BLACK cabbies in Redbridge say plans to ban older taxis from central London will put hundreds of experienced drivers out of a job.

Boris Johnson's plans to introduce a 10-year age limit on taxis in the capital has met with fierce opposition from cabbies across the borough who say it will unfairly penalise veteran drivers who have taken extra care to maintain their vehicles.

The move - which is due to be enforced in 2015 - is part of a package of measures proposed by the Mayor of London to ensure the capital meet strict new EU air quality targets.

Cabbie Mark Thurbin, of Malborough Road, Clayhall, said older drivers like his 67-year-old father would be forced to give up the job if the plan is introduced.

He said: "There are hundreds of older cabbies like my dad who have been driving for years, and they are often the best ones around. They really take care of their vehicles.

"A lot of them have cabs older than 10 years, and only work a few hours a week - so buying a new cab or renting one just wouldn't be worth their while.

"These blokes really look after their vehicles and it would be completely unfair to penalise them."

These views were echoed by fellow cabbie Colin Salmon of Brunswick Gardens, Clayhall.

He said: "If an old cab is blowing smoke out the back then it shouldn't be on the road, but we pay a fortune to get our vehicles overhauled every year and they are mainly in good shape.

"It's ridiculous to penalise the older guys who have looked after their cabs for years. Some of them are in better shape than the newer taxis on the road."

Steve McNamara of the London Taxi Drivers' Association said: "I think it is fair to say London taxi drivers have just fallen out with Boris. We spent a lot of money in 2007 converting our cabs to make them greener and now to do this is outrageous."

The mayor has also announced a U-turn on his promise not to carry out 'phase 3' of the Low Emission Zone scheme - which will now include vans and mini-buses by 2012.

The move will potentially cost Redbridge's hard-pressed haulage firms and transport companies thousands of pounds to upgrade their vehicles.

Mr Johnson said: 'I want to improve the quality of life for Londoners.

"These proposals call for everyone to play their part in curbing pollution but those who contribute more to this problem should be expected to do more to provide the solution."