South Cambridgeshire backs taxi trade with extended emissions deadline

South Cambridgeshire councillors have backed a recommendation to give taxi drivers more time to switch to cleaner vehicles.

The district’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy originally required all licensed vehicles to be zero or ultra-low emission by December 2028. Following consultation with the trade, councillors agreed to recommend a two-year extension, moving the deadline to December 2030, with a full review set for 2027 .

The decision follows a consultation in which 482 drivers supported the extension and only 32 opposed it. Licensing officers said the delay recognises ongoing challenges with charging infrastructure and the financial pressures faced by the trade.

Officers also warned that sticking with the 2028 date might not have cut emissions overall, as drivers unwilling or unable to comply could licence elsewhere and continue operating in South Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge City Council has already signalled plans to restrict access to its centre to ultra-low and zero emission taxis from 2028. District officers noted that if this comes into effect, drivers would have to decide whether to comply in order to continue working in the city.

The debate also touched on wider uncertainties, including local government reorganisation expected by 2028 and the national deadline for phasing out new petrol and diesel cars, which now stands at 2035.

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Councillors acknowledged the importance of climate targets but said the extension was a practical response to current pressures. Cllr Judith Rippeth said while climate change remained a pressing issue, the pandemic and cost of living crisis had changed the outlook for drivers. Cllr Anna Bradnam added that the council needed to listen to the views of the trade, which strongly favoured the extension.

The recommendation will now go to the lead cabinet member for environmental services and licensing for approval.