NEW BLACK CAP: LEVC TX taxi roof-light spotted with new sunlight visor attached
Updated: Mar 6, 2022
A newly designed LEVC TX taxi roof-light was spotted working in the capital after concerns over its performance on bright sunny days.
One eagle eyed taxi driver, Wayne Dawe, spotted the distinctive ‘TAXI’ light sporting a new black visor designed to shield sunlight away from the orange roof-light.
The new design feature follows feedback from drivers, and those trying to hail a black cab, who have suggested difficulty seeing whether the roof light is switched on or off. On a bright summer's day the issue is particularly prevalent with people trying to wave down taxis already in use.
Following early feedback from drivers and licensing authorities, some work was undertaken to improve the visibility of the light. According to the Coventry based taxi manufacturers, the ‘TAXI’ text was made bolder.
As part of the licensing approval process a London licensed taxi is required to meet the licensing authorities' Conditions of Fitness.
In London this includes Condition 25 that states: 'A “Taxi” sign approved by LTPH, is clearly visible both by day and night when the taxi is available for hire, must be fitted.'
LEVC have continued to listen to feedback for future taxi model designs, however according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, it was viable that improvements could be made sooner.
London taxi driver, Wayne Dawe, shared an image of the ‘black cap’ saying: “Looks like TXE hire light is on trial.”
A TfL official responded to a FOI in November 2021 saying: “The ‘Taxi’ sign installed to the model TXe taxi by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) was approved by Transport for London (TfL) for use in 2017.
“TfL carried out visual inspections of the “Taxi” sign in daylight conditions in London and during daylight at the LEVC factory premises. No issues regarding the lamp were found. Night time inspections of the “taxi” sign also identified no issues.
“We are aware that there have been some complaints raised regarding the TXe model “Taxi” sign in bright sunlight. TfL has engaged with LEVC and we understand that work is in progress to make some improvements to the “Taxi” sign.”
