London Taxi Drivers Await Decision on Age Limits for Emission Upgraded Taxis
In July, after a five-year project, Transport for London (TfL) granted approval for the HJS emission upgrade to convert Euro 5 TX4 taxis to Euro 6 emission standards for use in London. This was a welcome development for drivers, helping them to meet ULEZ and environmental regulations.
However, five months later, the taxi industry is still waiting for TfL’s decision on policy changes that would allow for age extensions for diesel taxis equipped with the approved emissions retrofit system. Currently, even retrofitted Euro 5 taxis that meet Euro 6 standards are only eligible to remain licensed for up to 12 years, rather than the 15 years permitted for factory Euro 6 models. This has caused financial uncertainty for taxi drivers and is threatening their livelihoods, forcing many to leave the trade.
According to London taxi drivers, the Euro 6 exhaust upgrade offers a practical solution by providing the same benefit as the LPG conversion, which upgrades older Euro 5 taxis to Euro 6-equivalent emissions. This offers drivers an alternative option to meeting TfL’s environmental standards without having to replace the entire vehicle. Taxi operators expected the emission upgrade to have the same maximum operating age as a Euro 5 TX4 taxi converted from diesel to LPG, which was increased from 12 to 15 years in 2019.
The HJS emission upgrade, which has received grant support from TfL, is already being used in London for minibuses and vans to reduce emissions. Other cities throughout the UK are also using this technology, with over 100 TX4 taxis successfully upgraded with grant support in Scotland. This begs the question, why is London any different?
The delay in TfL’s decision on the age limit policy has left London cabbies facing financial hardship, forced vehicle changes, and in some cases, being forced to leave the trade altogether. This uncertainty comes at a time when operating costs are rising, and the black cab trade is under pressure.
Wednesday 17 December, 2025