United Cabbies Group warns of “SURRENDER DOCUMENT” as 2025 Taxi and PHV Action Plan misses key taxi issues
A vocal warning from the United Cabbies Group (UCG) has followed the release of Transport for London’s (TfL) new Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan for 2025. The group criticised the regulator’s latest strategy, claiming it marks a serious setback for the licensed taxi trade.
In a statement shared via social media, a UCG spokesperson said: “We’ve not been put back into Mayor’s Transport Strategy. We’ve not been given access to roads.
“It’s a surrender document from the regulator basically saying we’ve lost control and One Tier here we come.
“Not sure we survive this plan if the trade doesn’t want to fight and doesn’t want to change enough — sad but that’s the reality. One Tier or Two, it’s up to you.”
The frustration centres on many longstanding issues which include limited road access for black cabs in certain areas of the capital and a perceived lack of support for maintaining a two-tier system separating taxis and private hire vehicles. The plan, published by TfL, sets out priorities including fleet electrification, improved customer service, and support for women’s safety. However, critics say it fails to address industry-specific challenges faced by London’s taxi drivers.
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) also weighed in, branding the plan a “missed opportunity” to back the capital’s iconic taxi service. The LTDA criticised TfL for lacking ambition and ignoring proposals that could protect the long-term sustainability of the licensed trade.
TfL’s action plan outlines steps it intends to take in 2025, but both the UCG and LTDA claim the roadmap disregards critical input from those representing the taxi trade.
With growing debate over the long-term future of black taxis in the capital, the release of the 2025 plan does not appear to have eased industry concerns.
