Policy comes into effect in 2018

Plans to ban fuel inefficient buses from Glasgow city centre from next year have been welcomed - but campaigners want to see the move extended to vans and trucks.

The plan means bus operators will be required to purchase new buses which meet the cleanest ‘Euro 6’ rating for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulates, or retro-fit existing buses with equipment to bring their emissions down to a compliant standard.

But campaigners said it was disappointing that the local environment zone (LEZ) would not also apply to lorries and vans from the start.

Emilia Hanna, air pollution campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “While the council’s ambition to have an LEZ is welcome, it’s very disappointing that the plans would only restrict buses in the first instance.

“The Glasgow LEZ should apply to buses, lorries, and vans from the start and to include cars and taxis at a later stage. This would help ensure even bigger improvements for the health of Glaswegians.”

Pollution is estimated to cause around 300 premature deaths in Glasgow a year.

Councillor Anna Richardson, convenor for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “We know there are 300 premature deaths a year in Glasgow as a result of poor air quality.

“If that isn’t a reason to make you want to act, then I don’t know what is.”

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government committed to establishing LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh by 2020, with the first Zone in place by 2018.

Hanna added: “This report demonstrates that Glasgow is getting ready to host Scotland’s first LEZ.

"The Scottish Government should confirm that the location of its 2018 LEZ will be Glasgow, and put funding in place to support the council in their delivery of this vital scheme.”