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London launches low carbon taxi initiative
Transport for London, the local government body responsible for London's public transport, is launching a one million pound project to introduce low carbon technology into the city’s taxi fleet.
The project is likely to use technologies such as stop-start or 'micro-hybrid' technology where the engine cuts out automatically when the vehicle stops, starting up again when the accelerator is pressed. This function is already being used by major car manufacturers as a means of reducing carbon emissions.
Waiting
London's taxis spend as much as forty per cent of their time waiting at taxi ranks, at traffic signals, or waiting to pick up or drop off passengers. Micro-hybrid taxis could reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide and other emissions by ten to fifteen per cent, as well as produce less noise and pollution.
Good news
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "As well as significantly cutting carbon dioxide emissions, we're looking for taxis that are quieter and produce fewer air pollutants, which will be good news for anyone who spends time in London. Taxi drivers should be particularly pleased – they're more exposed than most to traffic pollution, and they should also see the benefit of cheaper fuel costs as low carbon taxis would use less than a standard taxi."
Keeping the tyres in good condition will also become more important. (Photo CC: Dave Walker)
Taxi Emissions Strategy
The initiative is part of the Taxi Emissions Strategy implemented by Transport for London (TfL). This required all taxis to meet Euro III standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by summer 2008.
An environmental surcharge of twenty pence was added to the meter for every taxi trip from April 2005 to April 2008, to help taxi owners pay to fit the necessary emissions reducing equipment to their vehicles to meet this requirement.
TfL's Climate Change Fund will also support a fuel efficient driving campaign aimed at both taxi and private hire drivers. This will encourage small changes, such as keeping tyres at the correct pressure and not accelerating sharply, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
TfL has issued a contract notice to the Official Journal of the European Union, inviting motor manufacturers to register their interest in supplying the low carbon taxis by Monday 7th July.
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