Drivers are concerned that 'hundreds' of black cabs could be 'forced off Manchester's roads' at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.
New emissions regulations, effective from January 1, 2026, will render older black cabs non-compliant with the Greater Manchester clean air plan, thereby prohibiting their operation as taxis in Manchester.
A 'clean taxi fund' was established as part of the clean air agreement between Andy Burnham's office and the government. This fund is intended to offset the cost of a new taxi.
However, it only amounts to £8M, significantly less than the £30M initially requested by local leaders.
The government reportedly believed that Greater Manchester could achieve legal pollution levels without the full £30M taxi fund, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. As such, they provided £8M for additional reassurance.
Taxi leaders argue that the reduced funding 'will not go anywhere near to covering' upgrades. They identify 'a huge supply chain problem' as the more significant issue.
Nayyer Ahmad, a Hackney Carriage driver with 24 years of experience in Manchester, said: "They are expecting 1,350 vehicles to upgrade between now and December 31 [across Greater Manchester].
"It's £95-£100,000 for a new cab. There's very little available on the secondhand market. It physically cannot be done for 1,350 drivers."
Another taxi driver, who has been in the business for 14 years and wished to remain anonymous, added: "Traditional London taxis stopped being made in 2017.
"There's the minibus type, Mercedes Vito, but they come out of the factory as a van and they are converted by a company in the midlands. There's a huge waiting list for them.
"The electric cabs are horrendously expensive. That's about £100k when you factor in insurance. And there's no charging points."
Even second-hand vehicles, though available, come with a hefty price tag of £30-40,000. The industry's decline, exacerbated by the pandemic, rising fuel costs post-Ukraine invasion, and competition from Uber and Bolt, makes this expense hard for drivers to justify.
It is estimated that by next year, some 766 out of Manchester's 1,100 black cabs may become obsolete due to these constraints. For 58 year old Mr. Ahmad, the prospect is particularly disheartening because 'the black cab is a national symbol'.
As a result, the union rep is urging the authorities to reconsider the emissions deadline, allowing drivers to operate their vehicles up to the standard 15-year limit, typically when cabs are retired from Manchester's roads.
"We are asking, let these vehicles run to 15 years," he argued. "By the end of the year, 200 will have to upgrade anyway because it's the 15 year limit. But to force everyone on one cut-off date will wipe everyone out."
Manchester council said: "For a number of years the council has been working with the taxi trade to ensure that they have a full understanding of how changes in emissions requirements could affect them.
"The council has also strongly lobbied the government, both past and present, for an expanded package of support which would allow vehicle owners to successfully make the transition to a vehicle that is compliant with new regulations.
"Officers are already preparing a report to recommend the relaxation of the compliance date and exemptions for licensees, to allow vehicle owners a longer period to switch to a vehicle that conforms to the new standards."
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands this report is expected to be tabled at a licensing session towards the end of April.
A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester said its 'proposed measures' designed to assist taxi operators were also set for publication by mid-April. They said: "We are conscious that both Hackney and private hire drivers have faced really challenging times – not least the Covid pandemic and pressures from out of area licensing.
Taxis play a crucial role in our transport network, serving our night time economy and providing a lifeline to many.
"The mayor and the city-region's ten leaders want to not only improve taxi standards, but safeguard and support the livelihoods of Greater Manchester-licensed drivers.
"Last week they held a wide-ranging discussion to consider proposals for how best to engage with and support the taxi trade."
Details of the proposed measures are set to be unveiled on Wednesday, April 16, alongside a scheduled round table discussion with the taxi industry. This will be followed by a 12-week period of engagement with the sector.
Don't miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free
