The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) and Freenow by Lyft are demanding Transport for London grant a temporary suspension of the black cab age limit, warning of a short-term black-cab shortage as the supply of new vehicles dries up.
LTDA general secretary Steve McNamara has written to Danny Price, TfL’s director of sponsored services and regulatory compliance, asking for an immediate temporary suspension of the age limit affecting older taxis while new vehicle supply remains constrained, according to Taxi-Point, which has seen the letter.
Why the LTDA fears a black cab shortage
The call follows confirmation from LEVC that final assembly of the current TX will conclude in September 2026, allowing its Ansty production facility to prepare for the next-generation purpose-built taxi. The manufacturer says the replacement — referred to in the LTDA’s letter as the TX6 — will launch during the second half of 2027, leaving a gap of around nine months with no continuous flow of newly manufactured LEVC taxis.
In his letter, McNamara said: “Unfortunately, the new cab will not be available until next year and with sales of the current model, the TXE, now stopped, there will be a considerable period in which my members will not be able to buy a new cab.”
“Whilst LEVC do have a reasonable stock of second hand TXEs, this will not be enough to sustain the current fleet numbers going forward, as older cabs fall off licence because of the age limit. As a result, there is a real likelihood that there will be a shortage of taxis with the consequence that some drivers will be unable to find a cab and will effectively be rendered unemployed.”
McNamara said he had already raised the prospect of a supply gap with TfL and City Hall officials over the summer, telling Price: “When I met with yourself, the mayors political and air quality teams in the summer, we discussed the likelihood of a prolonged gap between the TXE ceasing production and the TX6 becoming available and I proposed then that the only solution in the short term is a temporary hiatus of the 12-year age limit until the supply of new vehicles is resumed.”
“Now that we finally have confirmation that the TX6 is coming and a workable time frame, I would ask that you implement a temporary suspension of the age limit with immediate effect.”
Freenow backs temporary black cab age limit suspension
Freenow by Lyft has now added its support to the call, arguing that the limited availability of second-hand vehicles may not be sufficient to replace taxis leaving the fleet before new production becomes available.
Danny O’Gorman, general manager at Freenow by Lyft UKI, said: “This LEVC announcement is great news for the taxi trade and marks an exciting next step for London’s transport network. We are pleased that LEVC is continuing to set the benchmark for purpose-built taxis with the range-extended TX6, which will deliver a much greener, higher-spec vehicle that lowers running costs for drivers.”
“However, with the TX6 not available until next year and the limited stock of second-hand vehicles will not be enough to sustain fleet numbers as older cabs reach their licensing age limits. Without proactive measures, this shortage risks leaving drivers without vehicles and impacting livelihoods with direct impact on passengers as well.”
“To protect London’s world-class, wheelchair-accessible black cab fleet for the long term, we support calls for a temporary suspension of the 12-year age limit until the supply of new vehicles is fully restored.”
What the current black cab age limit rules say
The age-limit issue is more specific than a blanket 12-year rule across every London black cab. TfL currently states that Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel taxis have a maximum operating age of 12 years, while zero-emission-capable taxis, Euro 6 taxis and qualifying LPG vehicles have a 15-year limit. TfL retains discretion to grant exemptions in exceptional circumstances.
The policy was introduced as part of measures intended to accelerate the removal of older diesel taxis and improve London air quality. TfL’s 2025 Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan said the reduction from 15 years to 12 years for Euro 3, 4 and 5 diesel taxis was phased in between November 2019 and November 2022.
Neither the LTDA nor Freenow is calling for a permanent removal of age limits. Both are seeking a temporary change linked specifically to the period before the supply of new taxis is restored.
The black cab age limit demand adds to the pressure on TfL from across the capital’s transport network. Hackney Council has urged the body to rethink planned bus cuts as a consultation closes, while weekend Tube and Overground closures continue to disrupt passengers. O’Gorman’s emphasis on the fleet’s wheelchair accessibility also comes as step-free upgrades continue across the network, with Surrey Quays station recently going step-free on the Windrush line.
Reporting based on Taxi-Point.
