Is London’s taxi driver decline in numbers finally beginning to slow?
- Perry Richardson
- 10 hours ago
- 1 min read
London’s licensed taxi driver numbers continue to edge lower, but the pace of decline appears to be slowing compared with the sharp falls experienced over recent years.
Transport for London recorded 15,842 licensed taxi drivers for the week ending 19 July, a reduction of 11 compared with the previous week. Only one new taxi driver licence was issued during the period.
Although weekly losses remain common, the wider trend is becoming more measured. At the end of the 2025/26 reporting year there were 16,002 licensed taxi drivers. The latest figure represents a reduction of around 160 drivers rather than the much steeper annual falls seen in previous years.
The longer-term picture remains in question though. London had more than 25,500 licensed taxi drivers during 2013/14. That total has since fallen by almost 10,000 drivers as retirements, the cost of entering the trade, rising vehicle prices and uncertainty surrounding investment have all arguably affected recruitment.
Even so, there are reasons to believe the market may be approaching greater stability. Fewer experienced drivers now remain close to retirement age compared with the years immediately after the pandemic, while those looking to complete the Knowledge of London has steadily increased and are entering a smaller established marketplace with high demand for services.
The next stage of recovery may depend less on just recruitment alone and more on confidence. Many prospective drivers continue to watch developments around new purpose-built taxis, electric vehicle support, licensing reform and long-term investment before committing several years to qualifying for a taxi licence. Until those questions become clearer, substantial growth is likely to remain difficult.
