TfL can only encourage, not compel, councils to allow taxis access to restricted streets despite driver investment in electric cabs
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Concerns over restricted street access for licensed taxi drivers were raised again at City Hall after the Mayor reiterated that London boroughs retain control over whether black cabs can use roads subject to traffic restrictions, despite significant investment by drivers in electric vehicles.
The issue was raised via a written Mayor’s Questions by Keith Prince, who argued that councils are forcing black cab drivers into longer routes that increase congestion, emissions and passenger fares. Prince questioned how this approach could be justified given that drivers have spent tens of thousands of pounds upgrading to electric taxis to meet clean air policies.
In a written response, the Mayor said that Transport for London (TfL) encourages boroughs to consider allowing taxi access to any streets where buses are permitted. However, he stressed that final decisions rest with individual councils, not TfL or City Hall.
The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said boroughs are responsible for deciding whether vehicles, including taxis, can use routes where motor traffic access is restricted. These decisions, he added, are taken based on local circumstances and the objectives of specific traffic or neighbourhood schemes.
The response also highlighted that boroughs have a duty to engage with stakeholders and local communities when implementing such schemes, and to consider feedback as part of their decision making. TfL’s role, according to the Mayor, is limited to encouragement and guidance rather than enforcement.
The issue remains a point of tension between licensed taxi drivers and local authorities, particularly as the capital continues to roll out low traffic neighbourhoods and other traffic reduction measures. For many drivers, the argument centres on fairness, with investment in zero emission capable taxis often cited as being undermined by operational constraints imposed at borough level.
The Mayor of London said: “Transport for London (TfL) encourages boroughs to consider access for taxis to all streets for which they are responsible and to which buses have access in their areas.
“However, it is for boroughs to decide whether vehicles, including taxis, are allowed access to routes where motor traffic access is restricted, with decisions taken according to the local context and scheme objectives.
“Boroughs have a duty to engage with stakeholders and the local community when implementing schemes and consider feedback in their decision making. TfL encourages boroughs to ensure that restrictions, and their exemptions, are clearly publicised to all users.”
