Why London's Black Cabs Need Access All Areas and How You Can Help
London's iconic black cabs are more than just a mode of transport, they're a symbol of the city.
The debate over whether London’s iconic black cabs should be considered public transport has raged for years. The International Road Transport Union states that they are part of the collective public transport chain. But domestically, they aren’t treated the same as other forms of public transit.
A new campaign is highlighting the need for these cabs to have the same access as other forms of public transport. City of London Councillor James Thomson has launched the Cabs Across Bank or CAB campaign, focusing on taxi access at Bank Junction.
CAB believes that Licensed Hackney Carriages should be able to go where buses go including use of bus lanes and other routes or manoeuvres permitted for buses authorised by Transport for London.
CAB believes that giving taxis unfettered access to London’s roads provides 4 clear benefits:
For accessibility – to provide access everywhere for those with mobility challenges. The campaign is supported widely by accessibility campaigners. The National Federation of the Blind has been vocal about the need for black cabs to have unrestricted access to all areas. Statistics consistently show that taxi services are disproportionately used by those with disabilities and other vulnerabilities.
For safety – The restriction on cabs has caused concerns amongst safety groups. By blocking access to certain routes, there is less availability for safe transport options during the evenings. Giving taxis the same rights as buses would mean transport is available across London at all hours and ensure the safety of women or vulnerable persons.
For tourism and hospitality – Black Cabs are world-renowned for being safe and trusted by visitors to London. Not only are they a vital transport option for visitors, but they are also an iconic tourist attraction in themselves.
For businesses – Many businesses in London rely on Black Cabs for fast, readily available transport. The service they provide keeps business in the capital going.
Taxis are undeniably an essential part of London’s public transport network. Giving them access to bus lanes across the capital is unlikely to cause any issues. It could even lessen congestion on some roads. However, the continued restriction of cabs is likely to have a negative impact, not just on cabbies and those with mobility issues, but London itself.
What Can People Do to Support?
If you believe in the cause, your voice matters. You can email your support and reasons to CabsAcrossBank@gmail.com.