Martin Lewis sparks fresh row over black cab design after admitting he tried to hail 20 taxis that weren’t actually available
- Perry Richardson
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Martin Lewis has sparked renewed discussion over the visibility of modern London black cab roof lights after describing his frustration trying to hail a taxi in central London.
Posting on X, Lewis said he had needed a black cab while rushing between meetings but struggled to distinguish whether approaching taxis were available for hire. He wrote: “Must have tried to flag about 20 with what looked like the ‘yellow light’ on, but it wasn’t.”
Lewis questioned whether the issue was unique to his experience or a wider design problem, adding: “Is this just me or is it design error on modern cabs. It’s hard to see the on off state, especially in sunlight.”
The post quickly attracted significant attention, receiving almost 200,000 views within hours and reopening a debate that has existed since the introduction of the LEVC TX taxi, which has become the dominant purpose-built black cab operating in London.
Lewis later clarified that his criticism was not directed at taxi drivers themselves, but at the roof light design. Responding to comments, he said: “Just to be clear this isn’t about the drivers not stopping. When they passed all the cabs had people in. I’m complaining about the unclear design of the cab signage not the cabbies.”
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) responded directly, agreeing that visibility is a recognised problem. The organisation wrote: “It’s a design fault unfortunately, there have been various attempts to retrofit a sun cap, but on days like today they are not that successful. It’s bad for you but very stressful for drivers! Sorry.”
The exchange has reignited frustrations from both cabbies and passengers. Unlike previous generations of London taxis, the modern LED roof light can become difficult to interpret in bright daylight, particularly when sunlight reflects off the illuminated housing.
Taxi manufactures LEVC has attempted to improve the situation with an aftermarket visor attachment developed to shield the roof light from direct sunlight and improve contrast, making it easier for pedestrians to distinguish whether the taxi is available. However, feedback from drivers has suggested that these solutions offer only limited improvements during particularly bright conditions and the attachment wasn’t included on newer models sold.
The visibility problem has remained a regular topic of discussion within the trade at this time of year when demand for services are particularly high.
Lewis’ comments have brought fresh public attention to an issue taxi drivers have been discussing for several years. With a new LEVC model looking likely in the near future, the taxi trade will be looking for a more fundamental redesign in future vehicles.
