Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, outlined this week his proposals to ensure that all new taxis produce zero emissions, following on from the introduction of the 15 year limit introduced in January 2012. This is on top of the requirement that all newly licenced taxis must meet the Euro V emissions standard. Currently road transport causes approximately 80% of airborne pollution in the worst polluted areas of London. Of this, it is estimated that 30% of this is contributed to taxi’s , so there is a real need to address this issue, yet retaining the charismatic look of London taxis but keeping the look modern and functional.
Boris was quoted as saying “The London Taxi is iconic in so many ways – not least in terms of its eye catching looks and the way it piloted by wily experts who know the capital like the back of their hand. To date its one Achilles heel, particularly of older models, has been the pollution generated by chugging diesel engines. As part of my mission to improve our air quality and drive innovation, I’m making a firm pledge to Londoners that from 2018 all taxis presented for licencing should be zero emission capable.”. TFL has also campaigned to introduce educating drivers on fuel savings and the improvements that can be made by switching off engines whilst on ranks etc.
Newer vehicles also attract savings on insurance as insurance companies increasingly refuse to cover older vehicles. So cheap public hire insurance and cheap minicab insurance would certainly be achievable as reason of the age of a vehicle.
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