Turning circle row divides London taxi trade as debate on black cab vehicles and brand heats up
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
A row over one of the capital’s most iconic taxi design features has revealed stark divisions within the cab trade, as drivers and industry bodies clash over whether to retain the mandatory turning circle for licensed black cabs.
The United Cabbies Group (UCG) has strongly opposed any move to scrap the requirement. The group argues that removing the turning circle rule could lead to an influx of converted vans into the market—similar to those used by private hire drivers—and would ultimately weaken the unique identity of the capital’s licensed taxi fleet.
They believe manufacturers like Ford, Peugeot and Citroen could gain access to the taxi market through relaxed design standards, meaning the industry risks becoming indistinguishable from the private hire sector. The concern centres on what they describe as a further blurring of the black cab’s role and identity.
According to the group, one of the knock-on effects of introducing cheaper, converted vehicles could also mean changes to the fare structure. They argue it would be unreasonable to expect drivers financing a purpose-built vehicle costing over £75,000 to operate under a tariff that reflects the lower costs of a £40,000 converted van.
A United Cabbies Group spokesperson said: “The UCG agree that it would be nice if there was more choice of a purpose built Vehicle. We don't agree that it's in the trades best interests to do away with the turning circle so that we can have more choice of converted vans.
“These vans would be the same converted vans that private hire drive. Another blurring of our business model our modus operand. No one’s taken into account it's not about what happens today or tomorrow it’s about the impact of our brand.
“The impact to those who are on or are considering doing the Knowledge of London and most importantly the impact to the public.
“We don't have other buses on bus routes. That's so people know, what's a London Bus, the same logic should apply to taxis. If the turning circle is removed, that opens the market to not just the Ford but Peugeot, Citroen etc etc.
“And that would be reflected in our meter. We will all be taking a pay cut. We would have the ludicrous situation of drivers who have a finance agreements on a vehicle over £75,000 having our tariff based on a vehicle of let’s say for the sake of argument £40,000.
“The UCG firmly believe that private hire are working in our market via technology. We do not believe that any further blurring is in the best interest of our interests of our trade or its long term viability.”
In response, the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) offered a more flexible stance. They believe that allowing drivers to choose a vehicle that suits their needs—including ones without the traditional turning circle—is a fair and reasonable option.
An LCDC spokesperson said: “If drivers want it, then they can buy a cab that has it. If they feel they do not need a turning circle, then buy a taxi without it. It’s about a choice.”
The LCDC’s position reflects a view among some drivers that vehicle options should be improved and that the rigid design requirements, including the 25-foot turning circle, may be outdated given today’s sparse taxi vehicle market.
The debate highlights broader tensions around the future of the trade. With the declining number of taxi drivers still a prominent and unwanted trend, some believe that change is essential. However, others warn that core elements—like the cab’s unique design—should not be compromised.
