Calls have been made in the London Assembly today for the Mayor of London to work towards a secure future for the Black Taxi industry in the capital.
During Mayor’s Question Time, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member & Transport Spokesperson Caroline Pidgeon called on Sadiq Khan to update his Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan which was published in 2016 and has not been revised since.
Assembly Member Pidgeon also called on the Mayor to do more to support the taxi industry in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. While recognising that 50 per cent of Black Taxis are now zero emission-capable, Pidgeon highlighted that the cost of these new taxis is over £70,000.
With finance offered at a staggering 9% interest rate, the real cost is nearer to £100,000 and the “plug-in vehicle grant” from central government (which has provided £7,500 towards a new taxi) is due to end next year, meaning that for those taxi drivers looking to replace their vehicle, the costs are increasingly unaffordable.
Taxi drivers who have already made the swap to electric vehicles have also had to cope with the challenge of rising energy prices with drivers relying on rapid and ultra-rapid public charging points having seen a 50 per cent price increase in the last year, according to the RAC’s Charge Watch.
Responding to Assembly Member Pidgeon, Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that he is looking at creating a ‘new vision’ for the future of the Black Taxi industry and will be looking into ways to help drive down the costs of replacing vehicles. The Mayor also stated he would be willing to take up Assembly Member Pidgeon’s suggestion of a round-table with the industry.
Commenting Caroline Pidgeon AM said:
“It is vital that the Black Taxi industry in London has a clear path to a secure future. With the Mayor’s strategy for the taxi industry dating from 2016, it urgently needs updating to reflect the drastically changed circumstances the capital finds itself in.
“Taxi drivers are happy to do their bit and swap to greener vehicles, but for far too many this is becoming unachievable due to soaring costs and Government support due to come to an end.
“Given the uncertainty and challenging conditions faced by the industry, I am glad the Mayor has agreed to my calls for a roundtable with the taxi industry, including the various taxi apps, to help shape a new strategy and action plan to help our iconic black taxi service continue to serve London.”
