Low Emission Zone Exemption for Taxis

1) The Scottish Government has declared a climate emergency. Many local authorities, including Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, have stated intentions to become carbon neutral by 2030, seven years ahead of schedule. Rather than push taxi operators into diesel (euro 6) upgrades by January 1st, 2023, with only modest CO2 reductions, 2027 would allow the electric taxi market to develop and offer future-proof vehicle upgrades.

2) The taxi trade has been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis. The trade depends greatly on the hospitality, leisure travel and tourism sectors. It is no exaggeration to suggest that the future of on demand, fully wheelchair accessible Hackney cab transport is at serious risk.