Glasgow Taxis, representing the city’s cab operators, has urgently approached Glasgow City Council, requesting a delay in the enforcement of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules, starting in June 2024, to prevent the loss of approximately 350 taxis.

According to the letter sent to Susan Aitken, the leader of Glasgow City Council, and all city councillors, Glasgow Taxis “contends that these jobs are worth protecting, particularly as the majority of the remaining non-LEZ compliant operators will be able to successfully transition to full compliance within the year.”

Moreover, the organisation explained that while there is only one new compliant vehicle on the market, The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), many taxi operators are seeking conversion systems, both for LPG and exhaust retrofits.

Regarding Autogas conversions, they noted that there is no available supplier to carry out the transformation in Glasgow (although one is now available in Edinburgh). “Glasgow Taxis understand there remains around 100 vehicles either in the process or awaiting a date to commence installation. These are confirmed orders with deposits paid,” they said.

According to Glasgow Taxis, in terms of compliance support, Transport Scotland via the Energy Savings Trust (EST) originally offered a grant of 80% of the total cost of the LPG conversion, but this has recently been reduced to 66% of the total cost.

Source: Taxi Point

Photo: Glasgow Taxis

5 June 2024