Glasgow LEZ operating costs higher than income as more cars become compliant

Drivers in Glasgow paid over £500,000 in Low Emission Zone (LEZ) fines last year – but the scheme’s operating costs were higher than the income for the first time. A new council report states the spend on running the LEZ was £781,765, with a net expenditure of £267,892. It adds: “Revenue has fallen in line with the reduction in PCNs [fines] issued as the scheme has matured. “This reduction was expected and can be attributed to higher levels of compliance with the emission standards in the general fleet and higher levels of awareness of the LEZ among drivers of non-compliant vehicles.” Development of the LEZ began in 2018/19, with the majority of the costs covered by Scottish Government grants.