Stockport tracks emissions from private hire fleet

Fifty Stockport licensed private hire vehicles are being fitted with telematic devices to assess NOx emissions from the borough’s taxi fleet.

The initiative is a partnership between Stockport council, electric vehicle infrastructure firm Electric Blue and local private hire firm Lynx Taxis.

(l-r) Ed Carman, Electric Blue; Nicola Marshall, Lynx Taxis, and; Cllr Tom McGee, Stockport council.

Using Electric Blue’s Evolve telematics devices, the partners will record data on the routes driven by the vehicles, calculating the amount of NOx produced.

Data will also be used to identify suitable locations for electric vehicle charging points to encourage private hire drivers to switch to electric models.

According to the council, it is hoped that the initiative will show drivers and the taxi operator the potential financial and environmental benefits of converting their cars to less polluting electric vehicles.

Fleet

Commenting on the project, Councillor Tom McGee, Stockport council’s cabinet member for health said: “We are delighted that Lynx Taxis has shown such enthusiasm for this project and hope that it is a first step on the way to an electric powered taxi fleet in Stockport. Air pollution is an urgent public health issue resulting in the premature deaths of around 2,000 people in Greater Manchester alone. Only by working in partnership with business can this serious problem be addressed. ”

Ed Carman of Electric Blue UK, said: “Our EVolve fleet analysis demonstrates the real world economic and environmental benefits of going electric to both drivers and fleet operators, as well as the feasibility of converting to an electric vehicle. We are delighted to be working with Stockport Council and Lynx taxis on this initiative.”

Nicola Marshall account manager at Lynx Taxis, said: “Lynx Taxis are thrilled to be involved with this project and we are very aware of air pollution issues. Working alongside Electric Blue UK and Stockport Council this situation can be addressed. The interest of our drivers in this initiative has been overwhelming, and we are looking forward to being at the forefront of future change.”