5,700 SHORTFALL IN LICENSED CABBIES IN LONDON

11.39.06am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 23rd May 2005

New figures revealed today by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats show that London is facing a shortage of 5,700 licensed cabbies leading to concerns that passengers may turn to illegal minicabs to get home at night.

The figures, taken from Transport for London Board papers, show that there was a 1,200 shortfall in the number of licensed taxi drivers Transport for London believed were needed for this year. There was also a 4,500 shortfall in the number of private hire drivers licensed leading to an overall shortage of taxi drivers in the capital of 5,700.

TfL points to 'significant problems with the quality of application and Criminal Records Bureau forms completed by the applicants and the medical forms completed by GPs', as the reason for the lack of the extra licensed cabbies.

London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, Graham Tope, said:-

"While the number of cabbies is increasing, it appears that the increase is falling well short of the number needed to meet demand.

"I am seriously concerned that the shortage of licensed cabbies could lead to more people using unlicensed minicabs because they are the cheapest and easiest form of transport to get home on a late night.

"It is time the Mayor raised their game in helping to get more cabbies registered and licensed before all the good work by Transport for London with their 'Safer Travel at Night' scheme is undone."

ENDS

Notes to editor

In Transport for London Board Papers discussed on Wednesday 18th May 2005, Agenda Item 5, Page 8, Paragraph 3.27, it states:

This can be found at:-

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/downloads/pdf/about-tfl/board-meetings/Agenda-18may2005.pdf