Clarification: Thank you for your reply. I understand I made a typing error in the place name Upminster - apologies for the error. As regards the second part of the request, yes, "the taxis" - namely the electric taxis of the type used to serve Uxbridge to Upminster. I understand they might be these type: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/23/first-100-electric-black-cab-for-120-years-launches-in-london TFL is mentioned twice in the article, including right at the end "According to TfL, taxis account for 16% of vehicle nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in central London." which makes me think TFL might know something about the cut in CO2 emissions by the use of the electric taxis. As the story also refers to TFL issuing taxi licences, including the two types of electric cabs, it might have information as to when the plans to get electric taxis onto the streets of London to provide service to the public were formed. What amount in tonnes per year has been cut in CO2 emissions by the use of electric taxis between Uxbridge and Upminister? What year was the scheme to get the taxis onto the streets (whether on this route or elsewhere in Greater London) born?

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TfL Ref: FOI-2462-1920

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 19 November 2019 asking for information about CO2 emissions and taxis.

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 some of the information you require.

You asked: What amount in tonnes per year has been cut in CO2 emissions by the use of electric taxis between Uxbridge and Upminster? What year was the scheme to get electric taxis of the type used to serve Uxbridge to Upminster onto the streets (whether on this route or elsewhere in Greater London) born? I understand they might be these type: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/23/first-100-electric-black-cab-for-120-years-launches-in-london. TFL is mentioned twice in the article, including right at the end "According to TfL, taxis account for 16% of vehicle nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in central London." which makes me think TFL might know something about the cut in CO2 emissions by the use of the electric taxis. As the story also refers to TFL issuing taxi licences, including the two types of electric cabs, it might have information as to when the plans to get electric taxis onto the streets of London to provide service to the public were formed.

Since the roll out of policies to encourage the uptake of electric taxis (see detail below), TfL estimate there has been a 9 per cent reduction in taxi fleet emissions London-wide, with a further 20 per cent reduction expected by the end of 2020. We don’t hold the figure in terms of tonnage, only as a percentage of emissions as stated.

On 22 October 2015, TfL confirmed in a Decision Paper by the Managing Director of Surface Transport, that from 1 January 2018 all vehicles licensed for the first time as taxis should be zero emission capable. This is defined as a vehicle that emits at tailpipe less than 50g/km CO2 with a minimum zero emission range of 30 miles.

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

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