Greg Bickerdike, Licensing Manager, presented the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Taxi Licensing Policy to the Committee. He explained that Cenex, a low emission vehicle research and consultancy, had been commissioned by Licensing Services to undertake a service review and identify opportunities on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the taxi and private hire trade through the use of ultra-low emission vehicles.

Carl Christie, Cenex Technical Specialist, delivered a presentation on the review, outlining the main findings and proposed recommendations.

Members of the Committee supported the aims of the Policy but were concerned about the financial implications for drivers and the authority, and following a discussion on this, it was agreed that recommendation No. 2 within the report would be amended.

Resolved:

That Members of the Regulatory Committee:

1. Formally accepted Cenex’s project report on an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Taxi Licensing Policy.
2. Agreed to consult on the Ultra-Low Emission Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Strategy.
3. Approved a consultation on an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Taxi Licensing Policy.
4. Updated the vehicle age policy, to exempt vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions from the age limit.
5. Noted the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Fleet Review.
6. Noted the Minimum Emissions Standard by Licensing Scenario.