Reading Taxi Association (RTA) chairman Asif Rashid has slammed Reading Borough Council's proposed phase-out of older petrol and diesel cabs by 2028, calling it a financial burden for drivers.
The plan, which aims to replace all taxis with ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), has sparked outrage amongst Reading's taxi drivers.
"We feel like we've got a noose around our necks," said Rashid during a recent council meeting. "Every so often, another regulation tightens the grip."
Rashid acknowledges the environmental concerns behind the phase-out but argues that the financial strain on drivers is too significant.
He highlights the high cost of ULEV taxis, which can reach £72,500 according to Rashid, compared to the £3,000-£6,000 government grant available to assist with the transition.
"This policy is going to destroy the trade," he warned.
Councillor David Stevens (Labour) echoed Rashid's concerns,emphasising the risk of pushing drivers out of the industry entirely due to the financial burden.
Rashid further claims the council has not fulfilled its promise to waive cab licence fees in conjunction with the phase-out.
He threatened to leave the trade himself if the situation worsens, citing his 25 years as a cab driver and 15 years as the RTA chairman.
Reading Borough Council implemented its vehicle emissions and age policy in October 2019, aiming for a net zero carbon Reading by 2030.
The policy initially targeted the removal of the oldest and most polluting cabs by October 2022,with a complete phase-out originally planned for December 2020.
However, this deadline was extended to October 2023 following a request by the RTA.
The latest proposal seeks to require all replacement vehicles to be ULEVs, less than five years old by October 2028.
Additionally, the age policy would mandate the retirement of all ULEVs after 15 years, with a potential one or two-year grace period based on individual vehicle assessments during driver licence renewals.
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