Hackney carriage drivers in Nottingham have been given more time to switch to a more sustainable vehicle in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under Nottingham City Council’s Age and Specification Policy, all vehicles were required to be Euro 6 diesel or classed as an ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) by 30 June 2020. To date, 177 drivers are running compliant vehicles.
The policy, agreed in 2017, was a key part of the council’s plan to improve air quality, to meet national legal limits on air pollution without the need to introduce a clean air zone in the city.
Councillors agreed at a recent meeting of the Regulatory and Appeals Committee to give former drivers who had surrendered their licences an extra three months to buy a compliant vehicle before opening up applications to new drivers.
Councillor Sally Longford, Nottingham City Council’s deputy leader, said: “We recognise that since introducing the policy, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant and sustained impact on the hackney carriage trade.
“Although the more environmentally-friendly vehicles we’re requiring will provide savings on running costs over their lifetime, they do have a substantial upfront cost, and we appreciate the downturn in business may have made making the switch more challenging for drivers.
“We consulted with them on the proposed extension and have taken their views into account. Any kind of change is difficult at first, but this transition is essential to reduce air pollution, achieve our ambition to make the city carbon neutral by 2028, and protect the health of our citizens.”
Drivers have until 01 October 2021 to express their interest in renewing their licence, with a further three months to receive their new vehicle. Former drivers will be given priority over new applicants.
Financial support for ULEV vehicles is available, including contributions to vehicle licence fees and MOT.
