A series of roadshows to encourage people from Black, Asian and ethnic minorities to consider becoming licensed taxi drivers was launched by the Mayor of London today (Tuesday 15 November). The roadshows, which are being hosted by Transport for London’s Public Carriage Office, are part of a long-term campaign to ensure that the cab trade is more representative of London’s diverse communities. Presently one in 20 existing taxi drivers is from Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, compared to nearly a third of London’s population. Only one per cent of current drivers are Asian and 2.4 per cent are Black.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: 'More people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds are applying to become black cab drivers, but at the current rate it will be 30 years before the trade is representative of London's communities. Taxi drivers are great ambassadors for London and I want the trade to reflect the diversity of the capital. This campaign is designed to encourage people from non-traditional backgrounds to consider becoming a cab driver by informing people about the benefits of the trade and how to become qualified.’

Ed Thompson, Taxi and Private Hire Director, Public Carriage Office, said: ‘London’s taxi drivers are top class and provide a vital service to travellers throughout the capital.

‘But we would like to see the diversity of the city much better reflected. The industry is open to all and by holding this series of roadshows, we want to invite the local communities to come along and find out a bit more about the industry which could be the first step to a promising career.’

Sukhvinver Singh, London Taxi Driver, said: 'I have been a taxi driver for one and a half years. It has given me great opportunities, I am self- employed and am able to decide when and what hours I work.'

The roadshows are supported by a poster and leaflet campaign titled “Put yourself in the driving seat” that have been distributed in job centres, libraries, hospitals and doctors surgeries around the capital. They will also being appearing in the local press in the next few weeks.

The first roadshow will take place at the London Muslim Centre part of the East London Mosque, with more to follow in the up coming months. The next roadshow is at the Minories nightclub, 26 November (aimed at women), followed by the Kurdish Community Centre, 4 December. A series of further events aimed at London’s diverse communities is being developed.

ABOUT LONDON'S TAXI DRIVERS

• There are approximately 65,000 licensed taxi and private hire drivers in London.
• On average it takes three years to become a licensed as an All-London taxi driver and two years for a suburban driver.
• Private hire journeys are pre-booked, so drivers have the opportunity of planning their journeys in advance, therefore there it s not necessary to have the detailed knowledge. However plans are in place to test the route finding skills of private hire driver applicants.
• · Taxi drivers - only one in 20 existing taxi drivers is from ethnic minorities, however minority groups accounted for one in 7 new licenses and one in 3 new applicants (this is being checked by the Public Carriage Office).
• Only about 1.5% of taxi drivers are women (about 380 individuals) and about 3% of applicants. Two out of the sixteen Knowledge of London Examiners are women.
• Private hire drivers - around half of all licensed private hire drivers are from ethnic minorities, but women make up only 2% of the total.
• All successful applicants must satisfy medical and character checks, and taxi applicants must complete the Knowledge of London, which typically takes three years.
• Anyone interested in becoming a licensed taxi or private hire driver should contact the Public Carriage Office on 0845 602 5673 (Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm).

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