Simon Hughes: local vehicles powered by local fuel

Simon Hughes MP is using two London icons for his 2010 re-election campaign today.

The new EURO III engined taxi (cleanest available) was delivered yesterday by Ascott Cabs and is powered by locally-sourced, recycled biodiesel provided by Southwark-based Uptown Oil.

Uptown Oil's biodiesel is produced from waste and is one of the most environmentally sustainable transport fuels available. The company has a neat closed loop recycling system whereby they deliver virgin oil to local businesses (in their biodiesel-powered vans of course) and collect the used cooking oil for conversion to fuel. It saves the oil from being poured down drains and entering landfill sites, where it would emit methane - a greenhouse gas 22 times more harmful than CO2. Uptown Oil's biodiesel currently costs £1/litre is so pure, it can go straight into a normal diesel car - powering hundreds of and vans London (and my Multipla!)

When not in his cab, Simon will be travelling around on another London icon, a Brompton folding bike, supplied by local company ‘On your bike’ – of course also in the party colours. Simon is a long time cyclist, after he gave up his last cab (a Fairway) two years ago, Simon has cycled, walked or used public transport around the constituency.

For nearly two years I have been doing all I can to help the planet by not driving my old taxi cab and walking, cycling or using public transport to travel around Southwark. But by popular demand I have now obtained a new Simon taxi. And with the help of the local firm Uptown Oil I have the most environmentally sustainable fuel as well.

I will be proud to show off my new cab and my new bike around the community. I couldn’t have wished for a better start on two wheels and on four to the general election campaign which starts officially next week.
Simon Hughes MP

Listen to the interview with Simon Hughes, courtesy of www.london-se1.co.uk