Black cabs may vanish from London’s roads in 20 years unless measures are taken to halt their decline, a thinktank warns. Centre for London suggests that if the current downward trend continues, there could be no taxis left in the capital by 2045. The number of licensed cabs has dropped from 22,810 in 2013-14 to 14,470 in 2023-24, while the number of new licenses issued to black-cab drivers has significantly decreased.

The report states that only zero-emission capable taxis can be licensed now, but the cost of new electric black cabs has increased by 40% since 2017. The Knowledge test requirement for black-cab drivers is also considered a deterrent. The thinktank suggests making the Knowledge test easier and providing loans for newly qualified drivers to purchase electric black cabs.

Antigua Jennings, the chief executive of Centre for London, emphasizes the importance of black cabs in London’s cityscape, stating that the industry needs government support to prevent them from becoming extinct. Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, acknowledges the challenges the industry faces but believes that with the right support, black cabs can continue to play a crucial role in London’s transport system.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/19/londons-black-cabs-destined-for-extinction-in-20-years-tfl-warned