TFL Changes – A Disaster for the Taxi Trade

The future of London’s iconic black cabs could be under threat due to the COVID pandemic.

As thousands of workers and tourists stay away from the capital, and Transport for London (TFL) continue to close large numbers of roads, this has had a detrimental effect on the black cab trade.

Many are struggling to cope with these changes, putting the industry under major pressure.

In this blog, we will cover what some of these changes are and how you can help to challenge these updates to ensure that London black cab drivers have a secure future.

Car-free streets

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TFL) has closed a large number of roads in London, causing havoc for black cabs.

The aim of this is to encourage more people to walk and cycle safely during lockdown. Unfortunately, this has greatly impacted London taxi drivers, restricting their business heavily due to the inaccessibility they have to a large number of roads in and around central London.

David Kurten, a London Assembly Member had asked the mayor, “Do you

accept the more roads that are inaccessible to taxis, the fewer people will use taxis, therefore, the taxi trade will continue to reduce in size?”. Sadiq Khan refuted this claim.

With the large number of roads that have become closed for public transport and taxis, more and more people are encouraged to avoid using these methods of transportation.

Grant Davis, Chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) shares our concerns ‘’The LTN closures in London have been met with dismay from the licensed taxi trade and local residents alike and this has seen widespread protests at Town Halls and City Hall. For the Cab trade the road closures are another nail in our coffin. Whilst the PM tells everyone that it is vital to get back to work, for the cab trade these road closures (for the cab trade) is like turning up at the office to go to work but the front door has been locked. Unless common sense is resumed pretty quick, these closures will only aid our demise.’’

Pedestrian only areas

The increase of many pedestrian-only areas in London has also caused concern for disabled passengers who are unable to be dropped off right to the door. As black cabs provide a 100% wheelchair accessible service, some vulnerable passengers no longer have the hassle-free taxi service they once had available to them.

This is greatly affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people, so it is imperative that voices are heard and changes are made to not only keep the public safe, but to allow black cab drivers to carry out their services with as little interruption as possible.

What can you do to help?

Many London black cab drivers must do their bit to ensure that the industry can survive during this time, whilst still ensuring all passengers remain safe during the pandemic.

We ask that you write to your local MP to express how these updates have affected you. This will provide the vital evidence needed to encourage change.

Contact Your Local MP

If you head to the members of parliament website and find your local MP, you can email them using this template.

If you are still in operation and are looking to renew your black cab insurance, then contact us to receive a free competitive quote here: https://www.quotax.net/london-taxi-insurance/