New research is warning that classic London black cabs could be extinct within 20 years if urgent action isn't taken by Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Labour Government.
A new report from Centre for London found 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 taxis licensed by Transport for London has declined significantly over the last decade, falling from 22,810 cabs in 2013-14 to just 14,470 today.
The report warned that the volume of private hire vehicles, including Uber and Addison Lee, has climbed 82 per cent between 2009 and 2024 to 107,884.
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It found that two-thirds of Londoners believe more should be done to support the industry, with 78 per cent saying the iconic vehicles will still exist in 100 years.
All black cab drivers are required to pass the Knowledge of London test, as well as have a DBS check and regular medical exams.
However, the report warned that costs had started to rise in recent years with the introduction of electric taxis.
Since 2017, there has been a 39 per cent increase in upfront costs, with incentives falling from £17,500 to £0 between 2017 and 2026.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that the Plug-in Taxi Grant will drop from £7,500 to £4,000, although this will only be in place until 2026.
Antonia Jennings, CEO of Centre for London, commented: "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."
Centre for London has called for new measures to be introduced to protect the industry, including reforming the Knowledge of London test to encourage more drivers to apply and qualify, noting a 66 per cent drop-out rate of drivers who start but don't finish the process.
The introduction of an interest-free loan scheme for newly qualified drivers has also been supported by Centre for London, which would make it easier for motorists to buy an electric black cab.
Sam Pooke, head of public policy at FREENOW, called on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Transport for London and the Government to support the industry.
Pooke added: "FREENOW strongly endorses the recommendations in this report, and we are calling on the Mayor to instruct TfL to set out a clear strategy for recruiting and retaining taxi drivers as part of its upcoming Action Plan."
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Similarly, Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said the findings of the report were alarming and called for the Mayor to act to ensure the future of the industry.
He added: "We’ve been here since the time of Oliver Cromwell, and we aren’t going anywhere soon but London’s iconic taxi trade is at a crossroads - with the right support we can cement its crucial role as fully accessible part of London’s transport mix and the world’s best and greenest taxi service.
"However, without such support our trade faces very real existential threats and these can no longer be ignored by policymakers."
Find Out More...
A new report from Centre for London found 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 taxis licensed by Transport for London has declined significantly over the last decade, falling from 22,810 cabs in 2013-14 to just 14,470 today.
The report warned that the volume of private hire vehicles, including Uber and Addison Lee, has climbed 82 per cent between 2009 and 2024 to 107,884.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
It found that two-thirds of Londoners believe more should be done to support the industry, with 78 per cent saying the iconic vehicles will still exist in 100 years.
All black cab drivers are required to pass the Knowledge of London test, as well as have a DBS check and regular medical exams.
However, the report warned that costs had started to rise in recent years with the introduction of electric taxis.
Since 2017, there has been a 39 per cent increase in upfront costs, with incentives falling from £17,500 to £0 between 2017 and 2026.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that the Plug-in Taxi Grant will drop from £7,500 to £4,000, although this will only be in place until 2026.
Antonia Jennings, CEO of Centre for London, commented: "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."
Centre for London has called for new measures to be introduced to protect the industry, including reforming the Knowledge of London test to encourage more drivers to apply and qualify, noting a 66 per cent drop-out rate of drivers who start but don't finish the process.
The introduction of an interest-free loan scheme for newly qualified drivers has also been supported by Centre for London, which would make it easier for motorists to buy an electric black cab.
Sam Pooke, head of public policy at FREENOW, called on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Transport for London and the Government to support the industry.
Pooke added: "FREENOW strongly endorses the recommendations in this report, and we are calling on the Mayor to instruct TfL to set out a clear strategy for recruiting and retaining taxi drivers as part of its upcoming Action Plan."
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Similarly, Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said the findings of the report were alarming and called for the Mayor to act to ensure the future of the industry.
He added: "We’ve been here since the time of Oliver Cromwell, and we aren’t going anywhere soon but London’s iconic taxi trade is at a crossroads - with the right support we can cement its crucial role as fully accessible part of London’s transport mix and the world’s best and greenest taxi service.
"However, without such support our trade faces very real existential threats and these can no longer be ignored by policymakers."
Find Out More...