There is going to be a taxi protest in London on 21 April – here's why

Taxi drivers in the capital are set to protest on Oxford Street from 2pm tomorrow.

Members of the the United Cabbies Group (UCG) are protesting Transport for London’s “failure to regulate the taxi industry” over the use of taxi apps like Uber.

In a statement, UCG said: “This demonstration was born out of the frustration that a lot of drivers are feeling.

“We all went through years of knowledge, missing time with our family and friends so we could become one of the elite, the best in the world. Since the Olympics we’ve seen a steady erosion of our business.”

“We all know there is no enforcement in the West End on any night of the week, which is infested with minicabs unhindered by compliance officers or the police.”

The demo isn’t supported by official taxi union the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association or the RMT.

Helen Chapman, TfL’s general manager of taxi and private hire, told the Standard: “We are aware of a planned demonstration by taxi drivers tomorrow.

“This demonstration is not supported by any of the recognised trade bodies or associations and the reasons behind it are unclear. 

“We would urge the organisers not to cause unnecessary disruption to other road users.”

 

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