New figures released by Jenny Jones show that 2,389 black cabs failed pollution tests during the mid year inspections which the London mayor is now consulting on either reforming, or abolishing. A further 513 were failed for brakes and 591 for suspension. The consultation ends on October 24th.
Black cabs emit particulates, such as PM10s, and these are associated with respiratory problems. London has failed to meet the European Union’s legally binding limit values for PM10 in the last three years and has until the end of this month to submit a request to the EU for an extension of up to two more years. If the Government’s proposed action plan for reducing pollution and meeting the PM10 targets by 2010 is rejected by the EU as inadequate, the UK may face prosecution in the European Court and possibly fines.
Jenny Jones said:
"The mayor is meant to protecting Londoners and cutting air pollution, not adding to it. Doesn’t he realise that an estimated 1,000 Londoners die prematurely from air pollution every year? Black cabs are one of the most polluting types of vehicle in London, which makes it vital that standards are kept high. The mayor will be betraying the health of Londoners if he lets black cabs off the hook when there is such clear evidence that many are driving around causing even more pollution than they need to. The mid year inspections are a quick and
effective way of checking that black cabs are safe, comfortable and clean. If there is a problem with emissions or the brakes, then it is quickly fixed and the cabs are back on the road after a successful retest. Passengers and fellow road users expect black cabs to be a quality form of transport, with a high level of maintenance. They expect the mayor to promote quality and safety by not letting standards drop."
Notes to editors
The PCO figures show a failure rate of 39% for the mid year inspections. The largest proportion of these failures is for emissions – see attached table. The mid year inspections were introduced at the end of last year and ran between 1st October and 31st July.
The annual pass rate for black cabs is 46%. In the period between 1st April and 19th July, 7,799 vehicles entered the test and 4,217 failed. The largest proportion of failures was for brakes 2,415.
There are three options in the consultation. The first two involve abolishing the mid year tests for all cabs. The third option focuses upon age related testing and is itself divided into three parts, so that consultees can choose to retain the mid year inspection for vehicles over ten years of age.