‘Missed Opportunity’: LTDA slams TfL’s 2025 Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan
Transport for London’s (TfL) newly released Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan 2025 has drawn sharp criticism from the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), which says the document lacks any meaningful strategy to tackle the industry’s most pressing problems.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, labelled the plan “a missed opportunity”, accusing TfL of repeating old promises without delivering practical steps to support licensed taxi drivers. While the plan acknowledges the value of London’s taxi trade and the current difficulties it faces, it has been criticised for failing to offer solid commitments.
The Action Plan outlines 14 key areas of focus, including safety improvements, increased accessibility, and efforts to modernise the industry. However, McNamara said the document is light on detail. He highlighted the absence of clear actions or timelines, warning that phrases like “work with us”, “consult” and “encourage” have become stock responses that do little to reassure drivers.
One of the main frustrations centres on the perceived lack of support for drivers adapting to new regulations and the financial pressures that come with switching to zero-emission capable (ZEC) vehicles. Although the plan refers to lobbying government and engaging with stakeholders, McNamara said many of the outcomes seem pre-determined and leave drivers isolated.
TfL’s plan touches on a range of goals for the years ahead, such as improving data sharing, streamlining licensing, and continuing efforts to make all taxis wheelchair accessible. But industry voices argue that without financial backing, clearer commitments and an understanding of the operational challenges drivers face daily, these goals will fall short.
The LTDA warned that the future of London’s black cab service depends heavily on real support, not repeated consultations. McNamara made it clear that if meaningful change is to happen, it will have to come from within the trade itself.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), said: “This Action Plan is a missed opportunity. It’s filled with platitudes about the importance of licensed taxis and recognises the serious challenges we face, yet it sets out no real plans to actually address those challenges. Despite the problems the industry is facing being repeatedly reiterated to TfL and the Mayor, instead of actions, what we see are the same hollow promises to ‘work with us’, ‘consult’, ‘encourage’ and ‘lobby’ for things the government has already made up its mind on, with no concrete action to support hard working taxi drivers.
“It’s very clear to us that London’s licensed taxi drivers are in this alone and it’s being left down to us to ensure the longevity of London’s iconic black cabs and the vital service they provide.”
