Post by acnedriver on Sept 22, 2022 5:55:42 GMT
Taxi drivers in Cheltenham fear plans to replace the town's fleet with low emission and wheelchair accessible vehicles will put them out of business.
In March, the council consulted on a draft licensed vehicle emission and wheelchair accessibility policy.
The draft policy set out the council's approach to implementing a carbon neutral licensed fleet by 2030.
But Hackney carriage drivers said it would put "90% or more of the trade on universal credit".
They fear it will cause financial hardship and poverty especially now with domestic bills rapidly escalating, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
One driver said: "But in the name of carbon targets, you don't care that you will be ruining decent people's lives do you?"
"No cab driver can afford £30,000 to £40,000 or more for an electric taxi.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-62931635
In March, the council consulted on a draft licensed vehicle emission and wheelchair accessibility policy.
The draft policy set out the council's approach to implementing a carbon neutral licensed fleet by 2030.
But Hackney carriage drivers said it would put "90% or more of the trade on universal credit".
They fear it will cause financial hardship and poverty especially now with domestic bills rapidly escalating, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
One driver said: "But in the name of carbon targets, you don't care that you will be ruining decent people's lives do you?"
"No cab driver can afford £30,000 to £40,000 or more for an electric taxi.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-62931635