The London Taxi Company welcomes the Mayor’s support for the licensed taxi trade

• Mayor of London reinforces support for licensed taxi trade
• Proposals to maintain 15 year age limit and introduce a scrappage scheme
• TfL double enforcement team in war on illegal touting in the capital 

The London Taxi Company has welcomed the announcement of a raft of positive measures to support the licensed taxi trade as it moves towards a low emission, high technology future.

The proposals, set out by the Mayor of London and TfL, include the intention to consult on maintaining the 15 year age limit on taxis, a potential scrappage scheme for older vehicles, a crack down on illegal touting and a curb on the unsustainable growth of the mini cab sector in London.

Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive Officer of The London Taxi Company, Peter Johansen, said:

“Today’s announcements should provide a confidence boost to the licensed taxi trade in London following a tough first half of the year. The proposal to continue with the 15 year age limit will enable drivers to better plan their buying cycle and will bring back some much needed certainty to the market.

“The confirmation of taxi grants and a potential scrappage scheme for older vehicles is another vote of confidence in the significant investments the London Taxi Company is making to bring about the next generation of ultra low emission iconic London taxis.

“These latest developments follow impressive work undergone by trade organisations in collaboration with manufacturers and policy makers to support the trade as we move forward with new technologies and products.

“We now urge TfL and the Mayor’s Office to deliver on these proposals and to conclude the final stages of the age limit consultation quickly so the trade can focus on delivering the low emission, high technology future we all want to see.”

The London Taxi Company’s parent, Geely, is investing £250 million to research, develop and assemble a Zero Emissions Capable taxi here in the UK which will meet new emissions regulations being rolled in London and other major cities across the world. The future London taxi will be available in the UK in late 2017 and will set a new global benchmark for purpose built taxis and environmental performance.

The project is the largest-ever investment in the UK taxi industry, and follows significant spending to develop a new Euro 6 compliant taxi on sale later this year.     

Media contacts

David Ollier
dollier@londontaxis.co.uk
07966 389656

Alex Michaelides
amichaelides@torqueagencygroup.com
020 7952 1078
07802 865732

Rachel Burgess
rburgess@torqueagencygroup.com
020 7952 1076
07793 681029

About the London Taxi Company

The London Taxi Company (LTC) has a long and proud history of producing purpose built taxis designed to meet London’s Conditions of Fitness (CoF). Since the original Hackney Carriage the vehicle has gone through several development cycles to improve driver and passenger experience.

The company is committed to customer care and continuous improvements in accessibility, comfort, emissions performance, manoeuvrability and durability of its vehicles without compromising its famous shape and brand. LTC are proud to serve the world famous London taxi trade which has been the foundation for developing a presence in other UK regions and export markets.

Outside the UK the London Black Cab is now being utilised in over 40 major cities worldwide. The next investment cycle will see the company develop and produce a purpose built ultra low emission taxi capable of meeting new ambitious emissions standards being rolled out in major cities across Europe, including London.

LTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The London taxi is currently manufactured in Coventry and manufactured under license in Shanghai by its sister company Shanghai London Taxi International, with a flagship dealership in London and centres in Manchester and Edinburgh supported through a UK and international service centre network.  The London Taxi Company is the trading name of The London Taxi Corporation Limited. 

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