7 Intriguing Facts and Figures about Taxis in London

London’s black taxis are one of the city’s most well-known symbols, and they can be seen speeding through the streets every day of the week. Like the yellow cab in the United States, a London taxi is important in how it looks. What makes the black cab important? Take a look at the ten interesting facts and numbers about this version of the London transit below.

London Knowledge

“The Knowledge” is one of the most important things about being a London taxi driver. This is a test that every taxi driver has to pass to get their license. Those willing to learn how to drive in London need to study for two to four years to get a good sense of the city’s 320 routes in a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, including 25,000 streets and 20,000 monuments. As they drive by, they are given a green badge. People with yellow badges can only drive in a smaller part of London, but they can’t go into the same places as people with green badges.

Hackney Carriages

The first taxicab licenses were given to the Corporation of Coachmen in 1639. Among the first licensed horse-drawn vehicles were Hackney’s and Hansom Cabs, made in 1662 and 1834. In 1908, the first motorized cabs came to London, and by the 1920s, they had taken over as the main taxi vehicle.

Cabin Space

If someone is wearing a bowler hat, the taxi must be tall enough to sit down. Also, hackney carriages were needed to move a hay bale for the horse. Even when motorized cab to airport were available, this law was still in place for a while.

Tight Turns Are Required

Black cabs can only turn around 25 feet around. This makes room for the small roundabout in front of the Savoy Hotel. As time went on, this turning radius became a legal requirement for all London cabs. Savoy Court is also one of the few places in London where cars drive on the right. Customers used to sit behind the driver and get out of the cab facing the hotel.

No Yelling

It’s illegal to yell “Taxi!” to get their attention. If you see a cab with a sign that is lit up, you can just wave your arm in the air. Fortunately, you can now book a taxi via a mobile device.

Origins of The Term “Taxi”

The word “taxi” comes from a device called a taximeter, which is used to figure out mileage and the cost of a ride. “Cab” was an abbreviation for “cabriolet,” which is a French verb that means “to leap.” Cabriolet was a kind of taxi and what people did to get out of them.

Health Disclosure

It was also said that it was against the law to hail a cab when sick with the bubonic plague. The Public Health (Control of Sickness) Act of 1984 says that anyone who has a disease that must be reported must tell the cab driver, who can then decide whether or not to transport the person. In this case, he must call the police and clean the cab before taking another passenger.

Conclusion

You must ride in a black taxi when you visit London. This is one of the best things you can do when you visit. Many people love it because it is reliable and safe, and its drivers are known for being able to get through London’s maze-like back streets and thoroughfares on time.