CONFIRMED: TfL grants three year extension for Euro 5 black cabs following retrofit approval
- Perry Richardson
- 52 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that Euro 5 London black cabs fitted with an approved retrofit exhaust system will be allowed to operate for an additional three years, bringing their maximum age limit back in line with Euro 6 vehicles.
In a formal notice issued by TfL’s London Taxi and Private Hire directorate, the regulator confirmed that London Taxi Company TX4 Euro 5 taxis retrofitted with the approved system will be eligible to remain licensed until they reach 15 years of age.
The decision follows prolonged concern across the taxi trade over silence from TfL and the Mayor of London on whether any extension would be granted.
The approval relates to a retrofit exhaust system developed by HJS Emission Technology, which TfL said passed two independent emissions tests and a 10,000 mile durability trial designed to replicate a typical London taxi duty cycle. Once installed, the system brings the Euro 5 TX4 into compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards.
Decision allows converted TX4 taxis to remain licensed up to 15 years, ending months of uncertainty for drivers and suppliers
For drivers, the confirmation ends months of uncertainty that had left many unable to plan vehicle investment or assess whether remaining in the trade was financially viable. The reduction of the Euro 5 age limit from 15 years to 12 years had previously removed three years of working life from thousands of taxis, prompting warnings that drivers were being forced prematurely towards significantly more expensive electric vehicles.
Industry figures had warned that the lack of clarity was already causing economic damage. Taxi owners delayed decisions on vehicle upgrades, while suppliers questioned whether approved technology would ever be deployed at scale. TfL’s notice confirms that retrofitted vehicles will now be treated in line with other Euro 6 taxis for licensing purposes.
TfL said further details on the approved retrofit system and installation process will be published on its website.
