There are concerns that tough new pollution limits could force more than 1,000 black cabs off Birmingham’s streets if the council pushes ahead with proposed changes. The chairman of Birmingham’s biggest hackney carriage firm, Manawar Hussain, has said that these drastic changes could come into effect in less than three years.
Mr Hussain said: “We’re all in favour of cleaner air, drivers are working and breathing it in with everyone else. This will be devastating to both the drivers, who have to pay up or give up and both the public and businesses who rely on our cabs. We could have as few as 70 cars on the road”.
Pollution Reduction
Birmingham is one of 15 cities threatened with a fine if it fails to reduce it’s pollution levels. They have been given until 2020 to draw up plans to improve air quality.
The council has plans to develop a Clean Air Zone around the city centre. High-polluting commercial vehicles such as vans, coaches and lorries would be taxed. Taxis idling at ranks are considered to have contributed to the levels of nitrogen dioxide. Councillor and city leader Ian Ward has said further steps will be considered including a potential congestion charge. A recent council report said: “Birmingham needs to respond to the challenge of improving air quality and achieving compliance with air quality limits as soon as possible.”
Birmingham is one of 15 cities threatened with a fine if it fails to reduce it’s pollution levels. They have been given until 2020 to draw up plans to improve air quality.
New Taxi Regulations in Birmingham
There have been a series of measures introduced by Birmingham City Council to reduce pollution among the taxi fleet:
- From December 31, 2019, Birmingham City Council will only grant licences for vehicles that comply with either Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards, as a minimum.
- Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (eg hybrids), Zero Emissions Vehicles or Zero Emission Capable Vehicles will also be licensed.
- Licences for vehicles that don’t comply with these standards can be renewed in the 12 months before this deadline, but will expire on December 31, 2019.
- Drivers who have acquired a compliant vehicle before the deadline will not have to do anything as their vehicles will be licenced for 12 months.
The taxi trade recognises the need for a cleaner taxi fleet though there are concerns that the deadlines and costs are neither affordable or sustainable. Both parties will continue to have dialogue over the issue in the months ahead.