Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a £42m fund which will help London cabbies ditch their diesel black cabs and upgrade to new, cleaner models.
Black cabs are significant contributors to London’s poor air quality and, according to Transport for London, are responsible for 16 per cent of NOx and 26 per cent of Particulate Matter (PM) levels.
City Hall and TfL have already announced no new diesel taxis will be licensed from 1 January 2018 and the new fund is intended to help owners of the oldest and most polluting models upgrade by providing grants of up to £5,000.
Mayor Khan, said: “Cleaning up London’s taxi fleet will play a significant part in our toxic air battle and there will be no new diesel taxis licensed in London by the end of this year.
“However, it is important we financially support drivers to help them retire their oldest vehicles and upgrade to greener models.
“I hope this fund helps deliver a new generation of zero-emission taxis on our roads.”
Helen Chapman, TfL’s General Manager of Taxi and Private Hire, said: “Diesel taxis contribute significantly to London’s poor air quality.
“The financial assistance we have made available will encourage take-up and assist taxi drivers in making the transition to cleaner taxis.”
Drivers wanting to take advantage of the scheme can apply via tfl.gov.uk.
