Scottish Government announces million pound funding to help taxi drivers go low emissions

The Scottish Government has announced a new fund to help commercial organisations, including taxi drivers, impacted by the introduction of Low Emission Zones. The Retrofitting Fund will offer £1.09 million of grants in 2019/20 to help commercial vehicles comply with expected low emission zone standards.

The money is to assist with the cost of upgrading engines or exhausts on taxis, vans and HGVs to reduce emissions and protect public health. The Scottish Government committed, through the 2018 Programme for Government, to help those having the greatest difficulty prepare for the introduction of Low Emission Zones.

Transport Scotland took to Twitter to share the news, which is most likely received positively by taxi drivers, who are facing the introduction of a number of Low Emissions Zones.  

A fund to provide support for households and private individuals affected by the introduction of Low Emission Zones is also being developed and will be announced in the near future.