A London black cab driver has admitted he would "drive by" London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan if he asked for a taxi ride, as a new report has suggested the iconic transportation firm could be extinct in the next 20 years.
According to a new report from Centre for London, they concluded that if the number of taxis in London continues to fall at its current rate, there will be no black cabs on the capital's roads by 2045.
The number of black cabs has fallen significantly over the last decade, with just 14,470 drivers on the road today compared to 22,810 in 2013-2014.
However, the use of private hire cabs has sky-rocketed with the rate of Londoners using companies such as Uber and Addison Lee climbed 82 per cent between 2009 and 2024 to 107,884.
Speaking to GB News reporter Adam Cherry, cab driver Terry explained that in his 30-year career, a lot has changed in the capital.
Terry said: "It's changed a lot - London's changed, there's cameras everywhere, and you're watching your speeds.
"I have to put my cruise control on at 20 miles an hour all the time, watch out for cyclists and scooters going through lights, electric bikes, so I'd say it's more stressful now than what it was 30 years ago."
When asked about the Knowledge of London test, which all black cab drivers are required to pass, Terry claimed that it took him "four years" to successfully pass.
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Terry revealed: "It took me four years to do my knowledge test, and you have to live and breathe it. It's very, very difficult.
"I had no help, so I had to try and earn money while I was doing it, so it was very, very difficult."
When pressed on the threat of private hire companies, Terry stated that the rise of Uber drivers and other app companies has been affecting the industry, particularly "in the last few years".
He added: "I think it did make a big difference, in the last few years particularly. I think there's more and more Uber drivers on the road now, and yes, it did affect the industry."
When grilled for his stance on London Mayor Sadiq Khan and whether he would pick him up if he asked for a ride in his cab, Terry admitted: "I'd have to drive by. I'm sorry, but I would!"
Antonia Jennings, CEO of Centre for London, said: "Black Cabs are a fundamental part of London’s cityscape. We must not let them become part of the capital’s history.
"Alongside their cultural status, cabs offer what Londoners need today - accessible, convenient and safe transport. We should not be removing these options off the street.
"It’s simply unthinkable for London taxis to become extinct by 2045. Government must step up to support the Black Cab industry and turn this declining trajectory around, before it’s too late."
Find Out More...
According to a new report from Centre for London, they concluded that if the number of taxis in London continues to fall at its current rate, there will be no black cabs on the capital's roads by 2045.
The number of black cabs has fallen significantly over the last decade, with just 14,470 drivers on the road today compared to 22,810 in 2013-2014.
However, the use of private hire cabs has sky-rocketed with the rate of Londoners using companies such as Uber and Addison Lee climbed 82 per cent between 2009 and 2024 to 107,884.
Speaking to GB News reporter Adam Cherry, cab driver Terry explained that in his 30-year career, a lot has changed in the capital.
Terry said: "It's changed a lot - London's changed, there's cameras everywhere, and you're watching your speeds.
"I have to put my cruise control on at 20 miles an hour all the time, watch out for cyclists and scooters going through lights, electric bikes, so I'd say it's more stressful now than what it was 30 years ago."
When asked about the Knowledge of London test, which all black cab drivers are required to pass, Terry claimed that it took him "four years" to successfully pass.
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Terry revealed: "It took me four years to do my knowledge test, and you have to live and breathe it. It's very, very difficult.
"I had no help, so I had to try and earn money while I was doing it, so it was very, very difficult."
When pressed on the threat of private hire companies, Terry stated that the rise of Uber drivers and other app companies has been affecting the industry, particularly "in the last few years".
He added: "I think it did make a big difference, in the last few years particularly. I think there's more and more Uber drivers on the road now, and yes, it did affect the industry."
When grilled for his stance on London Mayor Sadiq Khan and whether he would pick him up if he asked for a ride in his cab, Terry admitted: "I'd have to drive by. I'm sorry, but I would!"
Antonia Jennings, CEO of Centre for London, said: "Black Cabs are a fundamental part of London’s cityscape. We must not let them become part of the capital’s history.
"Alongside their cultural status, cabs offer what Londoners need today - accessible, convenient and safe transport. We should not be removing these options off the street.
"It’s simply unthinkable for London taxis to become extinct by 2045. Government must step up to support the Black Cab industry and turn this declining trajectory around, before it’s too late."
Find Out More...