Scottish Government face questions on Glasgow taxi trade’s struggle with Low-Emission Zone and potential cab cap
The introduction of Glasgow’s low-emission zone (LEZ) has sparked significant debate, particularly concerning the impact on the city’s taxi trade. During a recent General Question Time in the Scottish Parliament, the issue took centre stage, with members seeking clarity on the support available to taxi operators.
Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy raised the matter, asking what assistance the Scottish Government is providing to help taxi drivers comply with LEZ requirements. In response, SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop outlined the financial measures in place, including a £3.4 million LEZ retrofit fund enabling over 400 taxis in Glasgow to meet emission standards. Additional support has come through the LEZ scrappage fund and the switched-on taxis loan, which has issued more than £5.5 million in interest-free loans since 2016.
Duncan-Glancy, however, highlighted challenges stemming from the liquidation of Vehicle Repowering Solutions, one of only two accredited retrofit suppliers. Many taxi drivers have struggled to find alternatives, limiting their ability to comply with LEZ rules. She pressed Hyslop to meet with industry representatives to resolve these ongoing concerns.
Hyslop defended the government’s proactive approach, explaining that affected operators had been offered alternative retrofit suppliers and time-limited exemptions by Glasgow City Council. The Energy Saving Trust also stepped in to assist operators with financial losses caused by the liquidation. Hyslop expressed willingness to address unresolved issues if Duncan-Glancy provided further examples.
The discussion broadened with Conservative MSP Sue Webber questioning the potential impact of a Glasgow City Council consultation on cab licensing caps. She argued that the LEZ has already strained Glasgow’s late-night economy and warned that reducing cab numbers might exacerbate the issue.
Hyslop countered that taxi licensing remains a local authority matter. She noted that Glasgow differs from other Scottish cities by not imposing an age limit on taxis, resulting in a higher proportion of older, non-compliant vehicles. She attributed concerns about footfall declines to wider economic pressures rather than the LEZ alone.
Hyslop said: “Clearly, the licensing of taxi drivers is an issue for local authorities. I assume that the Conservatives do not want to centralise that.
“There is an issue on footfall. Earlier in 2024, it was recognised that there had been no reduction in footfall in Glasgow. Any subsequent reduction in footfall might have happened as a result of cost of living pressures or other issues. However, unlike the local authorities for other major cities in Scotland, Glasgow City Council does not have an age limit on taxis and, as a result, there is a higher proportion of older, non-compliant taxis in the Glasgow fleet for a variety of different reasons.
“There are different experiences in different cities. Those issues are best addressed by Glasgow City Council, but I recognise Sue Webber’s concern in raising them.”
