No indication that London taxi turning circle requirements will be reduced says LEVC
London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) have not received any indication from Transport for London (TfL) that there are plans to reduce conditions around the iconic black taxi turning circle.
LEVC, the manufacturer of the modern TX taxi, confirmed this after recent speculation about potential changes to the Conditions of Fitness. An LEVC spokesperson highlighted the importance of the turning circle in enabling drivers to navigate London’s narrow streets and deliver a highly manoeuvrable service.
The turning circle specification, set at 8.535 metres, is a distinctive feature of London’s black cabs. This requirement enables taxis to perform U-turns on narrow streets, enhancing their operational efficiency. The LEVC TX model achieves this through advanced engineering, allowing the front wheels to turn up to 63 degrees, a significant increase from the typical 38 degrees found in standard vehicles.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, echoed these sentiments in December 2024. He reaffirmed the turning circle’s role in maintaining the functionality and convenience of London taxis, particularly in the capital’s complex road network. “The London taxi’s turning circle means it can easily manoeuvre, quickly change direction, and pick up passengers on either side of the road,” he said.
Sadiq Khan also emphasised the turning circle’s importance for taxi ranks, many of which are specifically designed around this feature. Altering or removing the requirement could necessitate significant changes to the ranks themselves, a costly and disruptive prospect.
An LEVC spokesperson told TaxiPoint: “LEVC has invested heavily in ensuring our vehicles meet the London Conditions of Fitness, including the turning circle requirement, which allows drivers to navigate the city’s narrow streets with ease and maintain exceptional manoeuvrability.
“We have not received any indication from TfL suggesting plans to reduce these conditions, which are designed to uphold the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and environmental performance for taxis. Since its launch in 2018, LEVC’s TX has set the standard for urban e-mobility, offering a purpose-built, zero- emission capable solution with unrivalled accessibility features, all while retaining the iconic character of the traditional black cab.”
