Posted on the 5th September 2025 in PHTM News

GREEN TAXI DEADLINE COULD BE DELAYED BY TWO YEARS IN SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE

South Cambridgeshire District Council is considering a two-year extension, to 2030, for its zero or ultra-low emission taxi policy.

The move comes after significant feedback from drivers about the financial pressures of the cost of living and the expense of acquiring new, compliant vehicles. The original deadline was set for December 1, 2028.

A recent consultation showed widespread support for the delay among drivers, with 482 in favour and only 32 against.

Council officers noted that extending the deadline would acknowledge "the challenges" of building a sufficient charging infrastructure and the current "economic pressures on the taxi trade."

They also warned that without an extension, drivers might simply register with another council and continue to operate non-compliant vehicles in the district, leading to no overall reduction in carbon emissions.

During the discussion, some councillors pointed out that Cambridge City Council plans to restrict access to its city center to ultra-low and zero-emission taxis in 2028.

Officers responded that individual drivers would need to decide whether to comply with the city’s rules to continue working there, while still being able to work elsewhere in the district if they chose not to.

The potential local government reorganisation in the area was also raised by Councillor Jose Hales, who suggested it might be "best to maintain the status quo" and keep the 2028 deadline, given that many things are "up in the air."

However, Councillor Judith Rippeth argued that the district council still exists at the moment and is still able to make decisions, highlighting that "a lot had changed since the 2028 deadline was first introduced," citing covid and the cost-of-living crisis as key factors.


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