Law firm writes open letter to TfL over issues with supply of parts to taxis

Legal.taxi Solicitors, part of Chiltern Law, issued an open letter to Transport for London (TfL) - which regulates black cabs in the capital - vehicle supplier LEVC and various government bodies.

It said LEVC had described the TX5 as being towards the end of its product lifecycle, with the successor TX6 in development through with no fixed start date.

The firm asked TfL what contingency plans it has if the TX6 is not available in sufficient numbers when older taxis reach the end of their working lives.

Chiltern said said drivers were reporting “substantial delays” in finding some TX parts, potentially leaving self-employed drivers off the road and without income.

Legal.taxi has asked LEVC to provide commitments on how long it will maintain an adequate supply of replacement TX5 components after production ends.

The firm also asked what arrangements would be made for liabilities extending beyond the current support period, and an assurance that parts required to carry out warranty work will remain available.

Legal.taxi also urged TfL to seek assurances from LEVC’s parent Geely Hong Kong that a minimum 10-year parts commitment would be honoured until 2036, including if LEVC withdrew from the market or became insolvent.

It warned TfL that there had been 18,961 licensed taxis immediately before the pandemic in March 2020, compared with 14,750 in February 2024.

A combination of mandatory vehicle retirements, constrained replacement supply and taxis being immobilised while awaiting components could potentially push available fleet numbers down.

There was also concern about the loss of older diesel taxis on which TfL places a 12-year maximum operating age , though 15 years is allowed for zero-emission capable taxis.

Legal.taxi called on TfL to convene a meeting with LEVC, Geely and trade representatives.

Mark Smulian