Mayor of London reveals support for taxi bus lane access… but only if it’s not ‘impractical’

Mayor of London has revealed that he DOES support the inclusion of Black Cabs in bus lanes, but not if there are ‘specific safety or bus operational issues’ that would make it ‘impractical’.

In a recent exchange with a London Assembly member, Caroline Pidgeon, a written question was directed at Mayor Sadiq Khan, asking whether he would encourage boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) to include London's iconic black cabs in all transportation schemes unless there is a valid reason for their exclusion.

Mayor Khan responded by expressing his support for the inclusion of black cabs in transportation schemes, stating that TfL's default position is to allow taxis in all bus lanes except in instances where specific safety or bus operational issues would make their presence impractical. He further encouraged the City of London and the London Boroughs to adopt a similar approach.

The inclusion of black cabs in transportation schemes has been a longstanding issue of discussion and debate. The distinctive black taxi is not just an iconic symbol of the city but also plays a crucial role in the transportation ecosystem, providing a reliable and accessible mode of transport for Londoners and tourists alike.

By allowing black cabs in all bus lanes, it would enable black cabs, who are all wheelchair accessible, to have greater flexibility in navigating the busy streets and potentially reduce congestion.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Transport for London’s (TfL) starting position is to allow taxis in all bus lanes except where specific safety or bus operational issues make this impractical. I would encourage the City of London and the London Boroughs to adopt this approach.”