TIGHT PASSAGE: The one part of London’s road network even taxi drivers avoid
London’s black cab drivers are widely admired for their navigational skills. With years spent behind the wheel, they’re adept at handling the city’s winding roads, narrow alleys, and complex traffic systems.
From weaving through the West End’s congestion to tackling the quieter backstreets, there’s very little that these professionals can’t handle. However, there’s one road in particular that even the most experienced cabbies are reluctant to tackle.
Jackson’s Lane, tucked away in Highgate, North London, presents a unique and daunting challenge. On the surface, it might seem like just another narrow street, but what sets it apart is a combination of tight width restrictions and a subtle but troublesome kink in the road. This curve forces drivers to approach the lane with caution, making sure their vehicle is perfectly aligned as they attempt to pass through with only millimetres to spare.
For taxi drivers, who are used to navigating tight spots with ease, Jackson’s Lane is a different beast altogether. While it’s certainly possible to drive a black cab through this tricky section of road, the margin for error is extremely slim. The task is made even harder in the slightly wider LEVC TX electric black cabs and the Mercedes-Benz Vito taxi models.
A single misjudgement can result in damage to the vehicle and an embarrassing scrape against the barriers with passengers onboard. The difficulty is enough to deter many drivers, who would rather avoid the risk altogether.
As a result, some cabbies have simply decided that Jackson’s Lane isn’t worth the hassle. Instead of risking a tricky passage, they opt to drop passengers at either end of the restricted section, leaving the final part of the journey to be completed on foot if the passenger lives on the restricted part of the lane.
In a city as vast and varied as London, where every road brings its own set of challenges, Jackson’s Lane has carved out a reputation as the street many cabbies would prefer to avoid. It’s a reminder that even in a profession as demanding as taxi driving, there are still roads that can leave drivers with their hearts in their mouths.
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