That’s the view of Frost & Sullivan consultant Martyn Briggs who says that London will be the catalyst for a new wave of zero emission urban mobility through a cities taxi trade.

Brigg said: ‘London’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, sent shockwaves throughout the Transportation & Taxi world on 16th January 2014 as he announced plans that will mandate only zero emission capable taxis being licensed as black cabs. Whilst this will be subject to a full public consultation in 2014, it sets a clear message to both the industry and to authorities worldwide that air quality is to be taken seriously, and that working in partnership with manufacturers can realise the goal of zero emission Urban Mobility in mega cities such as London.

‘Frost & Sullivan believe this trend will continue in the coming years, with several cities adopting either dedicated taxi programmes, or ensuring only low emission vehicles are licensed.

‘TfL estimate that between 30-35% of the most polluting diesel emissions (PM10’s) in central London are from taxis alone. In a time where several major automotive manufacturers have developed zero emission capable vehicles, clearly there is an opportunity to eradicate such harmful emissions from our cities forever, and London is looking to do exactly that.

‘London has clearly demonstrated once more its desire to act as a pioneer in the taxi market, in terms of ensuring continued high standards for customers, but now with the added assurance on air quality to benefit London’s population as a whole. This is likely to be replicated throughout cities in the UK and globally, with London being the catalyst for a new wave of zero emission urban mobility through a cities taxi trade.

‘Whilst five manufacturers have announced their plans at this announcement, Frost & Sullivan expect several more manufacturers to follow, grasping the opportunity of city wide taxi programmes, and showcasing their vehicles and new zero emission capable technologies in some of the most strategically important mega cities around the world. Today we came one step closer to emission free Urban Mobility in London; the race for zero emission taxis in other cities globally will undoubtedly now begin!’