Report warns that London Black cabs could vanish!
The iconic black cabs of London, a symbol of the city's rich heritage, are facing a potential crisis. A recent report by the Centre for London warns that these traditional taxis could vanish from the capital's streets by 2045 if current trends continue.
Decline in Black Cab Numbers
Over the past decade, the number of licensed black cabs has declined significantly. In 2013-14, there were 22,810 licensed taxis in London. By 2023-24, this number had fallen to 14,470, marking a decrease of over 8,000 vehicles. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the rise of private hire vehicle (PHV) operators like Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee, which have seen a surge in popularity. The number of licensed PHV drivers has increased by 82% since 2010, reaching 107,884 in 2023-24.
Financial Challenges
The transition to zero-emission capable vehicles has introduced financial challenges for black cab drivers. The introduction of electric taxis in 2017 has increased upfront costs by 39%. Government support has diminished over time; the Transport for London (TfL) scrappage scheme, which offered £10,000 to retire older vehicles, ended in 2022. Additionally, the Department for Transport's Plug-in Taxi Grant has been reduced from £7,500 to £4,000 and is set to be withdrawn entirely by 2026. Consequently, the total grant available for purchasing a new taxi has decreased from £17,500 in 2017 to zero by 2026.
The Knowledge Test
The Knowledge of London exam, a rigorous test required to qualify as a black cab driver, is seen as a significant barrier to recruitment. The test typically takes at least three years to complete, deterring many potential drivers. An industry survey revealed that while 52% of PHV drivers had considered becoming black cab drivers, 44% felt the process was too lengthy, and 29% deemed the exam too challenging.
Proposed Solutions
To address these challenges and prevent the extinction of black cabs, the Centre for London has proposed several measures:
- Reforming the Knowledge Test: Simplifying the test could encourage more drivers to qualify and reduce the current 66% dropout rate.
- Interest-Free Loans: Introducing an interest-free loan scheme for newly qualified drivers to assist them in purchasing new taxis, similar to Scotland's Switched On Taxis Loan programme.
Antonia Jennings, CEO of Centre for London, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that black cabs are a fundamental part of London's cityscape and that it's unthinkable for them to become extinct by 2045.
Industry Perspective
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA), acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic. He emphasised that with appropriate support, the trade could cement its crucial role as a fully accessible part of London's transport mix and the world's best and greenest taxi service.
Conclusion
The potential disappearance of London's black cabs by 2045 is a pressing concern that requires immediate action from the government, TfL, and City Hall. Implementing the proposed measures could help preserve this iconic aspect of London's heritage and ensure that black cabs continue to serve residents and visitors alike.