Private hire union to fight for equal access to new road scheme as emissions free taxis in London

The United Private Hire Drivers union (UPHD) have said they will fight for zero emissions capable minicabs to have the same access to roads as the capital's zero emissions black taxis under the new road scheme proposals.

The call comes after the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) announced a number of changes to the city's roads, including a hike in Congestion Charge prices and restrictions on many roads including bridges.

Amongst the new road plan scheme, London will see extensive areas become car free zones.

London Bridge and Waterloo Bridge are also expected to be part of the new scheme, becoming only accessible to buses and emission free taxis.

In addition, streets between London Bridge and Shoreditch, Euston and Waterloo and Old Street and Holborn may be limited to buses, pedestrians and cyclists.

Access for emergency services and disabled people will be maintained, but deliveries on some streets may need to be made outside of congestion charging hours.

A spokesperson for the UPHD has said: "In the weeks ahead we will need to organise and work together to fight to protect our interests and to have equal access for emission free PHVs as is being offered to emission free taxis."

The UPHD concluded by calling for private hire drivers to join the fight to create strength in numbers.