Glasgow’s LEZ Rakes in £1.7m in Fines, But Who’s Counting?
Glasgow’s low emission zone (LEZ) has been a cash cow, pulling in over £1.7m in fines since its inception two years back. A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Herald uncovered that drivers dished out a hefty amount of £756,990 in fines between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
The figures took a dip by 23% from the first year of the LEZ’s operation, where drivers flouted the green rules over 38,000 times between June 2023 and March 2024, resulting in charges amounting to £982,415. The local authority issued 22% fewer fines, dropping from 38,294 in the 2023/24 financial year to 29,834 in 2024/25. The total sum from fines over the two-year span now stands at a whopping £1,739,405, stemming from 68,128 penalties.
Revenue from these fines caters to operational costs initially, with any leftover funds channeled into projects aligning with LEZ goals, like reducing emissions and enhancing air quality in the city. The LEZ, rolled out in June 2023, sparked a wave of backlash upon its implementation.
The LEZ Controversy: To Fine or Not to Fine?
When Glasgow City Council spent £36,340.42 on “signage” in the 2024/25 financial year, eyebrows were raised. The council shelled out this amount for signs between July 2024 and February 2025, according to The Herald’s FOI request. The LEZ faced criticism from various quarters when it first kicked off two years ago.
Labour councillor George Redmond was vocal about his opposition, lambasting the SNP administration for pushing forward with the LEZ despite objections from businesses, residents, and charities. The ban on high-polluting vehicles from certain streets even led to a vehicle repair business dragging the council to court.
But Advocate Lord Davidson KC pointed out that nitrogen dioxide levels had decreased in 25 out of 27 monitoring stations in the city center. Despite the pushback, the council’s decision to implement the LEZ across the entire area held firm, eventually resulting in the lawsuit being dismissed in October 2023.
Funding the Future: From Fines to Community Projects
In its debut year, the council spent over £1.3m on setting up and maintaining the LEZ scheme. While most of this sum came from Scottish Government grants and capital expenditure, £234,904 was drawn from fine revenues to bridge the gap. Approximately £700,000 was earmarked for community initiatives related to clean air and climate concerns.
Cllr Angus Millar, the City Convener for Climate, highlighted the positive impact of these funds on community projects. The LEZ Community Support Fund provided crucial backing to eighteen organizations, ranging from volunteer groups to housing associations, empowering them with a total of £620,409 in grants. The ‘Plugged In’ initiative, managed by the North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network, was a notable beneficiary of the scheme, receiving a grant of £50,000.
Looking ahead, Glasgow City Council remains committed to allocating LEZ income to environmental initiatives, with £732,000 set aside for the LEZ Community Support Fund this year alone. An additional £250,000 has been designated for tree planting and greening activities, reflecting a comprehensive reinvestment of nearly £1 million back into the city.
Despite the initial uproar and legal battles, the LEZ has evolved into a catalyst for positive change, funding projects like the Cassiltoun Housing Association’s Get Active in Castlemilk Park, Govan Community Project’s Bike Library, and the Wheatley Foundation’s Urban rewilding project. It’s clear that from fines to funding, Glasgow’s LEZ is making a tangible difference in the city’s environmental landscape.
