The Low Emission Zone for Glasgow, due this summer, will have an impact on disabled people, an MSP has said.

Pam Duncan-Glancy has called on Susan Aitken, leader of the council to delay the introduction of the LEZ scheme and to consider more exemptions.

The MSP said disabled people will be hit if carers have to register blue badge vehicles as some people travel in more than one.

Duncan-Glancy also said disabled people rely on taxis more than most and if fewer taxis are on the road as a result of the changes it will lead to people unable to get around the city.

  The Glasgow Times reported on concerns about the LEZ on taxi drivers  

She said: “Disabled people constantly face challenges and barriers to their participation in society and the looming introduction of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone will only add to that.  

“Expecting disabled people to register vehicles creates further additional administrative burden and limits our ability to change plans at short notice.   

“It appears there has been a complete absence of thought around how the new restrictions will work for carers too, risking them being unfairly penalised for travelling through the city to provide care. “ 

She added: “Disabled people constantly face challenges and barriers to their participation in society. Some of these barriers, like the requirement to register vehicles, are administrative, and are disproportionately applied to disabled people.”

On taxis she said a new vehicle would cost £61,000, which she said is “simply unaffordable for most drivers”.

The MSP said: “Black cabs are an essential part of our city’s economy and culture. They provide approximately 3000 jobs, are the only taxis that are accessible to people in wheelchairs and provide much needed safe transport home for women late at night.”

The MSP said she has written to the council leader with her concerns and request.