MAYOR OF LONDON: “The taxi trade has been very clear that taxi access is a key priority”
London’s Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, has encouragingly reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring taxis play a central role in the capital’s transport network, ahead of a refreshed action plan set to address concerns over access to key routes and bus lanes.
In response to a question from London Assembly Member Elly Baker, the Mayor highlighted the importance of licensed taxis and their place in the city’s infrastructure. Baker had asked whether clear guidance would be introduced to guarantee taxis the same access rights as buses on traffic management schemes across the capital.
Khan confirmed that taxis currently have access to more than 90% of London’s bus lanes, with Transport for London (TfL) working on a policy that maintains this access where practical. However, he noted that operational and safety factors sometimes prevent taxis from using certain lanes.
TfL is now in the process of updating its Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, following discussions with industry representatives and other stakeholders. Khan acknowledged that taxi access remains a priority for the trade, and he assured that the refreshed plan would address these concerns in more detail.
The Mayor also stated that TfL is committed to working with local boroughs to encourage a more consistent approach to taxi access across London. The revised strategy is expected to outline how TfL and local authorities can improve clarity and fairness in future traffic management schemes.
Sir Khan said: “I have always recognised the important role that taxis play within London’s transport network.
“Taxis already have access to over 90 per cent of bus lanes across London, and Transport for London’s (TfL’s) starting position is to allow taxis in all bus lanes except where specific safety or bus operational issues make this impractical.
“TfL is in the process of producing a refreshed Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan. This has involved engagement sessions with taxi and private hire representatives and wider stakeholder groups to understand key concerns and issues within the taxi and private hire industries. The taxi trade has been very clear that taxi access is a key priority.
“The issues and concerns raised by stakeholders have been carefully considered and will be responded to in more detail in the refreshed Action Plan, including the importance of taxi access, both on the TfL Road Network and borough roads.
“This will be a key consideration in the plan and TfL is committed to working with boroughs to encourage a consistent approach.”
