Posted on the 10th August 2026 in PHTM News

BLACK CAB SHORTAGE THREATENS LONDON TAXI DRIVERS

London taxi drivers are facing a severe shortage of new black cabs as production cuts and strict environmental rules squeeze the trade.

Drivers and fleet operators in the capital are currently enduring nine-month waiting times for vehicles from the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), which remains the only available manufacturer for purpose-built London taxis.

The manufacturing slowdown comes as Transport for London forces older diesel vehicles off the road under net zero targets, leaving cabbies scrambling to buy new electric models. With mainstream car makers such as Ford, Stellantis and Nissan choosing not to build London taxis due to financial viability, the trade is heavily reliant on LEVC, owned by Chinese giant Geely.

Mick Walker, secretary of the London Cab Drivers' Club, said: "Everyone is starting to realise the trade is in serious trouble. There are drivers being put out of work now because they cannot actually get a vehicle."

While the secondhand market remains relatively healthy for individuals, fleet operators that rely exclusively on new vehicles are bearing the brunt of the shortfall. Colts Cabs, London's largest fleet operator with more than 1,000 cabs, was recently offered just 10 vehicles after attempting to order 30 in March.

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licenced Taxi Drivers Association, said: "Fleets are really struggling to get hold of new vehicles. In recent weeks and months, there have been attempts to place orders for 200 cabs and people are being told they can only have 25 and not until February next year at the earliest."

LEVC defended its position, stating that it regularly adjusts manufacturing output to meet expected market demand while preparing for the launch of a new model. A company spokesman insisted that TX assembly, new vehicle deliveries, used sales and aftersales operations continue as normal.

However, industry figures show that the number of licensed taxi drivers in London has plunged from about 20,400 in 2020 to 15,900. Cabbies argue that LEVC's build-to-order policy fails to keep pace with replacement needs, creating a vicious cycle as prices soar. When the electric TX model launched in 2018, it cost under £55,000, but financing deals now push the total cost above £90,000.

Under local air quality rules, black cabs must be retired after 12 years, meaning roughly 1,300 cars will be taken off the streets in the next 11 months alone. At the same time, traditional recruitment has slumped. While 3,400 people applied for London's famous Knowledge test in 2000, only 809 applied last year, with just 107 passing.

Mr Walker blamed the decline on competition from ride-hailing apps, noting that drivers can obtain a private hire licence in weeks compared to the years required to master the Knowledge. Pointing out that only one black cab driver qualified recently compared to more than 600 private hire drivers, he warned: "There's no one coming into the trade, really."

A Transport for London spokesman said the organisation continues to work closely with the taxi trade and vehicle manufacturers to ensure the capital maintains enough licensed vehicles to meet customer demand while upholding required environmental standards.


Read another story