Cabbies test new British-built hybrid Black Cab

LONDON cabbies have seized the chance to test the first in a new wave of low-emissions taxis.

At Metrocab's testing facility in Surrey, representatives from the Capital's taxi world met London Mayor Boris Johnson, who after driving the car threatened to turn into Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson.

The Mayor joined Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) General Secretary Steve McNamara, and London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) Chairman Grant Davis to put the Metrocab’s zero emissions capability to the test.

Johnson was predictably enthusiastic in his almost Top Gear-style review, saying: “It’s superb, an absolutely beautiful machine and a masterpiece of British engineering. I have just driven it and it’s totally silent. It’s the Rolls Royce of taxis and it will do 100mpg.”

His opinions were echoed by McNamara, who added: “It’s a smooth, quiet, electric vehicle. I’m a great fan of them and I think they are the future.

“Not just because of the emissions and environment but the silence. The worst thing about sitting in London traffic is sitting alongside noisy buses and diesel cars.”

Davis also looked into the same crystal ball and said: “I think the Metrocab gives the cab trade in London a great new future. Our members drove it today and everyone said they were impressed; amazingly impressed.”

Metrocab says that the REE technology in the new taxi will save cabbies between £20 and £40 per day on fuel alone compared to the current Black Cab.

At less than 50g/km of CO2, the taxi also represents a huge leap forwards in taxis’ environmental credentials - essential as London chases air quality targets.

By Press Association reporter