CABBIES FOR THE CLIMATE: New campaign launched to get more taxi drivers driving electric
A new campaign, Cabbies for the Climate, launched today in Southwark, challenging outdated perceptions about London’s black-cab drivers and their stance on environmental issues. Backed by the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) and climate charity Possible, the initiative aims to accelerate the transition of London’s iconic taxi fleet to electric vehicles.
While around 60% of the capital’s black-cabs are now electric, thousands of drivers remain behind the wheel of older diesel models, many of which are nearing the end of their working lives. The LTDA’s latest survey shows that the majority of these drivers are keen to switch to electric but are held back by high costs. Those who have already switched overwhelmingly prefer electric taxis, with 98% saying they would not return to diesel.
Transport for London (TfL) has set a target to make the fleet fully diesel-free by 2035. However, with electric taxis costing upwards of £73,000 and financial support schemes either reduced or discontinued, many cabbies are concerned they will be forced out of the industry before the deadline.
Past schemes, such as TfL’s delicensing programme and the Government’s plug-in taxi grant, helped ease the cost of transitioning, but with funding cut and no guarantees beyond 2025, drivers face mounting financial pressure.
The campaign seeks greater backing for taxi drivers to make the switch, including reinstating and expanding financial support. It also highlights that cabbies are, contrary to stereotypes, largely supportive of environmental policies. A recent survey revealed that 90% of drivers back efforts to reduce congestion and the number of private cars on the road, and one-third are worried about climate change.
With an estimated 1,800 diesel taxis set to retire from London’s streets within the next two years, Cabbies for the Climate is calling for urgent action to help drivers make the shift to electric, ensuring London’s black-cabs remain a key part of the city’s future.
Mohammed Abdi, a licensed electric black-cab driver, said: “Climate change is real. We all want to breathe clean air, live healthier, and for the city to be greener. That’s why I drive a green cab.
“I was one of the first drivers to switch to an electric cab with the help of a government grant, and driving an electric cab has been fantastic and cleaner for the environment and for me. An electric cab is absolutely the way forward, as long as they are affordable for people.
“All cab drivers should be able to get a green cab, but right now it’s just not possible for so many of my colleagues. They need that support to switch.”
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, said: “No one knows more about London's poor air quality and the need for action to address it than a taxi driver who sits in traffic all day long breathing it in. That's why drivers are committed to this transition and doing their part to clean up London's air, and why so many of our members have invested in zero-emission capable taxis, which now make up 60 per cent of the London taxi fleet.
“Cabbies are continuing to buy these expensive new vehicles and do the right thing, with little to no support from TfL or the government, but for many of those yet to make the switch, the sums simply don't add up. With the number of licensed vehicles already at an all time low, and many diesel taxis due to hit their age limit and come off the road in the next few years, many drivers risk being left without access to an affordable cab, and no option other than to retire or find a new profession.
“Without prompt action from TfL and central government, this could prove catastrophic for London's iconic black cabs.”
Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Campaign & Research Manager at Possible, said: “We are excited to launch this campaign in collaboration with the LTDA. Taxi drivers are sometimes stereotyped as being against climate action, or switching to cleaner vehicles, but we’ve found huge support for cutting traffic and going electric. Many cabbies are keen to move away from running a fossil fuel-powered taxi to a greener, cleaner mode of transport that will enable them to continue supporting their livelihoods while helping the climate.
“We need to cut traffic by at least 20% to stand a chance of meeting our climate goals, but for those who rely on their vehicles like taxi drivers, switching to a cleaner vehicle is the best option. Getting diesel off London’s streets is critical for Londoners’ health and wellbeing, and for the climate.
“With more government support, cab drivers would be able to afford to switch to electric cabs, continuing to provide much-needed transportation for the capital while also earning a living. Cabbies do care about the climate, they just need help to make that climate-friendly choice.”
