More trade stories than all the others put together Issue 279 March 2021 INSIDE

DR MIKE GALVIN ON NATIONAL STANDARDS PAGES 10&11 NEWS

MAYORAL HOPEFUL SLAMS KHAN OVER ‘WAR ON STATUES’ PAGE 15 IS IT THE END NEWS

OF THE ROAD WWII VETERAN Pages PASSES AT 97 FOR UBER? 4 & 5 PAGE 18 2 Issue 279 - March 2021

LEGAL BACKING FOR OUR TRADE Since the last edition of the (two months after our original Badge, much has happened letter). What we at the Club find in the way of legal so alarming is the dramatic judgements. decrease in the number of We have seen decisions in taxis, which currently stands at both the Street Space scheme 13,660 vehicles, of which 3,950 Published by and also the Uber employment are ZEC taxis and 9,710 are The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. tribunal. diesel which equates to a Unit A 301.3, Business Complex staggering 56% reduction in Tower Point, 100 Clements Road Uber Tribunal: diesel taxis since 2013. Southwark, London SE16 4DG After six long years the Uber Telephone: 020 7394 5553 employment tribunal finally At this current rate we only reached its conclusion at the need to lose another 10% of E-mail for membership enquiries: Supreme Court. Thankfully, the diesel taxis to meet the E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.lcdc.cab judgement came down in favour reduction target the Mayor has of workers’ rights. This could set us for 2025. Surely the Editor: Grant Davis have ramifications for not only current age limit as it stands of The Badge is distributed free to the the Taxi & PH trade, but for the 14 years should stay as it is Licensed London Cab Trade. Gig economy as a whole. more than sufficient for us to For advertising enquiries please contact the office on 020 7394 5553 or E-mail: [email protected] See pages 4-5 reach the 2025 target? All advertising in The Badge is accepted under our terms and conditions. These are available Street Space Decision: LCDC TV at the LCDC office. Whilst it was a very positive Many of you have seen the Before entering into any commitment, financial or otherwise, always remember to seek result for the taxi trade, it was new LCDC TV Youtube professional advice. disappointing that the Mayor channel in which we aim to The views expressed in this publication are not necessarity those of the Editor or of the has decided to appeal the bring you interviews, news and Management Committee of the London Cab Driver’s Club. decision (funny he and TFL features on everything that Contributions for publication are welcomed never appealed the Uber affects our trade. and should be sent to the Editor at the decision?) This week we are interviewing above address. See page 18 Tory Mayoral candidate, Shaun The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. Bailey, whom we hope will be Printed by Iliffe Print. T: 01223 656500 Opposite on page 3 you can the first of all the Mayoral www.iliffeprint.co.uk read the reply from the Mayor candidates. Issue 279 - March 2021 3 MAYOR REPLIES... TWO MONTHS LATER 4 Issue 279 - March 2021

In theJ recUent UDber emGploymEentMcourtE are NcallinTg for :Sa dUiq BER IN BREACH judgement, there were three Khan and TFLTPH to paragraphs : 46 – 47 – 56 “implement the supreme court Where the Judges confirmed ruling and force Uber to what we at the LCDC have respect worker rights as a stated since 2014 through our condition of continued lawyers, John Halford at licensing”. Bindmans LLP that the booking process that was Only this week on the LCDC used by Uber LDN did not TV News Channel, Chairman comply with the 1998 Private Grant Davis interviewed Hire Act ( see paragraphs prospective Tory Mayoral below). candidate, Shaun Bailey in which he stated that should he We questioned the legality of become Mayor, workers rights the Uber booking process at would be a condition of the time but our voice fell on licensing for a PH Operators deaf ears at TFL? license. But even now, the LCDC believes that with Uber Also, another implication of Britannia and their “ghost this ruling was that Uber will offices” drivers are accepting now be liable to pay VAT on all the bookings directly. previous journeys and at this stage, we believe it could run The ramifications of this up to £2 billion pounds. This judgement are already sending legal action undertaken by “TfL’s actions are nothing short of regulatory shockwaves through the Gig Jolyon Maugham which was abdication and the explanation it has offered to its economy and the ADCU union fully supported and part board simply doesn’t stand up” - John Halford who originally took Uber to funded by the LCDC.

It isU an imbportanet fearture ’slic enssed lLonedon PiHgV hpertson owho afcce phts the anlicensding re gilmea is onie da bbookinag agernt foe r of the context in which, as operator acting as agent booking by undertaking a whereby Uber drivers is rejected, the the employment tribunal for drivers would comply contractual obligation London as the licensed inevitable conclusion is found, Uber London with the regulatory owed directly to the operator accepts private that, by accepting a recruits and regime. I am not passenger to carry it out. hire bookings as a booking, Uber London communicates on a day to convinced by this. principal (only) and, to contracts as principal with day basis with drivers References in the Private the passenger to carry out that, as mentioned earlier: Hire Vehicles (London) the booking. (1) it is unlawful for Act 1998 to “acceptance” ‘The inevitable anyone in London to of a private hire booking In these circumstances accept a private hire are reasonably conclusion is that, by Uber London would have booking unless that understood to connote no means of performing person is the holder of a acceptance (personally its contractual obligations private hire vehicle and not merely for accepting a booking, to passengers, nor of operator’s licence for someone else) of a securing compliance with London; and (2) the only contractual obligation to Uber London contracts its regulatory obligations natural or legal person carry out the booking and as a licensed operator, involved in the provide a vehicle for that as principal with the without either employees acceptance of bookings purpose. This is implicit, or subcontractors to and provision of private for example, in section perform driving services hire vehicles booked 4(2) of the Act quoted at passenger to carry for it. through the Uber app para 31 above. It would in which holds such a principle be possible for out the booking.’ Considered against that licence is Uber London. It Uber London both to If so, the driver would be fulfil its obligation to the background, it is difficult is reasonable to assume, accept such an in contravention of section passenger, enters into a to see how Uber’s at least unless the obligation itself and also 2(1) of the Private Hire contract with a business could operate contrary is demonstrated, to contract on behalf of Vehicles (London) Act transportation provider (be without Uber London that the parties intended the driver of the vehicle. 1998 by accepting a that an individual driver or entering into contracts to comply with private hire booking a firm which in turn with drivers (even if only the law in the way they However, if this were the without holding a private provides a driver) who on a per trip basis) under dealt with each other. arrangement made, it hire vehicle operator’s agrees to carry out the which drivers undertake to would seem hard to avoid licence for London. This booking for Uber London. provide services to carry 47. Uber maintains that the conclusion that the suggests that the only out the private hire the acceptance of private driver, as well as Uber contractual arrangement Once the assertion that bookings accepted by hire bookings by a London, would be a compatible with the Uber London contracts as Uber London.

www.lcdc.cab Issue 279 - March 2021 5 Uber drivers consider appeal

AiMSnTER DADM utch case over ddismaissed.ta achadc indiceated tshey ws ere (REUTERS) - A group suspected of fraudulent representing former Worker Info Exchange, the behaviour. Uber drivers from Britain group representing the is considering whether drivers, hailed the ratings "Decisions were not based to appeal a decision by a decision as a victory, and only on automatically Dutch court that largely said there were good generated data," the court backed the ride-hailing grounds for an appeal on said. company in a dispute other matters. over access to data It ordered Uber to give collected about drivers. "The court has required drivers more information drivers to provide greater about the decision to The District Court of specificity on the personal terminate their account, Amsterdam on Thursday data sought rather than but dismissed claims for largely sided with the U.S. placing the burden on financial compensation. technology company, firms like Uber to clearly which said it already gathered through the app it is home to Uber's explain what personal "This is a crucial decision," provided as much they were required to use European headquarters. data is held and how it is Uber spokesman Gus information as it could to to do their job, saying processed," it said in a Glover said in a drivers, and that it could Uber's algorithms Uber was ordered to give statement. statement. "The Court has not do more without ultimately decided how drivers information on the confirmed Uber's dispatch compromising the privacy much money they could ratings customers gave on The court also disagreed system does not equate to of customers. earn. individual rides, as long as with a complaint by some automated decision the information was made drivers that Uber had making, and that we The drivers at a hearing in The case was brought in anonymous, but several automatically deactivated provided drivers with the December had demanded the Netherlands because other claims were their account solely on the data they are entitled to." full access to data basis that its algorithms Why aren’t roundels removed? After the recent and horrific abduction and murder of Sarah Everard, women's safety is at the forefront ofeveryone’s minds (as it should be) but a recent FOI request by the LCDC has highlighted just how easy it is for any sexual predator to buy a PH vehicle with the green roundel still intact, thus promoting the appearance of a “licensed vehicle” and making the snap decision that the driver is also. Outside venues in the capital we have all seen rows of PH Prius mini cabs, all look the same and as we know jumping into the wrong car may be A typical advert, showing the roundel disastrous - thats why TFL still in the vehicle for sale should not be so lax on this issue.

www.lcdc.cab 6 Issue 279 - March 2021

As many of you know informed of changes and has chewed away within the LCDC TV to the trade. is a powerful media tool that thrSoughoTut thAe lasYt few INpropFosalsO to ouRr IndusMtry, EtraDde for deAcadeTs. The “WIm MWayoral caWndidate in.teLrviewCs, wDe hopCe the d.rivTers wV ill years the LCDC have used drivers may not always like alright Jack” mentality has KOL school interviews, app hopefully enjoy and embrace. the full potential of social whats being said, but as they now led us to the “were all in developers, manufacturers, in Just ho to Youtube and look media to educate the trade say, fore warned is fore trouble” position. fact all the other parts of the for www.lcdc.tv and see what and bring “as it happens” armed. PH on apps, cost of taxi taxi industry jigsaw that have pops up. We have already periscope videos on Being kept in the dark may ownership, tariff, all these real meaning to every taxi interviewed Shaun Bailey, matters such as Bank work for mushrooms but not important issues should have driver. Tory mayoral candidate, Junction and Tottenham for the cab trade. been fought as a trade We also want to hear what Derek Stewart from cabapp Court Rd protests, Also, we hope that if drivers collective. you have to say and by and discussed the Uber Informing the trade on the see and hear what is actually With the C19 pandemic and launching our very own employment tribunal with outcomes of meetings we happening, it may spur them the lack of a physical channel on Youtube, drivers LCDC committee member, attended with MP’s or with on to feel more collective with presence on the streets, the can watch, like, subscribe and Danny ‘O Regan. Tfl. other drivers and hopefully LCDC looked at a way of still importantly, leave a We have upcoming interviews We have always felt it was shake off the scourge of keeping the trade informed comment.... or two! so please watch and and still is vital drivers are apathy within the trade that and thus we have brought this isn't a LCDC promotion, it hooefully get involved. Issue 279 - March 2021 7 Conservative Government Minister

rides to the aid of Ubeecherlo.ns. o.f thye et aungder inatensei sncrutin y over Once again in the House Conservative party have its business model. of Lords last week, a Tory come to the defence of Minister Lord Callanan Uber’s business model. As Ironically his current brief is highlighted once again far back as 2016 the Badge Under Secretary of State the never-ending support newspaper published (Minister of Climate Change the Conservative party emails between Number 10 & Corporate Responsibility) lends to Uber. and Uber regarding the PH It is hard to see how this regulations that Tfl were Minister with this He was challenged after the looking to enforce. responsibility can support supreme court decision on Chairman Grant Davis was this company that claims to workers’ rights as to personally told by the then have 40k vehicles working whether the Government , Boris in London creating would ensure that Uber Johnson, that he had congestion and pollution does not weasel out of its received a call from David and has spent the last six obligations to drivers past (David Cameron PM) who years vigorously opposing and presentand whether he told him to “leave Uber workers rights for the would also encourage alone”. drivers on their app? HMRC to go after billions in back taxes, and will he Another illustration of this Lord Callanan did however bring forward early never ending support came say in his summing up that legislation to make sure that from the Ex PM, Theresa the “Supreme Court’s all companies in the so May, who whilst attending decision is, of course, final. called “Gig economy” no the World Economic Forum Uber will have to comply longer are able to exploit at Davos was quoted as with this judgement, as the lowest paid workers in saying that the UK needs everybody else has to this country? “more Companies like Uber” comply with Court Rulings” London’s licensed taxi been a thoroughly good Responding to the question, industry. He responded thing for the market in It comes as no surprise to Will the current Lord Callanan, Government saying: “The monopoly London.” us to discover that Lord Conservative Government Minister for the Department previously enjoyed by black Callanan was Parliamentary make sure that Uber finally for Business, Energy and cabs was bad for the As we already know to our under Secretary for complies with the Law of Industrial Strategy, instead consumer. They were cost, this is not the first transport in 2017 at the very the Land…Over to you shared his thoughts on overpriced and Uber has occasion when the higher same time when Uber was Boris?

www.lcdc.cab ‘All Taxi Rents half price until March 2021’

COLTS Issue 279 - March 2021 9 Cab:app sees exciting future for the Trade

On the 4th March, Derek scheme – April launch, can Stewart from Cab:app buy shares monthly min. £10 attended the LCDC office 12. New driver app – in to bring the trade up to development, planned go speed with the live date May developments regarding 13. New digital banking app Cab:app. Below are twenty – in testing, goes live in May- quick fire facts that he Jun wanted to flag up with the 14. Automated accounting – trade and show just what included in new digital huge strides Cab:app has banking app made and the exciting 15. National taxi booking app future for the Trade... – in development, planned go live date July 16. Booking commission – 20 Quick fire points 0% in perpetuity for all driver on cab:app sign ups 17. Business accounts – 1. Founded London 2010 – 10% commission, with 2% by Derek Stewart & cash back or charitable Peter Schive (Green Badge donation Driver) 18. Driver rewards & 2. Ireland launch 2012 – Lar discounts – planned go live Kelly joined as 12,000 taxi drivers registered Aberdeen, Cork, Liverpool 9. Payments to drivers - Jul-Aug with rewards partner partner/shareholder (Dublin on cab:app platform 7. No. of shareholders – 281 £47m in total paid out, next 19. Fuel card – cheaper fuel Driver) 5. Vehicle types – black cabs in total, 130 are taxi drivers, day settlement linked to banking debit card, 3. No. of locations – active in & licensed taxis only Derek largest @ 51% 10. Drivers with cash back – plan Q3 2021 59 towns & cities (NO PHV EVER!!) 8. No. of card payments – 5,500 with option to convert 20. Insurance – in discussion across the UK & Ireland 6. Largest coverage – 1.6m card transactions to shares in Mar-Apr with partners, launch by 4. No. of drivers – over London, Dublin, Manchester, processed for drivers 11. Driver share save summer 2021.

PAYTON’S SOLICITORS Suite 12, Temple Chambers, 3, Temple Avenue, London EC4Y 0HP

We at the LCDC don’t often bang our own drum when it comes to helping our members with their legal troubles. A lot of the cases which come our way with members are quite sensitive and we respect their wishes to keep things in house and out of the paper which I can fully appreciate.

However, not only do Payton’s Solicitors offer our members a 24 Hour Duty Solicitor 365 days a year, but since getting involved with the Club, our solicitor Keima Payton has the distinction of having a 100% success rate in all her cases which she has handled on behalf of the Club’s members.

Keima Payton has a fearsome reputation in court and should ever the need arise you will find no one better able to fight your corner and save your Badge than Keima. - Grant Davis, LCDC Chairman

Tel: 0207 405 1999 FAX: 0207 405 1991

www.lcdc.cab 10 Issue 279 - March 2021

DThe Traxi anMd Privatie Hkire ea nGd PH aallocatilon vrulesi billn’ : aInswner budt someuhow lesgitimtises ryfunda mfentally chcange ethe rusles of industry is facing more debate and discuss it every year the process and ultimately the the game. The, if we are honest, upheaval when parliamentary until the industry decides they like policy? Would you make other forlorn search for the mythical time becomes available to a particular version. No instead decisions in this way? level playing field in an uneven legislate for national standards. we will find the door shut firmly in The car showroom sends you a world and the constant ranting our faces every time we ask for survey – do you want a new car about potential judicial reviews IF NATIONAL STANDARDS another change and heaven Y/N? You tick yes. They take your and other nonsense to overturn ARE THE ANSWER… What was forbid a complete overall of the car away and give you a new one every ‘mistake’ made, every the question? legislation that governs us. – a Robin reliant….happy?, a stupid idea, many of which the Humans have an endearing So why, as an industry, do we Bentley which you can’t industry championed or passively feature whereby a simple slogan accept and even support at times afford….happy? A two seater, an or even unknowingly acquiesced is grasped and adopted as a this sloppy and poor approach to MPV or a pink pick-up truck….ok to neither enhances our industry great idea with little or no real legislation? In fact, why is I’ll stop there but you get the to policy makers nor does it make consideration of what the legislation seen as the natural concept. I think the causes and for a framework that is better implications actually are. The answer whereas maybe within the reasons are relatively straight suited to prevailing conditions. Government has committed that it current legislation and with some forward – the industry is lethargic, Short circuiting the process, a ‘will take forward legislation when hard miles with regulators a better often inept, not prepared to invest quick read at best, a survey, and time allows to enable these’ or even workable outcome could and prone to leave it to someone the acquiescence or even support [minimum national standards]. So be achieved – why because there else. That ‘someone else’ doesn’t and then years of moaning, great, here we go then ‘National ranting and impotent threats is Standards’ or is it ‘Minimum not a public policy strategy – no National Standards’ or as sir! Neither is the victim’s lament oxymorons go this is a great one of ‘it seemed a good idea at the ‘high minimum national time’ or it would have been alright standards’. Heaven knows what if they had applied the lazy we are getting, what the catchall of ‘common sense’! implications actually are and whether they are a good idea or SO WHAT HAS THIS GOT TO not. The bandwagon is rolling and DO WITH ME? national standards, minimum, Oh, nothing much, just your high or low will provide a new business, your income, your exit utopia for the industry won’t or whether you have anything to it………..er haven’t we been here pass onto your kids so not before? important really (sic). Folks, let’s wake up here. National Standards CALL ME OLD FASHIONED – flow smoothly off of the tongue BUT WHAT PROBLEM ARE WE but like any concept, like any SOLVING? bright idea and like any unifying It is probably a personal view but policy (let’s get done and when does piecemeal legislation drain the swamp spring to mind) actually work? A quick tweak the devil is in the detail. Will here, a little change there, an national standards, high, low or extra clause stuck on the end of whatever be good for the some entirely different legislation industry? I can put my hand up has time and time again left here and say clearly – I don’t industries fuming, helpful know! So why don’t I know – politicians with egg covered faces because I don’t know what it and policymakers trying to means, I don’t know what the present to regulators a bodge up problem is we are solving and as a logical and sensible piece of importantly I have not seen ground breaking legislation on anyone start to consider what is which to build and develop is no glamour in meeting the 300 have the time, maybe the wrong with what we have now regulation and actually enforce it. or whatever licensing authorities, competence, the budgets or the and whether national standards Dare I mention the Deregulation berating the LGA and generally energy to do what should be done actually solve whatever problems Act? I believe that change had a trying to work with councils and and that is to critically examine we perceive that we currently lot to commend it but I am others when a few high level and what problem we are trying to have and at the risk of being probably a lone voice and since highly publicised meetings with solve, what the options are and nerdy may I mention it…. the implications, unforeseen Minister X and Lord y is an option what the implications and likely, evidence!. New legislation is consequences and practice have and a photo opportunity. and even unlikely consequences always a risk – a nuance here, a come into view it has not only of each are. The outcome is sadly poor interpretation there, an divided the industry but left it SO WHY IS THIS SITUATION inevitable. amendment or two and what we clamouring for another knee jerk ACCEPTED? had before looked like the solution……..ABBA. How many Why are we not engaged in WE EITHER ENGAGE OR WE promised land in comparison. We bites at this apple do we want important decisions that will TAKE THE CONSEQUENCES need to risk assess any change. before we give it the level of impact every business in the The democratic process takes These are complex nuanced scrutiny it rightfully deserves? industry? Why do trade time, energy, often money, issues – if what we have is Parliament is not going to set associations think that a survey requires competence and lots of unworkable, wrecking businesses aside an annual allocation of constitutes consultation and shoe leather and persuasion and and importantly putting customers parliamentary time for ‘the taxi scrutiny, provides not only the engagement. New legislation can at risk change it – if not…..maybe

www.lcdc.cab Issue 279 - March 2021 11 National Standards upheaval

talk yourself off the ledge. WHERE IS OUR EVIDENCE? about line-by-line scrutiny of let it happen and then spend the In the dim and distant past (the New legislation is not like going detailed policy documents, of rest of your career moaning and 80’s) when Westminster Council to the barbers for a quick trim to facilitated discussion of hard lamenting the change now is the wanted to close Oxford Street cheer yourself up. It is major miles looking critically and as far time to actually develop clear and and make it a pedestrian zone I surgery. Once in place it is not as possible clinically at the well thought through policy and a group of colleagues at the going away anytime soon. No one options and potential outcomes. proposals and come out with LTDA spent months looking at all would normally undertake elective Who is gathering the evidence? I something that is a better fit or sides of the argument, of the surgery without considering the thought, he said and someone and let’s be really radical here benefits to each stakeholder options, the risks and maybe told me is not evidence. That is decide that what we have is group, of the options, and after getting a couple of opinions. This not happening and the industry already a good fit and that reaching a clear decision why it is a big step and deserves does not have the infrastructure legislation with all its risks is not was bad for the London Taxi serious consideration. Every to make it happen. Neither I will worth it. Industry and importantly other business is one decision away add does the industry have the Although better/good fit might stakeholder groups including I from disaster – this is one big infrastructure to support the not sound much of an ambition might add the traders in Oxford decision. passage of any legislation you are highly unlikely to get Street, of critiquing and testing In many respects it has gone through parliament – changes of legislation that works solely for our arguments and then we spent forward to Government because this nature which are, make no your business – so a good fit to months lobbying and away it ‘we’ support it. Government will mistake, fundamental to the me is a good outcome. However, went. The victory was not that we find time for legislation because it industry’s future need constant before any of that is considered (by this time not just the taxi appears to be a problem that can lobbying, review of amendments, whoever will do this work should industry) had stopped it BUT that easily be fixed and has some trade-offs and attention during its look carefully at the benefits and we were clear why it was a bad perceived public benefit in passage and implementation. disbenefits of what is in place idea what the alternatives and respect of safety. Meanwhile back That body does not exist in this now - maybe its not perfect but is options were and were able to on the farm I’m not sure that industry. it a good fit? The best can be the authoritatively deliver those anyone has really given this much enemy of the good – be careful arguments and crucially more than a cursory glance or a SO WHAT DO WE DO? what you wish for! evidence. We had also built catchy title. And before anyone National Standards are unlikely incredibly strong alliances and pipes up with the Task and Finish to go before parliament any time positioned ourselves as an Group and with great respect to soon but that is no reason to Dr Michael S. Galvin authoritative and evidence-based them, I am not talking about a few leave it for another day. No one in Mobility Services Limited voice. Important for future meetings where the goal was the industry is busy at the challenges. consensus on a basket of moment and technology enables https://mobilityserviceslimited different agendas. I am talking discussion. Rather than sit back, .com/

www.lcdc.cab

Issue 279 - March 2021 13

hard on the trade’s behalf for a fairer, our standard as a London taxi driver. AS AN L.C.D.C and more safer future at Heathrow. Recently we have held meetings to work  RANKS AND HIGHWAYS against the ULEZ strategy and the The LCDC attend the Joint Ranks introduction of taxi age limits. MEMBER YOU committee, working hard for more ranks and more access for the taxi  CLUB PROTECTA WILL RECEIVE: trade in London. To help drivers who have acquired  24 HOUR DUTY SOLICITOR  CAB TRADE ADVICE twelve points keep their licence. EXCLUSIVE TO THE CAB TRADE All members can call the office for Your 24 Hr duty solicitor hotline any information or up to the date membership card. news on any trade related subject. Peace of mind 24 hrs of the day.  TRADE’S FUTURE  LEGAL COVER The Club worked tirelessly in bringing Our fantastic team of City Of London in the green & yellow identifiers to based solicitors and barristers, the taxi trade. experts in Hackney Carriage and And are always working hard to road traffic law. protect our future. JUST  COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS As a member of the LCDC, we will  CAB TRADE REPRESENTATION Join over the deal with any complaint that has been We are working hard to work with £3 per made against you by members of the members of the GLA and also phone - just call public. politicians to fight our corner against month Also we will attend the LTPH with you TFL and was a major influence in the and we’ll take on any personal appeals that would recent “ future proof” document. affect your licence. your payment  HEATHROW AIRPORT  VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS details REPRESENTATION The Club works alongside LTC and * £12 per month is tax deductible With our reps at the airport working Mercedes to deliver a vehicle that meets

JOIN THE LCDC IN JUST FIVE 1: CMall I0N20U 7T39E4S 55! 53 2: Get the DD link sent to your phone 3: Activate the link 4: You are now a member of the London Cab Drivers’ Club

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www.lcdc.cab 14 Issue 279 - March 2021 Alan’s Angle

Westminster Council The first phase of the imaginative, building the temporary footway what they come back to the updates overarching Oxford Street anticipation for future widening could provide an table with. I keep you Westminster Council are District strategy involves stages of the project. opportunity to trial a variety updated when they do. looking to revamp the plans to install a temporary of interventions. Some western end of Oxford scheme on Oxford Street THE CONCEPT traffic diversions would be Street to make it more itself, with the aim of The planned temporary required during the works, Westminster Ranks desirable to the returning showcasing innovation, changes will make Oxford but disruption will be Update shoppers after covid sustainability, culture and Street more exciting and minimised. The council and restrictions are lifted in diversity. Quick-win attractive to visitors and its partners will also review These are four new rank April. We will see many interventions that could be residents, increasing dwell all street signs, bollards, appointments that should changes which are listed delivered by late Spring time and creating a more and pedestrian guardrails, be implemented by April below but the most 2021 present an exciting vibrant experience. and all redundant or hopefully. Westminster unnecessary clutter would council are still the most be removed or active borough council consolidated wherever looking to appoint ranks possible where we require them. The temporary scheme would be delivered via a Wilton Road – Park Plaza Temporary Traffic Order Hotel 1 rank space (TTO) for 18 months. Bruton Street – Hakkasan Upon commencement of 2 spaces any scheme, Westminster Dean Bradley Street – City Council will garner Burberry 1 space feedback from Buckingham Gate – St stakeholders during this James’ Hotel 1 space this period, to collectively will act as a point and be assess which changes fed from the seven cab should be considered as rank. part of the longer-term plans for the district. This is an opportunity to Paddington/Hyde test and pilot ideas that are Park Low Traffic both high impact and Neighbourhood generate enthusiasm for the district’s reinvention in Last year saw WCC put the future. out a consultation to residents around Hyde Park Sq and surrounding Marble Arch hill Harewood Avenue area to block off many Ranks roads making it virtually important changes for us opportunity to test and The improvements are impossible to drive through us will be rank allocation. experiment, as the first planned to include will be Last month we also had a the area. This will push The ranks outside Marks step towards the longer- footway enhancements: meeting with the team more traffic onto already and Spencer’s will be term revitalisation of the extended pedestrian space looking to put in a new congested roads on retained and we will get a district. and footways. cycle scheme which will Edgware and Bayswater. three cab rank for The temporary A ‘street dressing scheme see more cycle pushed up Well some good news the Selfridges but it will located interventions could which will significantly Harewood Avenue. They Project is on hold, the behind the bus stop reinvigorate and reimagine increase plants and green are looking to take away Scheme was advertised in outside Selfridges due to the nation’s high street for areas to enhance the the rank in the middle of Oct/Nov and will not be footpaths being widened new patterns of use, safely streetscape, contemporary the road that feeds the going ahead there was a out side Selfridges. It’s welcoming people back to seating, particularly in station rank and the rank 66% objection during looks like at the moment the district post-lockdown, ‘pocket’ spaces along the outside BNP offices. They engagement. Feeling from we are set to lose the with an atmosphere of street.Colourful, themed want to put the feeder rank residents was that they ranks outside Debenhams celebration. banners which will be on Rossmore Road and wanted more involvement and John Lewis due to Increased footway space designed to create a sense yes you haven’t read that in consultation. footpaths being widen for on Oxford Street to enable of place and aesthetic wrong. It’s miles away and pedestrians. Westminster safe, distanced access to continuity. A urban theatre’: was rejected by all the WCC is still committed to Council have tried to offer the district is part of our spaces for outdoor trade orgs at the meeting bringing forward a traffic us a rank in Vere Street plans. The proposals performance, features that for being unusable and we management solution for which is totally include complementary create a sense of had major safety concerns the area to better manage unacceptable for us. It’s streetscape changes enlivenment, with ‘smart’ for drivers on the rank. the rat-running problems has no sight line for designed to improve the technology-based They wanted the rank to that residents face on the customers looking for Taxis look and feel of the area, installations, and concept governed by a monitor HP Estate. WCC to start on Oxford Street and and create enlivenment lighting when cabs moved off the some workshops in coming passing Taxis will take the and atmosphere; additional The improvements have station forecourt rank. This weeks to discuss work before customers greening and seating. the aim of setting a global will cause so many resident/stakeholder work out the rank is in Vere Space to play is also benchmark for a post- problems we asked them objectives for the area, St. we would like one of the planned, to surprise and Covid response, supporting to go away and come up before any new options are ranks to stay in situ and delight people returning to communities, visitors and with a better scheme. They drafted and taken forward were still waiting for update district. These proposed retailers in recovery but said they was very for local consultation. So from WCC. and temporary also creating a sense of reluctant to do that but watch this space hopefully interventions are designed excitement and surprise. have taken all our points the local residents can to be exciting and Other proposed features on board so will we see keep blocking this scheme. www.lcdc.cab Issue 279 - March 2021 15 London crisis: sparks fury with 'war on statues' – 'We need a fresh start' LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan is Sir Edward Colston’s statue. "waging war on statues" when he This statue is being targeted by Black should be concentrating on tackling Lives Matter activists in Bristol and the crime, Tory mayoral contender Labour group on the Local Government Shaun Bailey has claimed. Association who want Labour councils to Mr Bailey said if he becomes mayor, he pull down such landmarks that have will instead focus his efforts on "waging a controversial links to slavery. war on criminals". The news comes after Conservative Housing minister Mr London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been Pincher has now demanded the accused of planning to tear down historic controversial statues commission set up statues in London that have by Mr Khan should be “disbanded”. controversial links to the historic slave Mr Pincher said: “Putting some of trade. This led Conservative Housing London’s most important pieces of minister Christopher Pincher to write to history into the hands of 15 activists, the Mr Khan to say he is concerned the majority of whom are not historians is a mayor is using £250,000 of taxpayers regrettable decision. money on a new statues commission. "On top of the enormous costs, some Mr Pincher claims the new commission very troubling statements by your is made up of 15 mainly left-wing panelists, such as praising the “guerrilla- activists. style” removal of statues, have been Mr Pincher said that this expenditure is made public. being made at a time when Mr Khan is "These will not command public putting up Londoners’ council tax bills. confidence or support. With the new commission, the Tory “As London Mayoral candidate Shaun housing minister said that Mr Khan is Bailey has said, this commission will seeking the destruction of British history neither heal divisions nor promote and heritage. inclusivity.” The news saw Conservative Party The Mayor of London's office has been mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey today One follower of Mr Bailey said: "London In his efforts to tackle historically contacted for a response to Mr Pincher tweet: "Sadiq Khan is waging war on is being lost to crime, disorder, and controversial statues, Mr Khan has been and Mr Bailey's claims but has yet to statues. lawlessness. backed by Labour leader Sir Keir reply. "As Mayor, I'll wage war on criminals. "If you don't manage to get Khan out Starmer. "London needs a fresh start." then I genuinely fear for our capital." Mr Starmer has backed the removal of Courtesy of The Daily Express Sadiq Khan forced to hole-up inside coffee

Sadiq Khan’s re-helecotion p after protesters turnMr K huan caplled foar a 1t94 5-lauattranct jobcs anh d investment. campaign hit trouble today style programme to rebuild the More than 18,000 Londoners when he was forced to hole- economy and promised to have died with Covid. Mr Khan up inside a coffee shop for focus on “jobs, jobs, jobs” and said he was determined to an hour to avoid a small encouraging domestic tourists “build an even better London” in group of residents protesting back to central London. their memory. about a transport scheme. He criticised Chancellor Rishi At least 16 candidates, The Mayor had chosen the Sunak for failing to provide a including several independents, Hot Milk cafe in Bounds Green “long-term vision” for after the are expected to run for mayor for the media launch of his bid lifting of lockdown, or to but Mr Khan said it was a “two- to win a second term at City guarantee jobs or training and horse race” between himself Hall. said that a £367million hole in and Tory rival Shaun Bailey. But as news of his visit began City Hall’s finances due to “We’re the only two to spread, six residents Covid meant “inevitable” cuts to candidates who can win and gathered outside, asking to public services. the choice couldn’t be starker,” speak with Mr Khan about a But Mr Khan faced criticism for he said. Mr Bailey said the low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) increasing the cost of living for Budget was “supporting introduced by Enfield council. Hughes, who arrived on a bike, Mr Hughes added: “We didn’t London households by hiking London’s recovery, because They said it had made their pursued Mr Khan as he walked really feel that we looked like a his share of council tax bills by Sadiq Khan won’t”. lives a misery by forcing them to the awaiting Metropolitan threatening mob and we just almost 10 per cent at a time He criticised the council tax to divert via the North Circular police vehicle, a black Range wanted to ask some questions. when consumer spending is rise and the proposed greater Road, displacing traffic and Rover. “Sadiq, please talk to It’s all about stage-managed seen as a key way to boost the London boundary charge, worsening already high levels us,” he asked. “We are just a photo opportunities, as far as economy. which would charge motorists of pollution. few residents.” we can tell, and he’s been At the campaign launch at Hot up to £5.50 a day to enter the Mr Khan, on the advice of his He told the Standard as the holed up in the cafe with the Milk Cafe in Bounds Green, capital. police protection officers, Mayor departed: “It’s very door being held shut. It’s been which has received £5,000 Mr Bailey said: “In the middle remained in the cafe for an hour disappointing. We live in a a bit odd.” from City Hall to keep trading of a pandemic Londoners need in the hope the protesters democracy and it’s not good Mr Khan launched his and £12,500 from the Mayor’s support, not higher taxes. So as would leave. When they enough. He’s come here for our campaign for a second term “pay it forward” advance mayor, I’ll reverse these refused to go, he made a dash votes, I would have thought, with nine weeks until polling payment scheme, Mr Khan harmful decisions.” for his car and ignored their and there was no engagement day on May 6 and after last vowed to “relentlessly bang the requests. with us at all. It was just a photo year’s election was postponed drum for London — both at Courtesy of Lead protester Roland opportunity, sadly.” due to Covid. home and around the world” to The www.lcdc.cab 16 Issue 279 - March 2021

TilTak DosHhi E WEST INTENDS ENERGY Suicide is viewed as a crime in many countries. In a court of law, it is a serious charge and the evidence needs to be conclusive for such an accusation to stand (e.g., did you actually see him attempt to jump off the bridge?). But when societies (or at least their leaders) attempt it, one can say that it safely falls under the rubric of the sovereign right to misrule. In the hallowed tradition of Western liberal democracy, so long as its political leaders are elected in free and fair elections, misrule leading to societal death by suicide is merely an unfortunate outcome of either gross negligence or culpable intention led by, say, an ideology of de-industrialization. Nevertheless, let us proceed with the case for the prosecution. The Circumstantial Evidence Of Societal Suicide The first piece of evidence is an astonishing article published last week in the Boston Review by a professor of anthropology in Rutgers University . The good professor opined that Zimbabwe and Puerto Rico “provide models for what we might call ‘pause-full’ electricity”. The West, he continues, has created a vast infrastructure for generating and consuming electricity 24/7, 365 days a year. Since this is based on “planet- destroying fossil fuels and nuclear power”, we need to emulate the aforementioned poor countries and save the climate by giving up the demand for the constant supply of electricity. Europe to “net zero emissions by 2050”.) even stricter emissions reduction targets household electricity prices. Most of the To be fair, the professor also noted that Prof. Vahrenholt holds a doctorate in to madness akin to Soviet central countries with even higher prices are the Zimbabweans and Puerto Ricans chemistry and started his professional planning that is doomed to fail crisis-ridden developing countries such did not choose to accept electricity career at the Federal Environmental spectacularly. as such as Rwanda, Sierra Leone and rationing but were imposed upon by the Agency in Berlin (responsible for the Burkina Faso where many people gross negligence and corruption of their chemical industry) before joining the The Substantive Evidence cannot afford electricity at all or in governments. The professor cannot be Hessian Ministry of the Environment. isolated island countries such as lightly dismissed, and the Boston From 1984 until 1990 he served as state At this stage, the lawyer for the defense Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, and Tonga. Review shares its domicile with MIT and secretary for environment, from 1991 till against the charge of societal suicide According to data for March 2020, the Harvard University, the temples of 1997 as minister for energy and might well jump up before the presiding electricity price for households in wisdom in modern Western civilization. environment in the state of Hamburg. judge, saying “Enough, Your Honor, this Germany was $0.38 per kilowatt-hour And the Review has its share of kudos, is merely circumstantial evidence! Show (kWh), compared to $0.15 for US at least for those of a particular One day before the publication of the this court the proof!” After all, the jury households, $0.17 for Sweden, $0.21 for persuasion: “When it comes to Boston Review article on October 5th, might well agree with the suggestion that France and $0.26 in the UK. publishing fresh and generative ideas, Prof Vahrenholt stated baldly in a despite the weighty credentials of the two Boston Review has no peer” says Robin German TV interview that climate professors, these are still mere individuals Germany has felled thousands of acres D. G. Kelley, Professor of American science was “politicized”, “exaggerated”, who in the nature of things might be prone of its ancient Teutonic forests and History at the University of California, and filled with “fantasy” and “fairy tales”. to exaggeration or hyperbole. Where is threatens its endangered species of Los Angeles and Naomi Klein, activist He pronounced that “The [Paris] Accord the evidence that society is jumping off birds and bats by constructing and New York Times NYT -1% best- is already dead. Putin says it’s the proverbial bridge? thousands of windmills with blades selling author, opines that “Boston nonsense. […] The Americans are out. made of petroleum-based glass-fiber- Review is so good right now.” The Chinese don’t have to do anything. At this turn in court proceedings, the reinforced epoxy or polyester resins and It’s all concentrated on a handful of prosecution, possibly with a quiet made in furnaces fueled by natural gas, Let us move on to our second piece of European countries. The European confidence in its case of societal suicide, its motors using rare earths such as evidence, this time from the other side of Commission in massively on it. And I might say “let us now go beyond the dysprosium, neodymium and the “climate emergency” aisle. predict that they will reach the targets circumstantial, and into the realm of praseodymium which are extracted Professor Fritz Vahrenholt is a giant only if they destroy the European substantial evidence, Your Honor… Let using fossil fuels. Windmills are among environmental circles in industries.” He lambasted Germany as a me now turn to the example of Germany constructed on thousands of tons of Germany. (The country is well known as country “in denial when it comes to the itself”. In an analysis of 126 countries reinforced concrete towers with cement the world’s leading champion for all broader global debate taking place on using purchasing power-adjusted data, and steel manufactured in fossil fuel- things environmental and for pushing climate science”. He went on to Germany ranks 16th in the international intensive factories. Most disturbingly, the characterize Europe’s recent push for ranking (the highest in Europe) in leading German newsmagazine Der www.lcdc.cab Issue 279 - March 2021 17

SUICIDE: WILL IT SUCsChows thaEt the cEost of cDlimate ch? ange by the end of the century, if we do nothing, will be less than 4% of global GDP. This means, as the New York Times best- selling “environmental sceptic” author Bjorn Lomborg puts it, “that instead of seeing incomes rise to 450% by 2100, they might “only” increase to 434%. But “how can we trust this assertion?” a juror or the judge himself might ask. “Well, as much as the global warming hockey stick chart can be trusted” comes the inevitable reply. For example, what does one make of a predictive long-run global temperature chart which does not record the well-documented historical Roman and Medieval Warming periods with temperatures as high (or higher) as they are currently shown in other charts?

Ultimate Resolution: The People Will Act At this stage, an on-looker of this courtroom drama might well raise his hands in exasperation and say that a hung jury is inevitable. But while this might be the case in our theoretical court of law, there is bound to be a resolution in real life. There is nothing theoretical about the unstoppable force of climate alarmism meeting the immoveable object of people’s natural attachment to their accustomed material standards of living. And such resolutions are occurring in real time, in different parts of the world, and may well be the leading indicators as to whether economic suicide is in prospect for Europe and perhaps for a post-Trump USA. Spiegel found that in 2014, 17% of all percent more, on average, than the rest run an electric car fleet that will come Perhaps one of the more striking German households live in poverty due of the nation, for residential, commercial with significant increases in electricity examples of resolution took place in to an “energy cost explosion”. Since and industrial electricity. With rolling demand, when you can’t even keep the Australia’s 2019 national elections where then, in the Green-propelled rush to shut power blackouts, it has accorded itself a lights on today.” the center-right Liberal-led coalition down its nuclear reactors, natural gas- third world status. Indeed it seems the Prime Minister Scott Morrison retained fueled power and coal power plants, state has anticipated the advice But It Is To Save The Planet! power despite all the opinion polls average electricity prices for a three- proffered by the notable Rutgers predicting an easy Labor victory. The person household have risen by almost University professor of anthropology. At this juncture the lawyer for the opposition Labor party’s election strategy 68% over the last 15 years. defense would appeal to what would to make climate alarmism and anti-coal In a remarkable moment of candor, seem to be the ultimate moral arbiter of legislation the key issue badly backfired Let’s turn to another leading example of Governor Gavin Newsom said in mid- all debate related to energy policy: “We in what was widely dubbed a “climate societal suicide: California. According to August that the state’s transition away need to save the planet!”. This, the election”. One Australian commentator engineer Ronald Stein, “California’s from fossil fuels is a contributing factor to defense will conclude, is all there is to remarked: “How to lose the unlosable green crusade direction and actions are the state’s rolling blackouts. The say about this overly-long court battle. election: be anti-coal”. The US election increasing the costs of electricity and elimination of fossil fuel products and the “We are not committing suicide, Your upset of 2016 exhibits some parallels as fuels which guarantees growth of the shift to solar power, windmills and other Honor, but indeed we are doing our level well. Failed presidential-hopeful Hillary homeless, poverty, and welfare forms of green energy has led to what best to avoid this headlong rush to Clinton claimed that her biggest regret populations, and further fuels (no pun Newsom called “gaps” in the energy precisely the suicide that the prosecutor was in doubling down on ex-President intended) the housing affordability crisis.” grid’s reliability. To top it off, the so drastically misconstrues”. And, with a Obama’s ‘war on coal’ and stating in her Governor signed an executive order on flourish, the defense might rest its case campaign trail that “we’re going to put a California, the world’s fifth largest September 23 banning the sale of new with the unveiling of a predictive global lot of coal miners and coal companies economy, now imports most of its crude gasoline-powered vehicles within 15 warming chart which threatens an out of business”. oil from overseas (since the extraction of years to cut down on air pollution and impending planetary catastrophe for its ample local oil resources are reach the state’s goals for reductions in maximum effect on the jury. The jury is in: modern economic growth practically banned) and it imports nearly greenhouse gas emissions. The has not shown a single instance of a a third of its electricity from neighboring Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) But the prosecution might offer a final country successfully developing without states (since nuclear and natural gas- delivered this common sense verdict to counter before it rests it case. The the concomitant use of fossil fuels, and fueled power plants are progressively Governor Newsom: “California’s record prosecutor consults the work of Nobel ordinary people across the world are shutdown by legislation). Between 2011 of rolling blackouts – unprecedented in Laureate William Nordhaus — whose fully aware of this. and 2017, California’s electricity prices size and scope – coupled with recent pioneering work on the economics of rose five times faster than they did requests to neighboring states for power climate change won him the award — Courtesy of Forbes Magazine nationally and now Californians pay 60 begs the question of how you expect to and states that the best current research www.lcdc.cab 18 Issue 279 - March 2021 WWII VETERAN GEOFF PULZER

The Taxi CharPity waAs sad SSES AWAY AT AGE OFto , 9the Ne7 therlands, to hear that WWII Veteran Belgium and France, and Geoff Pulzer, a much- days out to museums, loved member of the concerts, or fundraising charity family, had died on events in the UK, to catch 2 March 2021 in Barnet up with friends and Hospital comrades. For the last twelve months, pandemic WWII veteran Geoff Pulzer, restrictions have meant 97, from Brookmans Park, their events have had to Hertfordshire, served with be cancelled so the the 23rd Hussars, attached Charity has made a huge to Brigade HQ of 29th effort to ensure veterans Armoured Brigade, part of have received regular 11th Armoured Division and contact; sending out a on 6 June 1944, spent his greeting card each month, 21st birthday preparing to gifts to mark the 75th land on Juno Beach which anniversaries of VE and they did on D +7. Seventy- VJ day, stockings at five years later he was back Christmas and arranging in Normandy with the Taxi Guards of Honour at Charity to mark D Day and veteran’s funerals. celebrated his birthday with Volunteers have also his wife Julienne, and a helped with; regular phone group of WWII veterans and calls, food shopping, volunteer London licensed transport to hospital cabbies. appointments, and more recently taking veterans After the trip to Normandy in for their Coronavirus 2019 Geoff sent the charity injections. a lovely thank you email He used to say that he Netherlands, Belgium and About the Taxi Charity To fund and facilitate their from which this extract is couldn’t remember much France, and days out to work, the charity is reliant taken. “I would like to take about VE Day as he was so museums, concerts, or The Taxi Charity is run by on generous donations this opportunity to tell you inebriated. Someone had fundraising events in the UK, volunteer London licensed from members of the how much Julienne and I looted a liqueur store and for veterans to catch up with taxi drivers and has been public, businesses and enjoyed the very nostalgic given him a bottle of brandy friends and comrades. supporting hundreds of trusts. trip to Normandy. I cannot and he had drunk it all. www.taxicharity.org veterans since 1948. The thank the Taxi Charity charity arranges free trips www.taxicharity.org enough for the fun and “Geoff was a much-loved kindness you all expressed, member of the Taxi Charity the efficiency of the family and we send our operation and the deepest condolences to enthusiasm of all concerned. Geoff’s wife Julienne and his The hotel was comfortable, two sons Michael and Philip. good food and the itinerary Rest in peace soldier and was excellent. Lastly to let thank you for your service.” you to know that I was humbled by the whole Michael Pulzer, said, “Our experience, tear jerking at wonderful Father had a times and I cannot find fabulous life which was suitable adjectives to further enriched by his family and express our feelings. his many friends. He played Bonhomie comes to mind!” rugby regularly when he worked at Shell BP as part Dick Goodwin, Vice of their team and he loved President, Taxi Charity for playing golf. He enjoyed life Military Veterans, said, in the outdoors and spent a “Geoff was a fabulous lot of time cultivating a advocate for the charity and beautiful garden and walking would always help with in the countryside. In his requests from the media to later years Dad was an avid talk about the second world Bridge player. The Taxi war. In May 2020 he spoke Charity was very important with Dermot Murnaghan to our Father and we have about the 75th anniversary asked the charity to be of VE Day for the Sky News closely involved in the Podcast and told Dermot funeral when we say our that after the liberation of final goodbye.” Belsen he was headed towards Lubec when the The Taxi Charity arranges surrender was announced. free trips to the www.lcdc.cab Issue 279 - March 2021 19

Hello one and all, it seems We did produce a couple of well we can only assume he going to upload it to such a long time since I CshowAs towaBrds the enCd of HAT COhas Rbeen hNiding unEder a R YouTube, some weeks it will last wrote anything in The 2020 as we were all looking stone for the past 10 years just be the audio, but other Badge, well it has been a forward towards the future as that is how long we have videos will have the team in year since I last wrote but with the new lockdown been producing podcasts. them. So, watch out for the anything. announced in January, I They are all worth a listen new Cab Chat videos found I hard once again to but none of them will ever coming soon, once again How are you? this pandemic find the right words to say. equal your favourite Taxi Like, Subscribe and Leave a has turned everything and During the past year there Podcast, Cab Chat. comment. everyone’s lives upside have been a lot of changes YouTube seems to be the down and it has been a in all our lives and the thing to do now, and Grant Our Twitter account has struggle to make ends meet same goes here at Cab and the LCDC have been locked after by team for most, the same applies Chat, the team are mostly launched their new channel, member @Iamcabman Rob to other things in life where earning money doing other Grant aims to bring news to who has had to take a break the lockdowns have caused jobs and also we have lost the trade and interview key due to moving home, but severe disruption to our studio, if you want to people within the trade and Rob has said once they everyone’s lives. hear what has been those outside of the trade have settled he will be back Over the past year we have happening in our lives you who could have an influence bringing you the daily found it exceedingly difficult will have to listen to the next at the Taxi Trade, Sean on our future, the channel is quizzes and competitions, to produce Cab Chat, I took show. Paul Day is involved with a well worth watching, just the team wish Rob and his the decision to pause the podcast called Cab Class search for London Cab partner the best of luck with show in March 2020 as I Cab Chat will be back and which interviews Taxi Driver Club on YouTube and their move. was finding it extremely hopefully the next show Drivers, there is also a short to coin a phrase, Like, hard to convey a positive should hit your podcast news podcast, all of these Subscribe and Leave a Something else that should outlook due to everything apps around the same time formats were pioneered by Comment. be of interest to Taxi Drivers that was going on around as you are reading this in myself and the team at Cab is a new app that I have us. The Badge. Chat, there is also another With YouTube being so been given a sneak preview podcast in which the hosts popular we have decided of the app is called Some members of the team Over the past year there proclaims that there is that not only are we going to LondonCabby and it is a felt that we should have have been a plethora of new nothing else like it out there produce Cab Chat as a directory of useful carried on and been there podcasts launched, aimed aimed at the Taxi Driver, Podcast, but we are also information with clickable for our listeners and to links to give you directions some extent I do agree, but to any given point such as it has been extremely hard Police Stations, Toilets, to sit behind the microphone Charge Points etc. The app and come up with things to is still being built but looks say, there have been many very promising, the times when I have sat down developers are hopeful to to record the show and be launching in April 2021 could not do it, I suppose and will continually be that due to the situation that updating the app with new we all have found ourselves information and points. You facing I was not in the right can find the app at mental state to do the show londoncabby.co.uk or they . also have a Twitter account This brings me onto the @london_cabby inevitable fact that many drivers will be facing severe The Government have now mental pressure due to the announced their “roadmap” financial hardship and the out of lockdown so let’s lockdowns that the past hope that we can all look year has brought about. If forward to returning to some you are suffering mentally sort of normality to the later then please do not feel half of this year and getting ashamed, we are all in the back to what we all do best, same boat and please reach that is driving our Taxis and out and speak to someone serving London’s travelling about the way you are public. feeling. I am not expert in mental health or wellbeing, Once again, thanks for but I do know that if I had being a loyal listener to Cab been stuck at home for the Chat and we look forward to past year, I would have your continued interaction. gone insane. Be Lucky

www.lcdc.cab 20 Issue 279 - March 2021 Revealed: TfL spent more on failed than maintaining Thames’ crossings in last decade the whole United Kingdom.'

In total, TfL has spent just In his letter to Qureshi, Byford under £43 million on estimates that TfL will need to maintaining Thames crossings spend up to five times as much since 2010 – some £10million during the next 10 years to less than the £53 million spent strengthen and maintain developing plans for the Thames crossings. Garden Bridge under ’s mayorship. While stressing the figures are According to the AJ's sister title 'early stage estimates', Byford New Civil Engineer (NCE), this revealed that between £135 total maintenance spend only million and £215 million will accounts for capital need to be spent on Thames expenditure by TfL and does Crossings before 2030, with six not include any additional crossings requiring significant maintenance funding from investment: local councils. 'This includes regular structural This £43 million spend on inspections and carrying out upkeep is equivalent to the day-to-day and large-scale cost to the taxpayer on maintenance whenever Heatherwick Studio's doomed necessary to ensure they Thames crossing - the other continue to be in good working monies having come from order.' private donations (see AJ 30.04.18). The capital's transport operator has previously estimated that it During the same ten year needs a £2 billion investment period, TfL speant a further in its entire road network during £13 million drawing up 'perhaps it wouldn’t be in the he’s arrived at Number 10, his Roberts said that ensuring the the next 10 years to prevent proposals for a bridge between state it is in today'. interest in London’s major Capital’s existing infrastructure key road bridges and tunnels Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, infrastructure appears to have is adequately maintained from shutting. before the plan was axed in 'Fundamentally, I don’t vanished and his Department should take priority over 2019. understand how the amount for Transport’s concentration developing projects including Last week, TfL meeting spent on the Garden Bridge is directed elsewhere.' the Garden Bridge and the agenda papers revealed that MPs, council leaders and more than what TfL has spent Silvertown Tunnel. the cost of patching up members on maintaining all the other She added: 'If the London's surface transport are now questioning why less existing bridges across the government’s reluctance to 'There has been a woeful lack assets has increased by 762 money has been spent on Thames for the last 10 years,' properly invest in London’s of investment in London’s per cent during the last five maintaining London’s ageing Qureshi told NCE. bridges continues, who is to bridges under both years. This includes all bridges river crossings in comparison say we can’t expect to see Conservative and Labour and tunnels in the Capital as to developing failed proposals 'If the equivalent amount was another Hammersmith Bridge- Mayors over the last decade, well as for new schemes. spent on Hammersmith Bridge type saga every few years? particularly when viewed crossings. five years ago, then who through the lens of the millions In particular, politicians are knows, perhaps it wouldn’t be 'The economic, health and wasted by Mr Johnson on the TfL attributes this increase to asking how Hammersmith closed today.' environmental cost of this failed Garden Bridge,' Roberts delays and budget cuts to its Bridge could be left to would be profound. The said. surface transport assets deteriorate while tens of The full closure of government has to step up and renewal programme, which millions of pounds were spent Hammersmith Bridge followed take action now by committing 'However that amount is quite includes major repair work to on bridge schemes that never years of partial closures and the necessary money to keep simply dwarfed by the £2billion structures including the came to fruition. restrictions following concerns London moving.' cost of the Silvertown Tunnel Rotherhithe Tunnel, A40 about the bridge’s deteriorating project. Sadiq Khan should be Westway, and Hammersmith Bridge has been condition. As previously revealed by prioritising the proper Hammersmith Bridge. closed to all traffic since August NCE, TfL has already spent maintenance of our existing after council leaders warned MP for Richmond Park and the £16.7million on investigations, infrastructure, rather than The transport operator has that the bridge faced Liberal Democrats transport feasibility, design, monitoring chasing eye-catching, previously warned that key 'catastrophic collapse' after spokesperson Sarah Olney and early works for environmentally catastrophic routes such as the A40 engineers noted that a crack in warned that failing to properly Hammersmith Bridge, with a Grands Projets like the Westway, Rotherhithe Tunnel the bridge’s cast iron pedestals invest in London’s existing further £4 million committed to Silvertown Tunnel.' and Gallows Corner Flyover had widen. infrastructure could result in repair work that is now face being closed without the more 'Hammersmith-Bridge underway. That is more than a Capital Expenditure by TfL on investment for major repairs. The latest figures were type sagas'. third of TfL’s total maintenance Thames bridges between 2010 revealed in a letter – seen by 'This is a clear and spend on all River Thames and 2020 Consequently, TfL bosses NCE – from TfL commissioner uncomfortable reminder that at crossings during the last In response to criticism about have asked the committee to Andy Byford to London the heart of the Hammersmith decade (see breakdown Johnson’s tenure as mayor, a approve £198 million for Assembly member Murad Bridge fiasco lies a matter of below). ministerial spokesperson delivery of the surface Qureshi. priorities,' Olney told NCE. added: 'As Mayor of London, transport assets renewal Qureshi added that if the Richmond Council leader Boris Johnson championed programme through to £53million spent on the 'As Mayor of London, Boris Gareth Roberts also criticised investment in bridges and river 2022/23. Garden Bridge had been Johnson was happy to waste the 'woeful lack of investment crossings across London. As invested in Hammersmith money on a failed vanity in London bridges' during the Prime Minister, he is backing Courtesy of The Architects’ Bridge five years ago then project in order to elevate last 10 years. massive new investment in Journal himself into higher office. Now transport infrastructure across www.lcdc.cab 10% discount for all LCDC members who show their membership cards

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AJntohonys Joshua'su megaa- vAlth ouFgh uArumr insiysts th? at all fight with Tyson Fury important contract issues moving to July could bring have been agreed, there was Allegiant Stadium in Las an alarming whiff of Vegas back into uncertainty when he told IFL contention... and fans TV he is still waiting for the should be back in the Fight documents to be signed on Capital of the World for behalf of Britain's rival world Josh Taylor's world-title champions. fight against Jose Ramirez Frank Warren, Fury's UK promoter with Queensberry, The world of boxing is re- and Eddie Hearn, Fury's crossing its fingers following Matchroom promoter, are a revelation that the much- both adamant in saying: 'The awaited mega-fight between fight will definitely happen.' Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, however, admitted last Saunders could prove Fury may be pushed even week: 'I am no closer to further back into summer, getting this fight than I was with contracts still not signed 12 months ago.' and the venue also He has been out of the ring a nightmare for Alvarez undecided as yet. since his crushing of Deontay Canelo Alvarez had the date was gone. It was champion and then Canelo easiest night of his boxing scrapped on a Friday; the handled him like a kid. A life in Miami on Saturday to announcement was meant to boxing lesson can be more set up possibly the hardest be 72-hours later. devastating than a quick fight of his life. Somehow, Saunders knockout and Canelo’s Alvarez forced his scrambled out of Las Vegas, mastery of distance is a mandatory challenger, Avni just days before flights and magic trick he has perfected Yildirim, to quit at the end of travel stopped, his training since turning professional at three completed rounds and camp over, his dream fight just 15. about six-months of vanished. The fight’s Saunders is unbeaten in 30 nonsense. It never took collapse might have ruined a fights, an Olympian from much to end the mismatch, in weaker man. Beijing, a world champion at all fairness. And then last September two weights and the most Canelo retained his WBC Canelo talked about getting naturally gifted southpaw in and WBA super- back in the ring and Yildirim’s the sport. He is fearless, can middleweight titles, which is name was mentioned, act like a fool away from the the supposed reason fights plucked like a startled rabbit ring, has often looked bored like this are forced on boxers, from a hat of mirth. It was a in fights, but can conjure up promoters, TV companies joke, surely? true ring mastery if the man and fans. Then last November it was in the opposite corner is a Anyway, the fight’s real Callum Smith’s turn to get challenge. Saul Canelo agenda was the news that the offer; Smith was seven- Alvarez is boxing’s biggest followed the predictable inches taller, unbeaten in 27 attraction, a cash-cow for the capitulation when it was fights, the WBA super- sport and the greatest finally, after 13-months of middleweight champion. challenge available for Fury's US promoter Bob Wilder in their second WBC speculation, announced that They fought in Texas a few Saunders. Their fight will be Arum has raised concern title fight in February last year Canelo will fight Billy Joe days before Christmas and free of any excuses once it it about this £200 million and will not be happy with a Saunders on 8 May. It is a Canelo won on points. is over, trust me. bonanza finally taking place further delay, which would great fight, a difficult fight for On the odd night, the Saunders will not be given a by talking about the already favour Joshua who kept both and fully compensates Mexican fighting giant made chance by the Americans proposed delay from May to active with a routine defence for the Yildirim mess. the job look so easy, Smith and Mexicans, dismissed in June being prolonged into of his belts against Kubrat There is no venue yet, but never blamed his torn bicep the company of greatness July. Pulev as recently as outdoors at one of the Texas and just accepted the boxing and that will also appeal to That may bring the new December. sites or possibly the new NFL lesson with grace. It was his fighting pride; Saunders Allegiant Stadium in Las Also, one possible stadium in Las Vegas are Canelo’s 54th win, his 17th always proudly carries the Vegas into contention as the impediment to Joshua v Fury both contenders. The date is world title fight. His one Gypsy flag – the flag of the site, with Arum hoping some remains unresolved. Wilder's the most popular Mexican defeat was against Floyd Roma – with him when he fans will be allowed back into contractual claim to a third holiday, an outing with Mayweather in 2013, a enters the ring. There will be boxing on the Strip on May fight with Fury, next, is still in Canelo on that day is defeat that will remain as a no look of wonder, awe or 22 for Josh Taylor's newly- legal arbitration in New York. unforgettable and any town glowing reminder of surrender from Saunders on announced battle with Jose If he is threatened with being on the planet resembles Mayweather’s skills and the night. Ramirez there for the kept out of work even longer, Mexico on a good night if one brilliance, even as the “I have no fear of him – I undisputed world light- the unpredictable Fury could of the ring legends is fighting. American continues to stuff see what he does, I know welterweight championship. revert to Wilder. This time last year Saunders his bank with the spoils from what he is doing and I know The Middle East, notably That would simplify a was getting ready to fight his circus fights. just how good he is,” Saudi Arabia, and China complex TV rights deal since Canelo, training in Los “He’s the best fighter on the Saunders said last year. I remain locations expected to Arum is the agent for both of Angeles and Las Vegas and planet,” Hearn said last doubt Canelo has the same offer the heftiest site fees but them with the giant ESPN waiting for an December, praise for Canelo. awareness. Vegas timing would network in America, while announcement; it was The wonder in Hearn’s voice The great fight is now just 10 massively increase pay-per- Joshua is tied to the DAZN boxing’s worst kept secret, was genuine – Eddie had weeks away, and that is view revenue on US streaming service over but then Covid edged in from promoted Smith from zero something to get very excited television. there. the outside and the May 2 fights to unbeaten world about. www.lcdc.cab or: 9 Church Road, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4AR