Up to 90% of the Wakefield taxi fleet could be taken off the road as councillors have agreed to take a tougher line on emissions. The council has proposed that any diesel vehicles below Euro 6 compliance will not be permitted, which will affect around 1,100 vehicles. Leeds had already implemented a Clean Air Zone though this measure was due to excessive pollution in the city.
Trade Sources Unhappy with Timetable
The new proposals have created controversy in the taxi trade as the Wakefield Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Association have questioned why the new standards need to be implemented so soon. They believe that a gradual phasing in of the new standards would be a better solution and suggested minimum Euro 5 standards as a compromise which would mean that all vehicles would have to be newer than 2009 rather than 2016. There’s concern that drivers will decide to leave the trade or hike up fares to stay competitive.
Up to 90% of the Wakefield taxi fleet could be taken off the road.
Public Consultation Over Emissions
Wakefield Council has said that the decision was taken following a public consultation and drivers will have a two-year grace period to make the necessary changes. The stance taken in Wakefield is likely to be replicated in other areas of the UK and the trade will need to adapt accordingly. With the availability of reasonably priced hybrid vehicles on the market and new purpose-built hackney conversions, drivers have a lot of product choices. The trade may end up split between those who see the new regulations as an opportunity to invest in the future of their business and those who believe that the pace of change is too quick.