London meets legal air pollution limits for first time as taxi industry calls for stronger EV support
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
London has met legal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits for the first time, marking a major step forward in the city’s air quality efforts. The milestone follows years of strict policies, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which has almost halved roadside NO2 levels since 2016.
Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the news, citing the latest Defra data that confirmed compliance with the Air Quality Standards regulations in 2024. Experts had previously warned it could take nearly two centuries for London to reach this stage without intervention. The Mayor credited bold measures such as the expansion of ULEZ and the rollout of more than 2,000 zero-emission buses for achieving the results almost 200 years ahead of earlier projections.
While the achievement is significant, industry leaders warn that more must be done to help taxis and private hire vehicles transition to zero-emission fleets. Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at Freenow by Lyft UKI, said the milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through bold action, but highlighted the barriers drivers still face in switching to electric vehicles. High purchase costs, limited charging infrastructure and a lack of tailored financial support remain key hurdles.
Research from Freenow found that nine in ten black cab drivers see affordability as crucial to adoption, with over 70% citing financial pressure from vehicle costs as a primary concern. The firm is urging Transport for London and the Mayor to introduce targeted subsidies, expand charging facilities and deliver policies that directly support drivers. O’Gorman added that Freenow is already taking steps, with 78% of its UK fleet electrified and partnerships in place with BP Pulse and OVO to lower charging costs.
The Mayor has committed to going further by aligning London with World Health Organisation guidelines on air pollution. But industry representatives stress that without additional support for drivers, the transition to a fully sustainable taxi and private hire fleet could stall.
O’Gorman said: “London meeting legal NO2 limits is a major milestone and demonstrates the power of bold policy. To build on this, all urban transport, including taxis, must accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. Despite the ambition, many drivers face significant hurdles: high vehicle costs, limited charging infrastructure and few incentives to switch to EV.
“Our research highlights the urgency: nine in ten black cab drivers consider making EV taxis more affordable essential, with 72% citing financial impact from vehicle costs as a key barrier. The Mayor of London and TfL must step in with stronger support, including targeted subsidies, expanded charging networks, and tailored policies to help drivers transition quickly and affordably. Accelerating taxi electrification isn't just about cleaner air; it's about creating a sustainable, reliable transportation network for everyone.
“At Freenow, we actively support this shift. 78% of vehicles on our UK platform are now electrified. Moreover, our partnerships with BP Pulse and OVO are helping drivers reduce charging costs, directly addressing one of the main barriers to going electric.”
