Almost 1,000 black taxis have left the industry since Transport for London launched a campaign a year ago to reverse this decline. One driver revealed he fears the popular sight on the capital's streets, as synonymous with London's culture as red double-decker buses, could become extinct during the next two decades.

Transport for London (TfL) launched its Taxi and PHV Action Plan 12 months ago to support the black taxi industry and private hire services. But the latest statistics showed there are now 5% fewer licensed black cabs on the roads compared to a year ago. The fleet size dropped from 14,540 to 13,784 during this time, meaning black cabs could become extinct by 2045 if this annual rate continues.

"The cab trade is distraught, we've been pulled apart by (London Mayor) Sadiq Khan," Grant Davis, chariman of the London Cab Drivers Club, told the Daily Express. "When he got elected, he promised a renaissance for the trade but the support we've had is a resistance.

"Black cabs could 100% go extinct in the future. We've been left to wither on the vine. When Khan got elected, we had about 22,000 and now we're below 14,000."

The drop in black taxi numbers has been driven by failed recruitment, competition from services such as Uber and the growing costs of electric vehicles.

With 62% of current drivers aged over 53 and approaching retirement, industry experts have highlighted the importance of supporting more younger people through the The Knowledge.

Grant, who has been driving a black taxi in London for 38 years, called for greater regulation of the sheer number of Uber drivers by TfL. He said: "The Knowledge is open for everyone, regardless of your age, creed, or religion.

"But because TfL has refused to regulate the number of Uber drivers in London, people are forced to weigh whether they want to spend three years doing The Knowledge and then rent a taxi for £350 a week, or drive their family car with a phone on their window screen as an Uber driver instead."

Eight years ago TfL introduced a requirement for all newly licensed black taxis to be Zero Emission Capable, meaning effectively they had to be electric or hybrid. They are now working towards having a fully electric fleet by 2030.

However, drivers have pointed towards a lack of charging facilities available in the capital. Tom Hutley, a 33-year-old London cabbie, feared the move could further impact the capital's popular black cabbies.

He said: "Many drivers who live in London don't have charging facilities. I fear that without TfL or Government incentives to aid in this transition, as well as improve the charging infrastructure, this could accelerate our decline."

Tom, who has been driving a black taxi in London since 2017, believed the Taxi and PHV Action Plan was a "missed opportuunity". He compares London losing the black cab trade to the capital having a police force without professional training.

He said: "We are an institution that is loved and trusted. No other country in the world has such high and enviable driver standards, but sadly I believe that TfL sees us more as a nuisance rather than an icon worth preserving."

A TfL spokesperson said: "London's black cabs play a vital role in the capital's transport system and are crucial to the success of the capital's transport network. Our action plan sets out a clear and ambitious programme to support and modernise the taxi industry, enabling us to attract taxi drivers from all backgrounds, ensure passengers' and drivers' safety and ensure consistently high standards.

"It's really encouraging to see the recent increase in applications from those wanting to join the trade, with a 68.6 per cent increase in applications from 2022 to the end of 2025. This jump reflects the enduring prestige of becoming a licensed London taxi driver. We'll continue to work closely with the taxi trade and private hire industry and our partners to ensure that London has safe, accessible and green taxi and private hire services, recognised across the world."