It’s important to keep up to date with the trade news, whether you’re a hackney or private hire taxi driver. Following the introduction of the low emission zone (LEZ) in London, many major cities are implementing their own zones and taxis need to be compliant or they will face huge charges.
1000 Taxis at Risk in Glasgow
Glasgow’s low emission zone (LEZ) has been in the news lately and sadly an attempt to delay the expansion has failed. It’s been reported that Glasgow could lose as many as 1000 taxis if the Low Emission Zone Phase 2 comes into play next June. Out of a fleet of around 1,400, there are around 1,000 hackney taxis that are currently non-compliant with the new rules coming in 2023. An attempt to delay the expansion of Glasgow’s LEZ to aid the struggling taxi trade has failed. The campaigners had proposed pushing back enforcement of the zone until June 2024 but lost out in a narrow vote. Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee will not be enforcing this on their hackney trade until mid-2024, so Glasgow drivers feel particularly discriminated against.
A spokesperson stated, “A delay would allow drivers to obtain vehicles that are compliant, without it we potentially face a further crisis within our city’s taxi industry.”
Councillors Argument
The councillors voted seven votes to five in favour of continuing with the 2023 plans and while they acknowledged that the taxi trade has been severely affected during COVID19, they argued that support funds had been available to upgrade vehicles. Many are concerned about the growing air pollution in Glasgow and the number of related deaths. An SNP councillor stated: “Seeking to restrict the most polluting vehicles from the zone area is the right thing to do to ensure that we mitigate the disproportionate impacts of air pollution upon the most vulnerable in our society.”
Taxi Drivers Strike in Manchester
Meanwhile, in Manchester, hundreds of private hire drivers took strike action last month in protest of plans for Clean Air Zone charges in the city. All taxi firms in the Rochdale area took part in the 24-hour strike, totalling around 1,200 drivers. They believe that although the clean air standards will create a greener zone it will come at a cost to drivers and passengers. The Rochdale Association for Private Hire drivers said “If the proposals go ahead, many drivers will be forced out of the trade and those that do continue will be hit with huge costs. As a result of this, the prices paid for taxis by customers will be significantly increased at a time where the global pandemic has already caused severe hardship.”
Compliant Taxis for Sale
If you are looking to upgrade your private hire taxi in line with the upcoming legislation, we have a great range of hybrid and electric vehicles to choose from. Our most popular cab is the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports which is available from just £84.95 weekly plus VAT* and we’re delighted to have added the Corolla Hatchback to our range. We can deliver your new taxi free of charge, anywhere in mainland UK.
To find out more visit our website or call the number at the top of this page.
Sources: https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/1000-glasgow-taxis-could-disappear-23065077 https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/bid-delay-expansion-glasgows-low-23322587 https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/this-working-class-area-prices-22856098