Euro-MPs save black cabs!

12.29.14pm GMT Thu 14th Sep 2006

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has welcomed Euro-MPs' decision to fight for special arrangements for pollution targets for London's black cabs.

MEPs are supporting longer deadlines for black cab manufacturers to meet the latest EU eco-requirements on reducing emissions of harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and particulates. They have been convinced this is justified by the social role of London's black cabs in providing transport for people with disabilities.

Baroness Ludford commented:

"Black cabs are not just a classic London icon. They also fulfil an important social function across the capital. I am delighted that Euro-MPs are stepping in to give manufacturers breathing space to meet clean-up standards."

"This is fair because it is not easy for manufacturers of black cabs as 'niche producers' to meet the financial demands of developing cleaner technology."

"Protecting the environment is absolutely essential for the quality of our lives and those of future generations. But Euro-MPs are sensibly balancing these imperatives with the immediate needs of Londoners."

Notes

Black cab manufacturers are being given until 2012 instead of 2009 to comply with so-called 'Euro 5' environmental standards on the grounds that they are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and participate in schemes to transport disabled people with difficulties using public transport.

The European Parliament's Environment Committee has voted in favour of amending the proposed regulation by giving 'category M vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass exceeding 2 500kg and which are designed to fulfil specific social needs' - which is the category into which black cabs fall - until January 2012 to meet emissions targets.

The proposed regulation is at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2005/com2005_0683en01.pdf

The Environment Committee's amendments are at

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/dv/622/622004

/622004en.pdf