LTDA rep urges black cab manufacturer to provide clarity as London taxi trade waits for next-generation cab
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
A representative from the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has called for greater clarity from LEVC over its future vehicle plans, warning that the prolonged wait for a new purpose-built taxi is making it increasingly difficult for London cab drivers to replace ageing vehicles.
In his latest M4 Musings column published in the LTDA’s Taxi newspaper, Senior Representative Sam Houston said the industry continues to face a shortage of new vehicles, with no confirmed announcement on a successor to the LEVC TX despite ongoing speculation.
Houston wrote: “Once again, the taxi trade finds itself in a situation where it is increasingly difficult to purchase a brand-new cab.”
The comments come as London’s taxi fleet continues its transition to zero-emission capable vehicles, with the LEVC TX remaining the only purpose-built taxi currently licensed for new entry into the capital’s fleet under Transport for London’s Conditions of Fitness requirements.
Referring to persistent rumours surrounding a possible new LEVC model, Houston said drivers were still waiting for any official confirmation.
He wrote: “Rumours abound about a new model from LEVC but, at time of writing (6th July), there is no sign of any cab, nor an announcement. Nor is there even an announcement of an announcement.”
Houston said the lack of new vehicle supply was having wider implications for the market, with rental costs and used vehicle prices remaining elevated.
“Rental prices do seem anecdotally to have increased and that will only persist the longer we go with no new cab,” he said.
While noting that the HJS conversion programme could help some operators extend the life of existing diesel taxis, Houston suggested it was unlikely to provide a solution for the entire trade.
He added: “The HJS conversion might ease the pressure for some, but it is certainly not for everyone, and progress seems slow.”
Houston also pointed to continued strength in the second-hand market, saying: “For now, there are some decent secondhand cabs on the market, but obviously the price of these will be slightly inflated as well in this sort of marketplace.”
Looking ahead, Houston urged LEVC to reach a decision on its future product plans, arguing that vehicle development times meant any delay to an announcement could have lasting consequences.
“I hope LEVC does make a decision on this soon, as one thing we know in our business is that these things always take much longer to actually come to fruition after they are initially advertised,” he wrote.
He also suggested that if no announcement is made in the near future, Transport for London may have to examine alternative vehicle options.
“If an announcement is not forthcoming in the next few months, Transport for London (TfL) will have to give serious consideration to licensing the MAXiCab,” Houston said.
Despite his concerns over the lack of a replacement vehicle, Houston praised LEVC’s existing TX and acknowledged the investment required to develop a taxi capable of meeting London’s stringent licensing requirements.
He ended saying: “No manufacturer owes the trade a vehicle and there is considerable investment required to produce a taxi that meets the London Conditions of Fitness (COF). LEVC has produced, by common consent, the best cab the trade has ever had. And I for one hope they will stick with the London taxi trade and bring out another generation of the iconic London Black Cab in the near future.”
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