Bristol City Council have announced new taxi incentives to encourage drivers to upgrade to new models and reduce pollution levels in the city. The council secured a block of £449,500 of funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The council believes that the incentive programme will lead to a 20% improvement in air quality around the city.
New Licensing Policy & Air Quality Commitment
Councillor Mhairi Threlfall, Cabinet Member for Transport at Bristol City Council, noted: “Hackney carriage taxis play an important role in Bristol’s public transport system, often providing trips that are difficult to replace by other modes of transport, such as trips for elderly and disabled people. However, frequent travel in the central area and a higher level of idling means that they do also make a significant contribution to the current unacceptable levels of air pollution in the city, which we are determined to reduce.” The incentives being offered over a five-year period add up to £3,635 per proprietor.
Bristol City Council have announced new taxi incentives to encourage drivers to upgrade to new models and reduce pollution levels in the city.
Comprehensive Taxi Incentives Package
The incentives package includes subsidies to cover licensing costs at £187 per annum, certificate of conformity fee at £50 per year and permit to operate at Bristol Temple Meads railway station at £490 per year. The council’s licensing policy has also toughened up, requiring that 250-300 of the hackney carriage fleet will either be Euro 6 compliant or ultra-low emissions vehicles. Many councils are adopting a hard-line stance on cutting pollution and whilst there will be voices in the taxi trade who may protest over costs, there will also be others who will recognise the business opportunities that open up through investment in new vehicles.
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