BLACK CAB MASTER PLAN: LTDA worked with London Assembly to release motion for urgent taxi action plan
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has voiced its commitment and support towards a recent London Assembly motion, urging swift action to secure the future of London’s black cab trade.
In a statement on social media, the LTDA thanked Assembly Members Neil Garratt and Keith Prince for working together with the trade representatives in championing a motion in favour of licensed taxi drivers and acknowledged other members, including Elly Baker, Hina Bokhari, and Emma Best, who recognised the critical challenges facing the industry.
The LTDA’s endorsement and work with London Assembly Members follows the Assembly’s call for a Taxi Action Plan aimed at addressing the pressures on taxi drivers in the capital. The Assembly’s motion calls on the Mayor to implement practical support, including reintroducing the Taxi Delicensing Scheme to help drivers replace older diesel vehicles with Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) taxis.
With rising costs, restricted road access, and declining driver and vehicle numbers, the taxi trade faces mounting challenges. The Assembly highlighted that over 60% of London’s black cabs are now electric, wheelchair-accessible, and zero-emission capable, thanks to significant investment from the trade. However, for the remaining drivers, upgrading to ZEC vehicles has become increasingly difficult due to rising costs and diminishing financial support from government schemes.
Assembly Member Neil Garratt, who proposed the motion, argued that black cabs play a crucial role in London’s transport system and urged the Mayor to provide robust support. The motion also calls for updates to the Knowledge of London, making it more accessible for new drivers, and requests the Mayor to secure equal access for taxis to key traffic routes, similar to that granted to buses.
The Assembly expressed concern that without intervention, the decline in driver and vehicle numbers could accelerate as more older taxis reach their age limit, forcing drivers out of the trade and reducing options for passengers, including disabled and Taxicard users.
The LTDA and Assembly Members are pressing for a coordinated approach from the Mayor to tackle these issues and to help London’s licensed taxi trade make the full transition to a zero-emission fleet, safeguarding both the iconic black cab and the drivers who rely on it for their livelihoods.
A Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) spokesperson said on social media: “We were delighted to work with Neil Garratt and City Hall Tories to get this vital motion thru and welcome fantastic cross-party support for London's taxi trade. Now TfL and Myor of London must take action to support and secure future of London's iconic black cabs.”
In a further post the LTDA added: “Thank you Neil Garratt and Keith Prince for putting forward important motion in support of London's licensed taxi drivers & thanks to all AMs who recognised the challenges facing our trade amid soaring costs, falling driver and vehicle numbers and access restrictions, incl. Elly Baker, Hina Bokhari and Emma Best.”
