CAPITAL NEWS
TfL UNVEILS PLANS TO MAKE ALL NEW LONDON PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES FULLY ELECTRIC BY 2028
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a public consultation on ambitious plans to phase out petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines from newly-licensed PHVs. Under the proposed roadmap, all newly- licensed PHVs across the capital must be fully electric and zero- emission from July 2028. To support market readiness and give manufacturers sufficient notice, wheelchair-accessible PHVs will be given until July 2030 to make the complete transition. The measures aim to tackle air pollution, lower carbon footprints, and improve public health by addressing harmful exhaust pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), which aggravate asthma
and respiratory conditions. TfL estimates that the shift could reduce NOx emissions from PHV by 9% and carbon dioxide emissions by 35% within the first decade. Over an 18-year period, combined forecasts suggest CO2 and NOx emissions could drop by as much as 97%. While over 70% of London’s 94,661 licensed PHVs are currently classified as zero-emission capable, many still depend on internal combustion engines. Figures from September highlight that only 35.5% of the fleet is fully electric, with 35.2% operating as plug-in hybrids that still emit exhaust fumes when burning petrol/diesel. Alongside the main electrification
ADDISON LEE FOUNDER LOSES £20.5M DOMICILE FIGHT WITH HMRC
Sir John Griffin, founder of London minicab firm Addison Lee, has lost a court battle against HMRC over a £20.5 million tax bill accrued between 2013 and 2020. Despite living in the UK for over seven decades, Sir John claimed he was domiciled in Ireland through his parents, qualifying his foreign investments for preferential tax treatment under Britain's former “non-dom” rules. To challenge the claim, HMRC had to prove that Sir John or his father had permanently settled in England. The First-tier Tribunal examined extensive family history, including Sir John’s London roots, business history, Arsenal season ticket, and golf club memberships.
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Judge Michaela Snelders ruled in favour of HMRC, concluding that Sir John’s
father had likely
acquired an English domicile by 1959, which Sir John inherited. Additionally, the judge noted that Sir John’s lifelong residence and business operations in London demonstrated a clear choice to make England his permanent home.
Although Sir John can appeal, the four-day tribunal highlights the flaws of the historic non-dom system, which relied on subjective debates over ancestral ties and personal intentions rather than clear statutory laws. The UK government officially scrapped the controversial system in April 2025.
deadline, TfL is proposing stricter licensing rules to take effect from March 2027. These include capping the maximum age of PHVs at 10 years and reducing the grace period to renew an expired taxi or PH licence from two years down to 12 months. Vehicles exceeding that timeframe would have to reapply as new submissions under the latest standards. Additionally, TfL intends to stop approving new alternative fuel conversions - such as liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas - as well as new exhaust emission-reduction systems. Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, highlighted the dual importance of the sector, stating: “We recognise the crucial role that London’s private hire services play for customers, providing a vital door-to-door service. However, PHVs are also a vital component in London’s transition to becoming a healthier city with less pollution. Building on the progress that has already been made, this consult-ation sets out our proposals to drive towards a zero-emission fleet.” Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance added: “The Mayor and I are proud that London’s PHV drivers have led the way in adopting zero- emission capable technology – but there is more to do. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation as we
continue
building a greener, cleaner and more sustainable London for all.” The consultation, runs until 23:59 on 2 December and can be accessed at:
https://tfl.gov.uk/tph- zero-emissions.
NOVEMBER 2026 PHTM
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