Agenda item

The Licensing Manager, Mr Sims, outlined details of the proposed emission standards for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles in Slough as part of the Council’s draft Low Emission Strategy (LES). The Council was currently finalising its Low Emission Strategy 2017-25 in line with the Government’s new National Air Quality Plans. It was explained that the LES would form part of the Slough Air Quality Action Plan. It was brought to Members attention that the feasibility of implementing a Clean Air Zone in the Borough, that would seek to restrict access to the most polluting commercial vehicles whilst also actively promoting an acceleration in the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV’s) was being considered.

The Committee were informed that the majority of journeys taken by taxi and private hire vehicles were short journeys in and around Slough and the immediate neighbouring areas and contributed to the overall air pollution levels. The LES would encourage and support taxi and private hire operators to switch to low emission alternatives. Members were reminded that the results of an Ultra Low Emission Taxi Feasibility Study in 2016, had shown that there was interest from the taxi trade in using electric plug in vehicles. Consequently, in March 2017, the Government awarded Slough £157,000 to install seven rapid charging units for taxis in the Borough. 

Mr Whittles, from Low Emission Strategies Ltd, was welcomed to the meeting. Mr Whittles outlined details of the LES proposals for emission standard requirements for taxi and private hire vehicles as well as the proposed implementation dates.  It was noted that the Borough was well placed to comply with requirements, that all taxis and private hire vehicles should be ULEV’s by 2025; with the third highest number of electric vehicles in the country. In order to facilitate a switch to ULEV’s a number of incentives were being considered to promote the uptake of plug in taxis, including:

·  Dedicated ULEV taxi ranks at Slough, Burnham and Langley Railway Stations

·  Dedicated SMART APP for taxi drivers to book charging facilities

·  Discounted charging rates for early adopters

·  ULEV’s to be prioritised when the Council, and other public services, procure taxi services.

Members raised a number of issues in the ensuing discussion, including the financial implications of purchasing the ULEV’s and consultation details. Mr Whittles explained that although purchasing costs for electric taxis were significant at present, as Slough had completed a Ultra Low Emission Taxi Study, Slough drivers would be eligible for the top up grant. In addition, the Council would be organising trade days for taxi drivers to meet with ULEV manufacturers and service providers to discuss opportunities. Furthermore, the proposed emission strategy would prompt new taxi registrations into being the early movers, which meant that there would be a significant number of second hand plug in taxis on the market by 2025.

The Licensing Manager outlined the proposed timetable for the public consultation, which would include meetings with the Taxi Associations and Unions. All licensed drivers would also be written to and the consultation publicised on the Council’s website. It was anticipated that the final proposals would be brought to the October 2017 meeting for consideration. 

Resolved -

a)  That details of the report be noted.

b)  That the proposed low emission standards, as set out in the report, be approved and are subject to consultation.

c)  That all final proposals, after consultation, be considered at a future Committee meeting. 

(Mr Whittles left the meeting)