London taxis nearing age limits expected to receive six month extension following COVID-19 crisis

London taxis coming to the end of their age limits are expected to receive a six month extension following the current COVID-19 crisis, according to Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) sources.

London’s transport regulators, Transport for London (TfL) are expected to deliver the news to drivers soon. The move will help drivers work the final months of their taxi vehicle licence as planned before moving to a newer vehicle or in some cases, retirement.

The London Mayor and TfL introduced a phased reduction of the maximum age of an older licenced taxi from 15 years to 12 years in December 2018.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, told members: “Our approach of continual engagement with TfL has once again seen common sense prevail.

“We expect an announcement shortly that will give a 6 month licence extension to all cabs that reach the age limit during the current crisis.”

The LTDA are also pushing TfL for more “common sense” licensing decisions during the COVID-19 period.

The association told cabbies that they are asking for a three to six month postponement or licence extension for all drivers that are required to take medicals as part of their licence renewal process. A similar request has been made for drivers trying to obtain a DBS check certificate as part of their licence renewal applications.

TfL have been approached to comment by TaxiPoint.

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