Glasgow's Low Emission Zone has been met with support but also anger from city residents on day one of the eco scheme’s enforcement.
The square mile zone - banning many older cars from entering the city centre - is aimed at improving Glasgow’s air quality. With the full launch of the Scotland-first LEZ today, campaigners hailed the move as a “big moment” for the city that will save lives by giving residents “more breathable air”.
But it’s been heavily criticised by representatives from the hospitality and taxi trades who warn it could hammer the city’s beleaguered night-time economy - still reeling from Covid and the cost of living crisis. The LEZ will slap drivers with escalating fines starting at £60 if their vehicles enter the area and don’t meet emission standards - with petrol cars older than 2006 and diesel cars registered after September 2015 generally compliant.
Council chiefs say it’s only aimed at a minority of older vehicles which are the most polluting - with up to 90 per cent of cars thought to already meet the requirements. Speaking to locals in Glasgow city centre on the first day of the scheme, the Daily Record found backing but also criticism in some quarters - while others were indifferent to the changes.
Walking down the Clyde riverfront near the LEZ’s boundary along the Broomielaw, Jan Cumming and Lillias Bache were supportive.
Jan said: “You don’t really get that many old, old cars, do you? From our point of view, our cars are new so we’re not really affected. And I think if you're coming into town for a meal, you're not coming in with the car anyway.”
Lillias said parking was already a huge factor in dissuading motorists from coming into central Glasgow, saying: “We normally get a train because parking is expensive. Today, we’re parked in Glasgow Green as that doesn’t charge you. You see all the empty parking spaces - it’s not really inviting anyone into Glasgow, really, the cost of parking.”
On the LEZ, Lillias added: “I think this is the way forward - we definitely need change.”
However, on the Hope Street taxi rank, black cab driver John Ritchie blasted: “It’s a complete waste of time. It’s nothing more than a cash collector for the council. The night-time economy is on its knees as it stands at the minute but this is just going to add further fuel to the fire.
“The council and the Scottish Government, to me, have the reverse Midas touch - everything they touch turns to s***e.”
But despite long-running concerns about the impact of the scheme on local taxis, not all cabbies were opposed - with Peter Keegan telling the Record: “I think it’s a good thing. The bottom line is, we knew it was coming and drivers should have done something about it.
“And it’s the old story here - if it saves a life, then it’s worth it.”
Speaking on Argyle Street, local van driver Tommy Robb backed the plan, saying: “If it’s going to make the traffic lighter, I’m all for it. Maybe I’m being selfish but I'm in Glasgow city centre all day, every day - so, the less traffic, the better it is for me.”
Local businessman Donald MacLeod - owner of The Garage nightclub - is an emphatic opponent of the project.
He told the Record: “The whole hospitality sector has been against it - not because we don't believe in clean air but because quite frankly, there's never been an integrated public transport policy put in to fill the void.
“It seems very disproportionate, seems very discriminatory and targets people in low-income families who can’t afford to change their vehicles… and there's been no real engagement with business at all.”
At First Minister’s Questions, Yousaf defended the scheme in furious exchanges with Conservative chief Douglas Ross.
The SNP leader said: "Every single week, rightly so, MSPs question this government on what more we can do to tackle the climate emergency. In the Tories' case, every time we or local authorities bring forward a measure, they seem to oppose it time and time again.
“It's absolutely critical for all of us who believe in tackling the climate emergency as a priority that we don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk."
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