TAXI drivers in Glasgow still need more help to get support to ensure their cabs meet the Low Emission Zone in Glasgow an MSP has said.
The zone, designed to improve air quality in the city centre and wider area has been enforceable since June 2023 but taxi drivers have said they can’t get cabs retrofitted.
Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow Labour MSP, raised the issue in Holyrood with the Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
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Duncan-Glancy, said: “Taxi drivers in Glasgow are keen to play their part in the transition to net zero, but at present they struggle to access some support to comply with the low-emission zone in the city, particularly with the liquidation of Vehicle Repowering Solutions, one of only two companies that offered retrofits under the clean vehicle retrofit accreditation scheme.
“I previously wrote to the cabinet secretary to raise taxi drivers’ concerns, but the issue remains.”
She requested a meeting with the Transport Secretary and representatives of the taxi industry to address their concerns.
Hyslop said £3.4 million has been provided through the LEZ retrofit fund for taxi operators to upgrade their existing vehicles and more than 400 taxis have been retrofitted to the LEZ emission standard as a result.
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She told Duncan-Glancy: “We proactively dealt with those taxi drivers. When the problem with the supplier occurred, taxi operators who had a retrofit grant offer for liquid petroleum gas conversion were given the option to change to an alternative taxi retrofit supplier. Some operators have already taken up that offer.”
She added, however: “If there are continuing issues, notwithstanding what is already happening, I am concerned.”
She asked the MSP to provide more details and if there were issues she added: “We will be able to identify the best resolution and set up a meeting if necessary .”
She was also asked about plans to consult on reviewing the cap on taxi and private hire cars in Glasgow.
Sue Webber Conservative MSP said any further reduction could affect the night time economy in Glasgow city centre
Hyslop added: “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.”
