The bin lorry fleet in Scotland’s biggest city would fail new pollution laws set by the council that operates them, claim union chiefs.
Many of Glasgow ’s “dilapidated” refuse collection vehicles would be unlikely to pass Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules being rolled out in June next year.
And the air quality laws being introduced by the city council could mean bin lorry drivers may be fined up to £480 if their vehicles fall foul of LEZs.
The council has said the minimum requirements mean petrol cars from before 2006 and diesel vehicles registered before 2015 can expect heavy fines.
Other drivers of non-compliant vehicles using the zones will also be fined.
Disabled blue badge owners, ambulances and police cars are exempt – but it doesn’t apply to bin lorries.
The council has 105 refuse collection vehicles in its fleet, with 76 registered before 2015.
GMB’s Chris Mitchell said: “Our fleet of bin lorries simply isn’t fit for purpose.
"It’s not a surprise they will fail LEZ rules.
"It is embarrassing that the council bringing in these rules has such a dilapidated fleet.”
A spokesman for the council said: “All council cleansing vehicles that enter Glasgow city centre from June 2023 will meet the terms of the LEZ.
“As part of the council’s strategy to create a fleet of zero emissions vehicles by 2029, we are due to take delivery of 19 hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicles this year.”
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