Transport for London (TfL) will now only issue licences to private hire taxis that are zero-emission in a bid to improve air-quality…
Cleaner Taxis for London
Commencing from January 1st, 2023, TfL will only issue licences to taxis that are zero-emission. This effectively means that private hire vehicles in London will need to be hybrid or all-electric models. The new rule is designed to tackle the poor air-quality throughout the capital; which poses significant health risks for locals.
The change is actually an escalation of a previous decision, made in early 2020, to mandate that vehicles being licensed for the first time, aged under 18 months, had to be zero emission capable. It led to some 25% of taxis and private hire vehicles in the city meeting zero-emission standards. With many operators pledging to render their fleets all-electric by 2025.
Crucially, TfL pre-announced the strategy seven years ago. Ensuring that the private hire industry had plenty of time to prepare for the change. TfL claims to have worked closely with private hire businesses in order to support them during the transition.
‘A Public Health Emergency’
Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of Licensing and Regulation, has emphasised the importance of tackling air pollution in London. She said, “the taxi and private hire trade has embraced electric vehicles in recent years. With thousands already being used to pick up passengers from all corners of the capital. Toxic air in London is a public health emergency and this new requirement will act as a catalyst in significantly further reducing toxic emissions and carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global warming”.
She continued, “drivers will benefit from London’s extensive charging network when needing somewhere to plug in. With more than 11,000 points across the city and close to 1,000 of those allowing a top up in 30 minutes or less. The switch to electric will also mean cheaper fuel costs when compared with petrol or diesel”.
Chapman acknowledged that charging infrastructure would be critical in bringing about the proposed changes. She said, “we know that with the boom in electric vehicles, many more charging sites will be needed. London is on track to meet these projections. Which we are supporting by making public land available and ensuring the fast charging points a world city needs are being built at pace and in significant numbers”.
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