ISSUE 4 / APRIL-MAY 2016

Brought to you by Transport for London

Above and beyond for charity

Identity Uptown All DBS parade: top ranking: a-Twitter: update: wear your badge/ out with the FAQs from the cutting the DBS photo ID with pride night taxi marshals TPH Twitter feed check backlog CONTENTS 3 Welcome. As spring hits the city we are celebrating Contents the wonderful contribution taxi and private hire make to life in London. Friday and Saturday nights in the Capital are usually busy times for the trades. With so many people out and 8 18 about enjoying themselves the taxi marshals on our late night ranks do You wear it well Checking up a great job getting everyone home safely. Find out what a typical night Wear your badge or Helping the DBS process is like for them on p16. photo ID with pride to go smoothly Not only do drivers provide an essential service for the Capital, but many are also doing great things for good causes – from putting smiles on London’s taxis are seen as the gold 11 20 sick children’s faces, to feeding the Celebrating The full force of the law homeless. On p11 we celebrate some of standard across the world. They are a charity heroes the charity heroes who have gone above We talk to Anand and beyond to help communities. vital part of our transport system and We meet the drivers Nandha, the new head Wearing your badge or photo ID going that extra of compliance at TPH reassures the public that you are play an essential role in keeping London mile for those in need legitimate and shows them the pride you have in your trade. Find out more on p8. working and growing, carrying around 23 There are now many ways for you to contact TPH with any queries 70 million passengers every year. 16 Rites of spring you may have and the @Tf LTPH Polite and orderly Twitter feed continues to be one of the Ian Beetlestone sings most popular with more than 8,000 Taxi marshal Russell Varney the praises of the most followers. As the same subjects keep This Black Cab’s heritage dates talks us through the ranks optimistic season cropping up, we address the top six frequently asked tweets on p24. back to the 1600s. In fact, the term Elsewhere in this issue you can 26 read about how TfL is helping the “hackney carriage” – which comes Home Office and police in tackling Better by design their backlog of DBS checks (p18) and from hacquenée, the French term for read how Anand Nandha, TPH’s new With work on its new factory head of compliance, plans to deploy a general-purpose horse - is still used under way, the London Taxi his expanded team of officers (p20). Company is gearing up for its We’d really like to hear from today to describe taxis in London. next generation cabs you too, so do get in contact at 29 [email protected] For more information about the Black Cab How do I? Need to book a vehicle and other top 100 Design Icons please visit inspection or report touting? tfl.gov.uk/transportedbydesign We show you how D Pilgrim Editor

Contact us at [email protected] London Taxi and Private Hire for operator and driver licensing TfL produces a weekly email with 230 Blackfriars Road, London enquiries and the Knowledge enquiries. information on current and forthcoming SE1 8PJ road closures and diversions. If you In our next issue… 0343 222 5555 for vehicle licensing would like to receive this, please contact For general enquiries email: appointments and enquiries [email protected] [email protected] TPH news on Twitter: @TfLTPH The views expressed in OnRoute Taxi slang Visit the TfL website: tfl.gov.uk/tph For constant updates on diversions, are not necessarily those of TfL. – what’s it all about? 0343 222 4444 (lines open from congestion and accidents: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday) @TfLTrafficNews (roads) Why medicals are so important Pride in London – here comes the parade MAYOR OF LONDON 4 NEWS NEWS 5 News

A purge on Baby on board pollution Robert Fenlon, 44, got a story to top them all when a baby boy was safely Drivers are being urged to switch delivered in his taxi in February. off their engines when queuing Robert, a driver for five years, at Tower Bridge to help reduce accepted a Hailo job from Ozgur air pollution at one of London’s Odemis in Clapham to take his heavily- most popular tourist attractions. pregnant wife Basak to St Thomas’ Signs will flash when the bridge hospital. Robert explains: ‘I was trying is raised advising motorists to to take a route to St Thomas’ with the turn their engine off for ‘cleaner least amount of speed bumps possible! air’ and to ‘save money and fuel’. When we realised we probably weren’t Tower Bridge is raised around going to make it in time the husband 900 times a year, with tens of rang the doctor and I could hear him thousands of vehicles using saying we couldn’t pull over because the crossing each day. he could already see the baby’s head.’ The signs are part of a Baby Atlas was delivered in the Southwark and Tower Make way TPH Latest Cabs on top back of the cab while it was parked Hamlets councils’ scheme. licensing trend outside the hospital. His parents were so grateful they asked Robert for the London in numbers Some rather stylish taxis are set to hit the if he would take them home from streets over the next few weeks as part of the hospital the next day. Motorcycles Marathon He says: ‘When I got – watch out! 24,913 an 18-month campaign celebrating design home on the night of the Taxi drivers across London’s transport network birth I couldn’t sleep, Ahead of this year’s Virgin I felt a bit dazed by TfL is strengthening its work to As we went Last year, the Transported By Design campaign ran a competition what had happened reduce the number of accidents Money London Marathon on to press, two to find the Capital’s top transport design icon from a list of 100, and and it is something involving motorcycle and scooter 24 April, TfL will be providing hot topics the world famous black cab was crowned the winner. 21,836 were trending I will never forget.’ riders in the Capital after a slight information to all road users Now 10 cabs have been wrapped in the Transported by Design rise in the number of injuries in 2015. Taxi vehicle licences on @TfLTPH. logo and the legend ‘good design makes life in London better’, with Provisional data shows there were about any closures further promotional branding inside. The first Other design icons which will be celebrated this year include the 514 serious injuries to motorcyclist One of the most famous sporting events in the was about a much-loved original Routemaster bus, the Harry Beck Tube map Over-ranking woes and scooter riders in London in the world, the Marathon requires full road closures compliance and TfL’s famous logo, known as the Roundel. 12 months ending September 2015, 100,231 starting early in the morning between Greenwich operation at  compared with 507 the previous year. Park and St James’s Park. Central and City Private hire Ranking illegally and over- driver licences Heathrow that Together with the Metropolitan Police closures are expected to include all approaches @TfLTPH For more information on Transported by Design, ranking in two busy areas of to Upper Thames Street, Tower Hill and please visit tfl.gov.uk/transportedbydesign Service Roads and Transport Policing attended. London have been attracting Victoria Embankment, while Tower, Southwark Command, TfL is stepping up its a number of complaints. and Westminster bridges will also be closed. The second activity, which includes employing Some roads near the closures tend to be Outside the Hilton Hotel, more officers at key motorcycle 77,481 was the busier as a result of drivers seeking alternative Private hire Paddington on Praed Street, hotspot junctions where collisions routes. A phased reopening of roads will permanent taxis have been ranking illegally. are most likely to occur. take place from around midday with all roads vehicle licensees closure of the All change for private hire Drivers in the area should use In two recent phases of ‘Operation expected to be fully reopened by 19:00. westbound the designated taxi rank at Winchester’ officers stopped  slip road on The TfL Board has now providing driver and vehicle Paddington Station. to Victoria 5,389 riders, issued 742 Traffic approved amendments to the information to TfL. At Upper Tachbrook Street, Details on the London Marathon road closures can 2,825 Embankment Offence Reports and 1,335 verbal private hire regulations following Victoria, taxis have been over- be accessed at londonmarathon.data.tfl.gov.uk Private hire operators from The Board has not made a warnings, seized 96 motorcycles a year-long consultation. ranking. Drivers ranking at Blackfriars decision on in-venue operators. and made 10 arrests. The Command Victoria Station should only use junction from The measures include a formal Further work on this proposal will will be clamping down on illegal the designated taxi rank spaces. 29 February. English language requirement be carried out and its findings and antisocial road user behaviour Customer comments for all drivers, more robust presented to a future TfL Board. Enforcement at both locations such as speeding, careless riding The @TfLTPH requirements for ‘hire and is under way and drivers and red light running. TPH has introduced a experienced problems 08:00 and 18:00, Twitter feed reward’ insurance bringing it into  repeatedly queuing outside of It will also provide leaflets on BikeSafe- new customer comments can contact it direct. Call Monday to Friday now has 8,284 line with taxis, and operators To read the requirements a designated taxi rank could London during rider skills days. hotline so anyone who has 0343 222 4000 between excluding Bank Holidays. followers. keeping improved records and in full go to tfl.gov.uk/tph risk licensing action. 6 NEWS MOBILE INSPECTION VEHICLE FEATURE 7 News Upwardly mobile

Round-up Demand for the Mobile Inspection Unit is growing, with large on the roads taxi and private hire fleets enjoying the convenience of having their vehicles checked on their own premises Upper Holloway Bridge The A1 Holloway Road Bridge at Upper Holloway station is being strengthened and an additional new bridge built to carry Shard cuts utilities that are congestion currently buried in the carriageway of New measures are the existing bridge. being introduced around London Bridge that will TfL has closed two ease congestion and lanes of traffic on improve road safety. Clean, green, the bridge, one in Vehicle holding areas have each direction, been created around the driving machines and installed a Shard to allow freight barrier while works and construction vehicles The Ultra Low Roadshow took place in take place. to park and wait until they have clear access February giving private hire drivers and The project has been to their buildings or sites. divided into three operators the chance to check out the next ne man and his modified van extremely positive.’ The pass rate The new areas on stages and is due to generation of hybrid and electric vehicles be completed by are zipping across London Vehicle When the van at the Inspection Great Dover Street and to meet the growing demand pays a visit, the checks Centre is around St Thomas Street will The roadshow at St Martin-in-the Fields, Trafalgar Square included the end of 2017. for inspections of black cabs inspection are just as rigorous 80 per cent. That the new Toyota Prius and the Brotherwood Envy, the UK’s first fully Oand private hire vehicle fleets. pass rate as they would be at the number is significantly remove unnecessary congestion and improve electric, wheelchair accessible vehicle. Stockwell Known as the Mobile Inspection (10 Jan– 6 Feb 2016) inspection centre. ‘We can higher when checks are safety for all road users. Also on hand was Source London, providing the Capital with Unit, the van means customers don’t do everything with the Mobile carried out by the Mobile the largest, electric charging network in the world (850-plus have to go through the time-consuming First time Inspection Unit that we Inspection Unit – according to Other temporary TfL is making already installed), and the Cross River Partnership’s Clean Air Stockwell safer for process of driving their vehicles to the taxi pass rate do at our own site. It’s exactly the same Andrew, the rate is more than 90 per improvements to address Better Business promotion offering free drive-style training to inspection centre – it is far quicker and inspection on a customer’s premises. cent. He explains: ‘The majority of congestion and safety encourage more eco-friendly driving. cyclists by building easier for an inspector to come to them. The only difference is the convenience,’ inspections we do with the Mobile a new cycle route and 82% in the area include: Twenty fleets already use the pass rate across says Andrew. ‘It can be a huge logistical Unit are for new vehicles so common reconstructing the Relocating the taxi rank Mobile Unit, a couple of which require the 6 inspection issue for a client to bring a large number failures at our own site, such as junction at Stockwell weekly visits, and it’s not uncommon of vehicles to our site – they need to problems with the paperwork or the at Fielden House to the centres (against Memorial Garden. for the van to be booked up every make the bookings to have all those cleanliness, don’t tend to be an issue. opposite side of the road, Card readers in taxis day of the week. Last year more than the 80% target) vehicles checked on the same day, and ‘As the inspection is on the which predominantly The improvements, 2,000 vehicles were examined and they also need to organise for a large customer’s premises, any mechanical serves as a feeder to the A number of changes came Any existing signage that which include there’s the possibility of a second van First time PHV number of drivers to take them there. fault can usually be fixed on the same rank opposite the Shard being deployed. ‘The demand is there ‘The Mobile Inspection Unit gives day. Some of the customers have their into force on 2 April following advises passengers there removing the gyratory, pass rate on St Thomas Street last year’s consultation on is a card payment surcharge because this is hugely convenient for a client the option of their vehicles own mechanics so if there’s a fault are designed to make our customers,’ said Andrew Norman, being inspected at their own site, with the vehicle that can be corrected Relocating the the acceptance of card and must be removed walking and cycling 81% contactless payments in taxis. the client account manager for NSL, pass rate across and for those inspections to happen straight away to the satisfaction of pedestrian crossing to An additional 20p has been around the area safer contracted by TfL to inspect taxis and at the same time.’ the inspector,’ says Andrew. the east side of the site These include: added to the flagfall of all taxi the 6 inspection and more convenient. private hire vehicles. centres (against on St Thomas Street journeys making the new flagfall ‘When we launched the Mobile The existing card payment the 80% target) Introducing additional red surcharge of up to 10 per cent for 2016/17 £2.60. This is to help Work has started and Inspection Unit in May 2014, the lines to prevent stopping or £1, whichever is greater, has taxi drivers recoup the costs of is expected to finish thinking was that it would enhance the service that’s available and that’s and suspending the been removed. Taxi drivers can accepting card payments by summer 2016. Mobile certainly proved to be the case. In the If there’s a mechanical issue it can loading bay outside no longer charge passengers Inspection   beginning, it was just the London Taxi Unit pass rate the Shard to discourage a surcharge when accepting Company using the Unit, but since usually be fixed at the customer’s site vehicles stopping credit or debit card payments For more details, go to tfl.gov.uk/tph Find out more at tfl.gov.uk then the number of customers has been 90+% growing, and the feedback has been the same day Andrew Norman, client account manager for NSL 8 FEATURE WEAR YOUR BADGE/PHOTO ID WITH PRIDE WEAR YOUR BADGE/PHOTO ID WITH PRIDE FEATURE 9

Robert Fenlon, taxi driver Shahin Chowdhury, private Ian Beetlestone, taxi driver Without a doubt I am so proud of hire driver, Carlton Cars, Welling I do love the badge, I think it’s a my badge. I’ve always had goals in front I’ve been a driver for 10 years and beautiful little thing and I hope I never ID parade of me and successfully completing the I am very proud of my photo ID and lose it and have to get a new number. Knowledge was one of them. I wanted I always wear it. It shows that I am a legal I suppose I think of the number as being to do it properly and thoroughly enjoyed driver. With your photo ID people can very much a part of my identity now. It’s the most common infringement in the book – and the simplest to doing it even though it was hard, so of recognise you are licensed and they can I also think of it as a kind of living artefact correct. Drivers not wearing their badges or photo IDs could be anyone course I’m proud of my achievement be safe and comfortable in my car of London history too and I like that

halil Sarr, a compliance manager for There is more to this than ensuring that passengers feel TPH, explains: ‘This is a serious issue for safe and secure – Khalil would like all drivers to wear their Excuses, excuses Operation us – the number of drivers not wearing their badges or IDs with pride. ‘Black cabs are iconic – they’re badges or photo IDs is huge. known throughout the world, and the public knows Neon numbers K‘For the safety of our customers, it’s important that it takes years to pass The Knowledge, so being (from May 2015 The most imaginative excuse when they are getting into a taxi or a private hire a London taxi driver is a prestigious position. It’s compliance officers hear from until 26 March vehicle that they know that the driver is legitimate also vital PHV drivers recognise the importance of drivers for not wearing a badge/ 2016) and licensed, and the only way they can find that wearing their photo ID so customers can check the ID? An allergy to the lanyard. ‘We out is by looking at the badge or photo ID.’ driver information matches their booking.’ get the odd driver saying they are From the launch of Operation Neon last May until The operation has also alerted passengers to the allergic to the material we use for 4,435 the beginning of March this year, Khalil and his squad need to always check a driver’s identification. ‘Officers drivers caught the lanyard,’ Khalil explains. ‘But of compliance officers have caught more than 4,000 tend to work in pairs so if a driver is stopped, one will not wearing a if that’s the case, there’s a policy drivers who weren’t wearing their badges or photo IDs. talk to the driver while the other explains to the passenger badge/photo ID, Most had them in their vehicle – hanging around the what we’re doing. A number of passengers, once we have in place and they can get an but who had it in rear-view mirror, or in the glove-compartment – but explained what we are doing, have found themselves exemption letter. And even then, their possession around 10 per cent of that figure didn’t have it in their thinking, “Hang on a minute, the next time I get in a we would ask them to display possession, and were told they weren’t able to work until taxi or minicab, I’m going to make sure that the driver is the badge or photo ID so it’s they rectified the situation by collecting their badge or ID. wearing his identification.” A lot of people still don’t realise visible. They don’t have to wear First-time offenders in possession of a badge/photo ID the potential danger they are putting themselves in. But the lanyard but they could pin it but not wearing it are sent a warning letter. A further breach hopefully Operation Neon is making them think.’ 395 would invoke a second warning, while a third strike could against their shirt, for example.’ drivers were lead to a driver’s suspension or even to losing their licence. stood down for ‘Operation Neon has been about raising awareness,’  the day after Khalil says. ‘We’ve learned that some drivers don’t know If you need an exemption form call: they were caught how important it is to wear the badge or photo ID, but 0343 222 4444 without their the message is getting out there – you have to wear it at Picture caption: (inset) Khalil Sarr; (clockwise from left) David Bond; Saheed Malomo badge/photo ID all times, and it has to be visible.’ Abayomi; Ian Beetlestone; Joseph Kandolo; Shahin Chowdhury 10 FEATURE VEHICLE RECALLS CHARITY HEROES FEATURE 11 Total recall Charity Vehicle defects and safety recalls – what you need to know heroes: Safety recalls – the facts above and What is a then you need to safety recall? report it. Use the beyond Vehicle Safety Action taken by Branch’s safety a manufacturer defect reporting when a safety form to draw it to critical vehicle the attention of the defect is identified. DVSA, which will What happens in then investigate a safety recall? the issue with the manufacturer Once a safety recall and tell you lmost a million vehicles preparation to make sure the vehicle is registered, the what action is are called back to dealers is roadworthy. When buying privately, manufacturer being taken. for a safety check and/or it is possible that a past recall may must make every rectifications every year. have been ignored by the previous effort to notify What counts AA vehicle is recalled when a safety owner so it’s worth carrying out your as a serious consumers whose defect is identified owing to a design own check. The DVSA publishes details vehicles are safety defect? or construction fault, which is likely of all safety recalls on its website – affected. This to pose a significant risk to the driver, search by make, model and year. Most A serious safety is normally by defect is something: occupants or others. recall notices include the VIN/chassis letter to the When such a defect is identified, number of the affected vehicle. registered owner. About the way the manufacturer is given access to the Rectifications to vehicles after a the vehicle is details of all registered owners affected recall are normally carried out by What do you designed or by the Driver and Vehicle Standards appointment with a dealership or made that’s Agency (DVSA). They are responsible during scheduled servicing and do need to do? for the UK Automotive Safety Recall not require further attention. likely to cause Follow the injury or death Scheme and work closely with vehicle instructions manufacturers and the DVLA. Keep safe and sound That happens Arrangements are then made for all given by the manufacturer suddenly and affected vehicles to be taken to a main To help keep yourself and your without warning dealer where inspections and/or repairs passengers safe, it’s important to and arrange for are generally carried out for free. get your vehicle inspected and the vehicle to be What doesn’t The official recall scheme applies fixed following a recall notification. fixed as soon count as a serious to a wide range of vehicle types from Insurance claims can be affected as possible so safety defect? passenger cars, commercial vehicles and and driving a vehicle in a dangerous you don’t put buses/coaches to trailers, agricultural condition could result in a fine of up to yourself or your Things that vehicles, motorhomes and caravans. It £2,500, penalty points added to your passengers at risk. can be found also covers two and three wheelers. driving licence and/or a driving ban. If you are no longer during routine If you buy a vehicle from a dealer  maintenance they should check for any outstanding the registered recalls as part of their pre-sales Find out more at www.gov.uk/dvsa owner, you should and servicing not ignore the letter You’re warned and you should about them by notify the DVSA. warning lights, noticeable TfL action in relation to recalls How to report changes in a vehicle handling and TfL will always serious enough has happened Toyota Prius and safety defect unusual noises follow the advice defect that twice with taxis the Volkswagen of the DVLA and the appropriate (vehicle fires and Passat have If you think your  manufacturer in action is steering issues). been permitted vehicle may have It’s not all work and no play. Some of London’s taxi and vehicle recalls. to suspend Other issues by the DVLA a serious safety- Go to forms.vosa.gov.uk/ related defect, Vsdr/create private hire drivers climb mountains, help flood victims, In some cases, a vehicle with vehicles to continue Divyesh Rupareli it could be a licence. This such as the being licensed. on Mount Kilimanjaro plant trees and feed the homeless, all in the name of charity 12 FEATURE CHARITY HEROES CHARITY HEROES FEATURE 13

We’re off to see Mickey! I now live a much healthier and by flooding. He and other members of happier life. What’s not to love about the Mission were involved in boarding Phil Davis, 59, is a former Master keeping fit, volunteering and raising up houses, delivering food aid and of the Worshipful Company of money for charity at the same time? cleaning and redecorating flood- Hackney Cab Drivers (WCHCD) and All drivers should do it.’ damaged properties. He says: ‘There has been a driver for over 26 years. are quite a few private hire drivers Since 1994 he has led the organising who do charity work for Sant Nirankari committee of the Children’s Magical Honouring the brave Mission. There really is nothing Taxi Tour. Every year, the event like helping people. It gives you a sees between 90 and 100 black cab Taxi driver Graham Pike has always feeling that can’t be bought.’ drivers take hundreds of children loved anything to do with the military Raj and the other members of The with life-limiting illnesses, their and was in the cadets as a youngster Sant Nirankari Mission were recently families and support workers, to and the Territorial Army for three presented with the Queen’s Award Disneyland, Paris. years. So when he was doing his for Voluntary Service, the highest Phil’s tireless work fundraising, Knowledge of London 17 years ago accolade for voluntary work in the UK. organising sponsorship, planning and spotted an ad for the London  and coordinating the logistics of the Taxi Benevolent Association For trip is almost a full-time job in itself. War Disabled, commonly known For more information about the Phil says: ‘My aim is to put smiles as the Taxi Charity, getting involved Sant Nirankari Mission, please go on the faces of these children. Some was a no-brainer. to www.nirankari.com/london/ drivers lead quite insular lives, sitting The charity helps veterans by alone in their cabs each day, but doing providing entertainment, outings charity work is a great way to get and specialised equipment. Graham 2 Charity begins at home out and give something back to the started out by driving the veterans, community. It’s also nice to be part some in wheelchairs, to the many Billy O’loughlin, 58, is another private of a team that creates a positive functions the charity organises. He hire driver who donates his time to image of the cab trade.’ has taken part in the annual trip to the What’s not to love about keeping fit, charity. Billy has worked as a driver To date, the Magical Taxi Tour seaside at Worthing and overseas to for more than 30 years and currently has touched the lives of more than Holland and the Menin Gate in Ypres, volunteering and raising money for charity drives for Addison Lee. For a couple 5,000 children and in recognition of Belgium. He also regularly helps out at of evenings each winter, Billy provides all his hard work, Phil was recently major stations such as Canary Wharf at the same time? All drivers should do it food and cooks for 35 homeless people awarded the second City Livery when veterans, resplendent in their and volunteers at the Hackney Winter Divyesh Rupareli Company Root and Branch Award, war medals, collect for the charity. 1 Night Shelter. ‘I’ve been doing it 2015, for individuals who have He is now a committee member since doomsday,’ says Billy, who also made a noteworthy contribution for the Taxi Charity and says: ‘I just volunteers his time to drive for the Girl to charity and the livery. love being with these guys who Guides. ‘When I first started, I had to  fought for us and now I can do cook for 15 to 20 people, but over the something for them. When you talk years the numbers have increased. TPH staff work hard to fundraise for to them and hear what they have I don’t want recognition for doing it. this every year. If you’d like to donate, been through, they’re just lovely. I do it because I enjoy it and it’s good please go to www.justgiving.com/ These guys are heroes to me and I to make a difference.’ magicaltaxitour-2016/ want to do my bit to pay them back.’   5 To find out about volunteering at the Climb every mountain If you’d like to drive for the Hackney Winter Night Shelter, please Taxi Charity, or just find out more, contact www.hwns.org.uk/ Phil isn’t the only charity hero go to www.taxicharity.org/ working for the WCHCD. In January 2013, Divyesh Rupareli, 53, a Clockwise starting top left: 1 Graham Pike with veterans; liveryman of the same company, Mission possible 2 Divyesh Rupareli with his climbing team; 3 Children at spent eight days trekking up Mount Disneyland Paris; 4 Phil Davies of the Magical Taxi Tour; Kilimanjaro to raise almost £5,000 It is not just taxi drivers who are 5 Volunteers with the Sant Nirankari Mission. for numerous charities, including involved in good deeds, private hire Help for Heroes, Great Ormond Street drivers are in on the action too. Rajeev Hospital and the Magical Taxi Tour. Chadha, 39, a private hire driver with He braved tropical conditions more than 10 years’ experience, has in the rainforest regions of the worked for The Chauffeur Group for Your charity stories foothills, pounding rain, and snow the past three years. 5 3 and ice at the summit to complete When he isn’t driving clients to Everyone here at OnRoute would the gruelling 6,000-metre trek up corporate events, he is busily involved like to thank all of the drivers Africa’s highest mountain. in all sorts of charity work as a member Since then, Divyesh has volunteered of the Sant Nirankari Mission. The out there helping to transform on three Magical Taxi Tours and has Mission encourages its members to Charity work people’s lives by donating your also begun training to climb Mount participate in community life for the time, expertise and money. You Everest in 2018, to raise more funds good of humanity. To this end, Raj is a great way to are our charity heroes! for the annual children’s charity trip. has planted trees all over the UK to give something ‘My dad died of a heart attack help improve the environment. He  aged 45 and I used to be overweight regularly takes part in street cleaning and quite unfit, but climbing Mount projects and campaigns to encourage back to the If you, or someone you know, has Kilimanjaro transformed my life,’ people to donate blood to the NHS. done something fabulous for charity, says Divyesh. ‘It was physically As if that weren’t enough, last community then we want to know about it. exhausting, but doing it sparked a winter he also travelled to Cumbria Phil Davis Contact [email protected] love of the outdoors and charity work. to help the residents there affected 4 14 FEATURE KNOWLEDGE POINT SCHOOL KNOWLEDGE POINT SCHOOL FEATURE 15

Knowledge Point has now successfully steered more than 9,000 back cab drivers through the Knowledge and still trains around 40 students at each level In The Know

Last year was the 30th anniversary of the Knowledge n the summer of 2015, the school’s schools such as his didn’t exist. ‘Some says confidently, citing the need to Cabbie’s view founder, Malcolm Linskey, was The Knowledge by numbers cab garages used to put out a couple of encourage more young drivers to take Point School in north London. given six months’ notice that his greasy tables in a corner where drivers up the Knowledge challenge. Ronnie Jerrom, 55, started doing his school’s premises were being could gather, but it was a poor system,’ ‘We went through a phase about four training in 1995 with the Blue Book Runs – It was also nearly its last… Ideveloped into luxury flats. ‘Central 48 3269 he says. After a few years on the road, years ago when a lot of youngsters were London rents are so high, I thought it the total number Malcolm became involved with a trade coming to us, mostly because they around 400 journeys on a moped. He would be nigh on impossible to move months paper called Steering Wheel, but cash had family in the trade and wanted to the average of candidates then attended the Knowledge College, anywhere else, so I was all prepared to currently flow proved an issue, so in 1981 he do their Knowledge before they went duration of the to university. But the average age for in a former biscuit factory in Bermondsey. retire,’ he explains. studying had the idea of publishing training Then, 10 days before Christmas, the Knowledge, materials. ‘They proved popular right joining us is still 39. It tends to be school was reprieved – although its including time The Knowledge away, which was when people started artisan workers, like roofers, plumbers The Knowledge is a brilliant system, rescuer was not so much a knight on spent learning of London asking me “where’s your school then?” or carpenters, or ex-police and fire but it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. a white charger, as a black cab with a the routes and So we opened up classes behind our officers who retire early.’ We don’t just have to know the road names, yellow light on. the examination 2164 shop in an empty space at the Dame Whatever the future brings, we have to learn the points of interest, ‘The London Taxi Company told process at Stage 3 Alice Owen’s School at the Angel.’ Malcolm is determined to play his us “you’re too valuable to the trade to Knowledge Point has now part in maintaining high standards the courts, the embassies, the landmarks, disappear” and offered us space in its 632 successfully steered more than for taxi drivers. ‘We all know the the clubs. A passenger can ask for a Spanish Brewery Road premises. We’ve been 9,000 back cab drivers through the Knowledge is hard – it has a drop-out restaurant in the Brompton Road and you here since 18 January and the drivers 25 at Stage 4 Knowledge and still trains around rate of 70 per cent – but that shouldn’t are beginning to drift back now that months 40 students at each level. put people off. In fact, it should be say “I think I know it, but don’t you mean the word is out. In fact, our Advanced average time for 473 He admits that private hire apps considered degree level.’ the Old Brompton Road?” and between Class at the beginning of February was a driver training at Stage 5 coming on to the market have put some  us we can work it out. That’s the sort of

full with 38 people.’ at Knowledge drivers off coming into the industry. service you can offer when you’ve spent Malcolm, 70, became a cabbie at Point School *Figures from TfL ‘But we’ve had blips in the past and To find out more about Knowledge 23 (‘a lifetime ago’) in the days when as at 22 February 2016 I think the situation will stabilise,’ he Point workshops, call 020 7700 3999 three years doing the Knowledge 16 FEATURE TAXI MARSHALS TAXI MARSHALS FEATURE 17

earlier, which means the clientele has been drinking for longer. I’ve We are the middle always had a good response from the customers.’ men trying to help Moving with the times passengers and drivers

The marshals now use Twitter and we do sometimes get (@londontaximarshal − which has about 6,000 followers) and other caught in the middle social media to let drivers know where ranks are being marshalled and if they are moving quickly. This has proved Rank particularly effective at The O2 where they can get 200 to 300 people coming on to the rank when a show finishes. The same is also true at clubs when Late night marshalled ranks the customers start coming out. For instance, on Friday 5 February, Novikov Location Days Hours and file told Russell it had 1,000 customers booked and so was expecting a very Beckenham, High Fridays and 22:30 – 02:30 busy night. ‘We knew we would have a Street (outside M&S) Saturdays constant stream of work, so informed in a very good mood and we moved taxi drivers who would use the rank the drivers that taxis would be moving Bromley town centre, Saturdays 22:30 – 02:30 Late night taxi ranks help keep the public safe a hell of a lot of people in taxis.’ so people coming out of Novikov on and off the rank pretty quickly. Market Square Four years on and Russell now could step straight into a cab. Now we We’re helping the drivers by letting Charing Cross Road Saturdays 22:30 – 02:30 and taxi marshals make sure they run smoothly marshals at Novikov restaurant and coordinate with the club and its valet them know there is work and that helps bar in Berkeley Street. Both Novikov parking system and the people using us as well because with more taxis City of London – Thursdays, Above left: the late n the run up to the 2012 London Olympics. I got talking with the guys and the Forge at Cornhill were added the club and the rank know what we coming on to the rank we don’t get a Liverpool Street Fridays and 22:00 – 02:00 night taxi rank outside Olympics the spotlight was firmly to find out what they actually did to the late night marshalling roster are there for. We’re there to help them.’ build up of passengers waiting. Station Saturdays Novikov; Middle: Russell on the Capital’s transport services and asked if they were recruiting.’ last November as a result of The marshals always work in pairs, ‘I like marshalling because it’s Varney keeping order; Wednesdays, and for cabbie Russell Varney – Luckily they were and so Russell intelligence from Operation Neon. wearing hi vis jackets and employing just a different side of the trade from Kingston town centre, Right: a marshal helps I Fridays and 22:30 – 02:30 a driver for 23 years − it opened his started marshalling at Paddington At Novikov there was initially a polite, friendly yet firm manner driving. You try to keep the queue a customer Clarence Street eyes to a new job opportunity. and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park a big issue with cars parking up with drivers and the public. ‘We are in some sort of order and you get to Saturdays He explains: ‘As a driver I work during the Games. ‘That was very, very on the rank but Russell says the concerned with any issue of over- talk to lots of different people and Old Street, Shoreditch Saturdays 23:00 – 03:00 Paddington quite a lot and the rank busy at peak times,’ he recalls. ‘The arrangements are now working very ranking or just plain congestion at give them advice. Some will ask there was marshalled during the atmosphere was great; people were well. ‘It’s quite glamorous and high the club with people picking up and where to go or how much I think it is Regent Street profile round there with lots of taxi dropping off,’ Russell explains. ‘We going to cost them to get home. I look (Swallow Street Fridays 22:30 – 02:30 users but also lots of people turning will advise private hire vehicles that out for vulnerable customers and /Heddon Street) up in expensive sports cars such as they can’t stop there and I’ve never stand with them making sure other Ferraris and Bentleys. encountered anything really bad, people don’t push in. Cornhill (The Forge) Thursdays 22:30 – 02:30 ‘The rank is actually parking bays maybe a few words now and then. ‘To be a marshal you have to have a and Fridays We get lots of famous pop stars and faces before 18:30 and that was causing ‘The customers are a pretty well bit of a thick skin, be patient and listen a lot of confusion with people leaving behaved bunch because they tend to to what people are saying, and keep Berkeley Street Fridays and (Novikov) Saturdays 22:00 – 03:00 from the TV at Novikov – the other week we their cars there. We were brought in go to the club later and it’s expensive; calm. At the end of the day that’s what to encourage them to park elsewhere that’s slighty different from the clubs we are there for – to get people home Dalston (Birthdays) Saturdays 23:00 – 03:00 had racing driver Jenson Button. and to build up a good following of in the city which tend to open much safely and help drivers get the work.’ 18 FEATURE DBS CHECKS DBS CHECKS FEATURE 19 Getting back on the ro ad

Collaborative working is helping to reduce the backlog of DBS checks

Long-term solution

With the measures that have been put in place, it is clear to see improvements have been made. However, some drivers are concerned they will incur the same problem when they come to renew in three years time. Because of this, TfL is encouraging licensed drivers to sign up to the DBS online subscription service, which allows you to keep your DBS certificates up to date. It avoids the need for drivers to make a separate he positive message from the Disclosure provide authorisation to drivers who meet strict application for an enhanced disclosure when and Barring Service (DBS) and the requirements to continue to work while their they apply to renew their licence, and means Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is DBS disclosure is outstanding. Authorisation employers can check a certificate online, with ‘slowly but surely, we’re getting there’ as is issued to the driver on a rolling fortnightly 7 the driver’s consent. This would only be required Tthey tackle the backlog for criminal records checks. basis until their DBS disclosure is issued. where changes have been made to the disclosure. The enhanced DBS checks – which are Currently, 55 taxi and private hire drivers are 60 The DBS update service costs £13 a year, necessary for employment in many sectors – have working with a temporary measure and a total which is slightly cheaper than applying for faced significant delays in the last 12 months of 347 temporary measures have been issued. a new disclosure every three years. owing to a strain on police resources. The team continues to review all applications While not a service provided by TfL, Graham The backlog has left some taxi and private hire close to expiry to ensure the only outstanding Robinson confirmed that he sees it as the long- drivers and other professionals unable to work. information is the DBS disclosure. term solution for drivers avoiding problems with This has been caused by a build up of more than Graham Robinson, TPH’s head of licensing, their application in the future. 20 vacancies in the MPS’ 100-strong team and says the team is now focusing on applications ‘By signing up to the DBS Update Service we an office relocation. where the driver’s licence is due to expire in two will be able to check whether any changes have In order to apply for a licence with TfL, drivers months. ‘We are doing everything we possibly been made since the last disclosure was issued. If need to present a DVLA driving licence and be can to ensure the enhanced DBS checks are no changes are made we will be able to process the in receipt of a completed enhanced DBS check. processed as quickly as possible,’ he says. driver’s taxi or private hire renewal application With no access to criminal records data itself, TfL DBS director for operations (disclosure) more quickly – saving a lot of time and effort for relies on these checks to determine the suitability Ian Johnston, said: ‘We continue to be open the driver, as well as removing any concern that of an applicant to be licensed. As with the DVLA, and transparent with our network of registered they won’t get a licensing decision on time.’ the DBS system is run by a completely separate bodies and the public about the delays within  government department. MPS, and continue to provide updates on the situation via our website. For more information, or to sign up, go to the Getting there ‘Although this is clearly a matter for the DBS website: www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service MPS to resolve, we are working closely at While the delays have not been caused by TfL, a senior level to help them deliver on their the Mayor and TfL recognised the impact it was recovery plan and achieve their target having on taxi and private hire drivers when turnaround times as quickly as possible.’ renewing their licences. After discussion with the MPS, a series of measures were put in place to We understand address the issue and are having a positive impact: Training and What is a DBS check? the impact for From September 2015, TfL has had seven support staff staff members seconded temporarily to the customers and MPS team to help speed up the application DBS checks are run by the Home Office. process for existing taxi and private hire An enhanced DBS check searches the this issue is a main drivers. Having this team working directly with driver’s details against criminal records priority for DBS. the MPS has allowed TfL to ensure the high and other sources such as the Police priority cases, those where existing drivers are National Computer, to reveal convictions, out of work, are processed first We’re working very cautions, reprimands or warnings. At the MPS, more than 60 extra staff have closely with the been recruited and trained and additional Previously referred to as an enhanced evening shifts introduced CRB check, it is needed by taxi and private MPS to help them hire drivers and applicants before they The DBS has also provided staff to support apply for their new or renewal licence. improve performance training and helped the MPS to plan its extra shifts and weekend working  and support their Drivers can apply for the check online To help drivers further, in November TfL at www.onlinedisclosures.co.uk/ recovery began to issue temporary measures. These Ian Johnston, DBS director for operations (disclosure) 20 PORTRAIT ANAND NANDHA ANAND NANDHA PORTRAIT 21

hanks to stints in bus enforcement, take a problem-solving approach involving other revenue protection and TPH licensing, agencies where needed. We also need to deal with Compliance Anand − who took up his new post in late the everyday issues. So we’re developing how we February − knows his way around TfL. gather and use it. We want to bring in intelligence results THe’s joining compliance at a very busy time as his to be more effective.’ Since the launch team expands to deal with the increasing number Although he has only been in position for of Operation of private hire vehicles on London’s roads. He is in a matter of weeks, Anand is well aware of Neon in May the process of doubling the number of compliance how taxi and private hire drivers think the last year, there officers ‘out there on the streets’ – and is taking a compliance unit should be operating. ‘There’s different approach to how they use the intelligence a high expectation from the trade – they want have been they get from sources across the Capital. us to have as many officers as we can on the 93 operations. ‘The demands have increased – the number streets, making as many checks as we can, to These have of drivers has gone up significantly and we’re crack down on illegal activity,’ he says. resulted in: responding to that,’ he explains. ‘We’re going through the recruitment process now. Some of those new staff have already started and more We are in the process 7,531 will be phased in over the next few weeks. private hire ‘Our compliance officers go through a of doubling the number drivers being vetting process and then four weeks of training. advised to move We should soon double the numbers with of compliance officers on, and keep 82 officers across London, or at least be very roads clear close to that figure.’ for taxis and With more officers the team will be providing ‘I want to be in a position where we can round the clock coverage for routine maximise the effectiveness and productivity of booked private compliance checking. All the new officers, our officers but also carry on developing the good hire vehicles along with the existing team, will go through work already done in prevention by educating the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, the public and licence holders. I want to make giving them a range of additional powers, sure we’re making the most of our resources. My 395 including the power to stop vehicles. team is part of more than 400 enforcement and being reported If those new officers are to be at their most on-street operational officers and I see compliance for not having effective, they are going to need high-grade and enforcement as a shared responsibility with intelligence. Anand explains that TfL receives a all our partners and stakeholders. I want to be their ID and lot of information from the trade and customers able to provide a good service for the trade but stopped from and it is important to filter and analyse this so the also to address some of the important issues that working for team can concentrate on real risks to public safety. impact on public safety. I am keen on equipping the rest of ‘We need to be in a position where we can look our officers with the right tools and knowledge so the evening through that information, identify priorities, customers are safe and the legitimate, law-abiding deploy resources to important locations and trades can continue to thrive.’ Double 4,435 being reported for not wearing time their ID Anand Nandha at TfL 64 being reported After more than a decade at TfL, January 2014 – June 2012 – January 2014 November 2005 for plying for February 2016 – June 2012 hire offences

new head of the TPH compliance Head of bus Initially, head Anand took Operations unit Anand Nandha brings a wealth enforcement, of licensing at on extra manager for 960 leading the team TPH, overseeing responsibilities the revenue being reported of experience to the job. And it’s that tackled fare licensing for all from April 2013 protection for parking on evasion on the London taxi as head of department, taxi ranks a role with growing responsibility… bus network and private hire business services responsible vehicles, drivers and development for 285 revenue and operators at TPH inspectors across the London 1,964 parking tickets bus network being issued SPRING HAS SPRUNG COMMENT 23 April showers bring May flowers

As we bid winter farewell, Ian Beetlestone feels the spring in his step from the light, sunnier days

Top five spring spots Hackney City Farm Where better to ring in the spring but surrounded by newborn lambs? Kew Gardens Kew is a pretty extraordinary place any time of the year but a visit in spring makes perfect sense, with plant life firing up all over the place. The White Cross Spring is the first opportunity in the year to spend iny daffodils in my tiny garden. weather affects the cab trade. Many – most some quality time in Birdsong in Barnsbury (where my tiny outsiders, certainly – tend to assume that we a pub beer garden. garden is). Pub hanging baskets in like it when it rains, but I think the sun is better. That of the White bloom. That beautiful promise brought When it rains people stay indoors; I want them Cross at Richmond Tby the lengthening of the evenings and the out on the street in the first place if I want them is right by the Thames warming of the rays of the sun. Spring is surely the to jump in my cab. The sun brings them out in season of optimism. droves and it puts them in a good mood, which and becomes marooned As a cabbie who usually works an afternoon- means they’re more likely to treat themselves at high tide, so you have no to-just-after-midnight shift, it is lovely to get that and spontaneously stick their arms out. option but to stay a while. bit more daylight to drive around in, the longer But if, on the other hand, you’re of the school Chelsea Physic Garden dusk, and to know that when the night does that believes rain is the cabbie’s friend (really, come you’re not so far off a study should be done A tiny, less famous alternative being finished. Spring is really to settle this once and to Kew, specialising And of course, it for all), in spring you in edible and means that officially get your April showers. medicinal plants the Kipper is over. Those when London itself It’s the perfect long, dark, cold, slow compromise for this tucked away behind a months of January and wakes up for the year debate – that lovely, wall off Royal Hospital February behind us, the warm, teasing sun Road. A real hidden Easter weekend gone, the slow build up through brings them out on to the street, and then those oasis of tranquillity. the year finally getting under way. Yes it’s helpfully complicit little showers come along true the Kipper seems longer every year, and put them in our cabs. It’s a theory, at least. Hyde Park but nonetheless, things do pick up, and the Spring is the time London finally wakes up Really, where else to hang Game isn’t quite dead yet, is it? from its winter slumber, rubs its bleary eyes out in spring but There’s still a promise to spring. Come to think and starts moving again. And when London is London’s playground of it, spring is really when London itself wakes moving, hopefully, so are its taxis. for generation upon up for the year. It’s funny to think of a great,  sprawling metropolis of concrete, stone and steel generation? Boating, being as in tune with the seasons as a dainty You say horse-riding, cycling, daffodil or a gambolling little lamb. When do you pick up more fares – rain or shine? ice-cream and acres

Flickr / Jim Linwood There seems to be some debate on how the Email us at [email protected] and acres of green grass. 24 FEATURE TWITTER FEED FAQS TWITTER FEED FAQS FEATURE 25

What happens to all our Is it legal for a PHV E-cigs? Never saw the memo compliance complaints? rear window to be so about e-cigs in taxis Tweet darkly tinted that you can’t read disc? me right GIF Tweet GIF Tweet GIF Tweet

The TPH Twitter feed gets Answer Answer Answer Your reports of illegal activity are vital for us to There are no rules for tinting the Smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed in taxis more than 600 tweets deploy our resources effectively. There are two rear windscreen or rear passenger and private hire vehicles at any time. Licensed a day, many of them asking main ways to report illegal taxi and private hire- windows of a PHV. However, there are vehicles must display no smoking signs. related activity to TfL: using the web form (tfl.gov. for tinted front windscreens and front the same questions. So here uk/tph-report) or on the @TfLTPH Twitter feed. side windows. The Health Act 2006 allows TfL to prohibit smoking on all forms of public transport. are the most common Twitter Either way, the minimum information we require is You can check the tint levels the nature of the offence, date, time, location and for PHVs at www.gov.uk/ A TPH notice reminding licensed drivers queries and the responses vehicle registration number. You can also attach tinted-vehicle-window-rules about smoking rules, and prohibiting e-cigs a picture or film if you’re using the Twitter feed. and vaping in taxi and private hire vehicles, MOSO IMAGE Shutterstock.com MOSO IMAGE Vehicles must let at least 75 per cent was issued in December last year. It said: These are the types of reports that are useful of light through the front windscreen ‘Through discussions with taxi and private for us to receive: and at least 70 per cent of light hire trade representatives we have been made Black minicab just drove down Why do I never see any of What does TfL do with through the front side windows. aware of concerns that private hire drivers are Green Lanes the wrong way over your compliance officers out consultations once Touting or unlawful plying for hire smoking in licensed vehicles. a pedestrian crossing to turn right. in the street? they’re completed? Vintage vehicles (first used before Unlicensed vehicles accepting bookings 1 April 1985) must let at least 70 per ‘It is against the law to smoke in virtually all cent of light through both the front enclosed public places, workplaces and public Accessibility complaints including refusal windscreen and the front side windows. and work vehicles. This means that smoking is GIF Tweet GIF Tweet GIF Tweet to pick up assistance dogs/wheelchairs not allowed by anyone in a private hire vehicle Driving a vehicle with the windscreen (or taxi) at any time. This includes the driver, even Damaged, missing or fake identifiers or front side windows excessively if the vehicle is not being used for hire and reward (taxi or private hire) tinted may invalidate your insurance at that time. Licensed private hire and taxi vehicles Answer Answer Answer because it is likely to be deemed illegal. are also required to display no smoking signage. Illegal advertising/signage on or in a vehicle If you see any illegal or anti-social driving Our compliance officers are deployed We always consider feedback during TfL recognises it is not always possible to ‘Drivers or passengers found to be smoking you can report it at The Roadsafelondon across London to areas known for illegal the decision-making process. We Misuse of ranks see signage through tints and is viewing in a licensed private hire or taxi vehicle may Internet page secure.met.police.uk/ taxi and private hire activity. We identify review and analyse the responses to signage options which, if implemented, be subject to a fixed penalty notice of £50, roadsafelondon/. You will need to provide these ‘hotspots’ by gathering intelligence all our consultations to see whether Misuse of the words taxi or cab in private hire would take this into account. or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and the following information: from many sources (including Twitter) any changes should be made and advertising (Section 31 offence) convicted by a court.’ and then run a mixture of high-visibility how best to respond to the issues Too much tint on a windscreen or front The date, time and location of the incident and plain clothes operations, so there commonly raised. We then produce Poor vehicle condition (including as a result side windows will be picked up during E-cigarettes will be times when we are on the street a report summarising the results and of a road traffic incident) a vehicle inspection resulting in: The registration number, colour and make but you won’t know we are there. setting out our planned response. ‘We have also been asked to clarify the position of the vehicle involved Drivers smoking or vaping in a licensed vehicle A ‘prohibition notice’ stopping the regarding electronic cigarettes. The TfL no- We are currently recruiting additional Over the years, many schemes have driver from using their vehicle until smoking policy includes e-cigarettes and Any driver details (if you know them) compliance officers in order to step up been substantially changed as a Reports are used by TfL’s enforcement and they have the extra tint removed vapes which have been prohibited on all rail, our activity, so you will see more of us on result of consultation. We made major on-street operations to determine the activities Underground and bus services. This has also been The nature of the incident you witnessed London’s roads in the very near future. changes to the original East-West Cycle of compliance officers. We will investigate the A penalty notice or court summons extended to include taxi and private hire services.’ Superhighway proposals to reduce reports received and deploy officers to places Your contact details You can read more about the changes the impact on traffic and responses where problems have been observed. If the report to the compliance team and how to last spring’s consultation on the is against a licence holder, a note will be made on Remember that if you take photos or film from a deployment areas are determined in Private Hire Regulations led to more their record and will be taken into consideration handheld device, such as a phone or a camera, you our interview with Anand Nandha, the detailed proposals and a consultation when their licence is up for review. In some cases, must be safely parked or out of your vehicle first. new head of compliance, on page 20. last autumn. Recent consultations on if the report is sufficiently detailed and conclusive, The TfL no-smoking policy includes the Suburban Taxi Action Plan and we may be able to take action purely on the basis taxi tariffs have also led to revisions or of information submitted and issue a sanction. e-cigarettes and vapes which additions to original proposals. Road traffic offences and serious allegations have been prohibited on all rail, Final plans also take into account such as assault (including sexual or racially Remember that if you take photos or film from a relevant financial, legal, safety and motivated assault) should always be referred Underground and bus services. equality issues. Some decisions, such to the police in the first instance. They will notify handheld device, such as a phone or a camera, you as highway changes, also depend on us if a licensed driver is involved so that we can This has also been extended to must be safely parked or out of your vehicle first decisions made by London boroughs. take appropriate action. include taxi and private hire services 26 FEATURE LONDON TAXI COMPANY LONDON TAXI COMPANY FEATURE 27

Left: At the London Taxi Company premises in Brewery Road, London London taxis through the ages

Austin FX3 Produced between 1948 1948 – 1959

hey’ve rehoused the newts, the diggers have moved in LTC by and the builders are hard 1959 numbers Austin FX4 Generation at work. The new £300m Produced Tproduction plant for London Taxi between Company’s next generation of black 20,000 1959 – 1989 cabs is on its way. estimated London’s next- The first of the company’s zero number of emission capable (ZEC) taxis – LTC cabs on ZEC currently named the TX5 – are generation black expected to emerge towards the end the streets of next year and will be one of the of London taxis are just most environmentally friendly cabs on every day the Capital’s streets. around the corner Appropriately too they will be built in an environmentally friendly factory. 2,000 The facilities now under construction, approximate on a greenfield site on the outskirts of number of Coventry, will boast some of the latest ‘green’ technology. cabs built each Waste heat from manufacturing will year by LTC be used to warm the air and provide hot water. Rainwater will be collected for use in the toilets, and electricity 36,000 will be generated by 850 square metres expected annual of solar panels. output of cabs And it goes without saying that FX4 Fairway a factory producing electric and (for the world Produced low emission vehicles will have its market, not between own electric vehicle charging points just London) 1989 1989 – 1997 – 20 of them. from LTC’s new As for the 493 newts who were manufacturing there first and might have claimed facility squatters’ rights, they were gently TX1 removed and re-sited in friendlier Produced environs away from the trucks and between diggers, allowing work to begin after 1,500 1997 – 2002 a slight delay last August. approximate 1997 Oddly perhaps, given the company’s number of jobs name and long association with expected to be London’s black cabs, Coventry has been created by the TXII Produced its manufacturing home for almost new factory, between 70 years. When the new facilities are including up to completed and production of the new 2002 – 2007 500 in the local 2002 model begins next year, the old factory across town in Holyhead Road, home of supply chain the iconic TX4, will close. Peter Johansen, CEO of The London Taxi Company, said: ‘At £300m this is the single largest investment ever seen in the licensed taxi trade. It will not only 2007 TX4 enable us to build the new TX5, but to do Produced so in a new state-of-the-art factory that from 2007 to will secure British jobs for the future the present and create a great many more. This investment includes £50m to establish a research and development centre of excellence for advanced hybrid-electric TX5 powertrains and lightweight body Produced structures. The facility will help us to from end of deliver ongoing improvements to our 2017 2017 onwards

TX1 image: Bikeworldtravel Shutterstock.com TX1 image: Bikeworldtravel products into the future.’ Spacing on timeline above is not to scale. 28 FEATURE THE LONDON TAXI COMPANY HOW DO I? FEATURE 29 We’ll show you how

Don’t panic if you need to book a vehicle inspection or report an identifier as lost or missing. Here’s OnRoute’s list of contacts and advice covering everything you need to know to do your job effectively and legally

Top tips for ranks Line of enquiry Passenger comments

You can report taxi ranks with You need to have your badge or Know a passenger who wants to missing, damaged or incorrect photo ID, taxi driver identifiers comment on a taxi or private hire signage by contacting TPH: and licence with you at all times experience? Use the hotline. in order to work. If any of these are Email tphranksinterchange lost, stolen or damaged, you must Call 0343 222 4000 (between @tfl.gov.uk inform TPH immediately. 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday)

Also, if you’ve got an idea for a new taxi Taxi drivers Go to tfl.gov.uk/tph-comments rank, send TPH a photo of the location If you are a licensed taxi driver and with all relevant information including have lost your brass badge you can what the rank would serve (such as call TPH to request a replacement. a nightclub or hotel) and if it is on a Stolen badges should be reported to Licence checker red route, a borough road or private the police and you will be given a crime property. We will consider if it is a reference number. Because it is made The TfL website has its own dedicated feasible location for a rank and if so, we of brass, the replacement badge fee licence checker page where you will liaise with the relevant authorities is £15. TPH will update your licences can check private hire driver, vehicle to push for a rank on your behalf. with your new badge number and your and operator licences. replacement badge and licences will Email [email protected] be sent to you by recorded delivery. Go to tfl.gov.uk/licencechecker

Call 0343 222 4444 It’s a stick up Private hire drivers Crime busting You can call us if you have lost your Do you need a new information sticker private hire driver photo ID or licence. If you spot anything illegal going for the passenger compartment of your TPH will arrange for a replacement to on, such as touting, then please use taxi? Contact TPH at: be issued to you as soon as possible. the form that can be found at:

Cab of the future The new LTC Email [email protected] Call 0343 222 4444 Go to tfl.gov.uk/tph-report production plant at Ansty Park, Coventry Sent to Coventry In design terms the TX5 bears Please provide as much information something of the look – ‘captures the as possible about the incident or issue. spirit’, in the company’s words – of its Based in the car-making heart of will also accommodate LTC’s At your service Knowledge bank It’s important to note the licence plate predecessor. But while it retains some the West Midlands for nearly 70 research and development centre number, date, time and location of recognisable styling features, all of its years, the London Taxi Company – currently based at Geely’s If you’d like to speak to one of TPH’s For any enquiries about the the offence. A picture of the vehicle 2,000 components have been designed has a long history of producing design centre in Barcelona – and counter staff face-to-face at the counter Knowledge of London, including would also be helpful, but please only from the ground up, the company says. purpose-built cabs designed additional technical facilities. service at 230 Blackfriars Road, you how to change a Knowledge take them if you are safely parked or The TX5 can take six passengers. to meet London’s exacting There will also be 6,000 square can book an appointment by calling: appointment or to apply to study outside of your vehicle. Alternatively, It has a lightweight aluminium body, Conditions of Fitness standards. metres of office space. for an All London licence or a new you can contact the compliance team: composite panelling and a panoramic Call 0343 222 4444 suburban sector, please contact: glass roof. Passenger doors are rear- LTC was taken over by Chinese Alongside the new TX5 the plant Tweet @Tf LTPH hinged for easier access and there is auto manufacturer Geely for £11.4m will also work on nine potential Email [email protected] space for a forward-facing wheelchair If you are reporting a specific crime as well as more driver leg-room. It is in February 2013 and is now a wholly product variants, including light Under inspection Call 0343 222 4444 or require a real-time response, also equipped with WiFi capability owned subsidiary, with a dealership commercial vehicles, the company you should contact the Metropolitan and provides charging points for in London and centres in Coventry, says. Following its UK introduction Need to book a vehicle inspection Police Service direct: drivers and passengers. Manchester and Edinburgh. at the end of 2017, the TX5 is or have any questions about what The new TX5 has two power sources, expected to be launched across paperwork to take with you? Call 0300 123 1212 (24 hour) enabling drivers to switch from petrol Its new plant (31,000 square international markets in 2018. to battery when in central London. metre premises at Ansty Park) Call 0343 222 5555 In an emergency, call 999 The newts would surely approve. 30 LETTERS CALENDAR EVENTS 31

Email us at [email protected]. We will print a selection of emails Letters every issue – and there’s a £20 Amazon voucher on offer for the best. Calendar

Top marks Star letter I am a Licensed Taxi Driver (Green Card readers in cabs Badge) and just wanted to commend you on an excellent publication. I have just read the latest issue of Who is paying to have these machines fitted into black cabs? The driver, I suppose! OnRoute magazine and as always, found it to be a very interesting James Roach via email and informative read. On 3 February the TfL Board agreed that demand, in accordance with our Electronic David Marron via email all taxi drivers must accept credit and debit Payment Guidance. We are reviewing card payments, including contactless, this policy and considering whether this with effect from 3 October 2016. It is the requirement remains necessary. driver’s responsibility to ensure their passengers will be able to pay by card and In the coming weeks, when you book your Plain English that their taxi has a TfL approved card taxi for an annual inspection you may be Will the new English and geography payment device fixed in the passenger asked some additional questions about tests apply to all private hire drivers what, if any, card payment systems you or just the new ones? Will all private compartment. TPH understands there will hire drivers have an enhanced be additional costs for those drivers who already use. This information is being gathered so we can establish what Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) do not currently accept card payments, check under the new legislation? which is why we have increased the taxi additional support is required closer to meter flagfall for all taxi journeys by 20p. the date the mandate comes into effect. D. J. Lawler We recognise that for some drivers this We are working closely with a range Re the English language and of card payment system providers represents a big change; we will work topographical test: we are working to ensure their systems meet the new with you over the coming months to make on an implementation plan and the requirements in good time for the the transition as smooth as possible. tests will apply to all new private hire April May transition. If you are currently accepting We will provide updates on our website driver applicants. Consideration will card payments, you need to ensure the also be given to the appropriate level 8 April 14 April 20 April 27 April 2 May Harlequins vs 14 May tfl.gov.uk/tph and in our weekly email of testing for existing licensees. system you use will continue to comply to licensees. You can also contact Leon Bridges Disney on Ice, Hollywood Kew Lates, The London Exeter Chiefs SSE Women’s with the new requirements. Just like taxi drivers, private hire drivers concert, Wembley Arena Undead concert, Kew Garden Wine Fair 2016, Rugby match, FA Cup, final, us by email at [email protected] The Stoop or call us on 0343 222 4444. already have an enhanced DBS check. Brixton Academy (until 17 April) Brixton Academy (until 28 April) Olympia Wembley Stadium Currently, taxi drivers who accept card There are no plans to change this. (until 6 May) payments must offer a printed receipt on Helen Chapman, general manager, TPH Years & Years The Cake Show, RFU Cup Finals, The Sessions Helen Chapman, general manager, TPH concert, Alexandra Palace 23 April 28 April London Gospel Twickenham at Abbey Wembley Arena (until 17 April) Emirates FA Cup, Hillsong Colour Festival, Road concert, semi final, Conference, Kennington Park 9 May Wembley Arena From our Twitter feed Festival of Life, Wembley Stadium Wembley Arena (and 15 May) ExCeL Arena 15 April (until 30 April) European Jack Garratt The Legend of 3 May Swimming, Diving Moonwalk We say… You say… concert, Zelda symphony Mind, Body Spirit Elevate 2016, and Synchronised 2016, Clapham 9 April Brixton Academy of the goddess, Festival 2016, Olympia Swimming Common Please ensure you declare If you are renewing your to refuse or overcharge And another arrest from Vaisakhi, Wembley Arena Olympia (until 5 May) Championships, (and 15 May) all names, including middle licence online, please a passenger with an #CabsUnit this time in Sikh New Year, (until 1 May) Queen Elizabeth names, when applying ensure that you complete assistance dog @MPSWestminster licensed City Hall 16 April Olympic Park The Anti Aging for your disclosure a renewal application, PHV Driver arrested for 24 April 7 May (until 21 May) Show 2016, certificate and check all not a new one, as many Save time, money Touting @TfLTPH European Rugby  Cup Semi Finals, Emirates FA Cup, 29 April BBL, O2 Arena Olympia your details are correct are making this error and avoid delays when 11 April (and 15 May) renewing your licence Road&TransportMPS Twickenham semi final, UB40, O2 Arena (and 8 May) 11 May Muse concert, (and 17 April) Wembley Stadium Don’t forget vehicles over UK law says that there by signing up to the @MPSRTPC 02 Arena Harlem Busted concert, Mass 12 months old require a are no religious grounds DBS Update Service (until 15 April) Saracens vs Harlem 30 April Globetrotters Wembley Arena participation six monthly MOT which would allow a driver Harlequins Globetrotters Dixie Chicks Basketball game, event on South Lawn, Queen Rugby match, Basketball game, concert, O2 Wembley Arena 13 May 12 April Wembley O2 Arena Arena (and 1 May) Elizabeth The London Stadium Bryan Adams Sarah Millican, Olympic Park, Book Fair 2016, Virgin Money Army vs Navy concert, Hammersmith Stratford Where would Where would Where would Where would Where would Olympia London Marathon, Rugby match, O2 Arena Apollo (until 17 May) 1 I find the 2 I find the 3 I find the 4 I find the 5 I find the (until 14 April) Central London Twickenham (and 14 May) James concert, Chinese French Russian Jamaican High Japanese 21 May Embassy Embassy Embassy Commission Embassy Saracens Brixton Academy in London? in London? in London? in London? in London? vs Newcastle Emirate’s Rugby match, FA Cup, final,

Where am I? Allianz Park Wembley Stadium

5 4 3 2 1 Piccadilly W1 Piccadilly SW7; Rd Concert Prince W8; Gardens Palace Kensington SW1; Gate. Albert W1; Place Portland A guide to assistance dogs Guide Dogs e ear for private hire drivers harnesses ith assengers ith assistance dogs use private hire fluorescent stripes services to make their a around the Capital uide dogs are for oung In the there are more than 000 active orking people and adults ho are dogs ssistance dogs are our passengers too blind or partiall sighted

Hearing Dogs for Dog AID Deaf People (Assistance in e ear disability) ackets e ear ackets earing dogs are for adults Dog ID dogs are for and children ith hearing phsicall disabled adults impairments

Canine Partners Dogs for Good e ear ackets e ear ackets Canine artners assistance Dogs for ood assistance dogs are for phsicall dogs are for people ith disabled adults phsical disabilities or children ith autism

Support Dogs Medical e ear ackets Detection Dogs ssistance dogs for e ear ackets phsicall disabled adults edical detection dogs are seiure alert dogs for for adults and children ith people ith epileps and comple health conditions autism assistance dogs for children ith autism

Did you know it is against the law to refuse or charge a passenger more because they have an assistance dog? Taxi drivers or private hire drivers and operators doing so could risk losing their licence or facing a fine.