(BME stands for Black and Minority Ethnic)
Minicab protest London: Hundreds of drivers protest congestion charges by parking outside TfL headquarters
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Image: ITV News
Hundreds of minicab drivers have parked up outside Transport for London's Blackfriars offices today [Monday] in protest against a “tax on the poor”.
Drivers said they are angry with congestion charges for minicabs introduced by London mayor Sadiq Khan.
They claim the charge could see drivers have their take home pay slashed by 25 per cent.
The protest was called by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain's United Private Hire Drivers branch.
In a statement, they said that TfL research showed a disproportionate impact on poor and BME workers.
It said 71 per cent of TfL licensed minicab drivers hail from designated deprived areas and 94 per cent identity as BME.
“Black cabs drivers, which are 80 per cent white British, continue to be exempt from paying congestion charge,” the statement reads.
Instead of the charge, the union has suggested a cap on the total number of minicab vehicle licenses, to reduce the amount of time drivers spend on the road waiting for passengers by providing dedicated rest spaces in zones one and two.
They also said the mayor should “use his existing powers to enforce worker rights, adding: “Minimum wage enforcement would provide the necessary incentive for operators to reduce the number of cars on the road.
James Farrar, chair of the union’s private hire driver’s branch said: “If the mayor and TfL really want to reduce congestion they should immediately use their powers to enforce minimum wage legislation and other worker rights.
“Instead of introducing this and other common sense policies like rest stops for drivers and a levy on operators, Sadiq Khan is choosing to target some of the city's most vulnerable workers.
"These workers have had enough of policies that ignore their concerns and are going to fight back until they get the fair deal they deserve.”
Image: ITV News
Alex Williams, TfL's Director of City Planning, said in a statement that “bold action” is required to tackle London’s public health crisis.
“More than 9,000 premature deaths are linked to air quality every year. The private hire trade, along with all road users, have a central role in reducing the filthy fumes circulating in our city,” he said.
“The changes to the Congestion Charge will contribute to fewer vehicles driving where pollution is most concentrated while ensuring the cleanest minicabs or those that are wheelchair accessible continue to enter the zone without paying a charge.
“The changes to the Congestion Charge and the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in April in central London will significantly benefit the health of all Londoners, including drivers.”
He added that the charge will encourage private hire firms and drivers to operate more efficiently as 28 per cent of minicabs in the zone are empty.
Image: ITV News
