Pollution levels fall in Glasgow after launch of low-emission zone

Air pollution levels in Glasgow’s low-emission zone (LEZ) fell by an average of 20 percent last year according to a newly released report.

The city council’s air quality report for 2023 also revealed an overall average drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels outside the city centre – with the exception of two locations which saw an increase.

The LEZ, which began in June 2023, restricts access to the city centre zone for the most polluting vehicles.

“Air pollution contributes to hundreds of deaths in Glasgow each year, as well as exacerbating long-term health inequalities and the health conditions of thousands of Glaswegians,” said Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Transport and Climate, Glasgow City Council.

“Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone was introduced to address stubbornly high levels of air pollution in the city centre – and with Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh now implementing their own LEZs, Scotland’s cities have joined hundreds across Europe in taking this kind of action to improve air quality.

“The early progress recorded in Glasgow in 2023 is really encouraging. With some locations still showing breaches of legal limits, however, the impact of the LEZ’s full roll out will only become clear with next year’s annual monitoring data, and Glasgow will continue our work to seek cleaner, more breathable air that meets legal requirements.”

Levels of pollution in the city have been on a downward trend in recent years as a result of improvements in vehicle emissions and the introduction of a LEZ for bus services in 2018.

There was a sharp drop in 2020 due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and despite an increase in 2021, levels have remained below pre-pandemic rates since.

Greening the city

Under current legislation, revenue from fines under the LEZ must be spent on projects that contribute towards clean air targets.

In total, the LEZ brought in about £1 million (US$1.33 million) in the year to April 2024, but operating costs reduced this to £747,511.

The city council has now announced a £250,000 fund to allocate grants to local organisations to improve air quality and reduce emissions.

A further £250,000 has been made available to “city-wide tree planting and greening projects” as well as a tree sponsorship scheme.

Image: Glasgow city council