Proposed new emissions standards for taxis in Bolton could unlock millions of pounds for drivers to upgrade their vehicles.
Bolton Council is seeking approval to update the licencing conditions for private hire and hackney carriage vehicles.
It would mean the vehicles must comply with the Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)* standard, OR be an Electric Vehicle, by the end of next year.
But the change would only be implemented if the government agrees to the delivery of a Clean Taxi Fund for Greater Manchester.
The fund would see £30.5m set aside for drivers across the city region to upgrade their vehicle to meet the new licensing standards.
It would be run by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and drivers would be eligible to apply if their local borough has implemented the new standards.
Drivers would have until 31 December 2025 to license an emission compliant vehicle.
Bolton has over 300 licensed vehicles that are non-compliant with the Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol) standards.
This means approximately 24% of the total fleet is non-compliant.
The proposal will be put to the Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee this month.
Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for licencing said:
“As a council we’re committed to making Bolton a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live.
“Poor air quality affects everyone’s health and is linked to chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease and cancer.
“Lowering emissions will have a significant effect in terms of reducing air pollution and helping to improve the health of residents.
“If this policy is approved and implemented with the confirmation of the Clean Taxi Fund, private hire and hackney carriage drivers will be financially supported in upgrading their vehicles.”