BOROUGHS DECIDE: Mayor of London backs Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, but takes a back seat over taxi access
The Mayor of London has supported the need for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), but has left London’s boroughs to decide what taxi access should look like on the capital’s streets.
In a recent written question, Alex Wilson, a London Assembly Member, called on the Mayor of London to ensure that future LTNs are only implemented following comprehensive consultation and with access for taxis.
Wilson pressed the Mayor to consider the impact on surrounding areas, emergency services, and access for black cabs and private hire vehicles. He also urged the Mayor to collaborate with borough councils to establish a consistent approach that guarantees full access to LTNs for London’s black cabs.
In response, Mayor Sadiq Khan reaffirmed his support for LTNs, highlighting their benefits, including safer streets, encouraging walking and cycling, and reducing crime and car use. He acknowledged the key role taxis play, particularly for those with accessibility needs, and noted that while LTNs are primarily controlled by local boroughs, they are required to engage with communities and stakeholders, and consult with emergency services before making decisions.
Khan assured that all areas within LTNs remain accessible to vehicles, though routes may differ from those prior to the schemes. However, decisions on whether taxis can access restricted roads in LTNs will remain with individual boroughs, based on local objectives. Transport for London (TfL) will continue to encourage councils to clearly publicise any restrictions and exemptions.
LTNs have long sparked controversy especially when it comes to access for taxis, which many see as an essential part of London’s transport network.
One key issue is the impact on passengers who rely on taxis, particularly those with mobility challenges. Taxis are often considered a vital service for people with disabilities or those who cannot use public transport. Restricted access within LTNs may force taxis to take longer, less direct routes, pushing up travel times and costs for passengers.
Additionally, drivers argue that these restrictions hinder their ability to navigate efficiently, particularly in a city like London, where congestion is already a major problem. This can affect the overall reliability and availability of taxi services, further fuelling frustration among both drivers and passengers.
The decision-making power for access often lies with individual boroughs, meaning there is no city-wide consistency in how taxis are treated. Some boroughs permit taxi access to restricted areas within LTNs, while others enforce more stringent rules, adding to the confusion and frustration for drivers.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I am supportive of the important benefits that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) provide, including safer streets, enabling people to walk or cycle more, reducing car use and reducing crime.
“I also recognise that taxis can play an important complementary role to the public transport network, especially for people with different accessibility requirements.
“LTNs are installed by boroughs on borough-controlled roads, informed by engagement with local communities and stakeholders and an understanding about their impacts on surrounding areas. Boroughs have a responsibility to consider feedback from engagement in their decision making, and a duty to consult with emergency services.
“All points within all LTNs in London are fully accessible by all vehicles, although access routes may be different from those prior to the scheme. It is for boroughs to decide whether vehicles, including taxis, are allowed access to LTNs via routes where motor traffic access is restricted, with decisions taken according to the local context and objectives of the LTN.
“TfL encourages boroughs to ensure that restrictions, and their exemptions, are clearly publicised to all users.”
