London\'s taxi regulators are to withdraw 2,600 ageing black cabs in an attempt to reduce air pollution in the capital. No black cab over 15-years-old will be licensed by the Taxi and Private Hire Office — taking off the road 2,600 taxis this year. Now Mercedes-Benz has launched an initiative to help London cabbies keep the city moving and at the same time delivering cleaner air. Following discussions between Transport for London and Mercedes-Benz the new scheme will see cab drivers offered a £1,500 discount off the purchase price of a new low-emission Vito Euro 5 taxi in exchange for the driver agreeing to carry Mercedes-Benz advertising for 18 months. John Mason, TfL\'s Director of Taxi and Private Hire, said: “London\'s cabbies are rightly regarded as the best in the world and I know from my discussions with the trade that they want to play their part in making the capital a clean, green city. \"Age limits were introduced at the start of this year and the oldest, most polluting cabs will no longer be licensed.\"