London private-hire vehicle emission mandates

Transport for London (TfL) has proposed new regulations to accelerate the transition of the city’s private-hire vehicle (PHV) fleet to zero-emission models. The proposal suggests that all newly licensed standard PHVs must be fully electric by July 2028, with a later deadline of July 2030 for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

To support these goals, TfL is considering several licensing changes, including a 10-year maximum vehicle age limit and a reduction in the period for re-licensing expired vehicles from 24 months to 12 months. The authority also plans to end the approval of new alternative fuel conversion systems, such as compressed natural gas, starting in March 2027.

In related environmental data, reports on the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) indicate that 1,683,552 penalty notices were issued during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. While this volume represents a 13.9% decrease from the previous year, the frequency remains high, averaging one notice every 19 seconds. Data also shows that approximately 72% of resolved ULEZ appeals were decided in favor of drivers.