In an effort to improve air quality, Transport for London (TfL) has updated the first-time licencing requirements for private hire taxis. Effective January 1st, all private hire vehicles being licensed for the first time must be zero-emission capable.
This change builds upon the requirement implemented in 2020, that all vehicles under 18 months old and being licensed for the first time had to have zero-emission capability. As a result, 25% of private hire vehicles in London currently meet these standards, and some larger operators have even committed to having fully electric fleets by 2025.
TfL announced the zero-emission requirement seven years ago to give the industry time to prepare for the transition. TfL has also worked closely with the trade to ensure readiness for this change. Minicab drivers who switch to fully zero-emission vehicles will also receive the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which allows them to be exempt from the Congestion Charge until January 2026.
TfL’s director of Licensing and Regulation, Helen Chapman, 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.
“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.
“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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