Taunton Taxi Driver Goes Green

TAXI driver Guy Woodberry is doing his bit to help the planet by taking the wheel of one of the "greenest" cars available after being inspired by Taunton Deane Borough Council's climate change team.

Guy, who runs Monument taxis in Wellington, has bought a Toyota Prius – the vehicle favoured by Prime Minister David Cameron – and has already seen the financial benefits as his Road Fund Licence is just £10 a year.

The new addition to his fleet is fitted with an electric and a petrol engine and can achieve up to 70 miles per gallon with the bonus of far lower CO2, nitrogen oxide and soot emissions than a petrol or diesel car of similar size.

He was considering what type of vehicle to buy when he attended a talk given by Taunton Deane's climate change officer Torsten Daniel to the local Taxi Forum. And that talk made him convinced that green is the way to go.

"The Prius is eerily silent," said Guy, when he came to collect his new licence plates from Cllr Ken Hayward, Executive Councillor for Environmental Health, and licensing officer John Rendell.

"It's already showing excellent miles per gallon and it is greener and less harmful to the environment. I am Wellington born and bred and want to do the best for my home area."

He plans to use the vehicle for his older customers who, he feels sure, will appreciate the smooth and silent ride – and be interested in the car's green credentials. "It will make the driving experience better, passengers will like it and enjoy the ride," he said.

Cllr Hayward said: "The Council welcomes the use of a Toyota Prius as a taxi as – compared to a standard taxi – this will help to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful substances like soot and nitrogen oxide (NOX) in the Borough. This is particularly important in congested urban areas where pedestrians and residents are more exposed to car fumes".