LAST-DITCH LEGAL BID TO HALT ZONE

A GARAGE owner is launching a last-minute legal bid to halt Glasgow’s LEZ – just days before it starts being enforced on Thursday.

William Paton, who runs a car repair firm in the city, says the LEZ will drive him out of business.

His family firm falls just within the zone and will not be able to accept older vehicles into its repair shop, which Mr Paton calculates will wipe out over a third of his trade.

He will serve papers on the city council tomorrow in an attempt to secure an interim order to halt enforcement of the LEZ and pave the way for a judicial review.

The firm has instructed lawyers to lodge a legal challenge on the basis that evidence on air quality means an LEZ is no longer needed.

A report commissioned by Patons Accident and Repair Centre to study the impact of LEZ phase one, in place for buses since 2018, shows air quality aims have been achieved and phase two, covering cars, will not lead to any further significant improvement.

It is understood Mr Paton is supported by other businesses in his bid. He said: ‘We have worked hard to survive multiple recessions and the pandemic. It is deeply shocking that what will finish us off is inflicted by the city council.

‘The council knows the impact this will have but are pressing on regardless. With older cars not allowed at our repair centre we have no option but to fight this environmentally pointless scheme.’

Glasgow City Council said: ‘We would vigorously defend any legal challenge.’