London Taxi drivers will soon be permitted to fit new digital advertising screens on top of their cabs – but only in return for paying a higher annual licence fee.
Transport for London is set to approve the installation of the screens, which are capable of displaying video and illuminated adverts, to 1,000 TX4 cabs.
The number of cabs allowed to install the screens is being limited “to ensure the visual impact of the London taxi and the streetscape of London is maintained” but the cap could be lifted depending on feedback.
Drivers wishing to add the screens will need to apply for a new vehicle licence costing £170 – £68 more than the standard fee.
TfL claims the increase is justified because it will face higher costs to licence cabs fitted with the screens and that it “needs to pass that charge on to the vehicle owners whose taxis will carry them, via a higher vehicle licence fee.”
