Glasgow taxi shortage under scrutiny as MSP links drop to low-emission zone rules
- Perry Richardson
- 28 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Concerns are growing in the Scottish Parliament over the sharp fall in Glasgow’s black hackney taxi numbers following the introduction of the city’s low-emission zone (LEZ).
During Portfolio Question Time on 25 September, Conservative MSP Annie Wells pressed ministers to recognise how the LEZ has reduced the number of licensed taxis available at night, making it harder for passengers to travel home safely. Wells said the loss of vehicles has placed particular pressure on women seeking reliable transport after hours, calling for urgent government support to address the shortfall.
She warned that with late-night buses and trains already limited, the shortage of taxis is leaving many passengers without safe and accessible options.
Wells said: “Although I welcome any steps that the Government is taking to improve late-night transport links, will the minister acknowledge the added pressure that is caused by the significant number of black hackney taxis in Glasgow that have been taken off the road because of low-emission zone regulations? The reduction in licensed taxis makes it even harder, particularly for women, to get home safely at night.”
In response, SNP Minister Jim Fairlie said a range of factors influence transport availability but highlighted measures introduced by ScotRail and the Scottish Government to support safe, affordable travel across Scotland.
Glasgow’s LEZ, introduced to cut air pollution, prevents older, higher-emission vehicles from entering the city centre. However, taxi drivers and fleet owners have reported that some drivers cannot afford to replace or retrofit their cabs to meet compliance standards, and have as a result, left the industry.
Industry groups have long called for financial assistance and extended timelines to help drivers upgrade their vehicles and keep services running.
