TfL consults on proposed zero-emission requirements for newly licensed PHVs

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation on proposals that would require newly licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs) in the capital to be fully zero-emission from 2028, as part of wider efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions from the sector.

Under the proposals, standard PHVs applying for a licence for the first time would need to be fully electric from 3 July 2028. For wheelchair-accessible PHVs, a later implementation date of 1 July 2030 is proposed, with TfL saying the additional time would allow manufacturers to develop a wider range of suitable accessible vehicles.

TfL stressed that the measures are currently subject to consultation and have not yet been adopted. The consultation period is due to close on 2 December 2026, after which the authority will consider responses before making any final decisions.

According to consultation documents, more than 70% of London’s PHV fleet is already classified as zero-emission capable. However, TfL notes that such vehicles may still produce tailpipe emissions when operating in non-electric mode, prompting the move towards fully zero-emission vehicles for new entrants to the licensed fleet.

TfL estimates that the proposed changes could reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from PHVs by around 9% and carbon dioxide emissions by 35% over a ten-year period when compared with current licensing requirements. These figures represent projected impacts rather than measured outcomes.

The consultation also includes proposals to end approval of new alternative-fuel conversion systems and exhaust-abatement systems from 1 March 2027. In addition, TfL is considering reducing the period during which a vehicle can return to licensing after a licence has expired from 24 months to 12 months. Vehicles returning after that period would be treated as newly licensed and could therefore be subject to any new emissions requirements in force at the time.