Request ID: FOI-0593-2223 Date published: 24 June 2022
You asked
I would like to also request under the freedom of information act the total number of black taxis and buses that do not meet the current ulez requirements but you are giving them exemptions to give them time to save for replacement vehicles.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0593-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 8 June 2022 asking for information about the total number of black taxis and buses that do not meet the current ULEZ requirements but that have been awarded an exemption from the charge. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
The entire Transport for London (TfL) bus fleet meets the ULEZ emissions standard of Euro VI and has done so since December 2020. In March 2022 we exceeded our zero-emission bus target of 800 and now have 805 zero-emission buses in our fleet. Zero-emission buses represent roughly nine per cent of the bus fleet. TfL is on course to achieving the Mayor’s commitment to deliver a 100 per cent zero emission bus fleet in London by 2034.
Based on data from 1 May 2022 (note these figures don’t contain LPG conversions), around 37 per cent of licensed taxis are ZEC, around 19 per cent are Euro 6 and around 44 per cent of licensed taxis are Euro 3, 4 and 5.
Transport for London is responsible for the licensing of taxis in the capital and we set the licensing requirements, which currently include standards for emissions and maximum age limits. Taxis have never been included in the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) scheme as separate vehicle licensing requirements measures are used by TfL (as regulator) to reduce emissions from taxis. These include:
Since 1 January 2018, all newly licensed taxis must be zero emissions capable (ZEC). This means having CO2 emissions of no more than 50g/km and a minimum 30 mile zero emission range. First-time taxi vehicle licences are not granted to diesel taxis. ZEC taxis with petrol engines need to meet the latest emissions standard (currently Euro 6)
Age limits for all licensed taxis
The maximum age limit for Euro 3, 4 and 5 diesel taxis being reduced from 15 years to 12 years. The maximum age limit will be reduced to 12 years on 1 November 2022 and from this date Euro 3, 4 and 5 taxis that are older than 11 years will not be relicensed
A taxi delicensing grants scheme to accelerate the removal of the oldest diesel vehicles from the taxi fleet. Since 2019, 4,200 taxis have been delicensed.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
