TfL to Press Ahead With Improper, Unlawful 15 Year Age Limit...By David Davies

I have been told in an email from John Mason yesterday that TFL are definitely proceeding with the implementation of the 15 year age limit in January. 
Despite the fact that it has been pointed out to him that this strategy is improper, unlawful and will achieve no reduction in emissions.

He has been given information which shows the Department of Transport Best Practice Guide for Local Authorities saying that an Age Limit should NOT be imposed because it will not necessarily improve emissions and because it could be seen as arbitrary.

He has been given the information which shows that in order to comply with its legal requirements as a Public Body TFL would need to conduct proper emissions conformity testing to prove that older taxis are causing more pollution (which they obviously don’t) and no such testing has ever been conducted.

Death Warrant Dec 31st 2011

He has been given information showing that 16000 of London’s taxis are Euro 3 compliant and therefore it is not a lawful process to scrap the older taxis on the basis of emissions reduction because in order to be a fair and proper process TFL would have to scrap all 16000 taxis, which is obviously not a solution either.

He has also been given information that LTI exploit a loophole in the law which allows them to avoid having to conduct In Service Emissions Conformity Testing,  (which every manufacturer has to do) because they produce less than 5000 vehicles a year.

LTI exploit a loophole in the law 

This means that it does not matter to them what the emissions of a taxi is after it has left the showroom. They do not have to make sure that taxis comply with emissions standards after that point . A classic example is the TX2 which has a reputation for poor performance with regards to emissions.

He has also told me that no consideration will be given to any Eco-Power system as a retrofit clean up to achieve Euro 4; no proper explanation why-just a straight refusal. It seems likely that whatever exemptions are given (if any) that it will not be done as a result of proper research or test evidence, which is again does not comply with their legal requirements.

He has said that an announcement will be made soon about exemptions to the age limit.

TX4 Failed Euro 3 Test 

He has ignored evidence that the TX4 is not a good taxi to force drivers to buy unnecessarily and at great expense. There have been many reports that the engines tend to blow at 100k . TX4 taxis are supposed to be Euro 4. A TX4 was tested at a VCA lab with 1000 miles on the clock and failed a Euro 3 test.

The newer taxis are supposed to be Euro 5 but in my view it is questionable as to whether it will achieve Euro 5 standards for any period of time.

It again begs the question why force drivers to scrap taxis which could achieve a reasonable standard of emissions and then force drivers to buy a new taxi at great expense which has questionable emissions performance anyway?

The latest news is that TFL are asking for a sponsor to help drivers buy a new taxi which is allegedly Euro 5

CLICK HERE

Yet again a public body trying to implement a commercial project in order to excuse its own inadequate policies.

It is again incorrect practice for a Public Body to act in this way.

Another opportunity to generate some extra cash perhaps? 

And cash for who?

I have said it before and will say it again; the only way that the London Taxi trade will experience proper and legitimate regulation is if there is a regime change at TFL.

The only way to achieve this is to demonstrate and demand a Public Inquiry into the unlawful and improper conduct of a Public Body.

It is not sufficient to try and challenge each individual issue.

I am also currently speaking with a national media organisation who are researching for a programme to conduct an investigation into the unlawful, improper and corrupt practices at TFL. If anyone has any evidence which they would like to submit please get in touch. I would like to thank those that have already been involved, but the more the merrier!

Dave Davies

Eco-Power