LTDA taxi reps welcome Conservative Mayoral Candidate's understanding of London black cab concerns

The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) welcomed the visit of Conservative Candidate Susan Hall to Taxi House, where they discussed key concerns and potential solutions for the taxi trade last week.

During the meeting, it was said Hall reiterated her commitment to the taxi industry, acknowledging its vital role in the transportation network and emphasising the need for taxis to have access to the same routes as buses.

She also reportedly raised concerns about recent initiatives impacting London's roads, such as the proliferation of 20mph zones, low traffic neighborhood schemes, and road closures. It was reported that Hall expressed her intention to address these issues, suggesting a rollback of certain measures to ensure a more balanced approach to transportation planning.

Recognising the current Mayor's lack of integration of taxis into the Transport for London (TfL) network, Hall highlighted the importance of an improved strategy that considers taxis from the outset rather than as an afterthought. The LTDA welcomed her understanding of the challenges faced by drivers and her pledge to support the trade in her campaign.

Steve McNamara, LTDA General Secretary, stated that Hall's remarks resonated with taxi drivers who are eager to see London's transportation system back on track and business thriving again.

McNamara said in TAXI Newspaper: “Last week, Conservative Candidate, Susan Hall visited Taxi House. We had a meeting to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our trade and how a future Mayor of London could support taxi drivers.

“As an Assembly Member, Hall has always been very supportive and championed black cabs. She's repeatedly talked about the need to use taxis and support them, or risk losing them, and has also supported calls for taxis to go where buses go.

“It has also been widely reported that she would look to rollback some of the more damaging measures that have been introduced on our roads, like the growing number of 20mph zones and some LTNs and road closures. She has also recognised the need to better integrate taxis into the TfL network and noted that taxis are currently an afterthought in the current Mayor's transport strategy.

“Hall is already saying many things that will resonate with taxi drivers around getting London moving again and open for business, and she seems to 'get it! We look forward to seeing her manifesto and the commitments she makes as the campaign ramps up, likely early in the New Year.

“We will be meeting with all the candidates over the next few months to see what they have to say and how they would look to support taxis, if elected.”