Taxicard exemption through Hackney’s low traffic neighbourhoods launched

Taxi users with long-term mobility difficulties or severe visual impairments will now get an automatic exemption through six bus gates in Hackney’s low traffic neighbourhoods, as part of a pilot to ensure the borough’s streets are as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. 

The scheme is being trialled in partnership between Hackney Council, London Councils, the Taxicard scheme operator ComCab and enforcement camera operator Yunex Traffic, before it is assessed ahead of a potential wider rollout to the rest of London. 

It will apply to Taxicard users - a scheme that provides subsidised Black Taxi and private hire trips to those who might find it difficult or impossible to access other modes of transport. 

When users are on a Taxicard trip in Hackney, their driver will be able to pass through low traffic neighbourhood bus gates where an exemption for HAC01 permit is displayed on signs. 

This is in six locations in the borough: Stoke Newington Church Street, Shepherdess Walk, Downs Road, Lansdowne Drive and two locations on Richmond Road. 

The exemption will be applied automatically. Drivers who operate taxicard services are being informed about the change to the way low traffic neighbourhoods operate in Hackney. 

Three years ago we introduced an exemption for Blue Badge and companion badge holders, allowing them to nominate a vehicle that could travel through bus gates in Hackney’s low traffic neighbourhoods. 

I’m really pleased to pilot this new scheme in Hackney, which will expand access to people on a taxicard journey and increase accessibility for those with long term mobility difficulties or visual impairments.

Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport

This pilot will allow vulnerable and those with severe disabilities an improved experience when using the scheme and will greatly improve the door to door offering of the scheme. This will allow drivers to enter these LTN zones to collect our customers without fear of potentially receiving a penalty notice charge.

It is hoped the positive outcome of this pilot in Hackney will allow other boroughs to implement the technology and allow the wider Taxicard users and drivers across London to benefit when undertaking Taxicard journeys.

Andy Rollock, Head of Mobility Services, London Councils

We are delighted to partner with Hackney for this trial to provide our long valued Taxicard customers with improved access to the Taxicard service by exempting vehicles that are fulfilling a Taxicard journey from being penalised when travelling through agreed low traffic neighbourhoods.  We very much hope that the trial is successful, and in the future this exemption can be offered on Taxicard journeys in all boroughs so that all service users can benefit from the accessibility improvements it delivers.

Alan McDonald, Taxicard Account Manager for ComCab London