London Mayor accused of being a ‘car hater’ and not ‘fond of taxi drivers’ by Rees-Mogg MP
Updated: Feb 7, 2021
The London Mayor was accused of being a ‘car hater’ and not being ‘very fond of taxi drivers’ by the Conservative Commons Leader during a debate today.
During the exchange at the House of Commons it was also stated by the Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg that taxi drivers in London ‘should always be respected and admired for the work they do’.
Bob Blackford, Conservative MP for Harrow East, asked the Commons Leader for a Government update on the landmark High Court Streetspace ruling which provided an ‘unlawful’ judgement.
In the case, heard at the High Court’s Planning Court between 25-26 November 2020, Senior High Court Judge, Mrs Justice Lang DBE found overwhelmingly for the claimant taxi trade bodies, United Trade Action Group (UTAG) and the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA).
The case succeeded on four of the five grounds advanced on behalf of the taxi trade:
In the Streetspace Plan and subsequent Guidance, the Mayor and TfL respectively failed to distinguish the special status of taxis from “general traffic”, neither taking into account the distinct status of taxis as a form of public transport nor the travel needs of those who rely on accessible taxis.
The Mayor and TfL failed to have proper regard to their Public Sector Equality Duties under Section 149 of the Equalities Act 2010.
The Plan, Guidance and the A10 Order unlawfully breached licensed taxi drivers’ “legitimate expectation” of being permitted to use bus lanes to ply for hire effectively as a vital part of London’s integrated public transport network.
The treatment of taxis in the Plan, Guidance and the Order and the decisions to exclude them were “seriously flawed” and “irrational”. consult, access to taxi drivers and a negative impact on disabled people.
Blackman said: “My Right Honourable Friend will be aware that the deeply unpopular ‘Streetspace’ scheme was found by the High Court last week as being unlawful. The reasons for it being unlawful were the failure to consult residents, the failure to take into account impact on taxi drivers, the failure to take into account the disabled and other protected characteristics.
“These schemes across London have cost millions of pounds, but the verdict actually has an affect right across the country with road closures and cycle lanes being put in place without proper consultation.
“So, sadly I was unsuccessful in the shuffle at transport questions Mr Speaker, so could we have a statement from the Secretary of State for transport to the house on what the impact of this is on the various different schemes across the country particular and in London.”
The Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, replied: “My Honourable Friend is very wise on how he uses the House's mechanisms because actually the lines I’ve got come from the ministry of transport, although I would add my own line that the car hating Mayor of London really wanted to do his best to upset motorists and he’s not very fond of taxi drivers either who Disraeli called the gondoliers of London and should always be respected and admired for the work they do.
“It would be wrong of me to comment on the specific judgement because it may be under appeal from TfL and it’s not proper to discuss current legal cases. But the Government has made clear to local authorities that it must consider the effect on all road users when developing cycle walking schemes through the active travel fund.
Rees-Mogg went on to list the requirements handed to local authorities which included consulting local communities and disabled people.
