Taxi Driver Online

Back in 1992 there was conjecture in some quarters that the Traditional black cab might come under some pressure from Europe. Here is one such article that highlights the problems LTI might have if Europe ever does make sweeping changes?
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Evening Standard (London)

May 1, 1992, Friday

HEADLINE: From 1992

BYLINE: Ian Morton

EUROPEAN policy makers want to ban the use of saloon cars as taxis and have them replaced with cabs accessible to the disabled.

But ironically the move, which would mean the end of the shabby old minicab, could present a tough challenge to the London black cab which already conforms to accessibility requirements.

Standard European rules for taxis would generate a huge new market and tempt major car makers into making their own rival cabs.

Several are already preparing adapted designs, such as the Vauxhall Midicab TX4.

The London black cab's unique identity could be threatened by the need to comply with pan-European standards.

'The recommendations may bring design demands - doors, access dimensions, safety provisions and so forth - that we will have to meet,' said Peter Wildgoose, marketing executive of black cab manufacturer LTI.

The draft proposals from a meeting of EC transport ministers in Seville would let local authorities license a small saloons as a proportion of a local fleet in special circumstances for an interim period.

But 'achieving full access for people in wheelchairs to all taxis will be the long-term objective'.

The proposals are likely to become a European directive by the mid-1990s.

The EC is following British government policy, which is for all London cabs to have full access by the end of the decade.

The EC says taxi operators facing competitive disadvantage by having to provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles should get financial or legislative help.

The proposals could torpedo a move to set up a two-tier taxi licensing system for London, with minicabs given official status.
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Anyone got a pic of Vauxhall's Midicab TX4?
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