Oxford City Council has agreed to postpone its ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) taxi policy, meaning all hackney carriage and private hire vehicles will no longer need to meet zero-emission standards by January 2026. Instead, the requirement has been delayed until after local government reorganisation in 2028.
Original Policy and Extension
The policy was first introduced in 2019, setting out that all licensed taxis would need to convert to electric or zero-emission capable vehicles. Initially due to take effect in 2025, councillors voted last year to extend the deadline by 12 months to January 2026.
However, the City of Oxford Licensed Taxicab Association (COLTA) called for more time, citing major challenges for drivers and uncertainty around Oxfordshire’s future council structure.
Why the Delay?
Local taxi representatives stressed that while they supported environmental goals, many drivers were already under pressure due to:
- The Botley Road closure until 2026, which has disrupted access into Oxford.
- The decline of the night-time economy, including the closure of several nightclubs.
- The introduction of Uber in Oxford in late 2024, adding further competition.
Speaking after the licensing committee meeting, Sajad Khan, secretary of COLTA, said:
“The decision came as a massive relief to those drivers who have yet to switch to electric. We believe that extra time granted will certainly help those drivers better plan this investment and align themselves with the policy. We want the best for our city, and we are on the path of doing our bit for the environment.”
Progress So Far
Oxford currently has 107 licensed hackney carriages, of which 40 have already switched to zero-emission capable vehicles. The remainder now have extra time to make the transition.
Local Government Reorganisation
The delay is tied to the upcoming local government reorganisation (LGR) in Oxfordshire, which will abolish existing councils and create new unitary authorities by 2028. Licensing rules vary across Oxfordshire, and councillors argued that it made sense to wait until a county-wide framework is in place.
Councillor Simon Ottino proposed the extension, ensuring the new policy will take effect once LGR is complete.
What’s Next?
Drivers now have a longer window to prepare for the switch to electric, but Oxford City Council has reiterated its commitment to cleaner air and a zero-emission taxi fleet in the long term.
With nearly half the city’s hackney carriage fleet already electric, the delay offers breathing space for the rest of the trade to catch up while adjusting to ongoing challenges in the industry.
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