NICOLA Sturgeon has defended Glasgow’s low Emissions Zone plan amid claims it is a ‘no ambition zone’.

Greens Glasgow MSP, Patrick Harvie, challenged the First Minister to urge Glasgow City Council to go further.

He said the plans were “half hearted” and will fail to achieve clean air in line with Scottish Government target dates.

The Evening Times reported earleir this week how Labour, Tory and Green Councillors backed an amendment that would speed up the timescale of the LEZ for other vehicles and see a congestion charge considered for the city centre

The council plans to bring in the country’s first Low Emission Zone starting with buses next year which will be phased in gradually before 100% must meet the strictest European standards by the start of 2023.

Mr Harvie said: “The First Minister knows that Glasgow, among other places in Scotland, has suffered illegal levels of air pollution for many years, with a profound effect on people’s health, and that transport policy has been making that worse.

He added :” Glasgow City Council’s proposals have been widely criticised as painfully slow in relation to the timetable for buses to comply with the zone, and there is no action on private cars and other polluting vehicles.”

Ms Sturgeon said she did not accept the “characterisation” of the Low Emission Zone by Mr Harvie.

She said it was “one of the most challenging all-encompassing low-emission zones in Europe”.

She told the Scottish Parliament that she was sure there would be discurrions to improve the LEZ plans but that Glasgow was at the forefront of tackling pollution.

she added: “I am sure that there will continue to be discussion, but I think that Glasgow is to be commended for getting ahead of the game.”