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A scheme is aiming to make London's taxis greener

LONDON'S black cabs are turning green thanks to a £1m low carbon technology scheme.

The scheme will see Transport for London (TfL) working with motor manufacturers to introduce taxis with lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in a trial scheme.

Among the measures being looked at is the use of stop-start technology where the taxi's engine automatically cuts out when it stops and restarts when the accelerator is pressed.

TfL estimates London's cabs spend around 40 per cent of their time waiting for passengers or at traffic lights and taxi ranks.

This measure could reduce their emissions by 10 to 15 per cent.

Funding for the scheme will be provided by TfL through its climate change fund and Cenex, a centre helping industries move to a low carbon economy.

Motor manufacturers to have been invited to register their interest in supplying the low carbon taxis by July 7.

The climate change fund will also support the introduction of a fuel efficient driving campaign for both taxi and minicab drivers.

London Mayor Boris Johnson

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They will be advised changes such as keeping tyres at the correct pressure and not accelerating sharply, can make a big difference to fuel consumption and emissions.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "As well as significantly cutting carbon dioxide emissions, we're looking for taxis which are quieter and produce fewer air pollutants, which will be good news for anyone who spends time in London.

"Taxi drivers should be particularly pleased.

"They're more exposed than most to traffic pollution, and they should also see the benefit of cheaper fuel costs as low carbon taxis would use less than a standard taxi."

David Brown, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: "With more than 21,000 taxis on London's roads, making our taxi fleet more fuel efficient will lead to substantial carbon dioxide savings and help tackle climate change."

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