Conservative London Mayoral candidate welcomes taxi grant helping ‘keep our iconic black cabs on London’s roads’
Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall welcomed the extension of the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG) that will help ‘keep our iconic black cabs on London’s roads’.
In a significant stride towards helping the taxi industry move to cleaner cabs, Hall lauded the Government's decision to extend the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG) until 5 April 2025, heralding a new chapter for London's emblematic black cabs.
The Government initiative offers a £6,000 subsidy to cab drivers opting for electric vehicles. While this represents a reduction from the previous £7,500 grant, the move is seen as a critical step in promoting the adoption of zero-emission taxis across the capital.
Since its inception in 2017, the PiTG has played a pivotal role in transforming London's taxi fleet, disbursing upwards of £50 million and helping facilitate the purchase of more than 9,000 electric cabs. The scheme's extension is a testament to the Government's commitment to decarbonisation and its efforts to tackle the pressing challenges of urban pollution and climate change head-on.
Susan Hall, challenging incumbent Mayor Sadiq Khan for the city's top office, expressed her satisfaction with the Government's decision on social media, acknowledging the support of MP Anthony Browne in this endeavour. Hall said: “I’m so pleased that the government has listened and agreed to renew the Plug in Taxi Grant for another year. Thanks to Anthony Browne MP for helping to keep our iconic black cabs on London’s roads!”
On the day the extended grant was announced, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, said: “Taxis are a vital part of our transport network, so it’s great to be supporting our iconic black cab industry with further funding to help decarbonise their vehicles, part of this government’s plan to back drivers.
“From Redbridge to White City, it’s now more likely than ever that your black cab will be green, with the majority of taxis sold in London now being electric. The grant has been a huge success so far, and I’m pleased our funding will be continued for another year to help cabbies make the switch to new vehicles.”
