Cabs Across Bank (CAB) is campaigning for Licensed Hackney Carriages to have access across Bank Junction and other currently restricted streets in the City of London 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – 24/7/365.
The restrictions currently make the availability of Black Taxis in and around the Bank area a major problem and it is a major concern for businesses, taxi users and visitors to the City.
Together with Alderman Tim Hailes, I was successful in seeing a trial lifting of restrictions on Black Cabs approved by the Court of Common Council at its meeting on 20 June 2024 with the trial expected to commence in Spring 2025.
See press announcement by the City of London regarding the lifting of restrictions.
See my interview with London Taxi Radio on why lifting of restrictions are important for businesses, hospitality venue, for equality and safety:
Black Cabs are an integral part of London’s public transport system and lifting restrictions is important:
- For accessibility – to provide access everywhere for those with mobility challenges
- For safety – to ensure they are available across London all hours to ensure safety of women or vulnerable users
- For tourism and hospitality – Black Cabs are world-renown for being safe and trusted by visitors to London
- For businesses – who rely on Black Cabs for fast, readily available transport. They are a reason why businesses choose the City and Central London to have offices
CAB would like to see similar restrictions lifted elsewhere across London.
CAB believes that Licensed Hackney Carriages (also popularly known as “Black Cabs”) 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.
For further information on Cabs Across Bank and how to support this important campaign, please visit: www.CabsAcrossBank.London
I have spoken and campaigned for Cabs Across Bank:
“Lack of available black cab taxis in the City of London a ‘TOTAL DISGRACE’ says councillor” – Taxi Point, 5 November 2023
A City of London Councillor expressed his frustration over the lack of available Black Cabs in the City of London, referring to the situation as a ‘total disgrace’.
James Thomson, Deputy Common Councilman and Chair of City of London Police Authority Board, made the comments after he waited 45 minutes at midnight without spotting a single Black Cab to hail.
Thomson has been leading the Cabs Across Bank (CAB) campaign, which aims to allow licensed Hackney Carriages unrestricted access to Bank Junction and other currently restricted streets in the City of London. The campaign also seeks to lift similar restrictions in other areas across the capital, emphasizing the crucial role that Black Cabs play in London’s public transport system. Read full article here.
‘THE CITY NEEDS THEM BACK’: City of London Councillor meets taxi trade reps to discuss lack of taxis – Taxi Point, 9 November 2023
A City of London Councillor met with London taxi trade representatives to discuss the concerning lack of black taxis currently available in the Square Mile due to long running access concerns.
James Thomson, Deputy Common Councilman for the Ward of Walbrook and Chair of City of London Police Authority Board, expressed deep concern over the decline in taxi services within the Square Mile, particularly in the areas of Bank and Bishopsgate.
During a meeting with key representatives from the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), including Chair Paul Brennan, General Secretary Steve McNamara, and Katie Combes, Thomson highlighted the pressing issue of taxis avoiding the City, emphasising that their presence is crucial for the sake of business, safety, equality, and attracting visitors.
“WHERE BUSES GO: City of London Police Chair calls for better taxi access in the Square Mile” – Taxi Point, 25 September 2023
City of London Police Chair, James Thomson, has recently met with ‘representatives’ of the Licensed Hackney Carriage trade to engage in discussions on the importance of taxi cabs having equal access to transportation services, similar to Transport for London (TfL) buses.
The move has long been argued for by most working within the industry. Public transport accessibility is believed to be critical for various reasons, such as ensuring the safety of the public, addressing mobility challenges, supporting businesses in the City of London, and boosting the hospitality and tourism industries. Read full article here.
