Fury after Sadiq Khan's TfL refuses to scrap 'woke' ban on taxi drivers flying England flag during the Euros because it could 'distract' motorists
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Sadiq Khan's Transport for London (TfL) has sparked fury after refusing to scrap a 'woke' ban on taxi drivers flying an England flag because it could 'distract' motorists.
TfL bosses said the St George's Cross could possibly cause road accidents in the capital by attracting the attention of motorists.
Drivers in London have been warned they could be landed with serious penalties - including losing their black cab licence - if they choose to fly the flag from their vehicle.
Furious drivers have slammed the rule, claiming the flags are no more distracting than advertisements painted on cars or lorries.
The drivers have also accused London mayor Mr Khan of giving in to woke concerns that the English flag will offend minorities.
The rule does not apply to taxi drivers around the rest of the country, with many cabbies waving the flag to show their support for the Three Lions playing in Germany.
Drivers in London have been warned they could be landed with serious penalties if they choose to fly the England flag from their vehicle
Sadiq Khan's TfL has sparked fury after refusing to scrap a 'woke' ban on taxi drivers flying an England flag because it could 'distract' motorists
London's black cab, taxi, private hire and Uber drivers are currently banned from waving the flags - and even having stickers - of any country for the Euros.
Black cab driver Fred Perkins, who is based on a rank in Chelsea, told The Sun: 'It's nonsense. It's all coming down from Khan at the top, because he's ultimately in charge.
'Our society has really gone woke when we can't fly a little flag for England for the Euros.'
TfL guidelines said: 'Breaches of regulations could lead to a formal sanction - such as a warning, Fixed Penalty Notice, prosecution or licence review.'
A TfL spokesman said: 'For the safety of all passengers and drivers, we have guidelines about what can be displayed in or on taxis and private hire vehicles.
'Only official signs and stickers can be displayed. Any other signage or flags are not permitted because they could cause a distraction to other drivers and other road users.
'These guidelines apply to all flags and signage.'
- An earlier version of this article stated that the rules regarding the use of flags by taxi drivers were 'new'. This has been amended, and we are happy to clarify that the guidance is pre-existing.
