LTDA Goes Council to Council for Driver Grants 2

The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association

LTDA TEAM UPDATES

Pages 5-12 The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association NHS LOOKS TO CABBIES FOR www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA HELP Page 3 #473 FEATURE: PAGE 22 & 23 28 July 2020 TAXI QUIZZES AUTHOR OF NEW LONDON CABBIE’S QUIZ BOOK! EXCLUSIVE:TAXI TALKS WITH

WWII HERO Pages 22-23 www.ltda.co.uk 19th January 2021#484

LOCKDOWN 3.0 LTDA goes council to council for driver grants 2

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Contents & News

SAD DEATH OF FORMER TAXI TFL TAXI CARD TO MAKE CHARGING CHEAPER Inside... EDITOR AND VALUED COLLEAGUE Cabbies wanting to charge ZEC taxis, can now park in It is with great selected Q-Park car parks for just £2 for the first hour, using 19:01:21 sadness that the new TfL Taxi Card. The new cards can be purchased for TAXI reports the £15 (Excl. VAT) and will mean that taxi drivers pay a much 3 | News recent death, lower rate to park whilst charging their vehicles. at 83 years, of 5 | Steve McNamara former editor The new TfL Taxi Cards can be used at the following Dave Barnes. Q-Park car parks: 6 | Anthony Street Dave was a licensed driver n Tower Bridge 8 | Paul Brennan and long-term n Park Lane member of the n Surrey Street 11 | Lloyd Baldwin LTDA. He edited n Pimlico this paper for n Westminster 12 | Sam Houston several years n St Johns Wood during the n Chinatown 14 | LTDA Feature eighties and n Harley Street was also an n Oxford Street 15 | Wim Faber active LTDA n Soho Dave at work 16 | Steve Kenton Committee Member. He will be remembered particularly Cards can be purchased on the Q-Parks website here: 18 | Rob Lordan for his outgoing character and biting sense of www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/tfl-taxi-cards/ humour, which he often aired in his editorial Drivers who currently hold a Q-Park card, issued by TfL, 20 | Phil Brown column. Dave leaves a son, daughter and can continue to use their existing card and will receive the four grandchildren. same discount. 22 | Exclusive: Taxi Charity

24 | Chris Ackrill NHS LOOKING FOR CABBIES WILLING 27 | Puzzler TO HELP 29 | Al Fresco With the NHS under CONTACTING TFL DURING enormous pressure 30 | Musher Meg once more, as Covid-19 LOCKDOWN Puzzler answers infection rates reach TfL are encouraging those needing to unseen levels, a number reach the TPH Licensing Team to do so 3 of NHS hospitals are by email, as they have limited access to LTDA Taxi House 133 Great Suffolk Street, looking at ways taxi phone lines. They have provided the SE1 2PP drivers could help them following list of email addresses to use T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA to reach patients and with depending on the nature of the enquiry Editor deliveries and logistics, and ask that anyone contacting them Katie Combes both on a voluntary and includes their application or licence E: [email protected] paid basis. number in the subject field of the email. Commissioning Editor Nick Hartop The Whittington Hospital in North London are looking for They ask that people only use the E: [email protected] local drivers as volunteers to help with collection and delivery relevant email address and do not send Produced by of PPE and medicine to their community sites, mainly in emails to multiple addresses so they can Century One Publishing Ltd Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road Islington and Haringey. resolve enquiries as quickly as possible. St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 It will be a voluntary role, but they can cover expenses E: [email protected] including mileage and lunch. They can also offer Covid n Medical information – If you have www.centuryone.uk vaccinations for volunteers and will issue self-testing kits to been asked to provide any medical Advertising Sales Executive Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 ensure they are safe to volunteer. information contact E: [email protected] They are looking for cabbies who might be interested to sign [email protected] Creative Director up as volunteers. You will then be put in a pool and contacted n Driver renewal application enquiries Peter Davies as and when they need help, with shifts and timings to be – To ask a question about your renewal Designer & Advert Coordinator confirmed. If you live in or routinely work in that area and application contact Caitlyn Hobbs might be interested you can send an expression of interest to [email protected] Printed by Manson Group, St Albans [email protected]. n Online driver renewal assistance – For help with your online driver Published on behalf of the LTDA by renewal application contact [email protected] and include a telephone number within your email so they can contact you. n Change of address for drivers –

Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, Contact [email protected] and Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG allow 10 working days for the receipt of your updated licence n All rights reserved. No part Notification of any change in personal of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a circumstances – Including medical retrieval system or transmitted by any means electronic, health, convictions, cautions or charges mechanical or by photocopy- ing without prior permission contact [email protected] of the publishers. The views n and opinions expressed in Vehicle licensing queries – Contact this publication may not necessarily be those of the publishers. Please note that the last day for [email protected] inclusion of Classified lineage advertisements is five working days prior to n publication. No liability is accepted by the publisher should advertisements Other – Any other type of not appear in the requested issue(s). While the publisher will take every care to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for loss or damage enquiry related to licensing contact resulting from errors. [email protected]

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA General Secretary | Steve McNamara

Pushing for Local Grants and Mobilising the “Army of Taxi Drivers”

“The Government’s response has been to throw money at councils and leave it up to them to actually help people in need…The LTDA is now going council to council...asking them to make grants available to taxi drivers.” would reduce it for the next one.

Steve’s comment The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association However, the LTDA has been calling

The newspaper for clarity on this. We also continue of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ LTDA TEAM UPDATES Association www.ltda.co.uk PAGE 22 & 23 to highlight the need to change the @TheLTDA FEATURE: Pages 5-12 #473 TAXI QUIZZES AUTHOR OF NEW elcome to 2021, 28 July 2020 LONDON CABBIE’S QUIZ BOOK! eligibility criteria to include those NHS LOOKS TO CABBIES FOR which I hope will be www.ltda.co.uk who have been excluded and had no HELP Page 3 19th January 2021#484 the year of the support at all so far. EXCLUSIVE:TAXIPages TALKS 22-23 WITH vaccine, recovery, WWII HERO The Liberal Democrats, the andW better times ahead, although Green Party’s Caroline Lucas MP, I know it’s hard to feel positive, as Labour’s Shadow Chancellor another lockdown was not what Anneliese Dodds and Finance any of us wanted or needed. Let’s Expert, Martin Lewis, have all also hope it’s the last one. been calling for changes to help those self-employed people, who Can your council help? through no fault of their own, are As you know, the LTDA has been not eligible to claim, including lobbying for more dedicated many taxi drivers. There have financial support for the trade been rumours the Chancellor is to deal with the impact of considering taking some kind of Coronavirus since this crisis action in response to this pressure, began. Ten months on and in but nothing so far. lockdown once more, this is now needed more than ever. The Awaiting a verdict Government’s response has been I was hoping to have an update to throw money at councils and on our joint legal challenge of the leave it up to them to actually Mayor's and TfL’s Streetspace Plan help people in need, with little and the Bishopsgate bus gates, but 5 guidance on who or how. at the time of writing we are still Earlier this month, the waiting on the judgement. Chancellor announced National Meanwhile, we continue to make Lockdown Grants to help the has also highlighted this problem the case for taxis to go where buses hospitality, leisure, and non- to Secretary of State for Transport, “This is a huge go and maintain the access to the essential retail sectors. These are Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, on our kerb and closed streets they need to administered by councils and behalf. We’ve also approached the flaw leaving drivers serve passengers. based on business rates, are of Local Government Association, unsure where to turn We’ve also become aware of no use to taxi drivers. However, which represents all councils, to see for support and once a new body called the London the announcement also included if they can help. Streetspace Advisory Group, a £594 million discretionary We are trying to update again falling through established, I believe, by TfL. It fund to support other impacted members as we find out about the cracks…” seems to bring together key groups businesses, on top of £1.1 billion new schemes, but please do keep with an interest in what happens announced before Christmas, checking with your local council on London’s roads. It includes which some councils WILL make whether you can apply for their freight, cyclists, bus operators and available to drivers. ‘Additional Restrictions Grants’ or others, except for taxi drivers that Each council is currently other discretionary schemes, as is. I wonder why? I will be sharing working out what to do with this things are moving quickly and time hadn’t even thought of this, which our displeasure at being excluded money based on local need, so the frames to apply can be short. shows how far down the pecking from yet another TfL ‘scheme’, with LTDA is going council to council order we are! the powers that be. across London and the surrounding London specific support The new Commissioner himself areas that our members live in, I am also due to meet with London did seem to understand the value of An offer of help asking them to ensure taxi drivers Councils, the body which represents the taxi trade, so let’s hope he will Finally we are continuing to urge are eligible for grants. all the London Boroughs to discuss do more to help, and while he is at government to “mobilise the A big problem we’ve found is the need for a London-wide it, stop closing roads to taxis and army of taxi drivers” (as Charles that some councils outside London, approach to providing financial making drivers’ lives more difficult! Walker MP put it, when speaking such as Chelmsford and St Albans, assistance to taxi drivers, which in Parliament) and their purpose- are offering grants to their locally would make things easier! SEISS grants built vehicles, to help with the licensed taxi drivers, however those We are also told the Mayor has A final point on financial support fight against Covid. At a time who live in these areas and hold written to the Chancellor asking is that there is still no official word when work is hard to come by a London licence, are not able to for funding to support TfL licensed on the level of the fourth Self- and drivers are struggling, I have apply. This is a huge flaw leaving drivers, but I’m not hopeful, given Employment Income Support written to the new Minister for many unsure where to turn for the state of that relationship! (SEISS) grant to cover the period Vaccine Deployment, suggesting support and once again falling In a trade meeting with the new February to April. The third grant, they use taxis to transport people through the cracks in a confusing, TfL Commissioner before Christmas, which closes on 29th January is set to vaccination sites. We also poorly thought-out system. We I said TfL should be asking for money at 80% of trading profits. Since we continue to push for taxi drivers to are trying to work with these to help the taxi trade, as part of the are likely to still be in lockdown be prioritised for the vaccine as key councils to come up with a work next round of bailout negotiations until at least the middle of February, workers, once the initial priority around and one council leader with the Government. It seemed they it’s surely inconceivable that they groups are completed. n LTDA

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Executive | Anthony Street Who Has Your Back at a Real Cost of Just Over £3.00 per Week? Part 2

“We will work to protect your licence and your livelihood, whatever happens, and you can focus on getting through the next few months.”

Streets ahead

irstly, let me wish you a Happy New Year. A few months ago, I provided a snapshot of what we do for our members here at the LTDA. As we start a new year, with drivers facing new challenges, I wanted to share some recent examples, showing why being a member is so important and how we can support you. The LTDA has been on hand to assist members, providing all our services, throughout the Covid Fcrisis, including during previous lockdowns and now in lockdown 3.0, whether by personal appointment or a phone call. You might also not be aware of the full range of support the LTDA provides. We take over 450 calls a week from members looking for help with issues that could impact their ability to work or that are causing them concern. This could include medical issues, licensing, PCNs and most recently helping members understand the latest Coronavirus restrictions and support available. In my view, no other taxi trade organisation can rival what we offer. I know it’s really tough out there, but with so much uncertainty, having an up-to-date LTDA subscription can provide much-needed security and reassurance. We will work to protect your licence and your livelihood, whatever happens, and you can focus on getting through the next few months. Below are some stories showing how we go above and beyond and what great value LTDA membership truly is.

Legal matters On Christmas Eve at 4pm a driver arrived at the LTDA, desperately hoping he could speak to someone about a parking ticket that had escalated from £65 to £513. They had appealed the ticket when it was at £65 and received no further communication from the issuing authority. Sometime later a £513 bailiff's letter landed on their door mat, along 6 with an Out of Time Statutory Declaration, which needed to be signed in front of a solicitor and returned to the Court, for them to decide the driver’s fate. The Declaration had three days left to be made, before the Medical worries dreaded bailiffs would come knocking. I recently supported a member who had a pacemaker fitted, who 24/7 legal cover is just one of the many benefits of LTDA was extremely worried it would impact their licence. I assured membership and so, as always, one of our expert in-house solicitors them they could return to work within six weeks on a group two was there to assist. They immediately helped the driver complete all licence. I dealt with the occupational health team within TFL the paperwork and returned it to the Court on their behalf, meaning on their behalf and advised them what they needed to do to be this member could relax and enjoy the festive season. This service, declared fit to return to work. LTDA’s involvement removed all the which solicitors stress and worry, as the member knew we would get them the usually charge a answers they needed and guide them through the process. This fee ranging from kind of support and reassurance is perhaps even more important £10-£20 for, was at the moment, as people are already struggling and worried also completely about the future because of the pandemic. free to a member. As you know there are many legal issues that An honest mistake could threaten your licence and ability Another recent example is a driver who bought a new cab with to support your a private number plate and nine months left on its licence. When family. Drivers can they changed back to the original number plate, the driver didn’t find themselves realise they needed to attend an NSL centre to get a new cab in difficulties all licence that matched the cab’s registration. Instead, they went to too easily and it’s not just things that happen whilst driving your cab, that work and started to receive PCNs for using bus lanes and entering could put your licence at risk. We recently had a member asked to attend a the congestion zone, as the cab was technically not licensed. They police station for an interview on an allegation of Common Assault. They tried to deal with the PCNs themselves, thinking they were issued contacted the LTDA and were referred to our legal department. During mistakenly by TfL. By the time I met with the driver, they had a the ongoing Covid crisis, most solicitors have refused to attend police bundle of tickets totalling thousands of pounds and were having stations for interviews and will only speak with clients over the phone. The sleepless nights, worrying how they would pay them. It took some LTDA legal team believe the best legal representation is always provided time, being pushed around different departments within TFL (I am in person. They attended the police station, discussed the allegations with sure you’ve all been there), but I eventually managed to resolve this officers and advised the client before they proceeded with the formal honest mistake. police interview. Within three hours of leaving the station, the Police The tickets ended up only costing this LTDA member his called our solicitor to say no action would be taken. subscription fee, which works out at just over £3 per week after Being able to access immediate legal advice and representation meant deductions, a bargain by anyone’s reckoning, and a life saver at a this member was able to resolve the matter quickly and clear their name, time when every penny counts! ensuring their licence was not put in jeopardy. Safe to say the member Make sure your subscription is active and you are protected by the was very happy with the service they received! best today! In the meantime, be lucky and stay safe. n LTDA

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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Executive | Paul Brennan Fighting an Uphill Battle “We had to challenge the Streetspace Plan and Bishopsgate scheme to show that their policies of exclusion towards taxis are pushing us towards an unnecessary extinction and negatively impacting our passengers.”

our city moving and promote Top rank recovery once lockdown ends. Local residents, business groups and others, are now seeking to challenge Streetspace schemes irstly, I hope you are in various London Boroughs. all safe and well and Pressure is also mounting for were able to have as greater transparency in the good a festive season, as decision making and proper Fcurrently possible. Since we are consultation. now probably a third of the way Sadly, it seems those in power through another tough lockdown, continue to press on. But is it any it doesn’t feel quite right to wish wonder when we have cycling you a Happy New Year just yet, enthusiasts running the show? because there isn’t currently People like Cycling Commissioner, much that’s happy about it. Will Norman and Deputy Mayor for If we are looking for a small Transport, Heidi Alexander, who glimmer of positivity, I think it’s don’t seem to understand what fair to say we are now much closer London is all about, and apparently to the end than the beginning. one single, solitary complaint (I from taxi users and videos. These cycle ‘the monopoly board’ for fun, assume from a minicab driver) showed how taxi drivers are no whilst under a ‘Stay at Home’ order. Non-story about the ad, which ran on LBC longer able to meet the needs of These aren’t neutral people with If there was ever a clear example – a station with an audience of the elderly, disabled and those unbiased ideas. They live a certain of the uphill struggle we 2.74 million people. Nor did they for whom walking or cycling, are kind of life and think a certain face as a trade in fighting the report that the ASA’s decision was simply not practical, such as those way. It’s like me being in charge 8 ‘establishment’, then it was the based on the fact that, our ad, with luggage – who all require a and doing exactly what I want, to media’s response to the first day amongst many other points, said door-to-door service. create my perfect city. You know of the joint LTDA and UTAG passengers were two metres apart These are all issues that I have full well what would happen if that court case, back in November. from the driver. This is correct in been writing about in this very was the case. Private hire vehicles The world’s greatest taxi service, two of the three models of London publication for months and it would be capped at 30,000, cyclists a 360-year-old trade, not only cab, but in the third, the distance was good to see them getting the would be restricted to Quietways, much loved and was just under two metres. (That’s attention they deserve! rest/working ranks would double, respected at still a damn sight further than in As far as I am concerned, it was and it would be illegal to issue a home, but a minicab and let’s not forget our obvious from what was set out PCN against a taxi. Sadly, that’s revered purpose-built rigid partition!) that TfL and the Mayor felt that not going to happen. Plus, deep around In my view this kind of reporting they could do as they pleased, down I know my interests need to the world, is why faith in the media, along using the pandemic as cover to be balanced against other people’s. was being with viewing and listening figures introduce schemes they have If I can put myself in other’s shoes forced for certain outlets, are all falling been thinking about for a while, and see the bigger picture, why to take dramatically. without consultation. All we can can’t they? its own do now is hope the Judge heard This is not how you should regulator, Will reason win out? what I did and comes to the govern; those in authority have a TfL, and If the media had bothered to same conclusion. responsibility to make decisions the Mayor of report on our legal challange, they that are the best course of action London to the would have heard, what I consider For the few, by the few for everyone, or at least for as High Court. As those in the trade to be some pretty shocking facts More and more people are many people as possible, not just will know, we had to challenge the set out in our evidence. recognising the problems with a few lucky, like-minded people. Streetspace Plan and Bishopsgate The barrister acting on our these schemes and that there must Let’s hope our legal challenge scheme to show that their policies behalf made a strong case that be a better way to go about this, succeeds and forces them to of exclusion towards taxis are the Streetspace Plan, associated particularly if we want to keep think again! n LTDA pushing us towards an unnecessary guidance and the Bishopsgate extinction and negatively impacting traffic order all blatantly failed to our passengers. account for the role and rights of How did the media cover the licensed taxis and the needs of our story? Well quite simply, they passengers, including those with didn’t. Instead they decided to protected characteristics, most run an inconsequential piece notably the elderly and disabled. about the, frankly pathetic, Our QC also clearly Advertising Standards Authority’s demonstrated the problems decision to ban the LTDA radio the Bishopsgate bus gates and advert, explaining the benefits of exclusion of taxis along this vital travelling in a black cab over other corridor are causing, as well as options during the pandemic. the knock-on effect on drivers’ Unsurprisingly, the coverage livelihoods and accessibility. The didn’t mention there was only evidence included statements

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Executive S.O. | Lloyd Baldwin Lights at the End of the Tunnel "…I'm confident the greatest city in the world and the best taxi service will make a comeback!”

cause extra stress for drivers, but On point rest assured, this Association received no communications from members saying they n the lead up to Christmas, had been stopped by Police or our trade saw a high demand TFL Compliance for doing a for Christmas lights tours. Christmas lights tour. One was One member I spoke to put asked to show their bill and Ian advert on a Facebook group badge, when the family he was and was booked for a tour a driving got out to take pictures day, for about three weeks. It outside St Paul’s, but that could was not everybody’s cup of tea, happen anytime. If we had but for some, was a welcome received reports of members opportunity to scrape a few quid getting pulled by police or were together. For another member, it told they were illegal, we would was the first time he had been in have let our members know. the cab since March. A Department for Transport civil Some cabbies got really into it, servant did ring Steve McNamara dressing their cabs up with tinsel, initially after hearing about the going the extra mile to make it fun. tours, concerned drivers might One told me a little girl had him be breaking the rules. Steve asked close to tears when she told him how it was different to a family how much she had enjoyed the hailing a cab, asking the driver tour and asked would he be taking to make a few stops around her again tomorrow? Her dad town and then take them back actually asked if he could book for restrictions came in, which is a real has a different idea of what the to their original location (which next Christmas, and even offered shame. I would advise members in rules actually mean, and no one was all fine to do at the time). to pay for it there and then! future to try to ignore all the noise knows for sure, even the people Unsurprisingly the civil servant 11 This was all music to my ears on Twitter and other places, unless enforcing them. It’s like the Police didn’t have a good answer. In fact after the toughest year on record it’s coming from a source you in Derbyshire fining two women they clearly thought better of it, for the trade and I think these could know you can trust. £200 each for driving five miles to as we never heard any more from become a regular thing, although I am not saying the tours were go for a walk and taking hot drinks them or from TfL, our regulator, on they may be less in demand next not a bit of a grey area, particularly with them, which counted as “a the subject. So, there was nothing Christmas, for obvious reasons. with restrictions changing daily, picnic”, but if you walked around to suggest cabbies offering tours but my view was that as long as London’s parks on the same day, would get in any bother. Misinformation and drivers were ensuring passengers you would have seen many doing confusion were following the rules and took the same freely. Unfortunately, there was a lot of the usual safety precautions, then Public bodies like TfL and speculation around whether these fair play. And, of course, the LTDA’s others have also been avoiding tours were breaking the rules and in-house legal team would have saying what people can and can’t as usual lots of misinformation helped, in the unlikely event any do, unless they are told clearly by on social media. This caused member encountered problems government something is a legal confusion and put some off with TfL or the Law. requirement. We saw this with face doing them, losing out on the The problem is as with a lot of masks in cabs. opportunity to earn before tougher things at the moment, everyone I know all the uncertainty can

Will Kipper Season end with a bang? For a very long time, there’s been the belief that work levels go up a notch when the Flower Show starts in May, and this may never be truer than this year. The vaccine is now being administered and according to the Prime Minister, the vast majority who need and Looking forward want it, will have had it by mid-May. I do therefore Looking to the future again, I sat up believe this summer will be ok for us and drivers will be late over Christmas watching the able to come to work with some optimism of being able test cricket from New Zealand and to earn a decent living. what struck me straight away was BANG! As I have said before, I have heard some absolute the spectators. Seeing friends and horror stories from our members struggling in the families sitting together watching pandemic and I am sure I will hear more over the the sport and enjoying the weather, difficult weeks ahead, but surely, we are starting to with no face masks and no sign of see some light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I’m COVID-19 restrictions, gave me a confident that the greatest city in the world and the bit of heart and something to look best taxi service will make a comeback! forward to, even if right now it feels a way off. n LTDA

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Senior Rep | Sam Houston Vaccines, Tariffs, Brexit & App Firms… “Visitors from the USA, Asia and Africa are familiar with London Taxis and the excellent service we offer so maybe ours will be one of the businesses that profits from Brexit.” Brexit disruption? Times are so bizarre that Brexit day passed as a bit of a non-event in the end; if we weren’t in the midst of a massive Covid-19 surge, Brexit would’ve been top of the news bulletins for weeks. I was relieved there was a deal, because any disruption of business is not good for the cab trade. The government has admitted there will be some ‘bumps in the road’ but from the many conversations I’ve had with people who voted leave they were well aware of this possibility when casting their vote and saw it as a price worth paying for an increased ability to control our own trade policy, among other things. So now we will have to wait and see; travel and trade volumes being down due to the pandemic provides an opportunity to search M4 musings Boris Johnson reportedly out the bottlenecks and inconsistencies in remarked that he was astonished new regulations, but it’s likely to be years how easy it was to take away rather than months before any benefits or opefully by the time liberty, and how hard it is to disbenefits can be assessed. you’re reading this, restore. I remember in early The likely fact is this is us now, for at least the next the case rate in March when lockdown was first 20 years – so as a country we need to make it work, that London has started to considered, officials believed that includes the cab trade. I’m hopeful that we’ll see increased Hfall. The new variant changed the people would only comply for business visitors from outside Europe, both at the airport and in town. lockdown rationale yet again: the three weeks. In the event that first Visitors from the USA, Asia and Africa are familiar with London Taxis and vaccine is here, it’s being rolled lockdown went on for months, and the excellent service we offer so maybe ours will be one of the businesses out, stay at home now to save lives the UK (like many other nations) that profits from Brexit. while cases and hospitalisations has lived in a twilight world of 12 are at record levels. relaxing and tightening conditions ever since. Getting fleeced? Lockdowns & vaccine These lockdowns are utterly I was disappointed to read rollout ruinous for large swathes of our the email from one of the app This has been devastating for cab economy, and while the reason firms informing the trade they drivers; We all anticipated a grim and necessity for the current will now be charging new January, but announcements from restrictions are clear, government drivers £2000 to join up. It government suggested it will take must ensure to be comprehensive seemed to me both a wind-up until at least mid-February before and detailed in its support schemes and a publicity stunt. It’s a even the slightest relaxations can and live up to Rishi Sunak’s way of promoting loyalty (and be considered. There are tentative promise that no-one will be left insecurity) in their existing grounds for hope that, at least behind. If and when vaccines are drivers and a poke in the eye to in London, cases have started to shown to be working and pressure those of us not on the circuit. plateau, but it may take another eases on hospitals, the country When apps do things like this, two weeks before that is reflected should be opened up at the earliest it’s hard to argue with those in the hospitalisation figures. opportunity. who say they have too much power over our business. The other side of this story is Price revisited that no-one is making money In years gone by, tariff at the moment and that apps a ton of cover at 2pm on a adjustments were spend huge amounts marketing Tuesday but if you can’t meet regular as clockwork to get customers into black demand on a busy Friday or and meters were cabs. Often when it’s busy on Saturday evening, customers updated every year the street, drivers will turn the will look elsewhere – this has according to the cost app off – so they have to find always been the problem for index. This is no ways of incentivising drivers circuits and will continue to be longer the case and to cover the work at busy while there is a limited (and hasn’t been for some times. It’s all very well having shrinking) pool of drivers. time and the reasons behind this are still somewhat unclear. TfL have pointed out that there is no legal obligation for them to Cabbie Christmas light ingenuity adjust the tariff in line with the cost index, or even to do so annually; Well done to all the drivers who successfully diversified and marketed what they have not done is provide any rationale or guidance as to ‘Christmas Light’ tours in December. This is exactly the sort of ingenuity in what they would do instead. Therefore, cab drivers are stuck in a adversity that taxi drivers have always been known for and I know many limbo of relentlessly rising costs without any idea whether or when families had a lovely afternoon or evening out. the tariff will be adjusted in response. This is unacceptable. Covid-19 or no Covid-19, this is sure to continue next year and rightly TfL would do well to provide clear guidance as to how they plan so, there’s no better or safer way to see London’s Christmas light displays. to deal with tariff adjustments in future; it’s not fair to add to the Let’s hope next Christmas is a full-on proper Christmas with all the parties, uncertainty everyone feels at the moment. shopping and drunk people we’ve always been used to before! A Happy New Year to everyone, keep safe out there. n LTDA

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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk LTDA feature | Steve McNamara The Scooter Saga Continues “How this will play out for the Uber/Lime bid has industry insiders evenly split.”

Steve’s feature update

gainst all expectations, the Department for Transport have now confirmed that the LondonA electric scooter rental trial must start by 31st March, with a provider to be chosen by Transport for London and London Councils in the next few weeks. This is yet more bad news for the already beleaguered Mayor. I would assume decision makers in TfL and City Hall, would much Mayor. Lime’s questionable Nor, presumably, would they impact and inevitable stories of rather have pushed it back to mid- safety record in Australia speaks want anyone to draw a parallel accidents, abandoned scooters and May after the Mayoral Election, for itself. No doubt decision between criticism of Lime failing other disasters, are unlikely to appear to mitigate any risks of a negative makers are especially concerned to notify regulators of changes until Sadiq is safely ensconced back public reaction. How this will play that analogies could be drawn to its scooter firmware and Uber in City Hall for another four years or out for the Uber/Lime bid has between Uber’s failure to report in London installing its anti- out of the picture. industry insiders evenly split. data breaches and serious regulatory ‘Greyball’ software. All eyes are now on TfL and One school of thought is that crimes to TfL, and Lime’s failure The alternative thinking is that the how they will play it, and more it may hurt Lime's chances, as to disclose to the Australian launch date is so close to the election interestingly for us, whether Uber/ if they were appointed as the regulator over 50 crashes, that there won’t be much interest Lime still have their rumoured provider pre-election, negative resulting in injuries to riders, in the chosen provider, as the story 'friends at the top' after the press around their safety record because of a faulty braking will be drowned out by election private hire licensing decision. 14 could blow back on the current system on their Gen 2 scooter. campaigning. Plus, any negative Time will tell. n LTDA

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Columnist | Wim Faber Is the Taxi Trade ‘Support-invisible’?

“In many countries, the taxi trade – obviously too ‘insignificant’ to be noticed – has simply been overlooked or ignored when it comes to support packages.”

amounted to over £9.01 million for International Berlin funded, and the taxi trade coordinated trips for the elderly to 36,527 taxis. “Thanks to this support, correspondent and from vaccination centres. Photo Taxi Times/Thomas Lorenz. 70% of city taxis were purchased with the direct financial support of the Moscow Government,” said a proud deputy mayor Maxim irst things first: despite Liksutov, who commands a fleet of being rather late in the 70,000 cabs, on average, less than month (but it is my first three years old. column of the year), please Faccept my wishes for a very happy, healthy and mobile 2021! Although The Swedish government largely ignored the taxi trade in their support schemes. the ‘happy’ part may sound a tad cynical, I honestly hope that with infection rates hopefully dropping and the vaccination speed picking benefits, just like any other company up in London and elsewhere, (and the taxi trade). business for the taxi trade will also slowly inch up in the months to Local support? come. The way things are now, it In many countries, the taxi trade looks like a year with two faces, – obviously too ‘insignificant’ with some normality returning to be noticed – has simply been beyond the summer. overlooked or ignored when it financially. Yet there is one glaring Is the trade extinct? And whilst I’m talking about comes to support packages. Public example: Sweden. Although it I really wanted to be a bit upbeat being a tad cynical: why is it that transport tends to get additional escaped lockdown for quite some in my first column, believe me. But politicians so often praise ‘their’ funds, but not the trade which is time, Sweden’s new Pandemic as I listened in to a huge mobility taxi trade as an important part of often deemed to be a very important Act, which gives the country’s conference in the USA, one 15 local (public) transport, but remain link. Not all countries are equally politicians the power to close attendee gloomily declared “that deaf as doorposts when it comes to bad, though. Some were just slow. whole swathes of the economy, its the taxi trade is extinct”, whereas answering the insistent call from the Most gave some financial help. politicians have made no provision another one said that “we can’t trade for financial support? London Others were on the ball from the for support to the taxi trade, possibly work without the taxi is certainly no exception here, as start. The Netherlands, local and losing its customers through the trade.” The topic – transporting besides SEISS, London taxi drivers regional councils have been paying lockdown. Even the taxi companies people with mobility handicaps. nowadays have to knock on the door the trade 80 percent of monthly providing Sweden’s excellent One last thought: what I noticed of their local borough to be included social transport bills – keeping this nationwide social transportation most during the pandemic, is in some support package. support system for out-patients, system, had to go begging to their the stunning lack of exchange of Continuing onward down the the elderly and those with limited local authorities. Shameful. (international) information, and cynical-track: many minicab drivers mobility – and the taxi trade – going. coronavirus related practices. are clamouring for a handout Support also went to drivers and Doing things differently: Organisations which usually boast (and are receiving this in many companies. In Belgium, taxi drivers Moscow about their international role in countries). This despite their received temporary involuntary But there’s good news too – in the taxi trade, largely kept schtum, ‘employers’ (Uber for instance) not unemployment benefits. But in Russia. There, pandemic support for leaving the trade to fend for itself. paying a pound, euro or dollar into many countries around the world the stricken trade took a completely This is particularly painful and the state’s social coffers. Call me taxi drivers have had to turn to local different form. For eight years now, noticeable in the trade union world, simple, deranged or delusional, but or regional authorities for support. the Mayor of Moscow has been which seems to have stopped my 2021 will be really happy if these For instance, Berlin and Hamburg subsidizing the renewal of the exchanging information on Uber companies accept full responsibility provided local support for their taxi Moscow taxi and ride-hailing fleet. & Co, or even on building a united for their employee-drivers and drivers, when Germany’s national Even in times of pandemic, more front. That at a time when Uber finally do the right thing: pay what government largely ignored the than 115 companies applied for & Co are trying to make deals in they owe society in taxes and social trade. In Berlin local authorities are a refund and 11,000 new vehicles Europe with local and national now funding a taxi scheme to ferry were bought for a cool £2.9 million. unions, aiming to keep their drivers the elderly to vaccination stations The last eight years, the funding as ‘self-employed’. n TAXI “Even the taxi free of charge – coordinated by the companies providing trade itself. The German national During the pandemic, Moscow invested a cool £2.9 million in 11,000 new cabs. Sweden’s excellent taxi association is now working on a national roll-out of this scheme, nationwide social which would benefit both the transportation elderly and the trade. The good news: in many other countries, also system, had to go here in the UK, similar schemes begging to their have sprouted – often with the trade local authorities. in the lead. You would think that in countries Shameful.” with a solid social support system, like the ones in Scandinavia, the taxi trade is properly looked after

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Columnist | Steve Kenton The Most Vibrant City on the Planet? A man in black challenges the “buzzword-driven tripe” about London and takes us back on a comparative journey to his London, kicking off with the summer of ’76…

A man in black

k, first and foremost, I would like to wish almost all of you a happier and more prosperous new Oyear than the previous, paltry effort which we referred to as 2020. And to the remaining one or two of you which I exclude from the above, I would like to wish you a happy new smear, may your vivid imaginations blossom further and continue to amuse me. Right, that’s the virtue signalling out of the way. The summer of 76 It's the summer of 1976, the UK was basking in the second hottest summer on record, with the highest world, it's the most vibrant city on temperature hitting Cheltenham in the planet, it's the most progressive Gloucestershire – a positively tropical city with endless opportunities – the 35.9° C or 96.6° F. reality is that those buzzword driven 16 It was the summer that one of the expulsions are utter tripe. Sure, there greatest centre forwards in English are certain things that London leads football history swapped Tyneside the world in, we have the best taxi for North London, with Malcolm and underground service on the MacDonald moving to Arsenal from school) strangely enough, I knew all planet, we have an incredibly rich Newcastle for the bizarre transfer fee the red-light districts. history which is the envy of the world of £333,333.33. Arsenal chairman, Looking back, what was – and we have a highly respected Denis Hill-Wood, rounded up the fascinating was the volume of traffic, A city of coffee shops Mayor whose sole focus is to see a 33p to 34p so that Newcastle United or lack of it. Don't get me wrong, we Moving forward, London's successful London... oh no wait, hold didn't feel short changed. However, still had jams and traffic issues to landscape, our modern reality, is up, one of those is a printing error. two far more monumental events contend with, many of the industry's very different. People say that as occurred that summer, the first patriarchs will testify to that, but time moves on, we progress – but A bitter pill to swallow being my father buying me my the congestion seemed so much progression is not necessarily a You know London is in serious first electronic game, called Blip, more ‘civilised’. In 1980, according positive. Who are London's iconic trouble when cabbies start searching for my birthday, it was (and still is) to Government statistics, UK vehicle people, where are London's iconic for other employment. The taxi the ultimate tennis game – and my ownership sat at around 18 million places? As we drive around London's industry has always been considered father earning his Yellow Badge to vehicles – today that figure sits at pandemic-ridden empty streets, a viable, lucrative industry, with a work the suburbs. around 34 million, therefore it is not looking for work in search of a number of perks attributed to the unreasonable to assume that vehicle solitary hand going up that will make job, however, between the current You don't have to put on figures in London have almost our efforts worthwhile… who, or pandemic and some utterly bizarre the red light doubled in 40 years. what stands out? The answer - we've decision making regarding the Unlike most of us, my father, who The other thing which struck me become a city of coffee shops. industry emanating from City Hall, hated motorbikes, did his Knowledge was the iconic people and places that Certainly now, when I drive along the once iconic London taxi could in an L reg, Toyota Corolla Estate, I were hosted by the UK's capital. Back Oxford Street, I see the sorry looking be reduced to nothing more than a used to go on his runs with him after in the 80's, although on a decline, facades of shops which have closed tourist attraction unless the industry school. After qualifying, he signed Carnaby Street was a thriving, down, or are closing down, the sad gets some help. It becomes a bitter up to do the Green Badge, which bustling, hive of activity, with shops sight of a boarded-up HMV store pill to swallow when the Mayor took him under 3 years to complete. such as Melanddi's and Ben Sherman really hits home for me. I used to wastes money on a firework display Again, I used to go on his runs with frequenting the area. Oxford Street spend hours in there looking through which almost nobody can witness him after school, only this time I was was also bustling, with some of the vinyl (and latterly CDs), trying to due to Covid-19 restrictions, instead sitting in the back of a BeeJays taxi world’s biggest department stores, find something that would tickle my of using the money to help London's (the ones with the Orange wheels). Selfridges, Debenhams, HMV earlobes. Sadly, Debenhams will be cabbies, some of whom who have My Dad used to ‘call over’ with me, and who could forget the human the next to go, it makes you wonder had no income since last March. sometimes while we were having a billboard, Stanley Green – the man just how long Oxford Street can There's something for the Mayor to smoked salmon bagel and a cuppa in who preached "less lust from less go on in this modern age, before it spend 30 seconds thinking about… Brick Lane. I had a remarkable grasp protein", possibly the most famous ceases to be anything but a congested or not. of London for somebody who hadn't non-famous person in living memory thoroughfare with no real attraction. So, until next time, remember folks, even left primary school (many in the (after the entire cast of the Only In this modern era, we are less lust from less protein – so says trade would argue that some of us in Way Is Essex, Made in Chelsea and consistently force-fed nonsense Stanley Green, the sage-like billboard the industry still haven't left primary Geordie Shore, of course). that London is the best city in the man from Oxford Street. n TAXI

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Meet the LTDA legal team

Driving a taxi for many hours of the day in one of the world’s most congested cities is a challenging task. Cabbies often fall victim to complaints and false accusations from police, passengers and other road users (especially cyclists and PHV drivers). When these events arise it’s comforting for LTDA members to know that they have the immediate support of the best John Luckhurst Charlotte Collet specialist in-house legal team in Senior Partner Solicitor Advocate the business. The success rate of the LTDA Legal Team is second to none. In fact, according to Criminal Justice Statistics, LTDA members defended by our team are FOUR times more likely than the national average to be acquitted of allegations made against them.

Tom Poulson I joined the LTDA when I first got my badge and it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. Due to an unfortunate Farouk Merdjane set of circumstances I ended up getting I was involved in an accident whilst driving my my licence revoked by TfL. I turned cab in Shepherd’s Bush. I wasn’t too worried to John Luckhurst, one of the LTDA’s about it because I was confident that it wasn’t legal eagles, for assistance. John went my fault and the insurance would sort it out. to great lengths to prepare a detailed A short while later I received a summons for appeal against TfL’s decision and briefed driving without due care and attention. I had 17 a brilliant barrister to represent me in no witnesses to help me, but the other driver court. The appeal was successful and had produced “independent” witnesses out of saved my livelihood. LTDA subscriptions thin air! I quickly contacted the LTDA’s legal are only four quid a week, which is less department and they immediately visited than a pint, and three pounds can be the scene of the incident and arranged for claimed against tax. I can’t believe that professional photographs to be recorded. I every cabbie in town is not a member. later appeared before magistrates at Lavender Hill Court, where the LTDA barrister tied the witnesses up in knots and demonstrated they could not have seen what they said they had. “FOUR times more likely than the Thank you, LTDA legal department; you gave NATIONAL average to get an acquittal” me an excellent service.

Ken Jackson Paul The LTDA’s solicitors Baxter and support team, I was filled could not have been with confidence more helpful when I the very first first informed them time I contacted that an allegation the LTDA’s had been made legal team and against me. The as it turned LTDA was quick to out, I certainly check all the CCTV wasn’t cameras in the area disappointed. and arrange for They did a plans of the location great job in to be drawn up. sorting out my Witness statements problem with were also obtained TfL. They’ve and Mr Demidecki got to be the was successful in best in the getting the Crown business! Prosecution Service to drop the case against me. Thanks LTDA - an all-round “LTDA subscriptions cost brilliant service! less than four quid a week”

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Columnist | Robert Lordan

London Medical Museum Runs Learn Rob’s London medical museum runs to increase your tips!

Rob’s history tips

hilst on the Knowledge I became fascinated by the hidden storiesW associated with London’s The skull of Charles Byrne, countless streets and points. I’ve nicknamed ‘The Irish Giant’ been passionate about the city’s history ever since - and have discovered that sharing these Lincoln’s Inn Fields contains tales with the public often results an array of grisly items, amongst in a nice tip! which is the skeleton of Jonathan London is home to a surprising Wild. Known as the ‘Thief Taker number of medical museums, General’, Wild established a the contents of which can prove criminal empire in London in the both gruesome and fascinating. early 1700s and as such is often Here are seven runs, linking regarded as one of the world’s first twelve of them. mob-bosses. The Museum also Freud's couch houses the skeleton of Charles Let’s start at the Wellcome Byrne who, at nearly eight feet tall, Collection. There are hundreds out of course in the days was nicknamed ‘The Irish Giant.’ of medial curiosities to discover Next, we’ll head up to before anesthetic. Hygiene was here, from Napoleon’s toothbrush the Freud Museum in practically non-existent here, What route would you to George Washington’s false Hampstead. As the name with sawdust being used to soak take from the Hunterian 18 teeth. The Collection also houses suggests, this is based within up the blood. The theatre was Museum to the British many artworks, including pieces the former home of neurologist closed and boarded up in the Dental Association by Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo and pioneering psychoanalyst, Victorian era and was not re- Museum? As you can probably Picasso. This medical treasure- Sigmund Freud who arrived in discovered until 1957. imagine, this small museum trove was accumulated by Sir Hampstead in 1938 after being houses some rather terrifying Henry Wellcome who was born in forced to flee Vienna following the How would you get implements – including a bunch America in 1853. Wellcome made Nazi annexation of Austria. Being from the Old Operating of historic drills and vicious his name as a pharmaceutical both Jewish and a psychoanalyst, Theatre to Chelsea Physic looking ‘tooth-keys’, used to rip entrepreneur and, when he died, he was one of the regime’s prime Garden? This peaceful spot out pearly whites in the 18th and he bequeathed a fortune targets and was interrogated by dates back to 1673 and was used 19th centuries. to medical research. The the Gestapo several times. After by apothecaries to cultivate The Royal College of Physicians Wellcome Collection on Euston a painful battle with jaw cancer, medicinal plants and herbs. in Regent’s Park is based in a Road was established in 2007 Freud died at his Hampstead Although small, the Royal modern 1960s building which using this inheritance. home in 1939, just three weeks London Hospital contains some Is Grade I listed. There’s an after the outbreak of WWII. His very special items- primarily the impressive collection housed daughter, Anna- who herself famous hooded disguise worn by here, including 250 portraits and carried out pioneering work in Joseph Merrick- aka the ‘Elephant items of silver pre-dating the Great child psychology lived here until Man’- who lived and died within Fire of London. There are many her death in 1982. the hospital. The museum also surgical tools too – and they’ve You can see Freud’s famous contains an intricate model of even got a big leech jar! couch – on which patients would a church which Joseph created rest whilst he psychoanalysed whilst a patient here. them – in the museum. Napoleon's toothbrush How would you run it Run it from the Freud from the Royal London What route would you Museum to the Florence to Bart’s Hospital which take from the Wellcome Nightingale Museum also has its own museum? Collection to the Science which is located on the site of This one contains some very British Dental Association exhibit Museum? Here, in 2019, Nightingale’s training school – precious documents, including the Wellcome Galleries were the birthplace of modern nursing an agreement signed by King unveiled. Comprised of five large – which she founded after her Henry VIII, granting the hospital How would you call it sections which occupy a space experience in the Crimean permission to remain in service from the Royal College equivalent to 1,500 hospital beds, War. A statue of Nightingale’s at a time when he was seizing of Physicians to St Mary’s this new area houses some 3000 contemporary, Mary Seacole was many other properties. It is Hospital? It was here, in 1928, artefacts and is the largest such unveiled outside the museum also for this reason that a small that the Scottish physician and collection of its type in the world. in 2016. statue of Henry VIII can be found microbiologist, Alexander Fleming Louis Pasteur’s microscope Dating from the early 1820s, above Bart’s gateway; the only discovered penicillin. The hospital and a full-sized recreation of a the Old Operating theatre near one of the despotic monarch to now contains a museum dedicated Victorian pharmacy are amongst London Bridge was primarily exist in London. to Fleming where you can see a the highlights. used for amputations- carried The Hunterian Museum in recreation of his lab. n TAXI

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA 19

British Dental Association exhibit

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Columnist | Phil Brown

London’s Irish Community “This tough creature was accustomed to toil and digging dirt - his energy was uncompromising and relentless. We should be thankful to the Irish, whose blood, sweat and tears are ingrained in the construction of London.”

Footprints & foundations

he Irish have been visitors to London since the 14th century. During the 19th century, a mass movement Tof Irishmen went in search of salvation. Their longevity in the capital has seen a hostility, in which they were classed as people of the lowest social order. There had been an increase in anti-Catholic feeling since the reformation imposed by King Henry VIII (1509-1547) in the 16th century. England became a Protestant country and dismissed its Catholic origins. So, it was inevitable that the sons of Ireland who were Catholics and destitute, into a small space that acted as were seen as heathens from across a living room, bedroom and a the water. Mostly displaced from kitchen, often there would be the Emerald Isle due to continued four children sharing a single famine, which reached its zenith bed. Often there would only be 20 in the 1850s. The Irish potato one privy in a back yard, serving famine caused a large migration the whole house - which more often to America and England. Millions than not, amounted to shared use by of Irishmen fled from starvation fifty people. This environment was Legacy and a chance of a better life. a precursor for disease. Cholera and Perhaps, I have a painted a picture London’s poorest districts became typhus cumulated through the Irish of the London’s Irish as being a sanctuary for Irish settlers. community, where mortality rates shovel was the Irishman’s tool downtrodden and a community were the highest in the capital. that he savoured and slept with. without expectations. It was a New beginnings For it was the shovel that would gradual process with each passing Those that arrived in London The demon drink earn him shillings. This tough generation to improve their became domiciled in the rookeries The Irish were often labelled as creature was accustomed to toil circumstances. From the digging of of the capital. St Giles, Wapping, being workshy, perhaps there was and digging dirt, his energy was London’s soil with a solitary shovel, Spitalfields, Camden, Kensington, an element of truth in this assertion uncompromising and relentless. some had the fortitude to became Notting Dale and later Kilburn but arguably no more so than any We should be thankful to the Irish, large contactors. Indeed, todays became populated with Irish other migrant group also polarised whose blood, sweat and tears are roads and building construction are migrants. The characterisation of the from mainstream London culture ingrained in the construction of carried out by companies such as Irish harboured a comprehensive and associated employment London. The London docks also McAlpine, Murphy and McNicholas. distain from native Londoners. opportunities. For those Irishmen provided a source of employment The Irish have always been The Irish had a huge problem that who took to alcohol, the public for the Cockney Irish. Irish storytellers, the blarney is shadowed their mortal souls… They house provided an atmosphere dockers were accustomed to embedded deep in the souls of all had arrived uneducated and were where inhibitions could be laid bare. heaving heavy loads on their Irishmen. There were those who Catholics in a Protestant country, Drinking merrily, whilst surrounded muscular backs. However, the took the blarney to the next level. plus the demon drink played a by fellow friends and countrymen, docks did not always offer a day’s From out of the Emerald Isle came pivotal role in their daily lives. at ease in a smoke-filled saloon, pay. The familiar role call inside creative minds with natural talent Their personalities were physically reminiscing in past lives and the dock gates was like a scene who became renowned authors, strong and foolhardy, and the colourful tales of Dublin and Cork. from a police line-up. Each day a poets and playwrights. Oscar Wilde, blarney was a dialect that was all too large gathering of dockers would Bram Stoker, Seamus Heaney, compromising. Their Catholic beliefs Hard labour assemble at St Kathrine’s or the Jonathon Swift, W. B. Yeats and were always close to their hearts and The Industrial Revolution of the West India Gates. The bell rings, George Bernard Shaw are just some their political leanings were also late 18th century provided mass the gates open and the struggling of the familiar personalities of Irish brought into question. If they became employment for the working classes. mass surge forward into the decent. The sports are also well sinful, the shameful Irishman could The age of new technologies had docks. The foreman stands behind represented: Danny Blanchflower, always head to the confession box, arrived, and manpower was needed a chain on a wooden box points George Best, Roy Keane, Brain where an awaiting priest was always to work in the new factories and towards the lucky men who will O’Driscoll, Tony Mccoy, Mary on hand to listen to his flock and drive forward innovative idealism. have a day’s pay. It is mostly the Petters, Barry McGuigan and offer redemption. Living conditions It was on the backs of the poor that indigenous men who are chosen, Rory Mcllroy, became household were confined to single rooms in the huge riches would turn merchants whilst others and particular the names. The Irish came to London labyrinth of garrets that existed across into millionaires. Irish navvies were Irish are discarded. The Irishmen as unwelcome strangers - however, London. It was commonplace for sought after for the cutting of canals, would return home with a heavy gradually integrated into London’s large families to be tightly crammed railways, roads and tunnels. The heart and a distraught family. cosmopolitan population. n TAXI

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA 21

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Exclusive | Taxi Charity TAXI Talks with WWII Hero, Harry Rawlins…

“We wrapped our kit in a waterproof sheet, swam across and camped for the night. We only realised how lucky we’d been when we stood at the bank later that evening…”

WII veteran Harry sometimes hoped the German pilots and Belgium. Our objective was Rawlins (now would bomb the place so I wouldn’t to advance with 30 Corps from ninety-five years have to work there anymore…but Nijmegen to Arnhem, but we of age) took part they always let me down! arrived too late. We were pulled inW a number of patrols during the back to Elst and the Waal River liberation of France and Belgium, : When did you join the Army? where a line was built up. two of which owed their success to his personal courage and Harry: I enlisted in March 1943 : What was your biggest fear leadership. In October 1945, he was when I was 17 but told them I was as a rifleman? Was it snipers? awarded the Croix de Guerre with older. After six weeks training in Palm. 70 years later, Harry received York, I joined the Rifle Brigade Harry: No. My biggest concern the Legion d’Honneur, France’s at Retford in Nottinghamshire. was my hearing being affected. I’ve highest order of merit. TAXI The training was hard and there always been deaf in my right ear, decided to catch up with him… was rivalry between platoons. We but my left ear was good. On one regularly competed to see who occasion I was in a trench when a : What are your early could march the furthest and shell plunged into the ground above memories of the War? fastest. We trained on weapons - me. It was fizzing out at the back, stripping and reassembling them so I thought I’d best duck and dive. Harry: When I was a child I was until it was second nature. Once I shut my eyes, put my fingers in fascinated by my father and uncles fully trained, we were keen to get my ears and thought it was going to talking about the First World where the action was. be my last moment. Luckily, it just War and their experiences. I left fizzled out. elementary school at the age of : Where did you fight? 14 and worked in a local factory. I : What did you do after the War? couldn’t stand the place but had Harry: I went to Normandy and to go to work. This was during the joined the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Harry: I was restless and couldn’t 22 height of the blitz and I must admit I We moved up through France settle down, so I travelled to

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 Cabbies & Tradesmen  Landlords  Contractors  Small Ltd Companies  PAYE/Self-Employment  Dividends  Pension Income  Capital Gains  Foreign Income  Property Investment Co  01784 390021 or 07481 479933 100% Driver Owned. [email protected] www.shortandsons.co.uk Tax Returns £250. twitter.com/ShortandSonsAcc 2 Minute Sign up. www.facebook.com/Shortandsons/ WhatsApp: 07481 479933 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ WWW.SHORTANDSONS.CO.UK TaxiCharity-VirtualBucketCollection

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA : Do you see any parallels between the coronavirus pandemic and the War?

Harry: There were similarities at the beginning. Fear and uncertainty of what we were facing. The artificial shortages caused by panic buying which resulted in certain items being rationed by supermarkets collector for the Taxi Charity, told Seb Philp. Seb sent me postcards and shops. In the 1940s the spirit me about them. My first trip was from his holidays and Austin did was good. Today there is some their June 2017 Back to the Beaches some gardening and dropped off of that spirit, but people seem visit to Normandy which I enjoyed a couple of meals and a Christmas more inclined to criticise and find very much and have returned to hamper. And I look forward to fault when many are doing their Normandy with them twice since. getting a haircut from cabbie Karl best. However, there is a lot of I’ve visited the Netherlands with the James when restrictions allow as goodwill for the NHS which is fully charity on three occasions as well my hair is getting very long. The deserved. For a time, the pandemic as attending several events they’ve Taxi Charity has changed my life seemed to have shut down just organised over here. I’ve been stuck and kept me going and I certainly about everything. That was never on my own for several years and hope we will be able to return to The the case during the war. Whilst the the Taxi Charity has changed my Netherlands and Normandy in 2021. virus has been a disaster, I don’t life. I’ve met so many people in the These small acts of kindness make think it bears any comparison to last three years and experienced so such a difference when you live on war. With the vaccine will come much goodwill. It’s a lovely thing to your own and I can never thank the victory and the economic recovery be part of. charity enough for the difference will be much faster than it was after they have made to my life. the war. n TAXI 23 : How has the Taxi Charity Australia. I worked on sheep supported you during the pandemic? stations, construction sites and mines. Then I worked on the Harry: The Taxi Charity has been Burdekin River Irrigation Scheme amazing during the pandemic, I live in North Queensland driving a on my own and have some mobility bulldozer. I remember working issues, but the charity has been a with a couple of friends, Horace huge support to me and kept in and Peter, and we decided to take a touch throughout. I do not have any long weekend trip. At one point we family who live near me so when needed to cross the river, so wrapped the country locked down in March our kit in a waterproof sheet, swam 2020 the charity Chairman Ian across and camped for the night. We Parsons and his wife Anne, became only realised how lucky we’d been my support bubble. Since then, when we stood at the bank later that they have organised my shopping, evening and saw seven crocodiles in visit me every fortnight and contact the river. me every day. They have also taken me for lunch on my birthday, for : How did you hear about the hospital appointments and to my Taxi Charity for Military Veterans? sister’s funeral. They even visited me on Christmas Day and brought Harry: I was at a Kings Royal me a delicious plated Christmas Rifle Corps reunion dinner and Dinner. I have also had visits from WWII veteran Dickie Forrester, a volunteer cabbies Austin Levens and

About the Taxi Charity The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts. The charity offers international trips to The Netherlands, Belgium and France, UK day trips to concerts or museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as well as special days out to catch up with friends and comrades. To fund and facilitate these outings, the charity is wholly reliant on generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London licensed taxi drivers who offer their time and vehicles free. www.taxicharity.org

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Columnist | Chris Ackrill

Chris isn’t a paranoid cabbie – he’s fully aware of all the risks. He just knows he doesn’t like reversing, pedestrians, cyclists or picking up drunk people or walking round cab garages or driving in the rain, the ice, the snow, the dark…

and the great British tradition of I was surprised how nice most Accessing this crucible of filth On the road queuing gets ignored. Temporary people were. I only had a handful will probably involve a walk signals rely on drivers obeying the of nasty incidents with passengers along a badly ventilated room lights and not jumping through on over many years in the game, full of smoke and fumes. There ow often do you red whilst hoping the oncoming though I suspect night drivers have will be oil on the floor, and heavy consider the health traffic doesn’t start moving bigger and better tales to tell. I’m a equipment hoisting heavy taxis. and safety risks towards them. paranoid cove at the best of times, Tread carefully, touch nothing, when you’re driving On a clear stretch of road but you have to be especially and get out of the way of any Hyour cab? I only started to without roadworks, there are of vigilant under the cover of reversing taxi. Reversing never think about it seriously when course people. You have to expect darkness. There are a lot of weird, was my strong point. I always I completed a diploma in the unexpected (particularly and downright dangerous people used to worry about reversing out health and safety last year. I because ‘the unexpected’ out there. Strangers are called whenever I dropped my cab off at didn’t become a health and happens in London more times strangers because they can be a small garage, or that tyre place 24 safety adviser, as planned, than anybody could possibly strange. For me, most of the stress on Hercules Road. but I became more aware of reasonably ‘expect’). People run comes from fear of the unknown. The environment of a traditional the multitude of hazards that on to zebra crossing from the Drinkers are best avoided. They cab garage was lovingly re-created present themselves whilst blind spot behind you; brain-dead can be entertaining, but they’re in the old Euston Station rank. driving a cab in London. zombies walk into your path while unpredictable and can turn in This dark, dank, hole had the The risks don’t just apply to engrossed in a mobile device; an instant. Always avoid talking authentic diesel fumes and oil the cab itself, but to the working or “I know my rights” types dare about football or politics. One spills that most cab drivers environment; and the fact you to run them over, on pain of lesson I learned early on was to were familiar with. It never that we are driving around a lawsuit that’s stacked in their stop for someone several yards looked like an environment that strangers – members of an favour as an innocent pedestrian. past them and see if they walk in respectable customers might unpredictable public. A I have nightmares about pop-up a straight line back to your cab. frequent, but there was little need stationary taxi doesn’t present pedestrians on Oxford Street. Don’t let anyone go back into a bar for folk to hang around down too much risk; the problems Many cyclists act similarly to to collect their friend. The friend there. In recent years it was a start when it starts moving and pedestrians, but they’re faster. You needs a shopping trolley – not a buyers’ market and the drivers interacting in a very complex don’t know much about them until cab. Leave him to Uber. In recent tended to spend more time there and uncertain environment. they’re zooming up your inside years I used ranks more. Here than the customers. We’ve all experienced badly or coming towards you, riding you are captive, and at the mercy Do modern taxis still come with managed roadworks; holes in the wrong way along a one-way of whoever decides they want a a fire extinguisher? Only try to the road with orange cones or street, without lights at night. ride in your big black beetle. All extinguish the smallest of fires. barriers around them creating There are motorcyclists coming up you can do is treat people nicely Abandon the cab and call the fire chicanes. Sometimes temporary the cycle lanes, and I need hardly and hope for the best. Clarify the service immediately. traffic lights help keep things mention cycle rickshaws, or those destination and agree a route in The weather is one risk factor safe, sometimes they don’t – confounded kids’ scooters illegally advance if you think it could be you have no control over. Snow particularly when timings don’t used on roads and footpaths. contentious. Always over-estimate and ice is a health and safety allow for a high volume of traffic, Believe it or not, occasionally the fare if asked for a quote. If you nightmare. Some years, the white we pick members of the public up need to ask, you can’t afford it. stuff is not an issue, but it has to as paying customers and 95% are There are hazards even when be thoroughly prepared for – right fine. In fact, when I started out, you’re not swerving around prams down to the type of gloves worn on Edgware Road, negotiating by those detailed with shovelling orange barriers, or on Kings Cross snow from car parks (or cab rank hoping to avoid meeting a garages). My driving policy is serial killer from the train. How simple: I don’t drive if there’s about a cab garage? Park the ice and snow around. Rain does cab on the driveway, drop the nothing for visibility, and it makes keys off, and go off to the caff driving treacherous. I’m not keen for a few hours and you’re fine. on the dark either, but you have EASY RUN HARD RUN You don’t want to start walking to draw the line somewhere and Pentonville Prison - Barnes Station - Camden around a typical cab garage. The put up with a certain amount of Duchess of Bedford’s Walk Town Brewery toilet will almost certainly be a risk and unpleasantness. Drive health, safety and hygiene disaster. safely now. n TAXI

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA ‘The Professionals’ – What sets those with ‘The Knowledge’ apart from the rest?

hat does it mean to be a professional in 2020? When does an provide an AA graded Knowledge rating of a route selection in line with traffic occupation or a job become professionalised? What makes conditions, whilst ensuring a disabled passenger arrives at the entrance to those with ‘The Knowledge’ different from other “… suppliers their hotel which has suitable wheelchair access and porter assistance. of transportation services…?” WA brief background search produces suggestions as to what the make- Those who possess ‘The Knowledge’ and have responded to the strength up of a ‘professional activity’ might involve. Modern definitions include of the calling to the highest standards of the profession don’t just know the notions of ‘accountability; integrity; competency; knowledge and optimum route within an ever-changing landscape, they know its history qualifications’ - deprive a Knowledge Boy or Girl of a 4G network and too. If the formation of a professional identity is also about ‘providing a these skills would still exist, though some other ‘suppliers of transportation specialised service to society,’ those professionals with the ability to share services’ might well struggle! that learning with their passengers are actually, inter-generational custodians of present-day and historical London knowledge. Black cab drivers are Some of the key ingredients of ‘professionalism’ involve: trusted ‘old school influencers’ in relation to the sites, attractions, facilities, services and cultural traditions of the capital – including being ambassadors ‘The deployment of formal certified learning’ of a historic trade, which is known as the best taxi service in the world. Can other ‘suppliers of transportation services’ really claim to be engaged in doing this? Possibly, though that might depend on the depth and quality of All this, whilst transporting passengers in the most direct and safest learning involved in order to be accredited. In what world can those that pass manner, in accordance with codes, ethics and the standards of a professional ‘The Knowledge’ be compared to the learning involved to obtain other road- community of operators. based transportation service operator licenses? Those with ‘The Knowledge’ have often picked up and are moving before a ‘A professional owns the power, skills and freedom to problem solve.’ passenger has informed them of their destination – professionals are not sat It’s pretty certain that an individual having the means to purchase and around backing up traffic, typing postcodes into gadgets, in the hope a device blindly follow a mobile device with a sat-nav app doesn’t meet this threshold. can professionalise their practice and make them what they are not. 25 ‘Knowledge Boys & Girls’ have in-built ‘chips and processors’ that deploy When people are lost - a professional finds them and gets them where they real knowledge, in real time. Out on the roads, real professionalism isn’t need to go. When they are too tired to go on - a professional takes the reins dependent on the battery life of a mobile device or if that device knows that and when they are late for what’s important to them, professional road craft the football kicked off late or is going to penalties - which will impact on both and knowledge get them to their destination safely and quickly. journey time and route choice. So how are those with ‘The Knowledge’ valued and whose responsibility should it be to promote the identities and activities of such professionals, in ‘A professional possesses the ability to make decisions in the best turn separating them from other “suppliers of transportation services…?” interests of others.’ You are professionals. We know it. We know that this level of responsibility is based on the use of specific, localised, operational expertise - rather than hoping a digital device can Let’s ensure everybody else knows it and values it too.

n The LTDA are here to represent, protect and ensure recognition of the professional practice, identity and standards of our members.

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Brain twister | Puzzler page So you know every street and every run between two points in London? Let’s now see how your knowledge stands up to these brain twisters... Crossword Sudoku Have a go at this medium level Sudoku puzzle. Fill the grid so that every row, 123456 every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9 just once. 7 436 89 7 10 11 12 79 638 13 85 2 14 15

16 94 7 17 18 19 34 9 20

21 22 23 61 587 8 24 265 27 ACROSS > > < 1 Better than all others (6,2,4) Futoshiki 8 Possessed (5) Fill in the blank squares so that ∧ ∧ each row and column contains all 9 Served from a cask (beer, eg) (7) the numbers 1 – 5. Use any given 10 Be sullen (4) numbers and the symbols that tell ∧ 11 Leave for outer space (5,3) you if the number in the square is > 14 Rotten, like stale butter (6) larger (>) or smaller (<) than the number next to it. ∨ ∧ 15 Stick (to) (6) 17 Ritually cleanses (8) 18 Not quite shut (4) ∨ ∨ ∧ 21 Money saved for a rainy day (4,3) PREDICTIVE TEXT Starting in the highlighted box, try to make a word adding one word part from each layer as you go. Then return to the second 23 Faithful, reliable (5) layer and use the letters in the unused box to start another word and so on, until you’ve used all the boxes and created six words 24 Support for a naked flame (6‑6) of decreasing length. Predictive text DOWN FU 1 Violent outburst of bad weather (5) Starting with the highlighted box, try to make a word adding one word part from each 2 Device for dealing with tins (3‑6) ND CH layer as you go. Then return to the second 3 Starkers (4) layer and use the letters in the unused box 4 Walk unsteadily, like an infant (6) to start another word and so on, until you've 5 Part of a vehicle closest to the kerb (8) AM AME PR used all the boxes and created six words of decreasing length. 6 Old horse (3) 7 Muffle, suppress (6) OFE ST PIO NT 12 Thrilled (9)

13 Petroleum‑drilling area (8) ARL NS AL TO SS 14 Be sorry for the past (6) 16 Association of sports teams (6) DAY HIP LY AND ING OR 19 Line‑drawing stick (5) All answers to 20 Too, as well (4) puzzler on p30 22 All at ___, at a loss (3) All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com

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www.ltda.co.ukwww.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA@TheLTDA Columnist | Al Fresco

A Golden Wangling Era “Stabbing roast potatoes and dismantling a crumbling slab of salmon en croute, whilst trying to conjure up a speech on the back of a soup-stained serviette, is what true Fleet Street journalism is made of. I failed dismally…”

having with my sherbet’s automatic Cabbie chronicles gearbox. I put his glassy eyes down to the heat of the room and the bottle of Courvoisier brandy he’d been fter having had to romancing. A week later, as I was give back the white putting the finishing touches to the cab I rented when the forthcoming issue of Steering Wheel, December lockdown I got a call from VanMark’s garage kickedA in, with Christmas just a in Forest Gate, who did my repairs. few days away, I was now looking "Oi Al, wanna pop round a minute? forward to getting back behind the We've got a wooden crate just been wheel. I duly phoned around the delivered, and it’s addressed to you”. garages in my little black book… There was a 'with compliments' I sort of knew that many of the note attached. It turned out that the garages were no longer in business, genial bloke in the seat next to mine so filtering out genuine cab garages WANGLER at dinner, was MD of BorgWarner, from cowboys was disheartening. BY FRESCO manufacturer of all the cab trades' Once again, my little black book auto gearboxes. I can only think, it had let me down – surely, cab must have been my aftershave. garages (like my old girlfriends) couldn’t all have given up? Wangler I couldn’t wait to get round to Sell-by date VanMark Taxis, my mates Vince and At last, I thought my luck had Alan’s garage in Vale Road, Forest changed. The garage receptionist Gate. I was almost as excited about went through a whole range of cabs the smart wooden box – imagining 29 that were available to rent. Relieved, what I could store in it – than I was I selected a TX2 in my price range, 'golf tournaments'; or high-profile Stabbing roast potatoes and about its contents. Vince and Alan recited my relevant details and told fund raisers like children’s funds dismantling a crumbling slab of were as excited as me, as they prised her I’d like to start next Monday. or the war disabled, culminating salmon en croute, whilst trying to off the lid. Inside, nestled a pristine, “OK, Mr Fresco, you know where we in a presentation dinner/awards conjure up a speech on the back auto gearbox. The garage staff and are. I look forward to seeing you… ceremony. I didn't play golf, but of a soup-stained serviette, is what a couple of cabbies waiting to have Oh, by the way, how old are you?” My by then, being editor of (the sadly true Fleet Street journalism is made their cab serviced, stood around heart sank. “Seventy-seven.” Her voice defunct) 'Steering Wheel Magazine,' I of. I failed dismally. I began, "As you with their mouths open. “F’k’nell, came back. “Sorry, sir, our maximum found it hard to refuse an invite, take may, or may not, know I've come here how did you manage to wangle that, insurance age is 75.” Back to the a few pics and write nice things about from Southend on Sea. I apologise for Fresco?” I couldn’t have been more drawing board. Eventually, I was all the participants. On one such being late, but on the way, I had to embarrassed. “Well, I was at a cab recommended to an east end garage occasion, and living in Southend, pull over - as I was overcome by the trade ‘do’ and I had to make a speech. I remembered from my early days I was invited to the London Cab fumes of my aftershave." It was all I guess the speech was so bad that of working on the clock. I called. It Company's annual bash at The Oval downhill from there – and I wasn't the MD of Borg Warner, who had was a bloke I knew. His set-up ticked Cricket ground. It was a Saturday ever asked again. Mind you, it wasn't been sitting next to me listening to me all the boxes. We reminisced. Oh, night. One of my kids had been all bad news… moaning about my cab, must have for the ‘Golden Era’ of the cab trade. running a temperature, so it was touch taken pity, and ‘voila!’ The amazing 1966, when I used to drive an ancient and go whether or not I went. Suited With compliments thing is, that I don’t remember giving Fairway for driving practice. We used and booted, I arrived, late. During the course of the evening, him your address.” to call it ‘Wangling.’ (Do they still do The guests were already well into my jolly colleague asked, 'As editor, The guys did a sterling job in that – when knowledge schools were their soup. I was surrounded on my do you still drive a cab?” I launched effecting my ‘gearbox transplant.’ I affiliated to cab garages who would table by upper echelon personnel into – the traffic, the road conditions couldn’t wait to get the cab home – loan out cabs to 'practice' on before from ‘Carbodies’, automotive suppliers and warmed into my current theme and fill up the wooden crate with my you actually got your 'Bill'?) for cabs and cab components, Borg – about the recurring problem I was collection of Lego. Magic! n TAXI Warner auto gearboxes and taxi tyre Wangling experience manufacturers, like Dunlop and I got all my wangling experience Jetyres - who were big on remoulds. shlapping Geoff Nelson, the gov'nor I was ladling up tepid tomato soup of Nelson’s Hackney cab carriage, as quickly as I could, in an effort to home to Winchmore Hill. He was catch up with the cordon bleu menu a lovely, well-educated bloke, who that was passing me by, when the – if I remember rightly, had been dinner-suited gentleman to my left, in the RAF. Way back then, every turned and in a most genial, wine- other railway arch was home to fuelled gesture of welcome, and a body shop, a bespoke kitchen asked me if I'd prepared my speech. manufacturer or a fleet of cabs. The I was stunned! He could see I was larger cab proprietors would often flustered... and even more so when get 'involved' with their drivers, by he chuckled, “I hope so, you’re the Example of an automatic BorgWarner taxi gearbox, 1978-85. sponsoring small charity events like guest of honour."

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk 30 TAXI |||| ue www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

“I would suggest, printing a yer and going door to door has to be worth a punt? Sitting in front of daytime TV and worrying won’t solve it.” NEW NORMAL LOOKING JOE THE TXE MORE LOCAL FOR JOE ELECTRIC DREAS within a few streets. I then had the fl yer minicab offi ce out of business, to the point town, I am doing more hours but its all done professionally and 5000 printed for where they asked me to work for them local and I am popping home for lunch less than £200 and I ventured further and fulfi lling small business contracts. By the between jobs, charging the cab and ockdown blues seem to be getting further afi eld advertising across my little time they asked, I didn’t need them - a spending a lot of time hanging around to everyone and since my last bit of suburbia. The fi rst two Columnistbites were few weeks | Musher earlier and I might Meg have had a waiting. It never rains but it pours is Lcolumn I have had lots of drivers two regular City and return jobs, one of dilemma on my hands! the saying and whilst some afternoons asking, via the editor, how I managed which I still do, and then I started getting Customers love the cab, everyone I have nothing, other days I have 4 jobs to secure the work, and now school runs doctor, hospital and supermarket runs appreciates the clean credentials and at the same time and I now have two that I have. and eventually a contract with my local comments on how I am always jumping local TXE owning cabbies helping me medical centre. out, cleaning the cab and helping with cover these occasions. Adversity to Routine fetching and carrying, with gloves, Pre Covid, the one thing that I never Popping Home for Lunch hand gel and a mask.A Moneywise, Stress I Three Roads Free to Success Dammit! wanted was a regular job, I know some I have single handed almost put the local am now earning almost what I was in I put this small success down to three cabbies have always strived to get regular 2021?things: my idea and efforts to try jobs and pre book airport rides etc, but and source local work, my TXE and for my style of irregular hours and days it accepting lower fares (but more of them), never appealed. The attraction to me of Meg has decided that despite Santa’s bestall paid onintentions, my contactless reader. standing cabbing was being able to come and go starkers and beating herself with a miniIt doesbroomstick not look like London is willnot the as I pleased, switch my hours about and start to 2021 she was seeking… return to anything like normal for a have the odd lay-in on a workday. long time, I would suggest, depending How times have changed - and so have When something is gettingon on where you pointslive, that and printing is supposed the fl yer to leave massage? Or standing starkers I. When it fi rst happened, I had a simple A woman of words your wick, big style, you whackand going the dooryou to feelingdoor has all to floppybe worth and zen and beating myself with a mini fl yer drawn up, with a picture of my TXE dolly against the wall, or thea punt?table Sittinglike. in front My stressof daytime pressure TV points broomstick? Tough choice. and a few bullet points, fi xed fares, safe or wherever else you fancy.and Like worrying I mustwon’t besolve in it. the If wrongnothing place travel, air conditioned, fully partitioned, did yesterday when Mr Megelse, used the hoursbecause of walking this I putfelt in like on someonemy Finally, there were the sanitised after every trip etc. I then big, warm welcome to the last squeeze of my Decleorleafl et campaignwas got repeatedly me a bit fi tter,poking has me in my stress relieving tablets. started putting them through doors 2021 from me. Grapefruit Body Firming Creamto be worth a backtry? ◆ and made me very irritated Herbal, of course. They are a mix Workwise, 2020 was a (£36) to shave with. My upstairs indeed. It caused more stress of potions and herbs and shite of tough one for us cabbies. banister duly got a good beating. than it relieved and made me bat and ant (that last bit is a lie by Published by LTDAButA hopefully the cavalry is coming want to bash the bloomin’ thing the way) which soothe and relax A selection of our numerous LTDA Distribution Points Taxi House 11 Wood in the eld shape Road, of a vaccine and the Next up was a Huggaroo. with my Dammit Doll. the person who is taking them. London W9 2BA good times will soon be here.PUZZLER Get This is a giant ANSWERS heated head warmer When I got round to trying them, ◆ A1 Taxis, Melody Lane, Highbury, N5 positive and stay positive is my that looks like a tea cosy. It covers I discovered the pack was empty ◆ Abacus Accounts, Southbrook Road, T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk mantra for 2021. your face from your hairline to because Mr Meg had been taking Lee, SE12 @TheLTDA ◆ Astral Café, Regency Place, SW1 When the Mini Megs askedSUDOKU your lips and is very fluffySET indeed. SUARE two a day. I resisted the urge to ◆ Bubbles Car Wash, E2 Managing Editorme what gifts I would like for The idea is that you put it on, smack him with my Dammit Doll ◆ C & S Taxis, Dunbridge Street, E2 Christmas, I told them to get me53 64lie back,79 enjoy821 the warmth and My next stress relief gift but saw the funny side when I found ◆ Cabsurance, Seven Kings Nick Hartop anything that could reduce my ‘reeeeelaaaaaax’. I liked it, but him stretched out on the sofa asleep ◆ Camber eld Taxi Services E: [email protected] 178652394 was a Bamboo Tapper. ◆ Computer Cab, Mitre Way, W12 stress levels so I can start the New the cat didn’t. She jumped on me This looks like a 2-foot-long at midday, a copy of the 2017 Wickes ◆ Coney Allen, Dunbridge Street, E1 Produced by Year in a relaxed frame of mind.24 98and attacked31 the657 Huggaroo which version of Cinderella’s broom, Catalogue over his face. They ◆ CP Beehive Service Station, Here’s what ‘Santa’ brought me… rather ‘harshed my mellow’. and the idea is that you smack obviously worked, I decided. Beehive Lane, Gants Hill Century One Publishing Ltd 352984176 ◆ Cricklewood Carriers, Cricklewood Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road yourself with it to clear your Here’s to a stress-free year for me, ◆ Dial A Cab, City Road, N1 A Dammit Doll. 7913A shiatsu65 482chair body of stresses. Er, let’s have Mr Meg and for all of you. I wish St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. ◆ Edgware Station Rank This rag doll is a foot long and68 two 41massager27539 followed. a think about this one. A nice you good health and good times ◆ Euston Station Rank T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 inches wide. Make that a rage doll. This works on your pressure relaxing soak? An aromatherapy in 2021. n TAXI ◆ G & L Taxis, Crayford Road, N7 E: [email protected] 463798215 ◆ Globe Transmissions, 30 Cudworth Street, E1 www.centuryonepublishing.uk 915243768 ◆ The Ham, Brentford A selection of our numerous827516943 ◆ Heathrow Airport Canteen Advertising Sales LT ExecutiveDA Distribution Points ◆ Hexagon Garage, Lukin Street, E1 Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 ◆ Jet Garage, Clipstone Street, W1 u A1 Taxis, Melody Lane, Highbury, N5 PUZZLER ANSWERS E: [email protected] ◆ Knowledge Centre, Caledonian Road u Abacus Accounts, SouthbrookCROSSWORD Road, LETTERBOX ◆ KPM, Hemming Street, E1 Lee, SE12 SECONDTONONE ◆ London City Airport Canteen Designer & Advertu Astral Coordinator Café, Regency Place, SW1T HOUGHT FULLY ◆ LP Motors, Dunbridge Street, E2 TAUOEAS Caitlyn Hobbs u Bubbles Car Wash, E2 AVAYNAD ◆ Martin Cordell, E3 and Stanmore u C & S Taxis, Dunbridge Street, E2 OWNED DRAUGHT ◆ Paddington Station Rank u Cabsurance, Seven Kings SMELL PLUNGER ◆ Putney Bridge Taxis, The Arches, Creative Directoru Camberfield Taxi Services TREIS E A ROEDRI All rights reserved. No part Putney Bridge Station, SW6 Peter Davies u Computer of this Cab, publication Mitre may Way, W12ENVYAS SASSIN MOPE BLAS TOFF ◆ Richmond Road Taxi Centre, E8 u be reproduced, stored in a Coney Allen,retrieval systemDunbridge or transmitted Street, E1 ATTBPC ◆ Safewise Supermarket, Harrow u CP Beehiveby any Service means electronic, Station, EOEIVL ◆ South Bank Service Station, mechanical or by photocopy- SELDOM BLE ACH Printed by Beehive ingLane, without priorGants permission Hill A N O N RANCID ADHERE Great Su olk Street, SE1 u Cricklewood of the publishers. Carriers, The views Cricklewood EUPSEG ◆ Manson Group, St Albans and opinions expressed in this TAXI HOUSE, W9 u Dial A Cab,publication City may Road, not necessar- N1 ETERN ITY SHED EELLER ◆ Taxi & Private Hire, Blackfriars Rd, SE1 u ily be those of the publishers. Edgware Please Station note that the Rank last day TOEPECrosswordA PUR IFIES AJAR ◆ Temple Place Shelter u Euston Stationfor inclusion ofRank Classifi ed S D ◆ Turbo Accessories, Three Colts Lane, E2 lineage advertisements is HAM STEROFTEN u G & L Taxis,fi ve workingCrayford days prior to Road, N7 EIAAOU ◆ Ubiquitous Ltd, E1 u Globe Transmissions,publication. No liability is EOCEETC ◆ accepted by the publisher Waterloo Station Cudworthshould Street, advertisements E1 not ap- ATTHEOUTSIDE NESTEGG LOYAL ◆ Wimbledon Station Rank u pear in the requested issue(s). The Ham,While Brentford the publisher will take D S TELU SEE ◆ WizAnn Knowledge School, u Heathrow every Airport care to ensure accuracy,Canteen no liability can be accepted Watts Grove, E3 u Hexagon for Garage, loss or damage Lukinresulting Street, E1 Copyright Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com CANDLEHOL DER u Jet Garage,from Clipstoneerrors. Street, W1 u Knowledge Centre, Caledonian Road u KPM, Hemming Street, E1 u London City Airport Canteen SUDOKU Futoshiki Predictive Text u LP Motors, Dunbridge Street, E2 u Martin Cordell, Thomas Road, E14 419238765 u Paddington Station Rank > > < FUNDAMENTALLY u Putney Bridge Taxis, The Arches, 863754219 ∧ ∧ Putney Bridge Station, SW6 u Richmond Road Taxi Centre, E8 527916384 CHAMPIONSHIP u Safewise Supermarket, Harrow 781593426 ∧ u South Bank Service Station, PROFESSOR Great Suffolk Street, SE1 954682137 > u TAXI HOUSE, Great Suffolk Street, SE1 ∨ ∧ u Taxi & Private Hire, Blackfriars Rd, SE1 632471598 STARLING u Temple Place Shelter 396145872 u Turbo Accessories, Three Colts Lane, E2 ∨ ∨ ∧ TODAY u Ubiquitous Ltd, E1 175829643 u Waterloo Station AND u Wimbledon Station Rank 248367951 u WizAnn Knowledge School, Watts Grove, E3

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