GLASGOW already suffers from a chronic lack of late-night transport provision – and the Low Emission Zone clampdown on diesel and non-compliant petrol-fuelled vehicles is threatening to make that shortage a whole lot worse.
This is according to the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, which has warned that Glasgow’s pubs and bars face ‘another hammer blow’ if yet more taxis are taken off the road.
With the LEZ in force since June 1st, Public Hire Taxis must either meet the scheme’s emission standards or apply for a time-limited exemption, which may be granted for a maximum of one year, expiring on 31 May 2024.
The initial penalty charge for all non-compliant vehicles entering a LEZ in Scotland is £60, but that penalty charge will double with each subsequent breach of the rules by the same vehicle detected in the same LEZ. These penalty charge rates are capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles, and £960 for buses and HGVs.
Media spokesperson for the SLTA, Paul Waterson, said: “The introduction of the LEZ is concerning for a number of industry sectors, and from a licensed hospitality perspective we are deeply concerned about the negative impact this exclusion initiative will have on the hospitality and night-time economy sectors and those that supply our industry.
“As an organisation, together with our members we care greatly about creating cleaner, less-polluted city centres,” insisted Mr Waterson. “However, this must be achieved in the right way, at the right time, with a fully integrated approach.
“Recent air quality reports show that Glasgow’s air quality is good and meeting required standards – so why is it necessary to introduce phase two of this scheme?”
The city already suffered from a “chronic lack of late-night transport provision to ensure safe and reliable transportation home for customers socialising and staff working in the city centre”.
“There is already a dearth of taxis serving the city centre and if hundreds more taxis are taken off the road, then how do customers and workers get home?” he asked. “Or do they just forget going into the city centre for work or to socialise in the first place which will be another hammer blow to Glasgow’s pubs and bars.
“And let’s not forget that these LEZs will be rolled out to most of Scotland’s other major cities next year.”
For the scheme to work, restrictions on emissions had to run in parallel with investment in an improved and affordable public transport system in Glasgow, he stressed, including increased financial assistance to help taxi drivers invest in new, compliant vehicles or to help them upgrade their current cabs.
“Industry, local councils and the Scottish Government all need to work hand in hand to make this work. We want it to succeed and make our city centres cleaner, less-polluted environments – but it needs to be done in the right way so everyone benefits.”
City centre operator Michael Bergson has been a vocal supporter of LEZ exemptions being extended to taxi drivers.
“Hitting taxi drivers with a penalty-based system and large fines seems excessive when exemptions are being made for others,” said Mr Bergson.
“Well supplied taxi ranks are an essential part of providing safe, convenient transport throughout the night.”
