Mayor holds firm on tight turning circle rule despite calls to licence more ‘affordable’ taxis
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Mayor of London has reaffirmed that Transport for London (TfL) has no plans to remove the requirement for a tight turning circle in licensed taxis, despite increasing pressure from some sections of the trade.
London Assembly Member Keith Prince recently raised the matter with the Mayor, citing Manchester’s decision to relax its own requirements and allow the Ford MaxiCab to be used as a taxi. Prince argued that licensing the more ‘affordable’ vehicle in London could help part-time drivers, especially those with caring responsibilities or disabilities, stay in the profession.
In response, Mayor Sadiq Khan said the Ford MaxiCab has not yet been formally assessed by TfL but would need to meet the full Conditions of Fitness. These conditions include the requirement for a tight turning circle, which has been a long-standing feature of London taxis.
Khan said TfL is open to discussions with manufacturers looking to enter the London market, noting that the Ford MaxiCab is available as a zero-emission battery electric vehicle, priced at around £70,000 before any modifications. That price is similar to what is already on the market.
The Mayor added that the issue had already been reviewed by an Employment Tribunal in 2024 and again in 2025, with the latter ruling that the matter had been previously resolved.
The Mayor referred back to earlier statements explaining the rationale for the turning circle rule. He pointed to the unique layout of London’s roads, with tight junctions and narrow streets. The rule, he said, enables taxis to turn easily, pick up passengers from either side of the road, and operate efficiently in high-density areas.
Khan also highlighted that several taxi ranks were designed with the turning circle in mind. Removing the requirement could result in the need to significantly alter or remove existing ranks.
Prince AM asked the Mayor of London: “Given Manchester’s Licensing Authority has relaxed the requirement for all taxis to have a tight turning circle and has consequently licensed the Ford MaxiCab for use as a taxi, many London taxi drivers have been calling on TfL to follow suit. They argue that licensing this more affordable vehicle would help part-time drivers – particularly those with caring responsibilities or disabilities – remain in the profession.
“What consideration have you and TfL given to licensing more affordable vehicles to be taxis in London?”
Sadiq Khan responded with the written answer: “The Ford MaxiCab has not been formally assessed by Transport for London (TfL) but would need to meet its taxi vehicle licensing conditions and Conditions of Fitness. My response to Mayor’s Question 2024/3536 sets out why this is important. TfL remains open to discussions with any vehicle manufacturer which is interested in entering the London taxi market.
“I can see that the Ford MaxiCab vehicle is available in a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) zero emission format and costs circa £70,000 before any changes that may be needed to meet TfL’s licensing requirements.
“This specific issue has been considered by an Employment Tribunal in 2024. In 2025, the Employment Tribunal was asked to again consider this, but decided the matter had been litigated previously.”
