The expansion of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) next June could have a “devastating” impact on the city's taxi trade, it has been claimed.
Glasgow's LEZ, implemented by the city council, will operate 24 hours a day - all year round in a bid to tackle “stubbornly high” levels of air pollution.
It will affect 226 streets throughout the city centre bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the South including Argyle Street, Bath Street, Broomielaw, Buchanan Street, Candleriggs, Duke Street, George Square, High Street, Jamaica Street, Mitchell Lane, New Wynd, Osborne Street, Queen Street, St Enoch Square, Sauchiehall Street, Saltmarket and the Trongate.
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A paper updating progress on the plans is being brought before the city administration committee tomorrow - but not all councillors agree with the proposals as meeting the statutory requirements could see large costs inflicted on drivers.
Conservative councillor, Thomas Kerr, said: “The introduction of Low Emission Zones has the potential to be devastating for our taxi trade across the city.
“Drivers and the industry were already hugely damaged by the effects of the pandemic and continued restrictions, yet have less than a year to prepare for this being rolled out.
“Everyone understands the need to reduce emissions, but there has been a typical lack of engagement from the SNP administration with our taxi drivers about the reality of these zones.
“Having met with many of them myself alongside Conservative colleagues, up to 1000 of them could lose their livelihoods.
“The SNP were too slow in getting grants out to our taxi drivers during the pandemic and have failed to outline what support, if any, they will get ahead of the roll-out. That isn’t good enough especially during a cost-of-living crisis and it is time they stepped up to support them.”
All vehicles will be affected by the roll out except for motorcycles and mopeds as well as vehicles for people with a disability.
It’s the second phase of the city council’s mission to reduce air pollution and harmful nitrogen dioxide levels following the introduction of phase one on December 31, 2018 which only applied to buses.
While phase two will be enforced from June 2023, residents will have an extra year to comply meaning enforcement for vehicles registered to a residential property will begin June 2024.
Sustrans, a organisation which promotes the National Cycle Network and traffic free paths, says the LEZ will be a “key step forward” in the reduction of emissions in Scotland’s largest city.
Karen MacGregor, Scotland Director, said: “Sustrans welcomes the expansion of the LEZ in Glasgow. Sustrans Scotland campaigned for the creation of this LEZ along with LEZs in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. This development of Glasgow’s LEZ will be a key step forward in the reduction of emissions in Scotland’s largest city.
“LEZs have specific air pollution-related aims, but should be seen as a complementary part of a national movement to reduce the number of private vehicles in town and city centres. LEZs should be implemented alongside measures that support public transport, car-free school streets and the reallocation of road space from private vehicles to walking, cycling and public transport.
“Scotland is facing numerous challenges in the fight against climate change, in particular the target of a 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. This makes prioritising transforming town and city centres to promote walking, cycling and public transport an essential action in this net zero transition. Low Emission Zones are an important element of this.”
A spokesman for the Council said: “The Low Emission Zone is an essential measure if Glasgow is to tackle the pollution that has dogged parts of the city centre for decades.
“Poor air quality presents a serious risk to public health and the LEZ will help bring pollution down to acceptable levels.
“Since the LEZ was first agreed in 2017 there has been extensive engagement and dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including the taxi industry.
“Financial support for drivers wishing to upgrade their vehicle has been available over the past three financial years and there is still time for drivers to access grant assistance.
“The City Administration Committee is also due to consider a proposal that will grant a one year exemption for the minority of drivers who can’t for whatever reason access funding linked to LEZ scheme.”
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate and Transport said the LEZ was vital in tackling "stubbornly high" levels of air pollution.
He added: "Glasgow has made good progress in tackling air pollution in recent years, thanks in no small part to the success of the first stage LEZ roll-out which has substantially improved the emission standards of buses on our city centre streets.
“But we still have stubbornly high levels of harmful air pollution in some parts of the city centre which is why widening the scope of the scheme from next year to include all vehicles is a necessary step to maximise the health and environmental benefits that can be delivered. Air pollution is linked to an array of health impacts, and improved air quality benefits all users of Glasgow city centre.
"We will continue to raise awareness and understanding of Glasgow's LEZ ahead of full enforcement as well as encourage and support compliance through a range of initiatives and projects, including those that encourage a switch to active and more sustainable forms of travel and reduced reliance on private cars."
Official LEZ signage will be installed on city streets and the M8 motorway by December. Failure to comply could result in a £60 fine.
Letters have already been issued to zone residents and a further reminder will be sent out shortly.
A full list of the streets impacted by the change can be found here https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=53703&p=0
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