London unlikely to see iconic taxi turning circle scrapped anytime soon says London Mayor Sadiq Khan
London is unlikely to see the iconic taxi turning circle scrapped anytime soon according to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The feature, synonymous with the capital’s black taxi, will remain despite some sections of the industry claiming the requirement is too expensive and restricts vehicle options.
Currently only one vehicle meets the strict criteria set by the regulators Transport for London. As of January 2018, all new taxis in London must be zero-emission capable, wheelchair accessible and able to complete a tighter turning circle than standard cars.
The London Mayor rejected Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon’s opportunity to support the scrapping of the turning circle requirement and added: “The turning circle requirement ensures London taxis can manoeuvre in the tight spaces and narrow streets of the Capital.
“The turning circle enables the taxi to complete a U-turn in one movement, for example when picking up a passenger hailing from the opposite side of the road, and consequently reduces congestion.”
