Mayor Ken’s policy to reduce London’s taxi exhaust emissions to Euro 3 for older cabs is now well under way. So Call Sign hit the streets to gauge the experiences of our drivers who have been converted and how they have faired with their chosen system.

Glen Hatton (K99): "I’ve had the system for about two weeks now and find it reliable, but I’ve noticed a definite loss of performance. The engine is less responsive on longer runs and power tails off up hills. Fuel consumption is about the same and thankfully there have been no problems."
TX1: Van Aaken system fitted by M&H Taxis, £2000.

Daniel Anchor (H61): "I’ve had the conversion for just over two weeks, so it’s early days yet but it seems ok so far. It failed the test at SGS the first time round, so I took it back for adjustment and it passed the next day, no problem. I think the fuel consumption has slightly improved as well, but as I said, it’s still very early days."
TX1: Van Aaken system fitted by Dave’s Taxis of Hackney, £2000.

Mitchell Freeman (V33): "The system has been fine since being fitted 1 year ago and I have noticed no difference really. There was a loose support bracket in April this year, which was quickly sorted out. I’ve noticed a rattle somewhere since the recent overhaul, which might not really be related. It’s something that needs to be sorted, but yes, the system is fine."
Fairway: TaxiCat system fitted by Davis & Bishop, £1800/2000).

Michael Churchill (G93): "Overall, I’m happy with the system, which was fitted in October ‘06, but I’ve noticed a loss of power on long runs and there is no quick acceleration - not that I go racing anywhere! There has been just the one problem of a split exhaust downpipe around 2 months ago and that was replaced under warranty while I waited.
Fairway: Van Aaken system fitted by Pool Motors, £2000 inc Vat and fitting.

Douglas Shepherd (W28): "I was converted in June this year and the system seems fine. The only minor problem was an initial loss of power due to a throttle linkage connection, but that was quickly re-adjusted and now there is no difference in performance and no fuel increase either."
Fairway: TaxiCat system fitted by Davis & Bishop, £2000.

John Hall (K74): "I had the system fitted in April of this year and noticed a lack of performance initially, but I am still happy with the system as a whole and I have not had any problems. While investigating the various options available, I discovered it is wise to firstly have the engine tested to confirm its suitability to conversion before spending money on an engine that is in poor condition and will therefore not reap the benefit of the emission reduction system."
Fairway: Van Aaken system fitted by Putney Bridge Motors, £2000.

Jason Wood (S05): "My system was fitted about 8 weeks ago and seems fine, although there is a slight turbo ‘lag’, but then the cab takes off noticeably quicker than previously! I’m sure the fuel consumption is slightly better too, but I have not checked it accurately yet.
   There is a loud, irregular electronic clicking noise, which I think is part of the system. But no, I have not had any problems. But it is only 8 weeks old!"
TX1: STT Emtec system fitted by London Cab Co. Herne Hill, £2320.

Michael Kennedy (M30): "The cab was converted in May 2007. I had an injector service at the same time, which I’m sure is a PCO requirement anyway. I have not noticed any difference in performance and I have not had any problems. Yes, I’m happy with the system - except for having to pay out all that money!"
Fairway: TaxiCat system fitted by A1 Taxis, £2300.

David James (A26): "The cab was converted on 26 April 2007 and then passed the overhaul with SGS first time. No smoke, no problems. I live in west Wales and drive the cab to and from home, a distance of 220 miles each way. The performance is far better than before, with improved fuel consumption. I do not thrash it though because I intend to keep the cab a while longer. I am a qualified motor engineer and service the cab myself. I am happy with the conversion - although the steady ‘clicking’ noise from the electronic fuel regulator valve can probably be irritating."
Fairway: STT Emtec system from Cricklewood Carriers, £2763.

Charlie Rubin (C89): "I have not had any problems and I’m happy with the system, although like many other drivers I did not need the extra expense of the conversion! But, that said, yes I’m happy with the system as a whole. The cab passed the overhaul via SGS after the conversion and I did notice a loss of performance, but was told to give the cab a good run. Coincidently, I took my family to Stanstead along the M11 and sure enough noticed a marked improvement in the performance after that. I also had the injectors serviced 8 months ago.
Fairway: TaxiCat system from Frank Tingley Motors, £1950.

Ken Taylor (S03): "Yes, its’ been fine. I’ve not had any problems and no loss of performance that I can tell. Yes, I’m happy with the system, but probably like a lot of drivers, I’m not too happy with the cost! However, having said that, I had the system fitted in November ’06 and the cab passed the overhaul at the PCO shortly afterwards."
Fairway: TaxiCat system via A1 Taxis, £2000.

Phil Jacobs (D13): "I had my system fitted in May ’07 and have not had any problems. The cab passed its’ overhaul with the system fitted at SGS in Deptford that month without any problems. I have noticed a loss of performance though, especially in the 30/50 mph speed range."
Fairway: TaxiCat system fitted by E1 taxis. £2000.