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All new London taxis must have zero-emission mode by 2018

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Author: | Updated: 20 Jan 2014 10:48

All new London taxis must be able to operate without any tailpipe emissions from 2018, under new plans from Transport for London.

In another attempt to improve air quality in central London, City Mayor Boris Johnson met with five taxi manufacturers - Frazer-Nash, Nissan, Karsan, London Taxi Company and Mercedes-Benz - to announce that all new taxis presented for licensing in the capital must have a zero-emission mode from January 1, 2018.

Frazer-Nash recently unveiled its range extender MetroCab, capable of 75mpg at less than 50g/km CO2, while Nissan expects to have an all-electric taxi on sale some time in 2015.

Financial options are currently being worked out to encourage cabbies to become early adopters of zero-emission-capable taxis ahead of 2018.

Frazer-Nash recently unveiled its range extender MetroCab, capable of 75mpg at less than 50g/km CO2,

“Truly underway”

Boris Johnson said the iconic London taxi has always be hindered by the pollution generated by its “chugging” diesel engines.

He said: “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 licensing should be zero emission capable.

“The cleaner, greener vehicles I've seen are proof that the evolution of the great London cab is well and truly underway.”

Garrett Emmerson, TfL Surface Transport Chief Operating Officer, said he was capable the five taxi manufacturers would deliver their vehicles well in advance of the 2018 deadline.

Black cabs contribute 30% of particulate matter emissions in central London’s air pollution, according to TfL.

In January 2012, a 15 year age limit was introduced for taxis along with a requirement that all newly licensed taxis must meet the Euro V emissions standard.

The possible introduction of the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2020 would mean only vehicles with no or low carbon emissions could be allowed to drive in central London.

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