Electric taxis put Kirkcaldy on the road to cleaner air

Kirkcaldy’s first electric taxis have hit the streets.

Taxi Central is the first company in the town to start using electric cars as private hire vehicles, adding five to their fleet.

They have also installed charging points at their Links Street premises, which will also be available for public use.

The move by the firm comes amid the success of Fife Council’s Eco Stars scheme for taxis and private hire vehicles, which encourages operators to run their vehicles in the most efficient way and cuts carbon emissions as well as running costs.

So far 23 operators running 116 vehicles have joined.

Councillor Bob Young, chairman of Fife’s regulation and licensing committee, said: “I want to congratulate Taxi Central for leading the way in cleaner travel and hope we’ll see more and more operators switching to electric.

“Electric vehicles don’t emit any pollutants while they’re in use so they can play an important role in tackling climate change and improving local air quality.

“Fife has an excellent network of chargers for anyone to use so they’re a viable option for households and other local businesses.”

Taxi Central director Mike Brown said: “We joined the Eco Stars scheme in March this year.

“It’s really spurred on our plans to become more energy efficient and I’d like to thank the council for their support and advice.”

There are another 21 public charging points for electric vehicles around Fife, including three rapid chargers, at longstay town centre car parks and railway stations.