"End lockdown now to save black cab drivers" says London Mayoral candidate Laurence Fox
On the first anniversary of the introduction of coronavirus lockdowns, the Leader of the Reclaim Party, Laurence Fox, has set out his action plan to support the Black Cab industry following a meeting with the London Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA).
At the heart of Mr Fox’s plan is the call to end lockdown now. With fares for Black Cab drivers estimated to be down by up to 80 per cent since the first lockdown was introduced, many drivers have struggled to cope financially. One in five taxis have already been handed back by drivers for storage, according to Fox’s campaign.
A spokesperson for Fox said: “More generally for London’s economy, it is essential for the Black Cab industry to survive, so people can get around when businesses reopen.“
In light of TFL’s loss in the High Court, Mr Fox is also calling for London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Streetspace scheme to be permanently scrapped.
Described by the judge as a “radical change“ which “took advantage“ of the pandemic, Fox believes the Streetspace scheme has in many cases prevented drivers from operating effectively through the use of new banned turns, bus gates and low traffic neighbourhoods.
In addition to affecting drivers’ trade, Fox said the scheme has hindered mobility for disabled people needing taxis to get around.
Other proposals put forward by Mr Fox include a more extensive charging network for electric taxis, greater financial support to purchase them (in light of the upcoming ULEZ zone imposed by TFL), and a championing of the Black Cab industry as a key part of London’s recognition, appeal and heritage.
The Reclaim Party leader and London Mayoral candidate said: “London’s cabbies have been let down by the Government and Sadiq Khan right from the start of this pandemic.
“From lockdowns which have effectively banned cabbies from working properly for a year, to the unlawful Streetspace scheme which has only piled difficulties on top, if London’s iconic Black Cab industry is to survive things need to change urgently.
“London needs to get moving and get back to work, so our cabbies need to survive to help with that.”
