Sadiq Khan Plans to Help Cab Drivers compete with Uber
ITV News have reported that Sadiq Khan has devised a new plan to help London's black cab drivers to compete with Uber drivers. The plan incoudes several ideas to enable the cabbies to get more work:
- Boosting the number of taxi ranks in the city
- Opening up more bus lanes which can be used by the London cab drivers
- Getting the taxi driver test 'The Knowledge' accredited as a formal qualification
- New rules for private hire drivers which would include passing an English test, more insurance regulations and ensuring the driver and vehicle details are given to customers before the start of their journey.
The Mayor of London says:
"Our new taxi and private hire action plan will ....create a vibrant taxi and private hire market where all providers can continue to flourish....I have been determined to drive up standards and improve safety for every passenger in London, while protecting the future of our iconic black cabs that provide a unique and invaluable service for Londoners."
Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association said that:
"The taxi trade welcomes the new plan and recognises its commitment to raising safety standards in the Private Hire (PH) industry. We particularly welcome the mayor's decision to re-visit the requirement for operator insurance for PH [Private Hire]vehicles and his request that central Government define plying for hire in statute.