Why Cambridge's taxi drivers think they're being discriminated againsthttps://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/c ... e-17008624A new policy change has been given the green lightNew taxis on the streets of Cambridge must adhere to ultra-low emissions from April next year, after a failed attempt by taxi drivers to delay the change.
Cambridge City Council’s licensing committee voted unanimously today (September 30) to uphold the rule change which takes affect in April and requires all new saloon taxis to be at least “ultra-low emissions” – effectively electric or plug-in hybrid.
Council officers had recommended the committee delay the policy starting until April 2021, with representatives of the city’s taxi trade arguing the market is “still in its infancy” and the change is not feasible.
More than 125 people signed a petition against the change, with many raising concerns in a public consultation, including the headteacher of St Matthew’s Primary School.
Chair of Cambridge City Licensed Taxis Ltd, Alaur Rahman, said the mileage on electric cars has not been as good as advertised, damaged parts take a long time to replace, and the infrastructure is not ready – with cases of drivers either having to refuse a journeys or getting stuck out of the city without charging points.
“As taxis they are proving to be impractical,” he said, arguing the better models are too expensive.
He said he could not guarantee the industry would not have to ask for a further extension next year.
“We agree that we need to move forward with electric vehicles, but at this moment in time the infrastructure is not there,” he said.
If the changes go ahead next year, he said, “it will put a lot of drivers under pressure.”
He added: “I’m not against electric cars, but it’s in its infancy and at this moment it’s not feasible for us.”
The drivers present also argued taxi drivers are being discriminated against, with private cars and buses not subject to such strict rules.
But councillor Richard Johnson raised concerns of further and further delays if the city does not commit to a deadline. He said: “I’m concerned we could just bogged down in constant deferrals.”
Three representatives for resident groups in Petersfield argued streets near to the station act as “taxi rat-runs” and suffer the consequences of poor air quality and taxi emissions disproportionately.
“There is no safe limit [of vehicle emissions],” argued the secretary of the South Petersfield Residents’ Association, Frank Gawthrop. He said he recognised that other authorities may license taxis, collecting a fee and not upholding the same standards.
The meeting heard taxis can be licensed by other authorities, with lower standards, and then pick up in Cambridge.
“There is no safe limit [of vehicle emissions],” argued the secretary of the South Petersfield Residents’ Association, Frank Gawthrop. “You must not give up on this matter. You must be resolute, you may be thwarted by taxi drivers who don’t want to do this. But you must have a clear conscience.”
Councillor Kelley Green said: “We have evidence to show that recently there have been numbers approaching 200 deaths per year in Cambridge related to air pollution. We regularly see protests around climate change and the environment.
“We are not in a position where we can afford to pull any punches on this – we have to attack this issue.”
Cllr Green brought a dossier of communications received from residents raising concerns over air quality, presented in a file with a skull and crossbones on the cover.
Resident Richard Calverley said he had bought equipment to measure the air quality in his home. “I am able to see a significant spike of nitrogen dioxide levels inside my house at peak traffic times,” he said.
Councillor Markus Gehring spoke out strongly against delaying the changes, and said “we have a responsibility to our residents and future residents”.
A concession was made to remove a four-year age cap for new licensed taxis that are ultra-low emissions vehicles.
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