Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Emissions Consultation

Air pollution levels in parts of Northampton exceed legal limits.  This air pollution is currently having a negative effect on the health of the population of the town as detailed in the recent draft Northampton Low Emission Strategy.  The Council is developing a low emissions strategy to coordinate actions to reduce this problem.  Along with other public service vehicles, taxis and private hire vehicles contribute to air pollution in the Borough.  In order to reduce this impact it is proposed to introduce a policy to control the emissions from taxis and private hire vehicles.
We are keen to obtain views on the planned policy and the timescales proposed for the introduction of the proposed changes.

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* 1. Are you a...

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* 2. Do you think it is appropriate to use licensing policies to improve air quality in Northampton?

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* 3. The policy proposes that from 1st January 2018 all new applications for private hire vehicles would only be accepted for Euro 4 Petrol or Euro 6 Diesel or higher standard vehicles.
This means that the existing fleet will continue to be licensed until a replacement/new vehicle is required, or until 1st January 2020, whichever is sooner.
Do you agree with this requirement?

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* 4. Do you think that the requirement should apply equally to taxi and private hire vehicles?

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* 5. The policy proposes that from 1st January 2020 all new and renewal applications for private hire and taxi licences will only be accepted for Euro 4 Petrol and Euro 6 Diesel or higher standard vehicles.
This means that all the fleet will need to comply with these new standards from 2020.
Do you agree with this requirement?

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* 6. Do you think that the requirement should apply equally to taxi and private hire vehicles?

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* 7. The policy proposes that from 1st January 2025, all new and renewal applications for private hire and taxi licences will only be accepted for Full Electric, Range Extended Electric, Hybrid Electric and Plug in Hybrid vehicles.
This means that all the fleet will need to comply with these new standards from 1st January 2025.
Do you agree with this requirement?

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* 8. Do you think that the requirement should apply equally to taxi and private hire vehicles?

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* 9. Do you agree that this requirement should apply to both new applications and renewals from 1st January 2025?

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* 10. The local authority has been successful in the first stage of bids for funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and if successful in the second stage bid, could possibly provide funding for schemes such as installing rapid / fast charging points. If the Council is successful in the final stage of bidding would you be interested in any of the following:

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* 11. In order to plan for future infrastructure, i.e. convenient charging points which may be at home, or suitable hub locations within the town, can you indicate if you currently have on or off street parking for your licensed vehicle?
Off street parking means where you have, for example, a private driveway directly in front, or next to your residential house.
On street parking means parking on the public highway.
Hub locations means a point where a number of vehicles will be given access to charging points; for example, this could include large private/public car parks.

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* 12. In addition to the OLEV funding the council may also look at other additional funding that it may be able to secure to encourage various vehicle incentive schemes and if the council was able to offer incentive schemes would you be interested in the following:

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* 13. If you were to purchase a new taxi / private hire vehicle in the foreseeable future, how much are you likely to spend on a new vehicle. Please select which type of vehicle and the likely relevant price bracket

Please also indicate whether it is a taxi / hackney carriage vehicle or private hire vehicle.

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* 14. If the Council can demonstrate that a new low emission electric taxi or private hire vehicles can reduce your current vehicle running costs, would you support the proposed policy changes?

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* 15. Do you have any other comments, views or suggestions?

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