscube Road: south of Phoenix Road.
• Saltmarket: north of Greendyke Street. The stretch from Albert Bridge to Greendyke Street is northbound only.

South of the river

The zone reaches across the Clyde on a few bridge approaches. Gorbals Street is included north of Ballater Street. Albert Bridge and Crown Street are included for northbound traffic only.

So heading north over Albert Bridge, or up Crown Street, takes you into the zone.

When did the Glasgow LEZ start?

Glasgow is the only Scottish zone that began with buses alone. It came in over four steps.

1. Phase 1 began on 31 December 2018 and covered local service buses only.
2. Phase 2, for all vehicles, was introduced on 31 May 2022 with a one-year grace period.
3. Enforcement for all vehicles began on 1 June 2023.
4. Vehicles registered to a home address inside the zone were enforced from 1 June 2024.

The residents' grace period has ended, and the council has said it cannot be extended.

Who the Glasgow LEZ affects

The national standards apply: Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans, and Euro 6 for diesel. Diesel buses, coaches and HGVs need Euro VI. Glasgow's guidance says heavy vehicles generally meet Euro VI from 2013.

As a guide only, petrol cars registered from 2006 and diesels from September 2015 usually comply. Check the registration with the official vehicle emissions check service on gov.scot before you drive in.

Motorcycles and mopeds are not restricted. Co-wheels car club vehicles in the zone are fully electric, so they are not affected.

Glasgow LEZ fines

The first PCN is £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days. Each further entry by the same vehicle within 90 days doubles the charge.

• Cars, vans and special purpose vehicles go £60, £120, £240, then stop at £480.
• Minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs go £60, £120, £240, £480, then £960.

Only one PCN is issued per vehicle per day. You cannot pay in advance to enter the zone.

How to pay or appeal a Glasgow LEZ fine

Pay or appeal through Glasgow City Council's LEZ penalty portal. You can also email lez@glasgow.gov.uk.

Make your representation within 28 days. If the council rejects it, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland. A PCN left unpaid for 28 days gets a charge certificate, which adds 50% and ends your right to appeal.

Glasgow LEZ exemptions

All national exemptions apply in Glasgow. These cover Blue Badge holders, the disabled tax class, emergency and military vehicles, historic vehicles and showman's vehicles.

• Blue Badge: register the vehicle through Transport Scotland's system on or before the day of travel.
• Disabled tax class and showman's vehicles: register by email to lez@glasgow.gov.uk.
• Historic vehicles: at least 30 years old, of a type no longer made and kept in original condition.
• Time-limited exemptions: only in exceptional cases, for up to one year.

The council does not normally consider privately owned vehicles or routine commercial operations for a time-limited exemption.

Tips for driving into Glasgow city centre

• Check any borrowed or hired vehicle by registration before the trip.
• If your vehicle is not compliant, park outside the boundary and walk or take public transport in.
• The zone runs 24 hours a day, all year, so a late night trip counts the same as a daytime one.
• Visiting drivers with non-UK plates must comply, but the official checker only works with UK registrations.

Quick answers

Where is the Glasgow LEZ boundary?

It covers about one square mile of the city centre. The M8 is the edge to the north and west. The River Clyde is the south edge, with Saltmarket and High Street to the east.

Is the M8 in the Glasgow LEZ?

No. The M8 itself is not in the zone, so any vehicle can use it past the city centre.

When did the Glasgow LEZ start fining cars?

Enforcement for all vehicles began on 1 June 2023. Vehicles registered to a home address inside the zone were enforced from 1 June 2024.

How much is a Glasgow LEZ fine?

The first PCN is £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days. Repeat entries within 90 days double to £120, £240 and £480. Buses, coaches, minibuses and HGVs can reach £960.

Is Crown Street in the Glasgow LEZ?

Crown Street and Albert Bridge are included for northbound traffic only. Gorbals Street is included north of Ballater Street.

Do Glasgow residents inside the zone get an exemption?

No. Residents had a grace period until 1 June 2024. The council said it could not be extended, and residents now follow the same rules as everyone else.

How do I appeal a Glasgow LEZ fine?

Use Glasgow City Council's LEZ penalty portal or email lez@glasgow.gov.uk within 28 days. If the council rejects your appeal, you can go to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.