Newcastle’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will force taxi drivers out of the trade and push up fares for passengers, a major Tyneside firm has claimed.
The boss of Blueline Taxis has alleged that the new anti-pollution tolls due to come into force at the end of this month are a “serious threat to public safety” and risk turning Newcastle city centre into a “ghost town”. Taxis that do not meet environmental standards will be charged £12.50 per day under the CAZ, which starts on January 30.
Some other high-polluting vehicles face daily fees of up to £50, though private cars will not be charged at all. The scheme, which is being introduced after local councils were ordered by the Government to cut illegal levels of emissions, has caused major disquiet among the region’s taxi trade.
