Older London taxi drivers face anxious wait to stay in trade as black cab fleet plummets in numbers
Updated: Dec 11, 2023
Older taxi drivers are facing an anxious wait to extend their time as working cab drivers in the capital as black cab age limits wipe out a large number of licensed vehicles.
In a recent statement made by Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), he revealed that London was experiencing a notable decline in the number of licensed cabs last month. This decline can be attributed to a large number of taxis reaching the 12-year age limit, forcing drivers to either retire or search for alternative options to sustain their livelihood.
McNamara highlighted the issue was affecting drivers, particularly those nearing retirement who were not quite ready to give up their cherished position as London cab drivers.
These individuals now find themselves in a position where they must find other cabs to share, rent or buy, or explore new avenues to support themselves.
News regarding the HJS diesel retrofit conversion has been eagerly awaited by many of those drivers, as it could potentially extend the life of their cabs by a few more years.
McNamara said in TAXI Newspaper: “I know many drivers have been hoping for news on the HJS conversion so they might be able to add a few more years onto their cab’s life. I have supported HJS since they started looking to get into the taxi market, all the way back in 2018, as anything which kept drivers in their cabs longer had to be a good thing. I have followed their progress with TfL closely, raising it in meetings with decision makers, whenever I had the opportunity. It’s been a long process and as time ticks on there is a risk that drivers won’t benefit from this.
“However, I understand that they have now started the 10,000-mile road test with one model and that they are ready to start shortly with the other. This could be good news for drivers but there are still a few more hurdles to get TfL’s approval for the tech to be fitted to cabs. We will keep drivers updated as things progress.”
The decline in licensed taxis, coupled with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the HJS conversion, pose challenges for London's taxi drivers. For many older drivers the retrofit solution remains their last chance saloon.
