.jpg)
London private hire vehicles face zero-emission licensing rules as TfL launches fresh consultation
Transport for London (TfL) has opened a consultation on plans to require newly licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs) in the capital to be zero-emission, setting out separate deadlines for standard and wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Under the proposals, PHVs new to licensing would need to be fully electric from 3 July 2028. The requirement for wheelchair accessible PHVs would begin on 1 July 2030. TfL says the later date would give vehicle producers a confirmed timeline to develop accessible models that meet future licensing requirements.
The consultation follows significant growth in the number of lower-emission vehicles in the sector. TfL says more than 70 per cent of London PHVs are now zero-emission capable. However, vehicles that can run electrically but are not fully electric can still produce exhaust emissions when operating in non-electric mode.
TfL forecasts that the proposed changes would cut PHV-based nitrogen oxide emissions by 9 per cent and carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent over the first ten years, compared with existing licensing requirements. Over 18 years, it forecasts reductions of 97 per cent for both emissions.
The proposals also include licensing changes that TfL says would take effect from 1 March 2027. These include ending approval for new alternative fuel conversion systems, such as liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas, and for new exhaust abatement systems.
TfL is also proposing to shorten the period in which an expired taxi or PHV can be relicensed from 24 months to 12 months. After that period, the vehicle would be treated as new to licensing. A further proposal would prevent PHVs from remaining licensed once they reach 10 years old.
TfL says road transport remains a major source of air pollution and carbon emissions in London, with air pollution linked to short- and long-term health effects. The consultation is open until 23:59 on Wednesday 2 December 2026.
The consultation, which runs until 23:59 on Wednesday 2 December 2026, can be accessed online.
While this consultation focuses predominately on private hire vehicles, TfL continues to consider proposals for a zero-emission requirement for London taxis in the future.
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, said: "We recognise the crucial role that London’s private hire services play for customers, providing a vital door-to-door service. This is especially true where the public transport network has gaps or cannot yet meet all our customers’ needs.
"However, this isn’t the only role they play. Private hire vehicles are also a vital component in London’s transition to becoming a more sustainable and healthier city with less pollution. Building on the progress that has already been made, this consultation sets out our proposals to strengthen those achievements and drive forward the transition towards a zero-emission fleet."
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "London’s private hire vehicles play a vital role in keeping the capital moving, providing an accessible door-to-door service for millions of people, and we want to ensure they can continue doing so sustainably for years to come.
"The Mayor and I are proud that London’s PHV drivers have led the way in adopting zero-emission capable (ZEC) technology, with more than 70 per cent of their vehicles now ZEC – but there is more to do. That’s why we’re consulting on these proposals, which would help improve air quality, protect Londoners’ health and support our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
"I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation as we continue building a greener, cleaner and more sustainable London for all."
