Cabbies 'to drop Games threat'

London's 25,000 black cab drivers are poised to win major concessions in their battle with transport chiefs over road restrictions during the Olympics.

In return, cabbies are expected to drop a threat made this year of blockading the capital during the Games.

After talks with the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, Transport for London is close to agreeing to give cabbies exemptions from rules which give official Games vehicles priority on a 109-mile network of roads.

Exemptions could include letting cabbies use a third of the network, where lanes are shared with TfL buses, and make right-turns across the Marylebone Road to access the West End.

TfL is also exploring ways of making it easier for cabbies to pick up and drop off at Baker Street and Park Lane.

LTDA executive Richard Massett said: "Talks between the LTDA and TfL have been going in the right direction."