Fleet owner calls for urgent action needed to prevent London taxi trade facing further driver shortages
The taxi industry in London is on the brink of a significant crisis, with driver numbers dwindling at an alarming rate warns black cab fleet owner.
Paul Byron, a taxi fleet owner and prominent figure within the industry, highlighted concerns about the sharp decline in the number of individuals undertaking the Knowledge of London (KOL), the comprehensive training required to become a licensed black cab driver in an article in TAXI Newspaper. His message is clear: without swift and decisive action, the trade risks losing its prominence in London’s transportation ecosystem.
The Decline of the Knowledge of London
The Knowledge has long been regarded as the gold standard in taxi driver training, setting London’s black cab drivers apart from their counterparts in other cities. However, recent years have seen a stark reduction in the number of candidates enrolling in and completing the process. Byron himself, who passed out in 2015, recalls that thousands of individuals were engaged in the Knowledge at the time, which would translate into hundreds of new drivers entering the trade each year. Today, those figures have plummeted.
“To put it into perspective, when there are thousands of people on the Knowledge, hundreds get through, when there are hundreds of people on the Knowledge, only a handful get through,” Byron says.
The rigorous nature of the Knowledge, while essential for maintaining the high standards of London’s taxi service, is undoubtedly a factor contributing to the low completion rates. Yet, this decline is not simply a matter of fewer candidates passing – it reflects a broader, systemic issue within the industry.
A Call to Recruit from the PHV Sector
In light of these challenges, Byron has put forward a solution that some may consider controversial: actively recruiting drivers from the private hire vehicle (PHV) sector. While the suggestion may raise eyebrows among traditionalists, Byron argues that this approach could provide a vital lifeline for the taxi trade. “Let’s be honest, we have been recruiting drivers from PHV for many years now and it needs to be ramped up,” Byron explains.
According to Byron, there are many reasons why good PHV drivers might be attracted to the black cab trade. The promise of better earning potential, greater job security, and the prestige associated with driving one of London’s iconic taxis are powerful incentives. For PHV drivers who are already committed to a career behind the wheel in London, transitioning into the taxi trade could be a logical next step, offering them long-term stability and opportunities for growth.
The Reality of Driver Numbers
Byron is quick to dismiss the notion that his push for recruitment from the PHV sector is purely self-serving. “The most common line of criticism of my views that I hear is, 'you want to flood the streets with taxis because you own a fleet'," says Byron. “If I felt this way, why wouldn’t I just buy into PHV because their business model isn’t on the decline, and it appears they’re generating TfL income on a larger scale? Wouldn’t that be easier?”
The statistics paint a stark picture. With driver numbers continuing to fall and only small numbers of new drivers entering the trade, the industry is struggling to keep pace with the demand for taxis in a growing city. Byron’s concern is not just about the immediate future but about the long-term viability of the trade.
Preserving the Future of the Taxi Trade
For Byron, the decline in taxi driver numbers is not just a problem for the industry – it’s a problem for London as a whole. “We really and truly are London,” he states, passionately. Yet, despite this sentiment, he acknowledges that the trade is facing a growing number of challenges that threaten its survival.
Drivers are leaving the profession for a variety of reasons. The rising cost of running a taxi, including sky-high insurance premiums and the expensive transition to electric vehicles, is pushing some out of the industry. Meanwhile, new regulations, such as the 12-year age limit on taxis and the proliferation of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph speed limits, are making life increasingly difficult for drivers. These factors, combined with the ever-present competition from Uber and other ride-hailing services, have created a perfect storm that is driving experienced cabbies out of the trade.
Byron also raises concerns about the perception of the trade on social media, where negativity can often overshadow the benefits of becoming a taxi driver. There was a time when cabbing was seen as a “licence to print money”, he recalls. “Because cabbies can be negative on social media, it probably puts people off.”
A Call for Action
Despite these challenges, Byron remains optimistic that the trade can be saved, but he stresses that action must be taken now. “We really need a campaign to recruit drivers to boost our numbers and to save our trades perks – the things that make us unique,” Byron added.
The KOL has, and should always be, open to anyone of good character, Byron believes. However, the barriers to entry – particularly the time and effort required to complete the Knowledge – need to be reconsidered in light of the modern challenges facing the industry. While the standards of the KOL must be maintained, the process must evolve to attract new candidates and ensure the trade’s longevity.
Byron’s message is clear: the time for complacency is over. If the taxi trade is to survive and thrive in the years to come, it must adapt to the changing landscape and embrace new recruitment strategies. The decline is real and acute, but with the right approach, it can be reversed.
The Path Forward
For those considering a career in the taxi trade, Byron’s message is one of opportunity. The profession still offers a fulfilling and stable future for those willing to take on the challenge of the Knowledge. The trade needs new blood, and now is the time to step forward.
The future of London’s taxi trade hangs in the balance. Without a concerted effort to recruit and retain drivers, the industry could see an irreversible decline. However, with Byron’s call for action and a renewed focus on recruitment, there is hope that the black cab – a symbol of London – will continue to be a vital part of the city’s landscape for generations to come.
