Transport for London (TfL) has introduced new measures to support taxi drivers by granting temporary licences to those who meet certain criteria amid a threat to the future of black cabs.
A new temporary licence scheme is designed to alleviate problems caused by administrative delays that have left many drivers unable to work.
The initiative follows collaboration between TfL and the GMB Union, which has been actively working to find solutions for drivers affected by the licensing backlog.
Under the new scheme, drivers can receive temporary licences provided they complete a DBS check, among other criteria.
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Transport for London is introducing measures to support the future of black cab drivers across the capital
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TfL has also agreed to postpone the proposed increase to licensing fees, recognising the financial hardship many drivers have experienced.
These measures form part of TfL’s response to growing concerns about the sustainability of London’s taxi services, which aims to get drivers back on the road quickly while permanent licence applications are processed.
Simon Rush, President of GMB Taxi and Private Hire Drivers Branch, said: “This is very welcome progress, and we hope temporary licences will get drivers back on the road.
“We are pleased to see TfL reconsider the licensing fee increase, particularly given the financial hardship that drivers have endured due to these delays.
“Drivers should never be left in limbo due to administrative issues. We will continue to work closely and collaboratively with TfL, with a view to getting the best outcome for our members.”
The temporary licence scheme comes amid warnings about the future of London’s iconic black cabs. According to a report by Centre for London, if current decline rates continue, black cabs could disappear from London’s streets entirely by 2045.
The number of taxis licensed by TfL has fallen by over a third (34.5 per cent) in the past decade, from 22,810 in 2013-14 to just 14,470 today.
This contrasts sharply with the private hire vehicle industry, which has seen driver numbers grow by 82 per cent since 2009-10, reaching 107,884 licensed drivers by 2023-24.
TfL’s broader action plan aims to address these challenges with several bold initiatives to support the taxi industry, including ensuring taxis continue to have access to bus lanes and encouraging boroughs to grant similar access on borough roads.
The plan also involves making amendments to The Knowledge test to attract new drivers and reviewing taxi rank allocation and design at public transport hubs.
The transport authority is working with the Government to secure greater powers to improve safety and is developing new training for drivers, including disability equality training designed in partnership with disability stakeholders.
The public appears to support efforts to preserve London’s taxi industry, with survey data showing that two-thirds (66 per cent) of Londoners believe more should be done to support the trade.
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A recent report warned that black cabs could completely vanish from London’s roads by 2045
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This significant level of public backing underscores the cultural and practical importance of black cabs to the capital’s transport ecosystem.
The temporary licence scheme represents one step in addressing immediate concerns, while the broader action plan tackles longer-term challenges.
