Fine print in the Budget reveals that Government support for electric taxis will only help cabbies in the capital, not hard-pressed Cambridge drivers.

The Government’s “plug-in taxi grant” is designed to support expensive £60k black cabs, not the smaller vehicles used in Cambridge.

Daniel Zeichner MP today (12.3.20) asked the Transport Minister what he is doing to support Cambridge drivers buying a new, more environmentally friendly car.

Unimpressed by the Minister’s answer, Mr Zeichner said: “Zilch: that’s what the Government are doing for Cambridge cabbies.”

The City Council is rightly insisting that all new cabs from next month must be electric or hybrid meaning drivers are looking to purchase new vehicles.

The situation is also made worse for Cambridge cabbies due to the unresolved and ongoing cross-border hiring issue. Cambridge drivers who are registered with Cambridge City Council must abide by the standards set by the City Council. However, taxi drivers getting a taxi licence from other councils with lower standards can still drive their taxis in the city.

Daniel Zeichner continued: “I have long called for improved rules so drivers from outside Cambridge can’t just pitch-up driving older, lower-standard vehicles.”