Black cab driver says hailing taxis has “evaporated” in central London

A London taxi driver has said he has never seen London “so desolate and depressing” because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Andy Biggs, 63, said his takings are around 20 per cent of normal as demand “fell off a cliff” when England’s second national lockdown was introduced on November 5.

His comments came after it was revealed thousands of black cabs were being stored in fields around London after being taken off-road to save money on insurance.

Hailing cabs from the side of the road has “evaporated” in central London, Mr Biggs said.

“When we first went back after the initial lockdown, things started to get a little bit better, very slowly. But now it’s as dead as it’s ever been,” he added.

Cabbie Andy Biggs reads a book as he waits for a fare at Victoria

PA

Mr Biggs said that as well as creating financial difficulties, the collapse in demand is a mental struggle.

“This is a very gregarious job, generally. I like talking to people, meeting people, hearing people’s stories.

“That’s kind of gone now because you can go a whole day with only three people in your cab, if you’re lucky. It’s a completely different job.”

Mr Biggs became a cabbie 10 years ago to allow him to work flexible hours, following a sailing career as a commercial skipper.

He believes he is “too old” to stop.

A black cab ‘graveyard’ in Epping with 220 cabs are being stored

PA

“I don’t want to do anything else. I’ll just manage, and hope for better times.

“If I was 20 years younger I might consider doing something else.”

He added that being a taxi driver has always relied on luck, but now “you really need the cab gods shining down on you”.

Howard Taylor, who has been a cab driver in the capital for more than three decades, said he goes to work with “no expectation at all” of being hailed for a ride.

“I’ve never seen London like it. In 33 years I’ve never seen it as quiet, as desolate and depressing.”

Mr Taylor, 60, said he had three customers in five hours on Tuesday. That earned him a total of £30, but his costs mean he made a loss on the day.

“I try to be optimistic and think, if you don’t go out to work you’re never going to take any money.

“To win the lottery you’ve got to buy a ticket.”

Additional reporting by PA