OVER-SATURATED: Taxi chairman calls for urgent action from TfL over private hire vehicle numbers in London
- Perry Richardson
- May 11
- 1 min read
Updated: May 12
Grant Davis, Chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC), has raised concerns about the growing impact of private hire vehicle (PHV) numbers on the capital’s licensed taxi trade.
Speaking from his cab in a recently shared video, Davis described the industry as under threat due to what he called “over-saturation” of PHVs in London. With around 107,000 PHV drivers currently operating, he warned that the sheer volume is having a serious effect on the livelihoods of licensed taxi drivers.
Davis pointed to the rigorous standards met by black cab drivers, including The Knowledge, vehicle specifications, payment systems and accessibility requirements. In contrast, he said, PHVs are not held to the same level of regulation, creating what he views as an uneven playing field.
He called out senior figures including Mayor Sadiq Khan, TfL’s Helen Chapman, London Transport Commissioner Andy Lord and Deputy Mayor Seb Dance, urging them to respond to the growing pressure on the taxi trade.
Among the proposed measures, Davis backed the introduction of advanced driving tests for PHV drivers. He suggested such reforms could help to address safety concerns and bring private hire operations more in line with the standards expected of taxi drivers.
Davis also confirmed that he would be meeting with City Hall representative Ellie Baker to continue pushing for changes. He said the meeting reflects wider industry attempts to challenge policies seen as favouring ride-hailing services over long-standing taxi operations.
This latest intervention adds to ongoing discussions around the sustainability of the taxi trade in the face of rising competition and regulatory discrepancies in the capital.
