Radio Taxis Group Limited, the UK’s largest black cab operators, today took steps to cut carbon dioxide emissions across its 3,000 strong black cab fleet. At the launch ceremony, in which four new specially branded “green” taxis were added to the fleet, the transport provider announced that it is building on its ‘every journey is CarbonNeutral®’ promise with the introduction of a new high performance 30 per cent biodiesel blend for its drivers.

Called E3, the blend is the world’s first bio fuel to be specifically created for use in taxis. Developed in partnership with UK based Infinitum Limited, the fuel is blended using UK grown virgin oilstock. Tailpipe testing by VCA approved Emission Laboratory (UK) Ltd has found that the fuel delivers a seven per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, significant cuts in nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide and a 4.7 per cent reduction in particulate matter alongside a 9.31 per cent improvement in miles per gallon [MPG].

The combined impact of reduced CO2 emissions and improved mileage per gallon means that the new fuel has the potential to deliver a fleet-wide cut of up to 5220 tonnes CO2e per annum and a reduction of 1.7 million litres in fuel consumption every year. This is the equivalent to taking 300 typical family cars off the road.

Andrew Herbert, Managing Director of Radio Taxis Group said: “Radio Taxis Group was the world’s first ground transport fleet to go CarbonNeutral®. But today we recognise that offset is not enough, the challenge is to deliver real and significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

“The roll-out of this new biofuel means that we will be driving down CO2 emissions, driving down particulate emissions and, with fuel economy gains, driving down costs for our drivers.”

Radio Taxis Group also today unveiled its high visibility reflector stickers carried on the front window screen and designed to allow passengers the option to spot, and hail, a greener taxi.

Andrew Herbert concluded: “The high visibility reflector strip is a simple way to empower Londoners to take action. We will continue to pay to offset the emissions created by every passenger journey in a Radio Taxis Group black cab - and we are offering all our drivers the choice to fill up on a premium quality biofuel. We all have a responsibility to manage our impact on the environment, this gives passengers a simple way to do their bit.”

Radio Taxis Group is a pioneer of sustainable travel in the UK. As well as being the first transport provider in the world to become CarbonNeutral® it has put in place a comprehensive environmental impact management programme that includes a wide range of measures designed to deliver tangible carbon reductions.

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