The Citroen C3 1.4hdi diesel taxis are only allowed to carry a maximum of two passengers at any time
A cabbie has persuaded a city council to depart from its usual taxi licensing rules so he can run smaller cars which are more fuel efficient.
William Hurlow's Citroen C3s are only allowed to carry a maximum of two passengers at a time.
He said the combination of higher fuel prices, the credit crunch and greater environmental awareness gave him the idea for the business.
He had to go before Swansea's licensing committee to plead his case.
Under the rules, councillors were told they could not grant a licence unless they were satisfied the vehicle was of suitable type, size and design, as well as being safe and comfortable.
They were also told the engine capacity did not comply with their usual standards for private hire vehicles.
I don't think it could have been done before - they would have been too resistant
William Hurlow
"There was reluctance at first," said Mr Hurlow, who has now opened Mumbles Eco Cabs.
"But in fairness to the taxi licensing committee they were in tune with what I was trying to do."
The hearing was held last summer and this month he has taken on his first employee.
"I have two taxis at the moment but I've got plans to get two or four more," he added.
He said when he came up with the idea other taxi drivers were a bit sceptical. But he said being limited to just two passengers at a time was not a problem.
"Having been in the taxi business all these years I know 55 to 60% of people travelling in taxis are either on their own or a couple.
"It's only Friday and Saturday night people really share taxis."
He said because of the reduced numbers he was carrying his insurance was cheaper, while the smaller cars were more fuel efficient to run - savings he said enabled him to charge 20% below the city's standard taxi tariffs.
"I don't think it could have been done before - they would have been too resistant," he added.
"But the rise in fuel prices, the environment issue and the credit crunch have come at the same time."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/8534138.stm
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