Taxis in £1m carbon challenge

There are more than 21,000 black taxis in the city

London's taxi fleet is taking part in a £1m project to help them lower its carbon emissions.

The funding, from Transport for London (TfL), will work with car manufacturers to develop low carbon technologies for the city's 21,000 black cabs.

The money will also be used to introduce a low carbon taxi demonstration project in London.

Taxis and private hire vehicles account for 4% of carbon dioxide emissions from transport in London.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "As well as significantly cutting carbon dioxide emissions, we're looking for taxis that are quieter and produce fewer air pollutants, which will be good news for anyone who spends time in London."

Low carbon technologies include stop-start or "micro-hybrid" technology where the engine cuts out automatically when the vehicle stops, and starts up again when the accelerator is pressed.

London's taxis spend about 40% of their time waiting at taxi ranks, at traffic signals, or waiting to pick up or drop off passengers, said a spokesman for TfL.

A micro-hybrid taxi could reduce its carbon emissions and fuel consumption by 10 to 15 per cent.