The Government has announced funding of more than £6 million to install charge points for ultra-low emission taxis at the Smart Transport Conference today (Tuesday, February 5).

The funding will see almost 300 rapid charge points and 46 fast charge points installed for ultra-low emission taxis in 17 local authorities, including in Greater Manchester, Brighton and Hove, Leicester and the north east.

Jesse Norman, future of mobility minister, told delegates at the conference, which is backed by Fleet News, that the Government wants all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. “Getting the right infrastructure and investment in place is a crucial part of this,” he said.

“Today’s funding will support almost 4,000 ultra-low emission vehicles across the country. It is a further sign that the UK is making real progress in the transition to greener transport.”

Richard Harrington, automotive minister, added: “The UK has led the world in cutting emissions while maintaining growth in our economy.

“These new charge points for greener taxis will help accelerate a cleaner environment for people across the UK. This will also point the way for a better, healthier future for us all as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy which builds on the government’s long-standing partnership with the UK automotive sector.”

It is estimated that more than 800 ultra-low emission black cabs and more than 3,000 ultra-low emission private hire vehicles will benefit from the new charge points, supporting a shift towards cleaner, greener transport.

The inaugural Smart Transport Conference and Exhibition aims to connect Government and local authority policymakers with fleet decision-makers and technology providers in the mobility sector.

The event, which is supported by the Campaign for Better Transport, will focus on finding solutions to the shared challenges facing Government and business.