London Mayor confident the taxi industry will ‘continue to play a role’ in future transport offering

Image credit: LEVC

The London Mayor is confident the licensed taxi industry will ‘continue to play a role’ in the capital’s future transport offering and also contribute to the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also reiterated that he does recognise the devastating effect, both in terms of personal heath and financial difficulties, the pandemic has had on taxi and private hire drivers.

The comments come following questions submitted by London Assembly members probing the Mayor on topics relating to the taxi industry.

London Assembly Member and London mayoral candidate David Kurten, asked the Mayor via a written question: “Given that the black cab taxi fleet has now shrunk to less than 14,000 vehicles and many drivers are struggling to earn a living, let alone buy a new electric wheelchair accessible taxi for more than £60,000, do you think the black cab has a future in London?”

Sadiq Khan responded saying: “Yes. I am confident that taxis will continue to play a role in London’s future transport offer and will contribute to the recovery from the pandemic. As I have stated in my Transport Strategy, taxis are an important mode of transport that provide an accessible, door-to-door service for Londoners and visitors. Policy 20 of my strategy seeks to ensure London has a safe, secure and accessible world-class taxi service.

“Transport for London (TfL) already provides financial support for those taxi drivers who want to invest in a Zero Emissions Capable (ZEC) taxi, including the partial funding of a government-led plug-in vehicle grant, which gives £7,500 off the price of a new ZEC taxi, alongside the Taxi Delicensing Scheme and the provision of a network of more than 300 Rapid Charge Points (84 of which are taxi-dedicated).

“I absolutely recognise the devastating effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on taxi and private hire drivers, both in terms of their personal health and the financial difficulties they face. This is why TfL and I have taken a range of measures to help support taxi and private hire licensees in London throughout the pandemic.

“These measures supplement the financial support available from the Government. I have again written to Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to highlight the plight of taxi and private hire drivers and to lobby for specific financial support for them.”