The cars are all identical T3 grade, with CO2 emissions of 89g/km and fuel consumption of 72.4mpg. Prius’s hybrid drivetrain also allows the vehicles to be driven on electricity for short distances when not under heavy load. Checker Cars already has a fleet of 15 Prius taxis operating out of Stansted Airport.

David Crouch, managing director of Checker Cars said: ‘Our environmental policy is to reduce emissions wherever possible, and we’re also looking for greater economy in the operation of our fleet, because with fuel prices as they are that’s becoming more and more important. We are also committed to the airports’ drive for lessening our effect on the local environment.”

Peter Downes, Bristol Airport’s commercial manager (ground transportation) added: ‘Checker Cars is the only official taxi operator at Bristol Airport and all its drivers are authorised to set down and pick up from the Terminal forecourt. This provides passengers with a streamlined, door to door service, and thanks to the new vehicles they can also reduce the CO2 emissions of their journey.’