London’s black cab trade showed their professionalism and community spirit on Saturday 12 July, 2025 as 65 licensed taxi drivers coordinated to transport over 200 special needs children and their families to Hertfordshire Zoo for the annual outing organized by the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC). The event, which was broadcasted live on GB News, was a perfect example of the trade’s ongoing commitment to community service.
The precision operation began at Isle of Dogs ASDA car park, where the drivers met before forming an impressive convoy to the zoo. This demonstrated the organisational excellence that has made London’s taxi service world-renowned. Tony, Chairman of the charity, expressed his pride in the drivers’ efforts, stating, “This is what our trade is really about. Sixty-five professional drivers, all volunteers, working together like clockwork to bring joy to children who need it most. It’s the kind of coordination that only comes from decades of experience on London’s streets.”
The LTCFC, now in its 97th year and approaching its centennial in 2028, has been organizing these events since 1928, making it one of the longest-running examples of the taxi trade’s charitable work. All participating drivers hold enhanced DBS checks and TfL licenses, with many having volunteered for many decades.
The logistical achievement of the event was significant, with over 200 passengers, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, fuel compensation provided, and a day-long commitment from drivers who gave up their earning time to volunteer. However, the operation ran without a single hitch, reflecting the professionalism that passengers experience daily across London.
Each child was gifted a goodie bag and a Louie toy, with lunch, ice cream, and drinks provided throughout the day, ensuring every family enjoyed a truly magical experience at no cost to them. Driver liaison John, who coordinates the volunteer network, noted, “The response from our drivers is always incredible. These are busy professionals who could be earning, but they choose to give their time because they understand the difference we make to these families.”
In a time when the taxi trade faces various challenges, events like this showcase the human side of London’s black cab service. The charity’s work has gained recognition at the highest levels, with committee members recently attending a Royal Garden Party in recognition of their charitable contributions. The event also highlights the trade’s adaptability and community focus, with drivers and children coming together to have fun while maintaining the personal service that has defined London taxis for generations.
As the charity approaches its centennial, organizers are planning special events to mark nearly 100 years of taxi drivers supporting London’s most vulnerable children. While the volunteer driver network faces recruitment challenges as drivers retire, it continues to demonstrate the values that make London’s taxi trade unique.
The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children, founded in 1928, is entirely volunteer-run, with all committee members being licensed London taxi drivers. The charity serves over 1,500 children annually, focusing on those with special needs and autism. All events are free for families and are funded entirely through donations and the volunteers’ own time.
LTCFC extends its grateful thanks to the various organizations and individuals who made the event possible, including Mary and her team at Asda, DCL Insurance Brokers, Location Medics, the AA, Sean and Mirna from London Taxi Radio for the radios, The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Josh Woolnough and his biker friends who made up the LTCFC Outriders, Ears PLC, Stanway Engineering of Chingford for their generous sponsorship of the Best Decorated Cab competition, and the brilliant staff at Hertfordshire Zoo for their continued support.
For media inquiries, please contact Claire Zazzara, PR & Social Media Officer at the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children via email at c.zazzara@ltcfc.org.uk or phone at 0300 365 4404. More information about the charity can be found on their website at www.ltcfc.org.uk and on their social media accounts @LTCFC1928.
ENDS