1000 potential job cuts for Glasgow taxi drivers due to Low Emission Zone
Glasgow taxi drivers staged a demonstration outside of the city chambers today in protest over the low emission zone (LEZ) being implemented in the city centre.
The LEZ comes into force on June 1 2023 and that means any vehicle entering the city centre zone must meet the less polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.
A main concern from taxi drivers surrounding the LEZ in the city centre is not with the zone itself but the quick timeframe it is being implemented in.
Joe McGeough was part of the demonstration he said: “We’re not against the LEZ in any way, we just need a wee bit more time to recover, half their fleet (council vehicles) doesn’t comply and they’ll move the goalposts to suit themselves. They’ve not got a bin lorry that can come into the city centre but they’re that had on the taxi trade.”
Taxi operators and drivers outside Glasgow City Chambers this morning. Thanks to everyone who came along, including Cllrs who recognise the devastating impact June enforcement of LEZ will have. Livelihoods will undoubtedly be lost if a delay is not agreed. #LEZ @UniteScotland pic.twitter.com/mXk6sirn81
— Glasgow Cab Section (@UtUCabGlasgow) March 30, 2023
Taxi drivers have two months to make sure their vehicles comply with the new low emissions standards and the cost of getting a new black hackney cab would cost a staggering £55,599.
These high costs com at the time which so many people are struggling, with taxi drivers being some of those who were impacted the most by the pandemic.
The Scottish Conservative party are set to call for the plans for the LEZ to be delayed by a year to allow taxi drivers extra time to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
The Conservatives have branded plans to introduce the LEZ in two months’ time as “devastating” for the taxi trade.
Glasgow Conservative Group Leader Councillor Thomas Kerr said: “I have engaged regularly with drivers across the city and alongside unions they are warning that bringing this policy in in June would result in the loss of 1,000 jobs being lost from the taxi trade.
“That would have a devastating impact on the city’s economy and public safety would clearly be put at increased risk as a result. Young women trying to get home from nights out would suddenly not have taxis to rely on, while disabled people- often unable to use public transport- would find this option unavailable to them.
The LEZ will encompass the city centre from high street and merchant city all the way up to the M8 motorway at Charing cross.
Glasgow low emission zone (Credit – STV News)
The fines for driving in the city centre with a non-compliant vehicle has been set at £60 which will be reduced by 50% if the penalty is paid within 14 days.
Penalty charges are capped a £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for buses and HGV’s. These charges will reset to £60 if there are no repeat offences within a 90-day period.
The controversial plans come as part of the net zero plans in Scotland and to help improve air quality by limiting pollution levels in Glasgow city centre.
