What have a united London taxi trade asked the Mayor of London for ahead of his new Action Plan?
Representatives from London’s black cab trade have issued an urgent plea to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, calling for decisive action to reverse the sharp decline in driver numbers and vehicles on the capital’s roads.
A letter from key industry stakeholders highlights alarming statistics and requests practical interventions to safeguard the future of this iconic service ahead of the Mayor of London’s Taxi Action Plan.
Between 2012 and 2024, the number of taxis has dropped by 37%, leaving fewer than 14,500 vehicles and less than 17,000 licensed drivers – the lowest numbers on record. The letter attributes this decline to mounting financial pressures, stricter regulations, and diminished access to essential routes. Without significant change, these trends threaten the black cab’s viability as a vital part of London’s transport network.
Appeal for Strategic Reforms
The taxi leaders have urged City Hall to take advantage of its upcoming Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan to deliver meaningful reforms. The letter emphasises the need to balance environmental goals with the practical realities of vehicle costs and driver retention. While drivers have complied with requirements for greener vehicles, rising interest rates and reduced financial support have made compliance increasingly challenging.
The industry has also been frustrated by limited access to bus lanes and traffic schemes, which they say undermines their efficiency. Leaders are calling for consistency across boroughs and a commitment to preserving black cab access to key routes.
Push for Financial Support
The letter proposes reviving and expanding initiatives like the Plug-in Taxi Grant and the taxi delicensing scheme to make zero-emission cabs more affordable. It also urges City Hall to consider a scheme similar to Scotland’s interest-free loans for electric taxis, which could offset high vehicle costs.
Another recommendation includes extending VAT exemptions to purpose-built taxis, recognising their essential role in accessible transport. Industry figures argue these measures are critical to preventing further driver attrition and supporting London’s journey to net zero.
Recruitment Challenges
The letter raises concerns about the Knowledge of London (KoL), noting that up to 70% of applicants fail to complete the process. It supports Transport for London’s ongoing efforts to modernise the KoL, ensuring it remains rigorous but achievable. Simplifying the process could encourage more entrants, including from underrepresented groups.
A Collaborative Approach
The signatories, including unions, taxi operators, and vehicle manufacturers, stress the importance of meaningful consultation with stakeholders to shape effective policies. They argue that without decisive action, the trade faces an uncertain future, jeopardising its contribution to London’s transport network.
The ball is now in the Mayor’s court, as the industry awaits a response to these pressing concerns.
Who has signed the united trade letter?
The letter was signed by key representatives from London’s taxi trade and related organisations. The signatories are:
Tim Arnold, Regional General Manager, FREENOW
Steve McNamara, General Secretary, The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association
Jim Kelly, Chair, London & Eastern Cab Section, Unite the Union
Trevor Merralls, General Secretary, United Cabbies Group
Scott Wolsey, Branch Secretary, RMT Taxis
Grant Davis, Chairman, London Cab Drivers Club
Chris Allen, Managing Director, London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC)
Matteo de Renzi, Chief Executive Officer, Gett
Tony Marson, Managing Director, ComCab
These individuals represent a wide cross-section of the industry, including unions, cab companies, and vehicle manufacturers.
