Minicabs (subject to congestion charge) since April 2019

Is it Khan's fault again?

Sounds like a racial balls up gone wrong couldn't find it in themselves to charge the black (cabs).

I can understand the grievance of the minicab operators as this new daily charge of £11.50 inflicts a massive expense on their income nevertheless, the proliferation of private hire over the last few years including Uber has exceeded all projections - supply has exceeded demand. As such, Tfl has indicated the extra vehicles in London have contributed to excessive pollution.

But, to accuse Tfl of discrimination is a feeble argument, and using discrimination in a discriminatory manner, why? The minicab operators are not subject to the same rigorous checks as black cab operators; they do not study the knowledge either - they only operate using satnav; their vehicles sometimes shared by several operators (doing shifts) some of whom could be unlicensed and/or with dubious character; some vehicles used solely to avoiding paying the congestion charge (when not in operation).

I believe for genuine long term minicab operators this could be advantageous in the middle to long term eg it will reduce the number of operators thus increasing their workload, and daily income; might lead to an increase in fare charged too. And, a reduction in London traffic could mean a reduction in time taken for a journey leading to more jobs undertaken.

Interesting points impossible123.

I'm all for justice and fair play, but legal argument or challenges citing discrimination (racial or otherwise) in an ad hoc manner without further considerations or thoughts bugs me. For instance, there are black cab operators too (not just white ones), and loads of ethnic minorities esp Asians. But, very, very few of them progressed to black cab operators - ask oneself why?

If one wants the reward (or perks) one needs to be subject to the same rigorous operating conditions, and get the requisite qualification otherwise seek alternative employment or..............

The Knowledge is dead.

A good Sat-Nav with spot-on traffic info is better than a Black-cab driver anyday !

A good Sat-Nav with spot-on traffic info is better than a Black-cab driver anyday !

so why has every test ever done been won by cabbies and not phv drivers? FACT

I do not think a satnav (no matter how good) can ever been as good as an experienced cabbie who knows the area inside-out, There will not be much between the two, but in traffic a cabbie will have the edge; satnav cannot ask one to do a u-turn in traffic.