As the licensing authority a council can influence the safety, emissions and carbon intensity of the Taxi (Hackney) and Private Hire Fleets in its area. And it can do all this without imposing unreasonable restrictions that would push up the cost of operating a taxi. Making sure all the taxis meet minimum air quality standards (for the emission of NOx and particulates), is safe (meets relevant NCAP standards) and is also low carbon, does not mean operators having to buy brand new vehicles but it may mean vehicles over ten years old are not acceptable.

The quality of the licensed vehicle fleet is important, not only does ensure the public are driven in safe vehicles, it also impacts on the quality of vehicles available for council use: for education and for social services. By ensuring the fleet meets reasonable minimum standards a council can have a big impact on the quality of the taxi service without imposing unreasonable costs on the operators - many of whom would save money if they operated fuel efficient vehicles.

The tax licensing review includes:

• Profile current licensed vehicle fleet: Age, Euro Standard, NCAP Star and Carbon.
• Establish options for change: both aspirational and minimum practical
• Establish a time line for change that works with replacement cycle.
• Assist with communication of strategy to licensed vehicles operators.

With the right licencing standards in place the quality of licenced vehicle services to local residents and to council clients can be significantly improved, often at very little cost.