TAXI ACCESS: Mayor of London reiterates TfL guidance on taxi access as Holborn road restrictions remain under scrutiny
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Transport for London (TfL) has again pointed to policy guidance and borough engagement rather than direct intervention as questions continue over black cab access to key roads used by buses, including under Camden’s proposed Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood scheme.
The issue was raised during Mayor’s Questions Time by Keith Prince of Reform UK, who asked what TfL had done in recent years to stop councils from banning taxis on streets that still permit bus movements.
In a written response dated 23 December 2025, the Mayor referred Prince to an earlier answer detailing TfL’s stance on he topic, and said the proposed Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood scheme had considered taxi movements through the area. The response added that the London Borough of Camden was liaising with stakeholders, including taxi and private hire representatives, as the scheme was developed.
The December reply builds on a previous statement from the Mayor in May 2025, which outlined TfL’s strategic position. At that time, the Mayor cited the Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan published in March 2025, which sets out TfL’s general policy to allow taxis access to all bus lanes, except where safety or bus operational issues make this impractical.
London Assembly question highlights gap between Transport for London policy and borough-led street schemes
That earlier response also said TfL encourages boroughs to allow taxis access to streets for which they are responsible and that already carry bus services. The Mayor noted that this approach was reinforced in new Bus Priority Guidance published in May 2025, which was shared with all London boroughs.
For the taxi trade, the Holborn scheme has become a focal point in a wider debate about how Liveable Neighbourhood and traffic reduction projects are implemented. Drivers argue that should taxis be excluded from bus-accessible streets it weakens their role as part of London’s transport network and creates inconsistent operating conditions across borough boundaries.
Taxi access arrangements remain under development, with no final decisions yet confirmed.
With more borough-led schemes expected in 2026, industry groups are likely to continue pressing TfL for clearer evidence that its policy guidance translates into consistent on-street outcomes.
The Mayor of London said: “With respect to what Transport for London has done to encourage boroughs to allow taxi access to the same streets as buses, please see my response to Mayor’s Question.
“The proposed Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood scheme has considered the permitted movement of taxis through the study area, and the London Borough of Camden is currently liaising with key stakeholders, including taxi and private hire representatives, while developing the scheme.”
The Mayor of London pointed to this previous response on the topic which said in May 2025: “My new Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, published in March 2025 sets out Transport for London’s (TfL’s) general policy to allow taxis access in all bus lanes, except where specific safety or bus operational issues make this impractical. It also encourages boroughs to consider access for taxis to all streets for which they are responsible and to which buses have access in their areas.
“TfL also called on boroughs to take this approach in the new Bus Priority Guidance published in May 2025. TfL has shared both documents with the boroughs and will be drawing attention to them at upcoming cross-borough meetings this summer, including at the regular Heads of Transport strategic meeting.”
