CAPACITY RETAINED: Mayor of London defends taxi rank changes amid concerns over shelter removals
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The Mayor of London has defended changes to taxi rank provision across the capital after concerns were raised about local authorities removing rank spaces linked to taxi shelters.
The issue was raised by London Assembly Member Caroline Russell, who said a constituent was questioning why some councils were removing rank spaces from taxi shelters at a time when both local authorities and Transport for London (TfL) should be supporting and expanding taxi infrastructure, including charging facilities and toilets.
Responding, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he recognised the historic and operational importance of taxi shelters and the wider role of ranks in the capital’s transport network. He said TfL’s policy is to retain taxi rank capacity wherever possible and to work closely with borough councils when changes are proposed.
Khan said that where adjustments are unavoidable, TfL seeks like-for-like replacement ranks in nearby locations and explores alternative solutions to maintain safe and efficient taxi operations. He added that taxi shelters themselves do not include toilet facilities, but are generally located close to public toilets or places where drivers can access facilities.
Sadiq Khan says taxi rank capacity is being retained overall as TfL works with boroughs to manage kerbside space and add new ranks
The Mayor said TfL’s overall position on taxi ranks remained positive, pointing to figures showing a net increase in provision. There are currently 3,536 taxi spaces across London, up from 3,476 last year, according to TfL data.
He highlighted that new ranks have recently been introduced at busy locations including Clapham High Street, Clapham North Station and Gibbins Road, as part of efforts to better match supply with passenger demand.
Khan said TfL and boroughs must balance competing kerbside demands, which can sometimes result in underused ranks being reduced to allow new ones to be created elsewhere. He warned that persistently empty ranks can undermine future requests for provision, making an evidence-led approach necessary.
He also said TfL meets taxi trade representatives every month through a trade-led Cab Ranks Committee, providing a forum to protect access, address operational issues and discuss potential changes or additions to ranks across London.
The Mayor of London said: “I value the heritage and operational role of shelters for drivers and the important role taxi ranks play in London. Transport for London (TfL) aims to retain rank capacity wherever possible, working closely with boroughs to achieve this. Where adjustments are proposed, TfL seeks like-for-like provision nearby and explores practical solutions to maintain safe, efficient taxi rank operations wherever possible. Shelters for drivers do not have toilet facilities, but most are located near public toilets or have access to facilities.
“TfL’s wider position on taxi ranks remains positive. Overall taxi rank numbers are stable and increasing. There are currently 3,536 taxi spaces compared to 3,476 last year, with new ranks being added, including at busy locations such as Clapham High Street, Clapham North station, and Gibbins Road, Stratford.
“TfL works collaboratively with boroughs to balance kerbside needs and demand, which may mean reducing underused ranks to secure new ones. Empty ranks can impact future requests, so TfL aims to take a sensible and evidence-led approach.
“TfL meets trade representatives monthly through a trade-led Cab Ranks Committee, ensuring ongoing dialogue to protect taxi access, address operational challenges and explore potential changes to ranks, including introducing new ones at key locations.”
