A freedom of information investigation by Motoring Research recently revealed that the most popular car for private hire drivers in London is the Toyota Prius.
Yesterday, we ran a blog post pointing out the advantages of this. We argued that “If each of these Toyota Prius models were replaced with the latest Euro 6 TX4 black cabs, which emit 222g/km CO2, carbon dioxide emissions from these drivers would more than double.”
Taxi drivers aren’t a bunch to shy away from confrontation, so many have taken to Twitter to make their point of view and pick holes in our argument. In a bid to show both sides of the story, we thought we’d publish the responses here.
Some pointed out that Uber drivers are increasing congestion on London roads
@MR_AndrewBrady not all good news? Record traffic on London’s roads ’caused by firms like Uber’ https://t.co/gOloVAtrh7
— Mark White (@TootlestheTaxi) January 5, 2016
Others questioned whether we were harsh on ‘old black cabs’
@MR_AndrewBrady What viechles are available to the Black cab trade..and are they all old as you say ? pic.twitter.com/0lqojY0ZvX
— Tk(luddite)cab (@tony4625) January 5, 2016
(Regulations introduced by Boris Johnson enforce a 15-year age limit on black cabs)
While others pointed out that most Uber drivers are not qualified to drive black cabs
Need to do better research, mate. Taxi Drivers aren’t Über Drivers! https://t.co/xxmycgJsW3
— Mark White (@TootlestheTaxi) January 5, 2016
@MR_AndrewBrady Can you explain this to me as well please ? pic.twitter.com/hcCbZQRueE
— Tk(luddite)cab (@tony4625) January 5, 2016
And some even brought up the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal
@Editorial_MR Toyota Prius only has a maximum of 11mile range fully electric and the official emissions figures are unreliable. #VWgate
— ricksta (@ply4hyre) January 5, 2016
But zero-emission black cabs ARE on their way
@MR_AndrewBrady @TootlestheTaxi more research as of 2018 all new london taxis will have to be hybrid and PH can cont to buy diesel till 2020
— David (@deloncab) January 5, 2016
(Yes – regulations previously announced by Transport for London state that, as of 2018, all new taxis registered in London must be ‘zero emission capable’ – i.e. a hybrid capable of running under electric power alone when in high-pollution areas of the capital.)
It’s the debate that’s set to continue – traditional London cabbies are calling for stronger regulations on Uber drivers, while Uber-supporters claim private hire cars are more efficient, cheaper and safer.
Whose side are you on? Leave a comment below or tweet us @editorial_MR.
