10 year age limit on Taxis scrapped
There were plans to reduce the 15 year age limit on taxis to 10 years for non zero emission capable taxis
In accordance with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), it was proposed that taxis that were not capable of running in zero emission mode would have their age limit lowered to ten years. It is hoped that this will significantly reduce emissions from these vehicles (45% for NOx and 71% for PM10), and encourage cabbies to buy vehicles that are zero emissions capable.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone is to be introduced into London on the 7th September 2020, which will encourage the use of cleaner vehicles in the capital, improving air conditions for some of the most polluted parts of the city. The ULEZ will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and span the same area as the current Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ). Cars, motorcycles, vans, minibuses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will need to meet exhaust emission standards or they will be subject to additional charges for travelling through the area. Residents in the zone and vehicles for the disabled will be exempt from the charge for three years, allowing them to change their vehicles to something that meets ULEZ standards.
In a new vision released by TfL on the 1st July, after much consultation with the LTDA, TfL have decided to keep the current fifteen year age limit on taxis, and instead assist taxi drivers with the purchase of low emission vehicles. A grant of up to £8,000 will be available to all taxi drivers to put towards the purchase of a Zero Emission Capable taxi. There will be a voluntary decommissioning scheme for cabs over ten years old. The owner of a ten year old cab will get an additional £5,000, an eleven year old cab would get £4,000 and so on up until the cab hits fourteen years.
This is surely excellent news for taxi drivers as they will be getting help towards the purchase of cleaner vehicles and no longer have to worry about replacing their vehicle after ten years. It’s also progress for the aim to reduce emissions in London as clear instructions on how taxi drivers can comply with ULEZ regulations have been put into place, with assistance if and when it’s needed.
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