Taxis to go green in attempt to improve London air quality

Black taxis in London will all be green by 2020 in an attempt to improve the air quality in the capital.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson revealed his Air Quality Strategy document earlier this week, which stated that all black cabs that are made from 2015 onwards will be more environmentally-friendly.

They will consume 60 per cent less fuel than other vehicles so that taxis in the city produce no fuel-pipe emissions by 2020.

The report stated: "There are a variety of promising propulsion and power technologies which could see hybrid, plug-in electric, full-electric and fuel cell taxis on London's roads in the future."

It also stipulated that after 2012, cabs more than 15 years old will not have their licences renewed.

Earlier this week, transport secretary Phil Hammond and business minister Mark Prisk revealed new environmental legislation which will see new owners of low-emission cars receive grants of up to £5,000 next year.

Posted by Joseph Hutton