GOVERNMENT HELP: Questions from MPs continue over Government’s role in supporting London’s black cab trade
- Perry Richardson
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4
Questions remain over how much support the Government will or can offer to help stem the decline in London’s black cab numbers, despite recent efforts from the Mayor of London to highlight the issues holding back the industry through the Taxi and PHV Action Plan.
In the new Action Plan, the Labour Mayor acknowledges that many of the changes needed to secure the future of the capital’s taxi trade require intervention from central Government. The document outlines intentions to lobby ministers in a bid to address key challenges facing drivers and operators.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Andrew Rosindell MP, who asked what steps were being taken to support the black cab industry in London. Responding on behalf of the Department for Transport, Minister Simon Lightwood said best practice guidance had already been issued to licensing authorities, with a focus on proportionate regulation, reduced costs, and regular fare reviews.
Lightwood highlighted the role of the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG), a scheme designed to help cab drivers transition to zero-emission capable (ZEC) vehicles. According to the Minister, the grant has backed the purchase of over 10,000 cabs so far, with over 60% of licensed taxis in the capital now meeting ZEC standards. The Government recently confirmed that the grant will be extended into the 2025/26 financial year.
Despite this, concerns remain about the long-term viability of the trade without further action from Westminster. The Mayor’s plan signals that lobbying efforts will continue, particularly around areas such as vehicle affordability and driver retention.
Minister Lightwood said: “The Department for Transport’s best practice guidance to licensing authorities in England makes a number of recommendations to support the taxi sector. It is clear that regulation should be proportionate to remove unnecessary costs and that fare tariffs are regularly reviewed. Fares should reflect changes in cost the sector incur and provide the trade with confidence to remain in the sector and plan for future investment.
“The Plug in Taxi Grant (PiTG) has been crucial in supporting taxi drivers’ transition to zero emission capable (ZEC) vehicles and decarbonise our roads. It has supported the purchase of over 10,000 taxis and over 60% of actively licensed London taxis are now ZEC. On 25 February 2025, the Government announced that the PITG will be extended into the 2025/26 financial year.”
