‘CAREFULLY CONSIDERED’: Mayor remains tight lipped at the prospect of full taxi access across London

The Mayor of London remained tight lipped at the possibility of full black cab access across the capital’s road traffic schemes saying each restriction was ‘carefully considered’.

Bus gates and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have long been a controversial talking point in the taxi industry forcing many cabbies to give up servicing areas of the capital.

In a short survey conducted by TaxiPoint in 2021, 82% of cabbies said they steered clear of LTN restrictions for fear of being fined or getting stuck in heavy traffic in the complex new networks.

Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon highlighted to the Mayor that some London boroughs have permitted taxis access to their traffic schemes with no adverse effects. The inclusion of black cabs has improved accessibility whilst maintaining the benefits of the schemes.

Pidgeon asked the Mayor whether he would work with London Councils and TfL to allow London’s taxis access to all streets and roads.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “The design of each traffic scheme needs to take account of the specific infrastructure features, people movements and traffic demand in a particular location. All aspects of road user access, including taxi access, are carefully considered in the context of the outcomes intended for each scheme.

“In delivering schemes, Transport for London (TfL) complies with the Public Sector Equality Duty, and Equality Impact Assessments are undertaken and meaningfully taken into account for schemes as appropriate.

“Where funding is allocated to boroughs for delivery, published guidance sets out requirements for projects, including highlighting boroughs’ own duty to comply with the Equality Act 2010. These statutory responsibilities rest with the boroughs on their projects, but TfL continues to work with partners to share updated best practice and guidance where applicable.”