Bolton’s taxi fleet could see green revolution with proposed changes to emissions standards
Bolton Council is considering a proposal that could see significant changes to the borough’s taxi industry, aiming to meet stricter emissions standards by the end of next year.
If approved, all private hire and hackney carriage vehicles in Bolton would need to comply with Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards—or switch to electric vehicles—within the new timeframe. However, the proposal hinges on government approval for a Clean Taxi Fund for Greater Manchester.
This fund, totalling £30.5 million, would be managed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and would support drivers in upgrading their vehicles to meet the proposed standards. Eligibility would require a borough to adopt the new licensing rules, with Bolton drivers having until the end of 2025 to register a compliant vehicle.
Currently, over 300 licensed vehicles in Bolton fall short of these requirements, representing nearly a quarter of the borough’s taxi fleet. The council’s Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee is set to review the plan this month.
If greenlit, the initiative could unlock funding to modernise the fleet, providing cleaner air for the community while helping drivers transition to greener alternatives.
Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for licensing, said: “As a council we’re committed to making Bolton a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live.
“Poor air quality affects everyone’s health and is linked to chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease and cancer.
“Lowering emissions will have a significant effect in terms of reducing air pollution and helping to improve the health of residents.
“If this policy is approved and implemented with the confirmation of the Clean Taxi Fund, private hire and hackney carriage drivers will be financially supported in upgrading their vehicles.”
