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Date - 01 August 20067

London’s Black Cabs Go Bio Powered

• Radio Taxis Group fleet to fill up on 30 per cent bio fuel blend
• Significant reductions in CO2 and gains for local air quality
• Hail a greener cab today - new ‘high vis’ stickers unveiled

London: Radio Taxis Group Limited, the UK’s largest black cab operators, today took steps to cut carbon dioxide emissions across its 3,000 strong black cab fleet. At a launch ceremony with London Mayor Ken Livingstone, the company announced that it is building on its ’every journey is CarbonNeutral®’ promise with the introduction of a new high performance 30 per cent sustainable biodiesel blend for its drivers.

Called E3, the blend is the world’s first bio fuel to be specifically created for use in taxis. Developed in partnership with UK based Infinitum Limited, the fuel is blended using UK grown virgin oilstock. Tailpipe testing by VCA approved Emission Laboratory (UK) Ltd has found that the fuel delivers a seven per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, significant cuts in harmful emissions, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, and a 4.7 per cent reduction in particulate matter alongside a 9.31 per cent improvement in miles per gallon.

The combined impact of reduced CO2 emissions and improved mileage per gallon means that the new fuel has the potential to deliver a fleet-wide cut of up to almost 3,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent per annum.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said:

"London already has the best taxi service in the world, and I am working with the taxi trade to make it the cleanest. New regulations introduced this year, mean that the capital’s 20,000 black cabs must now meet strict emissions standards, making vehicles less polluting to help improve London’s air quality.

"I congratulate Radio Taxis’ commitment to go a step further and introduce a greener fuel in their vehicles. By tackling carbon emissions in this way, Radio Taxis are demonstrating that forward-thinking businesses have an important role to play in tackling climate change and I hope that other London businesses will take their lead."

Andrew Herbert, Managing Director of Radio Taxis Group, said:

"Radio Taxis Group was the world’s first ground transport fleet to go CarbonNeutral®. But today we recognise that offset is not enough, the challenge is to deliver real and significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

"The roll-out of this new biofuel means that we will be driving down CO2 emissions, driving down particulate emissions and, with fuel economy gains, driving down costs for our drivers."

More...

Radio Taxis Group also today unveiled its high visibility reflector stickers carried on the front window screen and designed to allow passengers the option to spot, and hail, a greener taxi.

Andrew Herbert concluded:

"The high visibility reflector strip is a simple way to empower Londoners to take action. We will continue to pay to offset the emissions created by every passenger journey in a Radio Taxis Group black cab - and we are offering all our drivers the choice to fill up on a premium quality biofuel. We all have a responsibility to manage our impact on the environment, this gives passengers a simple way to do their bit."

Radio Taxis Group is a pioneer of sustainable travel in the UK. As well as being the first transport provider in the world to become CarbonNeutral® it has put in place a comprehensive environmental impact management programme that includes a wide range of measures designed to deliver tangible carbon reductions.

People wanting to set up a private or corporate account with Radio Taxis Group please call 020 2651 5147 or visit www.radiotaxis.co.uk.

- ENDS -

For further information about Radio Taxis Group, informed comment, interview or images please contact: T: 0870 420 3268, E: rtg@fourcommunications.com

Fuel Statistics:
Infinitum Limited commissioned testing by Emission Laboratory (UK) Ltd in January 2007 using a LTI TXII. The vehicle was run through a standard 98/69, 70/220/EEC - 2003/76/EC Consolidated Emissions TYPE 1 TEST comparing use of B30 supplied by Infinitum with standard forecourt ULSD.

The summary results, following a green-in period of one week [roughly 1000 miles] showed: 8.74% reduction in NOX, 9.76% reduction in THC + NOX, 20.39% reduction in CO, 7.05% reduction in CO2, 4.73% reduction in PM, 9.31% improvement in MPG.

Radio Taxis Group:
Formed in 1953, Radio Taxis Group provides a single point solution for all business and private ground transport needs. It was de-mutualised in June 2004. Based in North London, Radio Taxis Group’s fleet of over 3000 vehicles includes chauffeur driven executive cars, black taxis, private hire vehicles (including an in-house driver training school) and a motorbike and van courier service.

Radio Taxi Group subsidiary One Transport is the first UK company to offer a fully integrated booking and review system, allowing customers to book online and then quickly and accurately track their usage afterwards.

Radio Taxi Group has pioneered sustainable transport systems in the UK. It was the first CarbonNeutral® transport service provider, invests heavily in energy and emissions reductions programmes and has an in-house R&D facility dedicated to reviewing new technologies that target improving environmental performance.

Radio Taxis Group has been recognised by a number of independent awards, including The Energy Savings Trust Best Practice Award, the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence, the Impact on Society Award, the CIMA Financial Management CSR Award and the Business Travel Weekly award for Business Road Service.