Taxi industry APPG meets at House of Commons to discuss three key topics affecting trade
In a gathering at the House of Commons yesterday, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on taxis convened to tackle key issues facing the taxi industry, with a focus on decarbonising the sector, securing its future, and addressing the VAT treatment of Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs).
The meeting was hit late with absentees, from both political and industry sides, due mainly to MPs attending voting in the main chamber.
The group are likely to schedule again to discuss the topics in more depth.
Mariusz Zabrocki, the General Manager of FREENOW, did stress the need for national efforts and targeted support to accelerate the adoption of EVs among taxi drivers, particularly through improved access to rapid EV charging infrastructure in city centres.
Zabrocki also called for a reduction in VAT on on-street charging points to 5%, matching the rate for home charging, to address the high costs and accessibility issues that currently burden EV drivers. He pointed out that the combination of steep energy prices and the scarcity of off-street charging facilities unjustly inflates the operational costs for many in the profession.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis exists to support the taxi industry in the UK. Founded with the backing of Members of Parliament from different political parties, it seeks to use Parliament to raise the issues facing taxi drivers today and in the future.
Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager of FREENOW, said: “Over 70% of FREENOW taxi trips are done with EV black cabs. The transition to electric vehicles is a national effort and will require targeted support if we are to see a step-change in EV take-up. Affordable and equitable access to rapid EV charging continues to be one of the main challenges for taxi drivers, particularly in the city centre.
“FREENOW continues to call for a reduction in the VAT levied against on-street charge-points to 5% so that it is at the same level as the rate applicable to home charging. The combination of high energy costs and difficulty accessing off-street charge points keeps the costs of running an EV high for many drivers, and that is unfair.
“Across the UK, we continue to support our drivers to move to electric by offering higher earnings, financial support, and access to unique third-party partnerships to make the switch as simple and affordable as possible. However, we cannot do this alone. We need greater public and private sector collaboration to ensure investment is made where it’s required most – especially for our taxi driver community.”