The first taxi licence for an all-electric vehicle has been issued in Torbay.

Torbay Council’s licensing team have recently awarded this new licence to Airport Transfers Torbay based in Preston Paignton, and the Nissan Leaf vehicle is now operating as a Hackney Carriage around the Bay.

Councillor Vic Ellery, Executive Lead for Environment, said: “Our licencing team were asked if we would allow an electric vehicle to be licensed as a taxi, and after viewing the actual vehicle and hearing all the benefits of having a vehicle of this type on the road, we awarded the licence.

“It’s known that electric vehicles can enhance a good transport network and with the current culture of people wanting to change the impact they are having on the environment, we are extremely glad to be able to help have an impact on our environment in the Bay.”

Steve Guttridge, from Airport Transfers Torbay said: “Nationally, the move from petrol and diesel powered cars to electric is growing, and you can see why. As well as the impact it has on the environment with regard to emissions, the cost of running a vehicle like this is considerably cheaper. So far feedback from our clients has been positive, and it is a great feeling to know we are making a difference and helping to keep our environment cleaner.”

During May the impact of having this type of vehicle on the road can already be seen, as the car is running at 3.8 pence per mile compared to up to 17 pence per mile in a diesel car. It has also made a saving of CO2 emissions of just over 600kg.