City sets sights on greener taxis
In ten years there will only be licences for low-emissions taxis in the city
Provisions approved by councillors as part of the policy
A discount or exemption on fees for drivers of ‘Low Emission Taxis’ (petrol/ electric hybrids) or ‘Ultra-Low Emission Taxis’ (fully electric)
Extending the maximum age limit allowed for taxis if they are fully electric or petrol/electric hybrids
Creating an electric taxi-only rank
Providing a number of taxi-only charging points
A new city council policy will see the introduction of a number of incentives to encourage the take-up of low emission taxis, in order to improve air quality in the city centre.
The council’s Air Quality Action Plan last year identified reducing emissions from taxis and buses as one key policy to help improve air quality.
The new policy sets an objective to license only low emissions taxi vehicles by 2026.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Chair of Licensing Committee, said: “Taxi businesses are essential for many residents, visitors and others and we are mindful of their importance to so many people.
“In agreeing our new policy we want to encourage the take-up of low emission taxis which are less polluting and have lower operating costs, as part of our wider work to improve air quality in the city centre.
“Other parts of our policy, such as providing training for drivers, are all about raising standards further because what we all want is an efficient, well run taxi trade that is safe, accessible and meets demand.”
