Last minute court bid to halt Glasgow LEZ scheme rejected by council

A last minute court bid to halt the introduction of Glasgow’s LEZ has been rejected.

From June this year, most vehicles entering Glasgow city centre will need to comply with Low Emission Zone (LEZ) restrictions.

Cars that fail to meet the less-polluting emission standards will face a penalty charge, however some exemptions and extensions will be put in place where needed.

A car repair firm within the zone raised a judicial review challenging the Glasgow City Council scheme, ahead of its enforcement from June 1.

Patons Accident Repair Centre, a 60-year-old firm, said it won’t be able to accept non-compliant vehicles into its shop when the scheme is enforced – which the business calculates will wipe out more than one-third of its business.

The firm made a last-minute move to have it suspended ahead of further potential court action.

A judge at the Court of Session refused the motion and said the balance of convenience lay heavily in favour of the local authority and granted it expenses of the hearing.

A council spokeswoman said: “Glasgow’s LEZ will come into force as planned on the June 1, 2023.

“The application for the interim order has been refused.”

The introduction of the zone comes after Glasgow City Council said “nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in the city centre” do not meet legal requirements – making the LEZ “an essential measure to improve air quality and help protect public health”.