Key industry figure explains why London’s taxi market is crying out for a new vehicle
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A long-standing taxi industry figure who has worked in the purpose-built taxi market for 35 years, argues that London is clinging to outdated ideas and vehicle requirements that are no longer sustainable for the sector or those who rely on it.
The challenges facing the London taxi manufacturing sector were discussed by Roy McMaster, a well known name in the supply side of the industry, published in The Badge, the newspaper of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC).
“At LTI we spent £25 million developing the TX1,” McMaster recalls. “With the TXe, the investment is maybe 10 times greater. It is generally liked by passengers and drivers, but the market is much smaller, and the business loses a fortune.”
McMaster describes an outdated commitment by TfL and some industry organisations to Conditions of Fitness, particularly the tight turning circle requirement, which he likens to trying to “beat back progress”. He challenges the logic behind keeping this rule in place when even TfL’s own attempts to integrate alternative vehicles, such as the Mercedes Vito, have not relied on it.
“Most drivers said they didn’t use [rear-wheel steering] anyway,” McMaster says. “If 4,000 London Vito drivers didn’t use their RWS and it’s been removed as a condition in every other major UK city, what’s the point in keeping the turning circle as a mandatory condition?”
McMaster believes the refusal to evolve is threatening the long-term sustainability of the trade. He makes the case for moving to high-standard converted taxis that meet the needs of passengers and drivers, but which don’t come with the prohibitive costs of purpose-built development.
“They must offer M1 Full GB Type Approval as a side-access wheelchair accessible taxi, with a robust glazed partition for driver and passenger safety,” he writes. “That’s why I support this new Ford MAXiCab from Cab Direct. It has all the attributes of the Vito and more.”
According to McMaster, the MAXiCab provides increased space, accessibility, and comfort. With 20% more wheelchair space and a 2.5-litre hybrid and full electric variant available, he sees it as a more cost-effective and widely accepted option.
He adds: “The MAXiCab has now been accepted in every other major UK city as a purpose-built taxi. London needs to change and accept the MAXiCab too.”
