Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Black cab driver Lee O’Brien talks about the real state of London’s streets. From dangerous cycle lanes and phone-zombie pedestrians to watch-snatching gangs, identity-sharing Uber drivers, and the slow death of one of London’s greatest institutions.
Lee reveals the shocking differences between black cabs (who spend years mastering “The Knowledge”) and private hire/Uber, the safety risks passengers face, the mental health toll on cabbies, and how road closures, bus gates, and out-of-area licences are squeezing the traditional trade.
He also shares the incredible true story of writing a song about Tommy Robinson, randomly picking him up in Knightsbridge, and ending up performing in front of hundreds of thousands at a major rally.
Support London’s black cabs. They’re more than just a ride — they’re part of the city’s soul. What do you think — black cab or Uber? Drop your thoughts below.
Proudly sponsored by Change - the number 1 online business and e-commerce mentoring program. Find Ryan on Instagram to start your journey to financial freedom: instagram.com/ryanjb
🔔 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.
youtube.com/@LiamTuffs/?sub_confirmation=1
⭐⭐⭐Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms:
Spotify:open.spotify.com/show/15jMnAkXZnDwtm0baCgJPL
🔗 Stay Connected With Me.
Facebook: facebook.com/liamtuffsfb
Instagram: instagram.com/liamtuffs
Tiktok: tiktok.com/liamtuffs1
X: https://x.com/liamtuffs1
Lee online:
instagram.com/leeobrienmusic?igsi=MzZqcHdsazR6ZTgx&utm_source=qr
open.spotify.com/artist/7HNiEx4HdIbe0HQaHRNItx?si=sCQOgLQsQvyjuVf3_pJlDg&utm_source=copy-link
open.spotify.com/artist/7HNiEx4HdIbe0HQaHRNItx?si=H0a_QqnJQ5Oul7MYQLaRzA&utm_source=copy-link
open.spotify.com/artist/7HNiEx4HdIbe0HQaHRNItx?si=w1CBZqpDSbaPF3Lp0hqkew&utm_source=copy-link
instagram.com/emeraldvaletingltd?igsi=MW5pbTF4YmdpN3Vseg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
📩 For business enquiries: thedozenpod@gmail.com
=============================
✅ About Liam Tuffs.
The Dozen with Liam Tuffs is a no holds barred podcast channel, where True Crime, Celebrity, Politics, Current Affairs, Combat Sports & Comedy are amongst the topics discussed! I sit down with some of the most fascinating and controversial characters including ex-gangsters, comedians, bare knuckle fighters, boxers, celebrities, and politicians to bring you raw & unfiltered conversations.
From underworld secrets and true crime confessions to fighter career insights and the dark side of fame, I discuss the stories most people are afraid to tell. These aren't just interviews - they're real, gripping, and often shocking accounts from those who've lived it, survived it, and have nothing left to hide. If you're into true crime, fighter journeys, and untold celebrity stories, join me as I discuss the truth behind the headlines!
Hit subscribe, so you don’t miss an episode.
youtube.com/@LiamTuffs/?sub_confirmation=1
=================================
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & respect for black cabbies
0:28 – How London’s roads have changed (closures & cycle lanes)
1:30 – Cyclists: no plates, no insurance, jumping lights & the new Highway Code
4:12 – Phone zombies, technology & pedestrians lost in their screens
5:00 – Crime wave: watch thefts, Mayfair gangs & the deadly cost of fighting back
8:16 – Black cab vs Uber: The Knowledge vs following a phone
11:16 – Clashes with Uber drivers & the slow death of the black cab trade
12:47 – Who’s killing London’s black cabs? TfL, the Mayor & lack of support
14:51 – Sadiq Khan, road restrictions & Bishopsgate bus gates
16:06 – Who still supports black cabs?
17:51 – Free rides to Great Ormond Street & the real impact of Uber
20:08 – Why safety matters more than cheap fares
20:53 – Multiple drivers using one ID & illegal journeys
23:14 – Black cab vs Uber safety (CCTV, screens & real stories)
24:07 – The £340 million claim against Uber & the human cost
26:06 – Robo-taxis, autonomous vehicles & the future of London driving
28:06 – Does Sadiq Khan really support black cabs? Bishopsgate reality
30:31 – Out-of-area private hire flooding London
33:20 – Why you should care who’s actually driving the car
35:00 – Shocking police story involving a private hire vehicle
38:08 – Lost human touch vs modern apps
39:13 – Grooming gangs, media language & the taxi vs private hire distinction
41:03 – Safety first & vulnerable passengers
41:29 – The incredible Tommy Robinson story: writing the song, random pickup & singing at the UTK rally
46:38 – Performing in front of the crowd & the peaceful reality vs media portrayal
49:48 – Everything happens for a reason & personal reflections
51:07 – Lee’s music (This Is Me with Francis Rossi + Freedom) & socials
52:28 – What driving a cab taught him about people
Black cab driver Lee O’Brien talks about the real state of London’s streets. From dangerous cycle lanes and phone-zombie pedestrians to watch-snatching gangs, identity-sharing Uber drivers, and the slow death of one of London’s greatest institutions.
Lee reveals the shocking differences between black cabs (who spend years mastering “The Knowledge”) and private hire/Uber, the safety risks passengers face, the mental health toll on cabbies, and how road closures, bus gates, and out-of-area licences are squeezing the traditional trade.
He also shares the incredible true story of writing a song about Tommy Robinson, randomly picking him up in Knightsbridge, and ending up performing in front of hundreds of thousands at a major rally.
Support London’s black cabs. They’re more than just a ride — they’re part of the city’s soul. What do you think — black cab or Uber? Drop your thoughts below.
Proudly sponsored by Change - the number 1 online business and e-commerce mentoring program. Find Ryan on Instagram to start your journey to financial freedom: instagram.com/ryanjb
🔔 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.
youtube.com/@LiamTuffs/?sub_confirmation=1
⭐⭐⭐Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms:
Spotify:open.spotify.com/show/15jMnAkXZnDwtm0baCgJPL
🔗 Stay Connected With Me.
Facebook: facebook.com/liamtuffsfb
Instagram: instagram.com/liamtuffs
Tiktok: tiktok.com/liamtuffs1
X: https://x.com/liamtuffs1
Lee online:
instagram.com/leeobrienmusic?igsi=MzZqcHdsazR6ZTgx&utm_source=qr
open.spotify.com/artist/7HNiEx4HdIbe0HQaHRNItx?si=sCQOgLQsQvyjuVf3_pJlDg&utm_source=copy-link
open.spotify.com/artist/7HNiEx4HdIbe0HQaHRNItx?si=H0a_QqnJQ5Oul7MYQLaRzA&utm_source=copy-link
open.spotify.com/artist/7HNiEx4HdIbe0HQaHRNItx?si=w1CBZqpDSbaPF3Lp0hqkew&utm_source=copy-link
instagram.com/emeraldvaletingltd?igsi=MW5pbTF4YmdpN3Vseg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
📩 For business enquiries: thedozenpod@gmail.com
=============================
✅ About Liam Tuffs.
The Dozen with Liam Tuffs is a no holds barred podcast channel, where True Crime, Celebrity, Politics, Current Affairs, Combat Sports & Comedy are amongst the topics discussed! I sit down with some of the most fascinating and controversial characters including ex-gangsters, comedians, bare knuckle fighters, boxers, celebrities, and politicians to bring you raw & unfiltered conversations.
From underworld secrets and true crime confessions to fighter career insights and the dark side of fame, I discuss the stories most people are afraid to tell. These aren't just interviews - they're real, gripping, and often shocking accounts from those who've lived it, survived it, and have nothing left to hide. If you're into true crime, fighter journeys, and untold celebrity stories, join me as I discuss the truth behind the headlines!
Hit subscribe, so you don’t miss an episode.
youtube.com/@LiamTuffs/?sub_confirmation=1
=================================
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & respect for black cabbies
0:28 – How London’s roads have changed (closures & cycle lanes)
1:30 – Cyclists: no plates, no insurance, jumping lights & the new Highway Code
4:12 – Phone zombies, technology & pedestrians lost in their screens
5:00 – Crime wave: watch thefts, Mayfair gangs & the deadly cost of fighting back
8:16 – Black cab vs Uber: The Knowledge vs following a phone
11:16 – Clashes with Uber drivers & the slow death of the black cab trade
12:47 – Who’s killing London’s black cabs? TfL, the Mayor & lack of support
14:51 – Sadiq Khan, road restrictions & Bishopsgate bus gates
16:06 – Who still supports black cabs?
17:51 – Free rides to Great Ormond Street & the real impact of Uber
20:08 – Why safety matters more than cheap fares
20:53 – Multiple drivers using one ID & illegal journeys
23:14 – Black cab vs Uber safety (CCTV, screens & real stories)
24:07 – The £340 million claim against Uber & the human cost
26:06 – Robo-taxis, autonomous vehicles & the future of London driving
28:06 – Does Sadiq Khan really support black cabs? Bishopsgate reality
30:31 – Out-of-area private hire flooding London
33:20 – Why you should care who’s actually driving the car
35:00 – Shocking police story involving a private hire vehicle
38:08 – Lost human touch vs modern apps
39:13 – Grooming gangs, media language & the taxi vs private hire distinction
41:03 – Safety first & vulnerable passengers
41:29 – The incredible Tommy Robinson story: writing the song, random pickup & singing at the UTK rally
46:38 – Performing in front of the crowd & the peaceful reality vs media portrayal
49:48 – Everything happens for a reason & personal reflections
51:07 – Lee’s music (This Is Me with Francis Rossi + Freedom) & socials
52:28 – What driving a cab taught him about people
