More than 300 taxis remain non-compliant as Glasgow Low Emission Zone deadline draws closer

In Glasgow, more than 300 taxis remain non-compliant with the city's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations, despite ongoing efforts to modernise the fleet.

This was confirmed during a city administration committee meeting where council officers briefed councillors on the current status of compliance within the taxi sector.

Approximately 350 taxis have not yet met the LEZ standards, and 76 of these have been granted exemptions. This disclosure came as part of an update on Glasgow’s Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), which outlines the city’s strategies to combat air pollution from 2024 to 2029. Initiatives under this plan include promoting the use of low-emission vehicles and alternative forms of transport, along with improvements to transport planning and traffic management.

The issue of non-compliance was brought to the fore by Councillor Saqib Ahmed, who enquired about the number of taxis operating in the city centre that do not conform to the LEZ requirements. In response, council officers revealed that a number of taxi operators are seeking financial support to retrofit their vehicles to comply with the regulations.

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for climate, the Glasgow Green Deal, transport, and city centre recovery, assured that the council would maintain a flexible approach after the 1 June deadline. He noted that many taxi operators are actively engaging in the retrofit process and applying for the necessary exemptions to complete the modifications.

According to STV News, a council officer stated: "At this point in time we believe that there are around 350 taxis which are still non compliant, 76 taxis have been granted an exemption to their extension and another 15 approved and pending.

“There are a number of operators now that are going through the process of submitting applications in relation to the new funding and availability.”

Many taxi operators in Scotland have welcomed a newly reopened fund designed to help retrofit older taxi vehicles to meet stringent Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards. The ‘LEZ Retrofit Fund’ managed by the Energy Saving Trust aims to enhance air quality in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee, where LEZs are currently enforced.

The retrofitting includes installing exhaust after-treatment systems or re-powering technology, with funding covering up to 70% of the costs. Specifically, grants can provide up to £5,000 per vehicle for exhaust systems and up to £10,000 for re-powering.