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Birmingham black cab drivers are to stage a series of go-slow protests against council proposals to make them comply with the new clean air zone.

The Rail and Maritime and Transport Union, which represents Hackney drivers, is claiming the council is ignoring concerns abouts cost implications for drivers.

They have labelled clean air restrictions “draconian” which they say would see “75 per cent of their fleet taken out of service”.

According to city council figures, only 72 of the 1,265 Hackney Carriages licensed to operate in the city will be compliant with the new emission standards being imposed by the pollution charge from January 2020.

It is feared that should the majority of black cabs disappear from the roads it would have a major impact on disabled people, because only Hackney Carriages are required to be wheelchair accessible.

The authority is also making a multi-million pound bid to the Government’s Clean Air Fund to buy 50 ultra low emission vehicles, 10 of which would be offered on short leases as a try-before-you-buy scheme. The rest would be available for short-term rent on hourly rates.

Additionally, the bid will include a request for £5,000 individual support packages for up to 1,000 drivers to help them convert to LPG or run a low emission vehicle.

Raja Amin, from the RMT, said: “BCC want drivers to convert to LPG or electric but have authorised one company to carry out this work (35 miles away) but haven’t got the infrastructure in place to allow vehicles to charge or convert within the time frame being imposed by them.

“Drivers agreeing to convert to LPG are still being told to pay the £8 CAZ charge on a daily basis.

“This despite being made to pay a deposit before deadline and yet BCC cannot guarantee when the work will be undertaken to convert to LPG.”

We take a look at congestion on our roads

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A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “We recognise that the introduction of a Clean Air Zone will have an impact on everyone driving the most polluting vehicles.

“We have applied to the Government for funding for a range of measures to support Hackney carriage and private hire drivers in making the switch to compliant vehicles or upgrading their existing vehicles.

“We have also consulted with the general public and the taxi and private hire trade to prepare licensing policies in readiness for the Clean Air Zone and, as a result of feedback received from almost 1,400 individuals and organisations, have made a number of changes to our proposals.

“These include replacing the emission standard due to take effect from 1 January 2020 with a vehicle age policy, as well as changes to the conditions under which a Hackney carriage could have an LPG conversion.

“A report on these updated proposals is due to be considered by the council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee on 13 March. In the meantime, we remain open to discussions with representatives from the taxi trade about any concerns they might have.”

DATES FOR GO-SLOW ACROSS CITY

Mon Feb 25 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Tues Feb 26 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Wed Feb 27 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Thurs Feb 28 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Fri March 1 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Mon March 4 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Tues March 5: 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Wed March 6 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Thurs March 7 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm

Fri March 8 : 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm