9 July 2021
RMT Press Office:
RMT calls for emergency support for iconic Black Cabs as government figures show 29% drop in vehicles in the last year.
TRANSPORT UNION RMT, which organises among London’s iconic black cabs, has called for a package of emergency support from government, the Mayor and Council leaders as Department for Transport statistics showed a catastrophic 29% drop in the number of Licensed vehicles plying for hire on London’s roads.
The drop means that the number of licensed taxis operating in London has fallen to its lowest level since 1983 and it means that there are more than 5,000 fewer wheelchair accessible vehicles operating in the capital.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said,
“These figures should be a wake up call across the capital and in government. Black cabs are an iconic and essential part of the public transport mix and their 100% accessible fleet offer a vital on-demand service for disabled, aged and vulnerable people.
“The population of London is still growing but the trade is fighting for its life. We need more government support to help taxis drivers get through this period, but I’m also calling for a summit with the Government, the Mayor and Council leaders to engage with us on how we can ensure that our black cabs are supported to operate properly around the capital, before it’s too late.“
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