Glasgow cabbies urge council to exempt taxis from 2022 LEZ to ensure “survival” of taxi industry

Cabbies in Glasgow are asking the council to give licensed taxis an exemption from the incoming low emission zone (LEZ) set to arrive in 2022.

Unite the Union Glasgow Cab Section, who are leading the campaign, are looking for a council rethink as the economic downfall risks the “survival” of the industry in the Scottish city.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Glasgow City Council (GCC) had agreed to bring in the LEZ to all vehicles entering the city centre. This meant petrol vehicles must reach an emissions standard of Euro 4 and diesel vehicles a Euro 6 standard by December 2022.

Unite are now urging GCC to push back the date to 2027 due to many drivers unable to make a living during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A spokesperson from Unite Glasgow Cab Section, said: “Taxi trade emissions have been steadily falling due to natural wastage. Glasgow City Council (GCC) has also implemented a policy allowing newer used vehicles to replace older ones, which is proving successful in further reducing emissions.

“GCC climate emergency proposals now include accelerating moves towards a carbon neutral city with zero emission vehicles to 2030 from the original 2037 goal. It is perverse to have operators spending huge sums on transition Euro 6 diesel vehicles that won’t have an economically viable lifespan.

“If the Glasgow taxi is to survive the ensuing economic catastrophe, and to continue providing vital services for disabled, elderly and vulnerable groups who rely so heavily upon us, it will require an exemption from LEZ compliance for fully wheelchair accessible taxis until at least 2027.”

Image credit: Ross Campbell