TAXI LIFE IN 2024: LTDA Chairman Paul Brennan reflects on a year of achievements and frustrations
As the year comes to a close, Paul Brennan, Chairman of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), offered a reflective overview of the progress and persistent challenges faced by London’s taxi trade in 2024 in the latest edition of TAXI Newspaper.
While the industry has seen improvements in access and some forward-thinking council policies, issues such as relentless congestion and mismanagement of road planning continue to hinder the sector’s potential.
Access Improvements: A Rare Bright Spot
One of the most positive developments this year has been the progress made in improving access for licensed taxis in specific areas of London. Brennan notes that boroughs such as Southwark, Lewisham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham have taken proactive steps to allow taxis greater access to bus gates and restricted roads. For instance, Lambeth’s decision to remove restrictions around Streatham Wells stands out as a key example of collaborative efforts yielding results.
Similarly, in the City of London, lobbying efforts have borne fruit with exemptions granted for Chancery Lane and Cheapside bus gates. Brennan credits these changes to sustained engagement with key decision-makers, dispelling the often-repeated myth that the taxi trade lacks unity or a collective voice.
However, he is quick to caution that these gains are not universal. Camden and Islington continue to resist such measures, and even within boroughs that have made concessions, progress is inconsistent. These disparities highlight the ongoing battle to ensure that taxis, as a vital part of London’s public transport system, receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Congestion Crisis: A Growing Threat
Despite the access wins, congestion remains the single greatest threat to the taxi trade’s efficiency and viability. Brennan paints a grim picture of a city paralysed by gridlock, with closures and poorly coordinated roadworks causing widespread delays. Euston Road, for instance, has become emblematic of the problem. Essential repairs have been exacerbated by a failure to plan adequate diversions or consider the cumulative impact of simultaneous projects across multiple routes.
“The road network has been decimated,” Brennan argues, pointing to the diminished capacity caused by what he describes as “vanity projects.” He attributes the problem to a generation of planners who lack the ability to adapt or learn from criticism, leading to repeated mistakes.
Adding to the frustration is the apparent disconnect between long-term visions for a car-free London and the day-to-day realities of a city dependent on efficient transport. Brennan warns that while the idea of reducing car usage may sound appealing, the current approach risks creating a fragmented and dysfunctional city.
Financial and Policy Support: A Call to Action
The LTDA has also been vocal in calling for greater financial and policy support for the taxi trade. Brennan highlights the need for measures such as interest-free loans, an extended scrappage scheme, and lobbying for the continuation of the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG), which incentivises the switch to zero-emission vehicles.
A recent joint letter to the Mayor of London underscores these priorities. Signed by all major trade groups, the letter calls for a renewed commitment to universal road access for taxis—summed up in the simple demand: “Taxis go where the buses go.” This approach, Brennan argues, is essential not only for the trade but also for passengers who rely on taxis as a key part of London’s transport ecosystem, especially those with mobility challenges.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As 2025 approaches, Brennan remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges that significant challenges lie ahead. The LTDA will continue to push for practical solutions, including improved traffic management, clearer communication from Transport for London (TfL), and a more collaborative approach to road planning.
Brennan also sees potential in the growing recognition of the taxi trade’s environmental contributions. With more drivers transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, taxis are increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to private car use. Ensuring that this progress is supported through financial incentives and expanded charging infrastructure will be critical in the coming years.
