MOTORISTS EXPLOIT LOOPHOLE IN LEZ FINES HOPELEZ

Thousands of drivers in Glasgow could have their fines quashed

- MARY WRIGHT

THOUSANDS of motorists could escape fines from Scotland's first Low Emission Zone - because the notices were sent out incorrectly.

Dozens of drivers have already appealed the penalties, issued as part of Glasgow's LEZ, because they were not sent by recorded delivery.

All 38 challenges so far have been upheld by the Transport Appeal Tribunal for Scotland.

Glasgow City Council's LEZ was introduced in June and has penalised more than 20,000 motorists in four months, boosting the authority's coffers by almost £500,000.

Now council chiefs are scrambling to close the legal loophole that could entitle thousands of drivers to have their fines quashed.