Crawley News 14th May 2008

TAXI DRIVER DITCHES THE UNLEADED TO GO GREEN

 An Eco-friendly taxi driver has ditched diesel for a revolutionary greener alternative - rapeseed oil.

Kevin May, 43, has pumped £2,000 into Go Green taxis - and launched the town's first green cab firm.

Mr May, of Cherwell Walk, Gossops Green, said: "We all have to do our bit for the environment now, don't we?



"I am a father of four and I want to look after the planet for my children. Go Green will give me a chance to do that and earn a decent living."

Mr May has been working alongside the environmental services at Crawley Borough Council for the past two years.

He said: "I needed a licence from the council and had to negotiate with them. They have been very helpful.

"I should be on the road this week. I would encourage all my fellow taxi drivers to come on board.

"Rapeseed oil is cheaper than diesel and my taxi's emissions will be next to nothing. It will run purely on rapeseed oil."

Mr May says he will buy the oil, which costs about £1 a litre compared with about £1.20 for diesel, from supermarkets.

The former BAA worker says he has spent thousands of pounds converting his Volkswagen Passat.

A council spokesman said: "We are fully supportive of Mr May's innovative approach to converting his taxi to run on pure plant oil. Any attempt to reduce carbon emissions and benefit the environment is to be applauded."