Appeal Dealt Hammer Blow by Devastating Letters Uber Safety

LTDA

The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA LETTERS: p07 #460 28 January 2020 ELECTRIC CAB DEMAND SOARING 28,000 Uber Safety Complaints Exposed

Appeal Dealt Hammer Blow by Devastating Letters p5 2 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

Runway Faces Three Year Delay NEWS IN BRIEF

HEATHROW “We will now review the detail to ensure “Palace Jihadist” it will unlock the initial £1.5-2bn of Denies Terror Plot Controversial plans to expand Heathrow private investment over the next two A former Uber driver and alleged jihadist have been set back at least three years years at no cost to the taxpayer.” told an undercover police officer he was free following a dispute by the airport and Willie Walsh, the chief executive to attack one million unbelievers if he was the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). of IAG – parent company of British fighting for “the pleasure of Allah”, a court The completion of the extra runway Airways, said: “We need a fresh look at heard. may not now happen until 2029, despite the environmental viability and total cost Mohiussunnath Chowdhury was unwittingly being promised for 2026. of expanding Heathrow. recorded stressing the importance of an The plans, which have caused fury in “The airport has a history of spending “ambush”, claiming “they shouldn’t know the taxi trade for including damaging recklessly to gold-plate projects what’s hit them, “ Woolwich Crown Court proposals to charge £15 to drop-off and Heathrow will benefit air passengers and paying guaranteed dividends jurors were told. set down, are still not guaranteed. and cargo owners. Its timely delivery is to shareholders while minimising Transport Secretary Grant Shapps required to prevent future consumers the environmental significance of They also heard he felt “so much peace” has said that they still might not be experiencing higher airfares, reduced expansion.” before slashing police with a sword outside financially viable and could yet be choice and lower service quality. John Stewart, chair of the anti- Buckingham Palace because he was abandoned. “The sooner a new runway comes into Heathrow expansion group, Hacan, “guaranteed paradise.” But Heathrow Airport Limited says operation, the sooner these benefits can said: “This continuing battle between Prosecutors allege Chowdhury plotted that, following a ruling by the CAA be realised. Heathrow and the CAA is in nobody’s to kill members of the public at tourist on development costs, the additional “However, we have also been clear interest. attractions including London’s Madame runway won’t be ready until sometime that timeliness is not the only factor “The government needs to step in to Tussauds and the Gay Pride parade last year. between early 2028 and late 2029. that is important to consumers. sort out this on-going battle about costs” He is said to have bragged about deceiving To deliver the controversial third Passengers cannot be expected to bear Heathrow did not appear a jury which cleared him over the sword runway by 2026, Heathrow outlined a the risk of Heathrow Airport Limited Queen’s Speech setting out the new attack. need to spend £2.9bn (at 2014 prices) spending too much in the early phases Government’s plans. Two unarmed officers suffered injuries while ahead of planning permission even being of development, should planning The prime minister, whose disarming Chowdhury near Buckingham granted. permission not be granted.” constituency is next to the airport, Palace in August 2017. He claimed at trial But the CAA described the 2026 target Heathrow responded by saying: “The has long opposed a third runway and that he wanted to be killed by police and had as an “aggressive schedule,” adding that CAA has delayed the project timetable once said he would lie down in front of no intention of hurting anyone but himself. planning permission not granted, airport by at least 12 months. diggers to stop it going ahead. He denies engaging in conduct in charges and passenger fares could rise “We now expect to complete the third The Conservative manifesto said of the preparation of terrorist acts, collecting because of the expenditure. runway between early 2028 and late third runway plan: “It is for Heathrow information likely to be useful to a person Paul Smith, of the CAA, said: “We 2029.”. to demonstrate that it can meet its air committing or preparing an act of terrorism, believe that more runway capacity at The Heathrow spokesperson added: quality and noise obligations.” and disseminating terrorist publications.

LEVC BERKSHIRE N O W O PEN! Experience the TX Electric Taxi today 48 HOUR TEST DRIVES Exclusive to LEVC Berkshire

Offer ends 24th December 2019 Reading Hackney Carriage Licence Required

• New TX Electric Taxi Showroom • Demonstrator available for Test Drives • Taxi Servicing & Bodyshop • Rapid 22kW Charging Points available • Meter & CC Payment Machine ﬁtting on-site • TX4 Part Exchanges welcome • Full After Sales Facilities available

LEVC Berkshire 392 Pop in and we’d be delighted to show you round Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 6JA our new premises and talk you through some of the 01753 523031 ground-breaking features of the new TX Electric Taxi.

W44 Endeavour LEVC 141x111 Test Drive Advert V3.indd 1 31/10/2019 16:25 @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 3

Uber maybe going out of its way to pretend it cares about safety, but the facts speak for themselves ‘SAFETY SUMMIT’ SHAM

STEVE MCNAMARA FOOLED NOBODY TOP TRADE STORY

e have now learned the full reasons for Uber’s most recent licence refusal and coincidentally, Walso saw Uber’s farcical and insulting attempts to whitewash its appalling safety record hit a new low. It’s “Tech for Safety Summit”, hosted in Westminster, was nothing but a sham, and Londoners won’t be fooled by this transparent ploy. In the spirit of open-mindedness, I asked if I could attend to hear what they had to say but was told it was full up – despite there then being empty seats at the event! Clearly, Uber is not interested in having a proper discussion about safety. Instead, LTDA members turned out in force outside the event to tell Uber and attendees what they thought of their safety record. There’s a reason we bang on about it and given how Uber has failed at every turn to reform how it operates, it’s worth reminding everyone why they were refused a licence. Insurance failings include allowing drivers to operate without checking the start dates of policies, or with forged, tampered with and fake policies. Allowing drivers and vehicles to operate with fraudulent or faked driver and vehicle PH licences. Officer, or disappointingly, Transport Minister George Failing to prevent a Phishing scam which rips off Freeman MP who also spoke at the event. At the end customers. TfL says this “HIGHLIGHTS THE EASE of the day, Uber is not a fit and proper operator, has no WITH WHICH FRAUDSTERS APPEAR TO BE right to preach about safety, and doesn’t have a leg to ABLE TO MANIPULATE THE UBER APP” stand on. London deserves better. The company (Cognizant) called in by TfL to review Uber’s systems found serious weaknesses. Uber rather More Focus Required than rectifying the weaknesses argued that Cognizant I was delighted to attend the Annual General Meeting were wrong! of the APPG on Taxis in the Houses of Parliament in In a six-month period between Dec 2018 and May mid-January. It was great to be able to welcome new 2019, Uber received 27,799 safety related complaints MPs from the 2019 intake to the defence of the trade, and a total of 597,881 complaints, Uber says this is an as well as reconnecting with long-time supporters. acceptable level. Uber’s Chief Legal Officer claimed at Chair of the APPG, Wes Streeting MP, rightly called the ‘summit’ that they had fixed the issue and verified for the key focus of the next year to be persuading that all their drivers in London are who they say they Government to finally deliver the primary legislation are, but how can Londoners trust them given their that has been long-promised, while the group will also City Hall, this is always a deeply moving event and it record? seek an extension to the plug-in taxi grant to support was a privilege to be able to attend and represent our If Uber truly cared about passenger safety, it would those cabbies wishing to make the switch. trade. u have addressed one of the real issues of the day: cross border hiring. Instead, this didn’t warrant a mention Holocaust Memorial Day Steve McNamara is the in speeches by either the aforementioned Chief Legal I also attended the Holocaust Memorial Day event at LTDA’s General Secretary

See your advertisement here

TAXI is the membership magazine for the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA). It is circulated to 15,000 taxi drivers in London every fortnight.

The LTDA is the deﬁnitive voice of and for London cab drivers and is responsible for ensuring best practise in the trade, making sure its members’ voices are heard and serving members with the back up and support they need.

Get in touch To see your advertisement in the leading magazine for black cab drivers in London contact us today:

Jack Green

[email protected]

01727 739 196 4 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

Beat the back to work blues with LTDA these deals from LTDA Plus

Welcome in 2020 with a smile as you save on all those things you love most. plus Take a look at what’s on oer for LTDA members.

Escape the back to work blues and Beat the back to work blues by save money with a feel-good lm satisfying your tech cravings Get up to 40% off next time you visit the cinema with fantastic discounts available at Save between 2%-10% on Apple products including MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple over 300 nationwide venues. Whether you are seeking action, romance, comedy or Watch, AirPods and iPod as well as Apple accessories (inc Beats by Dre). There’s no thriller, enjoy a great saving every time at local cinemas and nationwide chains such as need to wait for delivery, instead, you can order online and collect from your nearest ODEON, Vue and Cineworld*. Apple store within one hour*.

Escape the back to work blues with a Take full advantage of the January CottageStayUK getaway! sales with MyCashbackCards Save up to 10% on cottage and short break holidays in the UK and Europe with MyCashbackCards helps you to get discounts and cashback, saving money with a CottageStayUK. They work with over 18,000 cottages and villas in the UK and variety of retailers*. Every time you load your Reloadable Shopping Card you will earn Europe to give LTDA members maximum choice. So whether it’s a romantic break or instant cashback between 3% and 8%. You can even access their Shop Online offers a getaway with your friends, CottageStayUK can help you ﬁnd the right property for and receive cashback from over 2,000 retailers from the comfort of your home. your holiday at a great price*. Do what you already do but do it for less

Great savings for golf lovers LTDA members can enjoy an 18-month subscription to Open Fairways for only £22.50! Usually cost £89, LTDA members and their family will pay just £22.50 for 12 months (and receive an extra 6 months free*!) The Open Fairways card gives golf lovers up to 50% off green fees at over 1000 golf courses in the UK, Ireland and overseas including Royal Dublin, Fairmont St Andrews, Celtic Manor, Hever Castle and Burhill. For a full list of courses visit www.openfairways.com LTDA members can save an average of £589.52 annually, using LTDA Plus. Login today via www.LTDA.co.uk

Find even more fantastic deals visit the LTDA Plus Special Offers page today! *Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice. The Cinema Society - Discounts vary between cinema venues. Please check when purchasing vouchers, registration to The Cinema Society required to access discount. Apple - Annual purchase limits apply. Discounts are subject to availability. For the latest offers visit the Apple EPP store LTDA Plus is managed and run on behalf of LTDA by Parliament Hill Ltd. @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 5 28,000 Uber Safety Complaints Laid Bare TRADE

Devastating new information about Uber’s licence reveals nearly 28,000 safety complaints and its vulnerability to a global phishing scam were part of the reason for the refusal. Letters sent by Transport for London to Uber reveal why it refused its license to operate contain explosive allegations around the company’s conduct in the capital. It throws the company’s attempt to appeal the decision in November into serious jeopardy. The newly-released letters outline a string of failings which left passengers others to pick up passengers using and again this unscrupulous company off the streets.” and other road users in danger: their log-in details; has failed to protect passengers. On November 25, 2019, TfL rejected u A global phishing scam, involving u Drivers using online videos which “Uber has let unlicensed and Uber’s application for a new operator’s manipulation of GPS signals to demonstrated how to fake their uninsured drivers with fake certificates licence in the capital. create fictitious journeys for which locations at airports, to allow onto our streets, allowed fraudsters TfL had said it had identified a passengers are charged; drivers to jump queues or find out to charge innocent Londoners for pattern of failures by the company and u The use of fake insurance destinations before beginning trips. fictitious journeys, and let drivers fake its drivers including several breaches certificates, and Uber’s failure It confirms that Uber received their own locations. TfL highlighted that placed passengers and their safety to check start and end dates for 27,799 safety-related complaints the enormous number of instances at risk. insurance; between December 1, 2018, and May in which drivers had manipulated Despite addressing some of these u Drivers with fraudulent private hire 31, 2019. the app, causing huge risks to public issues, TfL did not have confidence licences using the app to transport It follows attempts by the company safety. “It is damning that in just one that similar issues will not reoccur in passengers; to whitewash its image by staging a six-month period last year, there were the future. This led it to conclude that u Unlicensed vehicles used to safety conference in London this year. nearly 28,000 safety related complaints the company is not fit and proper at transport passengers; LTDA General Secretary Steve on the Uber app. This shows a this time. u Drivers fraudulently replacing McNamara said: “This letter shows pattern of failure and incompetence Company CEO Dara Khosrowshahi account profile pictures with photos Uber’s disgraceful conduct was worse from Uber. It is vital for the safety of was furious about the decision which of a different individual, to allow than we could have imagined. Time Londoners that the courts keep Uber he claimed was “wrong.”

NEWS IN BRIEF Having trouble getting a Mortgage? Uber driver cheated blind We’ve got the knowledge. singer of £20 Court Equity Release • Mortgage Advice • Protection

Oruwari he could not end the trip on his app and asked if he could do so on hers. She said: “I thought it was a little odd, but there was nothing in his behaviour to make me think I wasn’t safe. “I did not think anything ﬁshy was going on, but I was handing him a lot of trust because of the information on Fraudster Cornel Mihai the phone.” Ms Oruwari, who has been blind An Uber driver who conned blind singer since she was six-years-old, only by using her phone to give himself a became aware of the fare hike once she At Allan Reece Associates LLP, we work with the country’s £20 tip and ﬁve-star rating has been was home. leading mortgage lenders to nd the right solution for you. convicted of fraud. The soprano singer said: “It has Cornel Mihai tricked Victoria Oruwari, reiterated the fact I am vulnerable and 39, who has performed at the likes of more susceptible to crime and being For over 25 years we have arranged mortgages the Royal Opera House and BBC’s All taken advantage of, but to lead a full for licensed London taxi drivers. Call today Together, into handing over her phone. life I have to trust people.” to speak to one of our specialist team He 32-year-old, from Barking, was Mihai denied the charge, but convicted of fraud by false representation magistrate Pat Heslop said “We accept and nd out how we can help you. at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and will the evidence of the complainant, who Call now to arrange a FREE consultation be sentenced on February 4. gave a credible account of the events. Ms Oruwari was forced to order a “Nothing has been suggested as to 0203 935 7999 BMW Uber when London Bridge Station how this happened otherwise and we cancelled its trains travelling to East find it difficult to accept Mr Mihai Capital House, Appleton Way, Hornchurch RM12 4XY • [email protected] • www.arallp.co.uk

Croydon at around 10pm on June 29. wouldn’t have known Ms Oruwari had YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Mihai, a father of two, told Ms issues with her sight.” Allan Reece Associates LLP is Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Number: 798177. 6 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

TfL has urged councils to look favourably on bus lane and taxi rank requests which should be good news NEW BUS LANE RICHARD MASSETT ACCESS GRANTED THE MASSETT FILE I wonder how this news will sit with the doom and gloom merchants on social media who want everyone to believe the authorities are all out to get rid of us. They fL has announced that it will give us access to will of no doubt pointed to Bank Junction and Tottenham some of the bus lanes that the trade Court Road to press their narrative, but even those issues T asked to be include in. The routes going are not dead. In particular, we are in dialogue with the ahead are Shorter Street; Byward Street; Tunnel Avenue, City over the future of Bank Junction. I am not trying Greenwich; Greenwich Bus Pilot Way; and Terminus to say that the trade is not facing some serious issues and Place. some of them may be impossible to win but negative In the case of Shorter Street, it is hoped that the comments on Twitter don’t get us anywhere. revision will be in place by March. Tunnel Avenue is People on social media need to be a lot more careful a Greenwich bus lane, where the council has accepted is a Westminster road and the City council is currently about what they say. Do they really think that hurling TfL’s request to amend access. Hopefully this can be considering the request. A request to include Taxis in the vile abuse at individuals in positions of power helps the implemented by February, along with the bus pilot- London Road bus lane north of Elephant trade? They seem to think that there are no consequences way, which will enable taxis to leave the O2 after events and Castle was rejected due to lack of capacity at St for the things that they say, but in the real-world certain without getting caught up with all the trafﬁc leaving George’s Circus. people do take offence and sometimes turn against the the car parks. Byward Street/Great Tower Street is Usually, bus lanes issues are initially raised with TfL at trade. It is little wonder that they are then not so helpful the bus gate into the city, which is a City of London the Cab Ranks Committee. They get passed up the chain as they might have been. I recently met a senior local measure where TfL has sought the agreement of the at TfL and are then resolved at the senior trade reps’ authority politician, who seemed to be very aware of taxi City. Terminus Place, this should have re-opened when meetings. I understand that TfL has also written to all the driver comments on social media, and insisted that we the Victoria station rank reverted to the forecourt. The boroughs requesting that they review any bus lanes that do something about social media and what he termed as situation has been that it is a Westminster Road and do not currently provide access to taxis. It has also urged “those ridiculous demonstrations.” So please think before the City council has been insisting on a full safety audit them to take a positive view on the implementation you hit the button. u because of concerns over pedestrian safety. TfL has now of new ranks. There are several other outstanding bus agreed to carry out the audit through its LUL subsidiary. lane issues that we are looking to take forward, but it is Richard Massett, LTDA Chairman, TfL has also supported extending the operational not a simple process and there may be insurmountable and Chairman of the London hours of the Piccadilly bus lane to 24hrs. Again, this obstacles in the way in some cases. Cab Ranks Committee

CHECKLIST RELICENSING AT NSL? Save yourself time and loss of work

 Vehicle registration certicate, logbook or new  Valid MoT certicate (issued 13 days or less keeper’s supplement (complete with bill of sale/ before inspection) receipt) where vehicle is newly purchased prior  If vehicle is less than one year old an MoT to inspection is not required  Current vehicle licence (for renewal inspections)  Taximeter installation and calibration certicate,  From October 1, 2014, vehicles no longer require issued within 30 days of inspection a tax disc to be displayed. Vehicles can be taxed  Exemption certicate (where applicable) online or at a post oce. If a vehicle is not recorded  as taxed, NSL will accept an online application/ Modication approval (where applicable) post oce receipt. (information at www.gov.co.uk/  Tool to release ramps dvla nomoretaxdisc)  Tyres – must conform to manufacturer’s  Insurance certicate (not a copy) – properly axed specication in the luggage compartment (see table below)

VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL TYRE SIZE Mercedes Vito Euro 4 195/65 R 16 100/915T or 104/102T Mercedes Vito Euro 5 195/65 R 16 100/915T or 104/102T Fairway (declared max speed of 130 km/h) 175 R 16 N TX1 (declared speed of 130 km/h) 175 R 16 N TXII (declared speed of 147 km/h) 175 R 16 Q TXII (declared speed of 147 km/h) 175 R 16 Q TX4 (declared speed of 147 km/h) 175 R 16 Q @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 7 Electric Cab Demand Soaring NEWS IN BRIEF Wireless Charging TECHNOLOGY Trials to Begin Passenger requests for greener taxis A wireless technology trial that has leapt 12 times, according to taxi could revolutionise the way electric app FREE NOW. taxis are charged is about to get The company formerly known as underway in Nottingham. mytaxi says the number of customers Ten Nissan and LEVC electric specifically requesting ZEC cabs has taxis in Nottingham will be fitted risen by a dozen since it launched the with wireless charging hardware for eco only option in December 2016. six months to trial taxi rank based There are now 500% more zero charging. emission capable vehicles vailable on The project, which is supported the app compared to this time last by £3.4 million of Government year. investment, could provide FREE NOW, has also responded an alternative to plugs and to the Government’s consultation on chargepoints, meaning multiple taxis introducing green number plates for could recharge at once and clutter zero emission capable vehicles. would be removed from the streets. It wants the Government to Drivers to charge up more easily and introduce green number plates for reducing clutter on our streets. zero emission capable vehicles. The project, a collaboration Vandana Prashar, Head of iconic electric cabs on London’s streets switching to electric vehicles - they are between organisations including Operations at FREE NOW said: “We over the last year and we are pleased providing valuable insight that will Cenex, Sprint Power, Shell, Parking are keen to show that black cab drivers that there are now five times the help all car drivers that are going to Energy, Nottingham City Council, are leading the way when it comes to number of eco drivers on our app. make the switch in the next few years.” Transport for London and Coventry making the switch to zero emission The cab trade has been working hard FREE NOW operates in 100 University could speed up charging capable vehicles - and changing the to make London’s air cleaner and we cities across Europe, with 14 million and help reduce congestion in zero emission capable cab’s number have also seen a positive response from passengers and more than 100,000 city centres. Nottingham City plates to green is another great way passengers - with 12 times the amount drivers. Council will own the vehicles and to raise awareness of the concerted of requests for the eco taxis through In the UK, the app is available in provide them to drivers rent free. efforts that are being made to improve the app. London, Manchester, Nottingham, If successful, this technology could air quality across the country. “We are working with cab drivers Edinburgh, Brighton, Reading, also be rolled out more broadly for “You will have seen more of the to understand the pain points of Oxford, Derby and Leicester. public use.

BlackNobody Cab Be�er Knows Than Your Us

C R I C K L E W O O D C A R R I E R S C A B C O M P A N Y L T D.

VITO VITO BRAKE Rear Wheel Steer Repair SERVICEIMAGEHERE IMAGETYRESHERE IMAGEPADSHERE Repair and Maintenance Available Inc. valves + balance + original sensors 99 + VAT

O V E R H A U L / N S L L o n d o n ‘ s f i n e s t , o l d e s t e s t a b l i s h e d b l a c k c a b r e n t a l a n d r e p a i r g a r a g e Prep & Body Repair w w w . c r i c k l e w o o d c a r r i e r s . c o . u k. 0 2 0 8 4 5 2 5 4 6 1 Midland Arches, Edgware Road, London, NW2 6NJ. 8 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

The scheme is still open, and some drivers are missing out on an extra £1,000 DON’T MISS OUT ON ANTHONY STREET DELICENSING TOP UP STREETS AHEAD emergency stop button pressed and was reset and tested and all OK. u 103 Southwark Street – This unit had dropped housands of drivers have taken advantage out of comms as it had tripped at the feeder pillar, of the mayor’s delicensing scheme since all reset and tested and all working T it launched in December 2018, but some Please avoid hitting the button to stop the charge. drivers are missing out on a £1,000 top up. That said, any drivers that find a charge-point that TfL has been contacting drivers who accessed is not working are asked to take a photo, make note the scheme, to help them switch from a diesel cab of the location and serial number and email me at to electric, to say that they are entitled to an extra [email protected] and I will try to get it fixed. £1,000, but some have failed to respond and could miss out. Drivers queuing to access Victoria station PCNS Following adjustments and analysis, TfL has No one likes to see a dreaded PCN flop on calculated it is able to send out 32 more top-up Charge-point Charlies “If you their mat – but it is one of the biggest issues we letters for applicants who were originally given I have received a few calls from drivers pointing saw the currently have to deal with. We get dozens of calls £9,000 and are now entitled to £10,000. out that some of the charge-points are not working. from drivers caught out over-ranking in Harrow These are applicants that originally applied in However, Chargemaster has pointed out that part of email but Road for access to Paddington station. There is a the first week of March. TfL has emailed all these the problem is that some drivers appear to be using thought camera trained on the area. You will get a ticket applicants but have only had one payment form the emergency stop button to stop charging the and they are almost impossible to challenge, so returned so far. I am sure no-one wants to turn cab, thereby causing the machine to malfunction. it was a avoid stopping there. Victoria station and Victoria down £1,000! If you saw the email but thought it An engineer has had to attend several charge- scam, it’s Palace Theatre are also blackspots to avoid was a scam, it’s not. And if you think it could be points to reset them and get them working where large swathes of drivers are being caught you, but you haven’t seen an email, try checking again at - not” over-ranking. u your junk box or get in touch with TfL. u 49 Southwark Street – This unit had a red cross If you have yet to take advantage of the fund as the emergency stop button had been pressed. you can still apply. I’m told that drivers can still get He reset the unit, tested and all back in comms. Anthony Street is an LTDA £8,000 from the scheme. u 48 Southwark Street – This unit also had the Executive Support Officer

See your advertisement here

TAXI is the membership magazine for the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA). It is circulated to 15,000 taxi drivers in London every fortnight.

Get in touch To see your advertisement in the leading magazine for black cab drivers in London contact us today:

Jack Green

[email protected]

01727 739 196 @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 9 10 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA Children Enjoy “Magical” Charity Bash ENTERTAINMENT

Hundreds of children were once again treated to one of the year’s biggest parties thanks to a host of kind-hearted volunteers. Almost 600 people enjoyed the colourful and boisterous extravaganza at the Grosvenor Hotel organised by the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has been staged every year for 48 years and is supported by an incredible array of helpers from the taxi trade, the London Fire brigade, Barking & Dagenham and Westminster Volunteer Police Cadets and many more. Bradley Winﬁeld, Chairman of the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children said: “The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children’s Mad Hatters Tea Party is such a special day for everyone involved. The charity is always overwhelmed by the generosity of those who support this party with donations of their money, their time or their services. It is a real privilege to be part of this annual event and to see so Tail Folk and Pearly Kings and Queens. and the Crystal Palace Cheerleaders. The for special needs and disadvantaged children many deserving children, their parents, Entertainment included live music from children also enjoyed meeting characters and provides funding to support children guardians or carers, enjoying this Britain’s Got Talent’s Donchez Dacres, including Elsa and Anna from Frozen, who need recreational, technology and magical afternoon.” tribute acts Elvis Shmelvis and Ray “Elton” Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Little mobility equipment. The excited guests were welcomed Johnson, Dance 21, beat-boxer Dana Mermaid, the Queens Park Rangers football Anyone interested in ﬁnding out more, to the event by a colourful parade of McKeon, Action Amanda (who’s passion mascots, and characters from Star Wars. donating or volunteering should visit the costumed characters, including the Furry is to keep children healthy and happy) The charity arranges days out in the UK, website at www.ltcfc.org.uk.

Veteran’s Art Oils Charity’s Wheels CHARITY his foot and he spent the next three years in hospital, having numerous D Day Veteran Bill Gladden is helping operations before being pensioned out to support the work of the Taxi of the army in 1947. Charity through his lifelong love Bill continued: “I work from of painting. photographs and ask that anyone who Bill Gladden, from Welling in Kent, commissions me, donates what they donates funds he raises from his feel is appropriate to the Taxi Charity commissions to the charity to help it for Military Veterans, so that veterans LTDA continue to ferry his fellow veterans to can continue to enjoy the various trips remembrance events in the UK and and excursions that we are invited to around Europe. throughout the year.” The 96-year-old travels to Bill loves receiving pictures from the Normandy and Holland every year many volunteer London taxi drivers with the Taxi Charity for Military who give up so much of their time to Veterans. support the charity, his friends and This trip, amongst many others, charity supporters. is provided without charge to the To ﬁnd out more about the work veterans, and to cover the costs the of the Taxi Charity, make a donation charity is reliant on donations or volunteer visit the website www. or grants. taxicharity.org Have you got an opinion or a view on taking the taxi Bill developed what was to be a lifelong love of painting as a child. He trade forward? We have been holding a said: “I have always loved painting, my series of members’ workshops over the past few favourite subjects are horses and dogs, months to share ideas and views in small groups. but I will happily paint anything that I The next one will take place on Wednesday, April 22, am asked to.” Bill was in the 6th Airborne, 2020, at 10-11.30am, in Woburn House. Armoured Recce Regiment and landed in Ranville on D Day in landing Zone N – he was 20 years old. He was wounded and initially thought he had lost his foot. The medical team managed to save @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 11

WHY SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN YOU CAN AFFORD THE BEST

From significant fuel savings and reduced service, maintenance and repair costs to an array of flexible finance packages, government funding and subsidies, there are many reasons why the world-class TX electric taxi is exceptionally affordable.

TX VISTA from £183 per week*

Weekly equivalent based on 5 year PCP paid monthly via direct debit.

LEVC London North 39-41 Brewery Road London N7 9QH Enquire today at levc.com/taxioffer 0203 912 6214

*Business users only. Finance illustration refers to Personal Contract Purchase. 7.3% APR Representative; figures based on TX Vista at £57,099 OTR (OTR figure is net of OLEV Plug in Taxi Grant which is up to £7,500 and is subject to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and European Commission state aid notification) with a customer deposit of £3,750, followed by 60 monthly payments of £791.09 (equivalent weekly payments of £182.56 – it is not possible to pay by week, balance is paid monthly via direct debit) plus an optional final payment of £19,258 and £10 Purchase Fee. Based upon an annual contracted mileage of 30,000. You have the option at the end of the agreement to 1. return the vehicle and not pay the optional final payment. If the vehicle has exceeded the maximum agreed mileage a charge per excess mile will apply. In this example, 6p plus VAT per excess mile. If the vehicle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded the maximum agreed mileage you will have nothing further to pay. 2. Pay the optional final payment and keep the vehicle. Or 3. Part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status. All prices inclusive of VAT. Two, three or four year plans are also available. Finance is provided by Black Horse Taxi Finance a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. All prices and promotions are valid for vehicles ordered and delivered before 31 March 2020. 12 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

Greedy parking rms picking the pockets of customers but will anybody hear your appeal for clemency? BP’S NOT SO SLICK LLOYD BALDWIN PUBLIC RELATIONS

ON POINT course of his visit, the driver’s young son, who the LTDA and I took up the case on his behalf altogether. I will leave it up to you to consider has autism, became extremely upset and our and the heartless, unfeeling response I have what you think best. member had to spend a long time calming had is beyond belief. The upshot of this, is that it’s completely here’s been a massive surge in the him down. This meant Despite the fact there is huge pointless complaining to these people, number of private parking tickets he stayed past the BP sign hanging over everything is split up into franchises and T being sent out in recent years - with 30-minute allowance in the garage in Stoke nobody can be bothered or wants to take 6.8million issued in the past year alone. This a disabled parking Newington Road, responsibility for their actions. is down to the growth in the use of private bay. the oil giant gave You have to be extremely careful out there parking firms, who are ruthless and care not Our member me the brush off, and double check all the signs anywhere that one bit for you, the reasons why you might knew nothing claiming that you stop. have unwittingly been caught out, or the about the the issue was the If you don’t want to pay up, the one hardship you might endure thanks to their penalty he responsibility chink of light is that the number of people overzealous, aggressive and greedy behaviour. attracted of a third party, successfully appealing their parking tickets is What’s worse, is that the companies that until the fine which runs on the rise, according to new figures. employ these ruthless bullies aren’t interested flopped on his the garage, According to the official Parking on Private either and often claim that they are powerless mat. Thinking but “thank you Land Appeals body, there were 89,609 appeals to help. Their response is the same Pontius that the company for raising the in the past year, up 33% on 2018, with drivers Pilate’s, to wash their hands of these issues, concerned would issue with them.” winning 40% of the time, meaning 32,012 despite the fact the firm is operating on their listen to his case and see Essentially, they tickets were cancelled. land by consent. sense, especially as he was weren’t interested. It is a gamble though, but if you feel you A recent case brought home to me the a paying customer, he decided I wrote back to express my have strong case it can be worth it. Just make hopelessness of these situations. One of our to write to them to explain what happened. frustration, to say that I thought for British sure you provide as much information and members was recently caught out at BP Sadly, he was misguided in every way. Neither Petroleum to state that it has no control over evidence as possible to help your case. u garage where he had the temerity to buy fuel BP nor the parking company cared one iota the companies that they partner with is at best but overstayed his welcome while dealing about him and his son. disingenuous, and that I would urge drivers Lloyd Baldwin is an LTDA Executive with an issue with his young child. In the After getting a knock back he contacted to avoid that garage in the future, if not BP Support Officer @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 13

C I C L E O O C A I E C A C O A N L T .

Rent The Electric

Vista Comfort Plus

O E N T C ll 0 0 4 4 1

0 0 4 4 1 I o c ickle oodc ie s.co.uk .elect icbl ckc bs.co.uk 14 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

TX4 TAXI DRIVERS

Terms & Conditions apply TRUSTED TO DO RIGHT BY DRIVERS @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 15

Business has improved but the new year always provides a challenge especially with yet more road closures ROAD CLOSURES ARE PAUL BRENNAN KILLING LONDON TOP RANK

o how was 2019 for you in the cab? I know I had many more Sgood days than bad, and it seems that it was the same for most drivers I’ve spoken to. Of course, that doesn’t mean that everything is rosy in the cab trade. No doubt as you read this in what I always believe is historically the real kipper season i.e. last two weeks of January and first two weeks of February, I will forgive you for calling me all sorts of names and telling me to shove my work level opinions where the sun doesn’t shine. with the Task and Finish Group on Taxi London. In 1903, Jimmy became the I realise as I write this we are now at There is no doubt in my mind that the and private hire vehicle licensing set up first London cabbie to pick up passengers the end of January, it may even be that number one issue for our trade currently by the Department for Transport (DfT) in a petrol-powered cab, a French-built its early February when you are reading is the shocking number of road closures and independently chaired by Professor Prunel and that was when the current it, but as I missed writing something for or restrictions being implemented or Mohammed Abdel-Haq. run of badge’s began, when taxis became the first edition of taxi in 2020, I would considered. Unfortunately, the local The Task & Finish group suggested fuel powered. A more in-depth account of like to take this opportunity to wish greengrocer is no longer the local and published 34 recommendations that London’s No1 badge driver can be found you all a happy, healthy and prosperous councillor and town halls have become government should introduce in the on the Londonist website, follow this link year. u overrun with councillors and officials interest of public safety. Last year, the https://londonist.com/london/history/ with their own vested interests or an Conservative government changed its london-s-first-taxi-driver-james- Paul Brennan, ideology that in their narrow mindset mind from “we won’t be introducing any michael-howe LTDA Executive supersedes that of residents, businesses legislation” to “actually we will be,” then and well just about anyone else. We are once again having no mention of it in the just seeing some small signs of the worm Queen’s speech just before Christmas. turning, but it’s not quick enough and That doesn’t mean it’s not going to those with vested interests are well and happen, and we will now continue to do truly imbedded in position. all we can to make sure that it does. Hopefully, in other areas this coming year will see life and work levels for Q&S Quotax the average cabby continue to improve. When discussing my articles with drivers At least the constant ‘to Brexit or not they often ask two things: to Brexit’ debate looks to have finally 1) When will I do more Q&As with been resolved, which should mean the people and companies connected to London’s leading reluctance of big business to do any the trade? deals without knowing what, when, 2) Can I bring back the Did You Know? where and how we will depart the block section at the end. Well as far as number Insurance broker. will hopefully subside. The outrageous one goes, yes, and I’ve lined up John behaviour of some of our MPs in delaying Heath from Dynamo, which is the what the public voted for has had an company bringing the electric Nissan taxi impact on many UK businesses, the trade to the streets of the UK, and also Anand included, not just because Nandha who is the head of compliance deals haven’t been done, but because at Transport for London. So, if you have other parliamentary business has not a question you would like me to put to been conducted. either of these gentlemen send them to The LTDA has worked extremely hard [email protected] using the subject line to get the powers that be to recognise Q&A. The dozen or so most popular that current taxi and private hire questions received will be put to them legislation is no longer fit for purpose and printed in taxi. and, quite frankly, hasn’t been for a long time. We’ve helped form an All Party And as far as number 2? Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Taxis Well you may be aware that we are now to fight our corner in the ‘gas works’ and seeing new taxi drivers on the streets along with the APPG we were involved of London with badge numbers that begin with 80***. Now, you might be Give us a call to see how much you can save. “Unfortunately, the thinking, how can we only be at 80,000 when we’ve been around for over 350 020 8127 8419 local greengrocer is years? Well ‘did you know’ the driver with badge number 1 was James Michael quotax.net no longer the local Howe. ‘Jimmy’ entered the trade in 1884, councillor “ driving horse-drawn carriages around 16 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

Weeklyup to ClaimBenefit £450* CAN’TCAN’T WORK?WORK? Protection NONO PAY!PAY!

“I visited my GP for the routine medical. I then “You don’t expect to be off work for a discovered that I was suffering from Thyroid long time, but when it happens you’re cancer. Thankfully I had the LTDA payments to glad you joined the LTDA” back me up during my treatment” Gold Premium Platinum Premium

Up to £250 weekly benefit if you were Up to £450 weekly benefit if you were unable to work due to Sickness or Accident unable to work due to Sickness or Accident £51.20 per month £59.90 per month (includes LTDA basic membership) (includes LTDA basic membership) Both schemes include: Accidental Death Benefit of £60,000 and hospital benefit of up to £400 per week (max 30 nights)

To join, call Paula today on 020 7286 1046 or email [email protected]

Alternatively, call in at Taxi House and pick up an application form or download it from: www.ltda.co.uk POLICY CONDITIONS: Claims for Back/Depression related illnesses have a reduced benefit of £90 per week. 14 day deferment period before claim payments start. Maximum period for which weekly benefit is payable to 26 weeks. The age limit for joining Platinum is 49 years and for the Gold is 54 years. You are covered up to your 65th Birthday. (subject to terms & conditions). @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 17

LETTERS him again, so why put yourself out? It was as I was departing London, my hotel took a call from Mustapha who informed me he managed to speak STAR LETTER to the Uber driver and had got his number for THE KINDNESS OF me to call and arrange a pickup. It does not end MUSTAPHA there. Mustapha was so helpful, he then even offered to coordinate the pickup and deliver the wanted to email you personally with a Now, this is where Mustapha comes in. phone to me personally, which was well above recommendation for one of your London Mustapha picked my daughter and I up from his call of duty, outstanding! This short story Icabbies, Mustapha Bell. To cut a long story short, the hotel I was staying in for one night, Marriott has instilled a new pride into black cabbies over I left my mobile phone in an Uber in December, Maida Vale to Hyde Park, and I mentioned my Uber. Black cabs are typically more expensive while travelling from Heathrow with my young lost phone and the dilemma that I was leaving in my experience, but what you get is so much daughter. After realising I left the phone on the for Bristol that same afternoon and to my better and worth the additional pound. If you are back seat, I was struggling to get in touch with overwhelming surprise, Mustapha suggested he reading this Mustapha; thank you once again. Best the Uber driver through the platform and was would ring my phone and continue to do so until wishes for 2020. u not sure I would ever see my phone again, even the Uber driver picked up. Bearing in mind he David Greenwood, Head of Retail & Consumer, though I knew where it was! was working all day and I would likely not see Leisure & Hospitality Practice MENA

home in Rainham, Essex, will read this and know MY HOSPITAL that his generosity has touched me deeply. I have EMERGENCY made a donation to the Taxi Drivers’ Charity for hope through the pages of TAXI I can record Children as a small gesture of appreciation, and my heartfelt thanks to Ben the driver who took I wish him and his family a peaceful and happy Ime from Aldwych, where I had fallen and hit my 2020. head, to accident and emergency at St Thomas’ Toby Harding hospital on Friday, January 3. Ben was so kind and reassuring and took my arm into the hospital and stayed until he knew I was safe. I am sure he is a person who does kind things without needing UNSEEN ACTS thanks, but I needed to thank him regardless and OF GENEROSITY send him every good wish. hank you to the driver who picked me up Hilary Lane near the junction of Wyndham Road and TCamberwell New Road on Tuesday, January, around 6.15 pm. I was struggling to walk and was very shaken up after threatening behaviour by two STOP BROOMING they’ve all heard about, “Uber.” Come on, wake members of the public towards me. The driver JOBS “Stop up mate! Your badge number started with a 6, took me to Oval Station and refused payment. I s a cab driver for over 30 years, I fully so you’re no butter boy; come February you’ll be know this is one of probably many unseen acts of understand why another driver would upsetting riding around with rest of us for the best part of kindness by cab drivers in London – thank you Aswerve away from drunks, groups of rowdy our an hour looking for any job going anywhere. Stop from Eileen, a very grateful member of the public. youths, and people who generally appear a bit upsetting our punters and giving our work away to Eileen Ollieuz, Headteacher, Highshores dodgy. However, why does a driver sitting on the punters the opposition. School, SE5 point on Debenhams rank in Oxford Street at and giving Geoff Crane 2pm, who’s invested in a TXE, broom off a polite respectable 20-year-old couple wanting to go to our work CHEATS STILL Winter Wonderland? Okay, it was only a £6.80 away job but what would you expect off of Debenhams PROSPERING rank in December, “Kempton Park?” If they can’t to the TOUCHED ust spotted this in front of me on A40, POB get a black cab off the rank, what are their options? opposition” BY CABBIE’S into London. Look closely at the Reg No - still They’ll be pretty annoyed and unlikely to start Jcheating the system. Disgusting! searching their phone for a black cab app. Even if GENEROSITY G Hinchcliffe they do, one way or another the driver who gets was reminded recently how kind and generous the job off an app will effectively be buying back people can be. I had injured my knee while out street work, but more likely they’ll turn to the one Irunning and having received treatment from the wonderful people at St Thomas’s Hospital and I was discharged shortly after midnight. The hospital contact could not get anybody to me for over two hours, so I set off on foot to ﬁnd a taxi rank. I don’t live in London and had gone out with no money, cards or any means of paying, all of which were in my hotel room. As I hobbled down the road, a London taxi driver who had EASY RUN HARD RUN recently ﬁnished his shift saw me, and pulled over. I explained that I would need to ask him to wait at u u Shakespeare’s Globe Highgate Golf Club my hotel so I could fetch my wallet from the room. to to Business Design Centre Blakemore Hotel When we got there, he refused to take a fare. So, this wonderful man had, when off duty, taken me to my hotel for free. I was too wrapped up in Do you have a gripe or praise? Contact us at my own problems to take his details but I hope that the driver who took me from St Thomas’s 0207 121 0523 or email [email protected] to Travelodge Farringdon, before heading for his 18 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

The scandal of private hire drivers buying test results shows that TfL went to sleep on the job TFL MUST BRING CHRIS ACKRILL IT’S A GAME TO 2020

ON THE ROAD licensed driver working in Brighton be adequately insured? Don’t ask TfL, that’s for another body to work ne of the big scandals of 2019 was out. Cross-border LTDA

The newspaper of the Licensed the fake English language tests Taxi Drivers’ hiring will Association

@TheLTDA #456 12 November 2019 BUMP: HED1 pxx for private hire drivers. English HED2 surely continue O p3 proficiency was rightly being tested by to be a talking Transport for London at designated centres. point this year, Test certificates could also be obtained but our licensing through equivalent qualifications gained at authority will BBC EXPOSES private colleges. Journalists investigating PHV FRAUD wring their hands this weak spot found they could simply and hope it all blows pay a sum of money and be awarded a over. In fairness, the certificate without sitting a test. A BBC “TfL Will Never Stop Licence Scam” Government needs journalist paid £500 to buy a qualification. p2 to get involved here, When the resulting television expose was private hire legislation. The regulator has licences, and it involves itself in tighten legislation aired TfL had questions to answer. Officials the responsibility to those working within everything imaginable that happens on and create a national thanked the journos for all their good work the trade, and to passengers, to ensure London’s streets; including closing roads database. and promised to investigate the matter. everything is above board. It shouldn’t at will and telling us how to conduct Taxi complaints are handled directly Would there be a Christmas knock on the be left to the media to investigate our business. If TfL is the police, who is by TfL. Complaints are taken seriously, door for minicab drivers who had bought suspicious practices. TfL said it was “deeply policing the police? I’m not sure where though not as seriously as they were certificates from a Mickey Mouse college? concerned” and “will support the relevant the mayor is on this issue either. This under the Public Carriage Office when TfL appeared to act decisively, but authorities with any wider investigations is happening on his watch, in his city. the police ran the show. Private hire the issue should have been at the top of into these organisations.” I thought TfL Where is the geezer? complaints are handled in-house by the agenda from the outset. Transport was the relevant authority: they are the TfL refused Uber a new licence towards individual operators. We only get to hear for London is the gatekeeper of taxi and authority who issue taxi and private hire the end of the year. I don’t know whether of incidents if they are serious enough the ban will hold this time, but TfL is to interest the media. Uber never took evidently aware of suspicious goings-on complaints seriously and that’s part of the in the murky world of private hire. Since reason why it was denied a new London minicab licensing rocketed with the licence, and why it is sure to go through coming of Uber there have been insurance another very long and expensive court scandals, serious customer data breaches, appeal. and a huge crime rate amongst drivers TfL drags its feet looking at complaints that Uber wanted to keep quiet. There are but moves like greased lightning to many people driving minicabs who aren’t bank the licence money from around who they say they are. Those in the know 113,000 minicab drivers (outnumbering in private hire circles can put you in touch by at least five times the number of taxi with a tame doctor who can provide a licences). When I worked as a Knowledge guaranteed trouble-free medical without examiner a couple of my colleagues having access to your medical records. would photograph suspicious activity When I renewed my taxi licence I had to by out of town minicab drivers and make an appointment with an optician, report it. The camera footage would be but I understand that even this isn’t sent upstairs, but we’d rarely hear back. necessary in the weird and frightening They were undoubtedly too busy selling world of private hire. Private colleges licences to act on evidence of illegal should have been scrutinised along with activity that was handed to them on a all the other possible loopholes in minicab plate. The fact is, handling complaints licensing. doesn’t bring in any money, issuing Has the insurance matter been licences does. I’ll be hoping for a lot more resolved? Are Uber drivers telling their from our licensing authority this year. insurance companies that they are working in areas they are not licensed Website: pubcat.co u for? Wolverhampton and Brighton come up a lot in discussions on cross Chris Ackrill is a taxi driver and former border hiring: would a Wolverhampton- Knowledge examiner

“TfL refused Uber a new licence towards the end of the year. I don’t know whether the ban will hold this time, but TfL is evidently aware of suspicious goings – on in the murky world of private hire. Since minicab licensing rocketed with the coming of Uber...“ @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 19

LEVC W E S T L ONDON THE ENDEAVOUR N O W O PEN! HIGH 5! BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND 5 YEARS SERVICING 5 YEARS WARRANTY 5 YEARS PAINT PROTECTION LIMITED TIME ONLY IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

But hurry, taxis MUST be ordered and delivered by 14th February 2020 to qualify for this fantastic offer!

• New TX Electric Taxi Showroom • Rapid 22kW Charging Points available Pop in and we’d be delighted to show you round our new premises • Demonstrator available for Test Drives • Meter & CC Payment Machine ﬁtting on-site and talk you through some of the groundbreaking features of the new • Taxi Servicing & Bodyshop • TX4 Part Exchanges welcome TX Electric Taxi.

AFTERSALES @ LEVC WEST LONDON • Factory trained LEVC technicians & recently extended workshop • Free vehicle health check • While you wait appointments - subject to availability • Free software update • Plated loan vehicles available - subject to availability • Great coffee and a warm welcome! • Free vehicle wash & vacuum

LEVC West London 110 Power Road, Chiswick W4 5PY 020 3897 3722 www.levcwestlondon.co.uk 20 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

COMPENSATION FOR MORTGAGE PRISONERS www.mortgageprisoners.com

Mortgage prisoners trapped paying excessively high interest rates

Two hundred thousand people in that lots of people could no longer afford affected borrowers will be able to reclaim the UK are trapped paying rates of to switch lenders. When Mortgage over £30,000 from their lenders. interest of 5% & above as a result Prisoners’ fi xed-rate period ended, they In some cases borrowers also took of ‘inactive’ or ‘zombie’ banks were stuck paying high SVRs, in some out Northern Rock ‘Together Mortgages’ refusing to offer them new deals. cases for as long as 12 years. which offered an additional unsecured Homeowners who happened to In other cases, people’s mortgages loan on top of a mortgage. These My mortgage have mortgages with Northern Rock have been sold on to hedge funds who products punished borrowers who nightmare or Bradford & Bingley when they were have ratcheted up the rates they charge repaid their mortgage by charging, in nationalised in 2009 have become at a time when most other home owners some cases, up to 15% interest on the One of the prospective trapped paying high ‘standard variable are enjoying unprecedentedly low rates. unsecured loan. The group believe a claimants, Juliet, had banked rates’ or ‘SVRs’ of interest, as a result A group of affected Mortgage large amount of this interest can be with Northern Rock for years. She of the nationalisation and subsequent Prisoners has instructed Harcus Parker, reclaimed. In some cases this will also had re-mortgaged with the bank change in policy of these banks. a commercial litigation law fi rm based in amount to over £30,000. several times to avoid paying When they encouraged customers London, to investigate possible claims Damon Parker, Founding Partner of an excessive rate but, in 2008, to sign up with them, these lenders on its behalf. A website has been set Harcus Parker, said: “Many of our clients Juliet was informed that her latest appeared to promise that they would be up where affected people can fi nd out have told us that, before they joined introductory rate had ended and able to transfer onto new deals when more information and join the claim: the group, they thought that they were that her payments would soon their initial fi xed-rate period ended. www.mortgageprisoners.com. alone. Many have felt ashamed about double, when her mortgage But, in the wake of the fi nancial crash The group will say that Northern being in fi nancial hardship and of the switched to the bank’s SVR. When in 2008, Northern Rock and Bradford Rock, Bradford & Bingley and the other impact it has had on their families. We she contacted the bank, as she & Bingley (by then in public ownership) inactive lenders who have bought these believe lenders should be required to act had done three times before, to ceased to offer new mortgages in the mortgages, should be required to treat responsibly and fairly to customers. We move to the latest two-year fi xed market. them fairly, and not to set their interest hope that by bringing these claims we rate, she was told that Northern At the same time, strict new lending rates at a punitively high level. can end the unfair treatment of mortgage Rock was no longer an ‘active criteria were introduced, which meant Harcus Parker estimate that some prisoners.” lender’ and she would have to pay the SVR. Juliet has since been • Do you have, or have you ever had, a mortgage with Northern Rock, forced to switch to an interest-only mortgage, paying an extra £500 Bradford & Bingley, or Mortgage Agency Services 1-7? each month for 11 years. • Are you stuck paying a high rate of interest? • Have you been refused a new deal by your lender? Harcus Parker Limited • Are you unable to re-mortgage elsewhere? 7th Floor, Melbourne House 44-46 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LL www.mortgageprisoners.com Then you could claim thousands of pounds Harcus Parker Limited is authorised & regulated by the SRA (SRA ID: 653501) of compensation as a Mortgage Prisoner by registering now at: www.mortgageprisoners.com People with Northern Rock ‘Together Mortgages’ could make additional claims @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 21 Uber Boss Holds Talks With TfL

TRADE we will keep listening, learning and improving.” Uber’s boss held private talks with The original ban on Uber was London’s outgoing transport chief ahead overturned by the courts in June of the looming licensing tussle. 2018, when it was handed a temporary Dara Khosrowshahi met Mike 15-month licence. Brown, Transport for London (TfL) It was made subject to more than commissioner while the way to the a dozen conditions including the World Economic Forum in Davos, appointment of three independent Switzerland. directors to the board of Uber London The meeting was not publicly Limited (ULL) and a requirement for the disclosed but is believed to have been company to produce an independently leaked by a whistle-blower. verified assurance report to TfL every six It came around two months after Uber months. was banned by the regulators for the The presiding magistrate highlighted second time after a series of safety Uber’s refusal to accept blame for failings were uncovered. shortcomings in conducting criminal TfL confirmed that the company’s Mike Brown Dara Khosrowshahi record checks on drivers and delays systems had enabled unauthorised to informing regulators about data drivers to upload their photographs to several breaches that placed passengers The two men met twice during the breaches as reasons for continuing other Uber driver accounts - a failing and their safety at risk,” course of Uber’s previous London ban, concerns about its oversight. that affected at least 14,000 trips. “Despite addressing some of these according to reports at the time. Uber then won a further two-month Confirming the meeting took place, issues, TfL does not have confidence that An Uber spokesperson did not licence before November’s ban was a TfL spokesperson: “The CEO of similar issues will not reoccur in the comment directly on the meeting but announced. Uber met with the TfL commissioner future, which has led it to conclude that said: “We are appealing TfL’s decision. It has also emerged that regulators in while he was in europe for a number of the company is not fit and proper at this “Safety is our top priority which Birmingham are considering delaying a meetings.” time.” is why we have robust systems and decision on handing the company a new Uber was furious about the ban and The content of the discussion between processes in place. licence until the outcome of its London appealed the decision, with a hearing Mr Brown and Mr Khosrowshahi was “We are working closely with TfL to appeal was clear. expected in the first half of this year. unclear, although the fact that the address their concerns and requests, as Mr Brown is due to leave his role At the time of the announcement, meeting provoked criticism as, Uber’s we have since 2017. at Transport for London in May and TfL said it had “identified a pattern continued operation in London is the “When it comes to safety on our lead the restoration of the Houses of of failures by the company including subject of court proceedings. platform our work is never done and Parliament.

TFL ARE OFFERING UP TO £8,000 FOR TAXI DRIVERS DELICENSING THEIR EURO 3, 4 AND 5 VEHICLES*

That’s up to £8,000 towards the purchase of a new TX. Find out more at www.levc.com/tflfund

Alternatively speak to us about a part exchange on your new TX – we are offering up to £3,500 more on part ex valuations of selected TX4 models.**

www.levc.com/valuemytaxi or call 0203 912 6214

*The TfL delicensing fund is available for taxi drivers who want to delicense their Euro 3, 4 or 5 vehicles. For more details on scheme eligibility please refer to https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private- LEVC London hire/taxi-delicensing-scheme **Inflated offer prices are typically available on late Euro 5 and Euro 39-41 Brewery Road London N7 9QH 6 TX4 models in good condition and with full service history. All used vehicle offers are made at the discretion of the LEVC Brewery Road team. Terms and conditions apply. levc.com L ONDON NORTH 22 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

ELECTRIC TX TAXI DRIVERS

Terms & Conditions apply TRUSTED TO DO RIGHT BY DRIVERS @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 23

Taxi Hire NEW TAXI RENTAL LTD BONANZA ! We have just placed the BIGGEST ever order in the history of LEVC for 250 brand new TX Electric Taxis

Brand new in the box ALSO TX4 EURO 5 TX Electric Taxis & EURO 6 AVAILABLE

First come first For details and to add yourself to the waiting list please get in touch Office: 020 7613 4442 Mobile: 07714821482 served! Email: [email protected] 24 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA Union leader cleared of ear battery

COURT “caused them injury albeit slight and transitory”. A former Uber driver turned gig He said the loud noise had economy campaigner has been cleared exacerbated an ear infection Lewis of ‘assaulting’ the ears of police officers was suffering from and Spinks said with a megaphone. James Farrar had “there was disruption to her hearing”. gone on trial for the alleged assault He conceded the jurors might be of two officers who said his chanting surprised to hear the problems through the loudhailer in support of “cleared up after a short period of workers’ rights hurt their ears. time” given the allegation Farrar had Farrar, now the chair of the private committed an assault. hire branch of the Independent “They weren’t beaten but the Worker’s Union of Great Britain, prosecution says the defendant was was leading a protest on March reckless in his use of the loud-hailer 4 in Parliament Square when Sgt so close to the head and left ears of James Lewis and PC Ann Spinks both of the police officers,” Woods were subjected to “battery” by the said. sound of his amplified voice, a jury at The jury also heard that minicab Southwark crown court heard. Police said megaphone “chanting” hurt their ears drivers were using whistles, air horns Farrar was using the loud hailer and vuvuzelas and the protest was as at a protest a decision to levy the attempt... to break our union”. complained to police that they were a loud as a rock concert or Premier Congestion Charge on minicab drivers He claimed he was only arrested and being treated differently to black-cab League football match. and not taxi drivers. charged with the crime of assaulting drivers, who were also protesting Woods said Farrar had not been But there was no evidence the an emergency worker a month later that day. arrested on the day of the protest 51-year-old had committed a crime, after he had made a formal complaint He said it was because “the “because it might have exacerbated Judge Philip Bartle QC said. about the policing of the protest. demonstrators came from black and the situation.” PC Ann Spinks told Mr Farrar’s The alleged assault occurred when minority ethnic backgrounds.” Farrar was one of two complainants trial she was left with ringing in her police tried to clear protesting Uber Woods told the jury that amid in the employment tribunal which ear “like a fire alarm going off” after a drivers away from flatbed trucks they “pushing and shoving” between ruled that Uber drivers should be megaphone was purposely aimed had brought in to remove their parked police officers and protesters Farrar treated as employees with rights, such at her. minicabs. had used the megaphone close to the as holiday and sick pay. The latest Farrar said the legal action against Farrar had wanted his members to left ears of both Spinks and Lewis appeal against the ruling is still to him was “a corrupt and crude be able to drive on to the square and in a way that was “reckless” and be heard.

The Accountants 100%

Short and Sons Accountants Ltd Owned by a London Black T: 01784 390021 M: 07481 479933 Cab Driver. www.shortandsons.co.uk [email protected] 1. Full Tax Returns Completed for just £250! 2. Zero time off – we meet at work! 3. Sign documents electronically on your phone, tablet or computer. 4. Depreciation of cabs utilised in the most efficient manner. 5. PAYE & Self-employment no problem. 6. Property Rentals included in calculation. 7. The only cabbie accountant available to meet you while you work at LHR, the KX Taxi club or the Astral Café! 8. Easy to use professional cloud storage for your receipts. 9. Tax returns for previous years submitted. Find us at LHR, in town or online. Now you can download our sign-up form directly Call Jason on 07481 479933. from our website! Open 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday www.shortandsons.co.uk Designed for the professional driver. @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 25

NEWS IN BRIEF Funding Boost for EV Charging Transport Sexual ENVIRONMENT Harassment Rising EV charger funding has been doubled to CRIME £10 million by the Government in a bid to encourage people to make the switch. More than half of women say they have It is the second time the Government been the victims of sexual harassment on has doubled its EV infrastructure funding public transport in London, according to allowance. a new survey. Last August, £2.5m was allocated to the The most common offence was being installation of EV chargers in residential deliberately pressed up against by a areas, matching a £2.5m pledge made in stranger, experienced by 37% of women 2017. and 12% of men. The focus will be on urban areas and The survey found 39% of Londoners the latest cash injection will go towards were subjected to unwanted sexual installing an additional 3,600 street side behaviour on trains and buses — 55% of chargers across the UK. women and 21% of men. It could also fund the development of Tens of thousands of incidents on buses a publicly accessible charger monitoring and the Tube go unreported, the YouGov platform that would show whether study suggests individual facilities are in use or out of order. Around 12% of women saw a ﬂasher The Department of Transport says such from automotive industry leaders and Freeman claimed the only way the expose their genitals, while 8% had a system “could then be used by developers experts about the slow roll-out of EV Government can meet its goal of stopping complete strangers request sexual favours. and incorporated into sat-navs and route- infrastructure in the UK. sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040 is Only 2% of respondents had mapping apps.” Jaguar Land Rover UK boss Rawdon through investment in infrastructure and reported an incident despite campaigns The Government claims to have Glover has been a strong critic of promotion of EVs. encouraging passengers to report supported the installation of more than Government failings. He said: “By 2024, I’d like to more than unwanted sexual behaviour. 24,000 public charging points to date, He has said: “I’d like to see a faster double the number of rapid charge points TfL said the number of reported including 2400 rapid chargers, as part of its roll-out of infrastructure in terms of to over 5,000. That would give even more sex offences across the network was Road to Zero emissions strategy. scale, of course, especially in light of people across the country the chance to “low”, with one incident for every two A shortage of charging points is one of the Government’s stated Road to Zero drive electric vehicles, and we need to think million journeys, but incidents were the key reasons many people are said to put ambitions, but I also think there need to about a balance between following where “underreported”. off going electric, with ‘range anxiety’ often be steps to make what we have today more the uptake [of electric cars] is and reassuring It recorded 285 sex offences on the highlighted. usable.” tomorrow’s purchasers that we’re building underground and 161 on buses between There has also been a wave of criticism Recently, DfT minister of state George for them.” July and September last year.

Lo do s i est T imete NE I IN TA I ETE

9 .00 e t e ye ll i clusive Tf L Approved Easy and sim ple t o u se Com pact m odern design Color coded touch sensi�ve bu�ons All ﬂeets welcome Compa�ble with all radio circuits Work with all charge systems

e e Eve yt i ou im ly ive...0 0 0 3 00 Lo do d e e l oto C b Com y Limited 26 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 27

CHECKLIST RELICENSING AT NSL? Save yourself time and loss of work

DIARY WATCH

ALL 4 ONE BONUS FOR LTDA MEMBERS

hat better way to kick off the New Year than with a free £150 gift card? Peter said: “Brilliant – thanks very much. What stroke of luck to start off the New Our spotters love nothing more than hopping around London looking Year.”A short while later our spotters managed to catch up with Abdel Shaykhon , who for LTDA diaries – so make sure you have yours in the windscreen. was pleased as punch when he was handed a £150 gift card simply for having his diary This week they caught up with Peter Russell, who was delighted when on display. Wour spotters surprised him with a £150 All 4 One gift card just for having his diary on Abdel said: “That’s great, thanks a lot. That’s made my day. ” the dashboard. Each year we give away almost £8,000 to LTDA members, so the odds of coming up All 4 One cards can be spent on a huge array of items in dozens of stores, including trumps are pretty good. Debenhams, Argos, River Island and Marks and Spencer. Just make sure you have your LTDA membership diary on display and let us do the rest.

“Brilliant” “Great” 28 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 29

NEWS IN BRIEF Join the Krav Maga-nificent Army Heathrow Gets HEALTH Anti Drone Tech With the increasing number of assaults against frontline workers, there’s never A hi tech system designed to stop drones been a better time to sign up to our from grounding flights is to be installed at free Krav Maga classes for members. Heathrow. Even a cursory look at the news shows Bosses are desperate to avoid the chaos a shocking number incidents involving which shut down Gatwick in 2018 when a delivery drivers and cab drivers. drone was flown near its runways. With police often too busy and It also follows incidents and threats understaffed to help, it could be time by eco-activists to shut down airport to meet Ricky Manetta and learn the operations using the devices. art of self-defence. The manufacturer, Operational Ricky, who is himself a taxi driver, Solutions, confirmed they had supplied teaches the use of blocking, grappling a “bespoke” system “to protect the UK’s and wrestling style moves to fend off busiest airfield” but said details were attackers – even from those wielding top secret. weapons. It “works by detecting and tracking They can also help you get fit and drones in surrounding airspace and alerting lose some of those extra pounds you airports of unauthorised drone use quickly gained over the Christmas period. and efficiently,” the firm said. Ricky says: “The course is designed It follows the introduction of laws last to give people confidence to deal with year banning unauthorised drones from threatening situations. The aim is It gives drivers piece of mind to the Orwell Centre in Wapping on being flown within Flight Restriction to help drivers get out of violent or deal with situations, which can help Monday, February 24. Zones, which extend for 5,000 metres (3.1 threatening situations without having stop them spiralling out of control, or It is open to any members who want miles) from airport boundaries, with the to fight.” ending with serious injury. Not only to try it for the first time and even threat of five years imprisonment. Hundreds of cabbies have taken the does it offer the chance to improve those who have completed the course Last January, Heathrow was forced to classes and have praised them as fun your fitness and general health, but before, but might want a refresh. stop departing flights after an unmanned and confidence building. your state of mind as well. If you are an LTDA member and aerial vehicle (UAV) sighting. Then last Krav Maga was created in the 30s to Some drivers have even claimed can commit to an eight-week course month, a British Airways passenger protect Czech Jews from anti-Semitic it improved their driving and many on Monday afternoons between told police she spotted a drone flying at attacks. It is purely about self-defence keep coming back for more. 1-3pm, then call Taxi House on 30,000ft as her plane came in to land at and improving your health. He starts the next course at 0207 286 1046 and ask to register. the airport.

London's finest elite fleet of taxis and drivers Black Taxi G 24hr Backup Service G Cabs Bought for Cash G Full Garage Facilities rentals G Full RAC Cover G Spare Cabs Available G Newly Qualified Drivers Welcome

BRAND NEW TOP OF THE RANGE TXE VISTA COMFORT PLUS AVAILABLE NOW!

TX4 ELEGANCE IN ASSOCIATION WITH from £210pw

TXE from £335pw

UNIT 7, DOMINION BUSINESS PARK, CALL NOW 0208 807 7931 GOODWIN ROAD, EDMONTON N9 0BG 30 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

Join Gett The leading taxi app in London! 0% Commission* in your first month!

Minimum Fare Peak Premiums Daily Priority Daily Payments

What are you waiting for? Sign up today at: u.gett.com/app or pop into the Gett Driver Oﬀice (162 Farringdon Road)

*Only if you're a new Gett Driver or have been inactive for 12 months @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 31

Residents Back Stoke Newington Revamp NEWS IN BRIEF Boris Bus ENVIRONMENT Backdoor Ban Work ripping up the Stoke Newington gyratory and revamping the high street TRANSPORT could begin in the autumn. The changes which include Passengers will be banned from introducing a protected cycle space boarding through the middle and rear and new pedestrian crossings were doors of the £355,000 Boris buses to supported by 59% of respondents to a prevent fare-dodging. consultation, according to TfL. Customers will have to enter the bus Currently, roads in the area do not via the front-door after a trial on route work as well as they could for people 8 saw Oyster card readers at the middle walking and cycling, with high levels and back doors switched off. of traffic, a lack of pedestrian crossings The trial is said to have halved fare- and rat-running in residential streets, dodging, which costs Transport for the regulator claimed. London £3.6 million a year, double that Penny Rees, TfL’s Head of Healthy Street, creating a dedicated space for which could host new seating areas, on routes with front-door boarding. Streets Investment and Delivery, people to cycle trees, local community gardens, The updated Routemasters were said: “Our plans to transform Stoke u Installing three new pedestrian entertainment and cycle parking spaces introduced by former London mayor Newington gyratory will make a big crossings, making streets in the area u Introducing further traffic calming Boris Johnson in a bid to hark back to difference to people living in and easier and safer to cross measures, including a new 20mph the iconic buses of the 60s and 70s. visiting the area, reducing danger u Creating a new southbound bus and speed limit, raised junctions and It was hoped that three door entry to people walking and cycling and cycle lane along Stoke Newington High crossings and restricted vehicle access would reduce the time buses spend at enabling everyone to make the most Street, providing better access to high on some side roads bus stops. The trial found restricting of the high street. We very much value street shops Construction work is expected boarding made little difference. all of the feedback we’ve received on u Adding traffic filters to the junctions to start in 2020 and will last for It is the latest blow to the reputation our plans and look forward to starting of Tyssen, Hollar and Batley Roads approximately 18 months. of the buses, which are built in Northern construction next year.” at their junction with the high street, Construction on a number of major Ireland, which have previously been The revamp aims to increase the which will reduce rat-running through new cycleways is either under way criticised after failing air-conditioning number of people walking and cycling residential streets or set to begin this year. Work on and windows that don’t open caused and improve access to buses while u Introducing two-way traffic Cycleway 4 between Tower Bridge and passengers to overheat in the summer. reducing reliance on cars, through: operation along Rectory, Manse and Greenwich began in June, whilst work Passengers with mobility issues and • Building a protected northbound Evering Roads on Cycleway 9 between Brentford and parents with prams will still be able to cycle lane on Stoke Newington High u Creating three new ‘pocket parks’, Olympia will start later this year. board via the rear doors.

TX4 10 plates to TX4 65 plates from £210 to £275 Euro 6 from £270 17 plate vitos from £275 32 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 33

Alf gets to grips with a dummy while learning to save lives on the LTDA’s popular rst aid course THE REAL FOURTH ALF TOWNSEND EMERGENCY SERVICE

TAXI TALK the certificates for completing the course. I thoroughly recommend attending a future one because the time may come when you have to assist a passenger – or ’ve always been a staunch advocate of learning one of your loved ones. I asked any of the chaps if basic first aid training ever since I saw a paramedic they were heading home north bound, but most of Ibehind a screen doing CPR on a guy lying on the them were working. Then up came John Simons who pavement. He was pumping his chest and the guy said he’d run me to Hampstead. John told me he was suddenly re-gained consciousness. Every cabbie I’ve originally from St. Pancras and now lived in Essex and spoken to can always tell a story about one of their he was running me home because he was a fan of mine passengers collapsing with a possible cardiac arrest. So, and had read all my articles since he got his bill. I was when I read in TAXI that the LTDA had teamed up quite touched by his generosity and I can’t thank him with Abbey First Aid Solutions, (AFAS) to run basic enough! life support courses at Taxi House, I got permission as a retired member, to book an appointment. The guy Split Waterman RIP who runs the show is Paul Tippett, a London cabbie I was saddened to hear that one of my heroes from the based in Essex. I found to him to be very professional 50s had passed away in Spain aged 96. I appreciate with a wicked sense of humour. When one of the wags that the majority of my readers would probably shouted out a funny remark he replied with an even not even heard of him. Nevertheless, I believe his funnier remark! fascinating story is well worth telling! and Split went to West Ham Hammers for a season After the introduction, he got five of us to lay on the Squire Francis Waterman – or Split to his many then returned to the Wembley Lions. But he seemed floor and another five to turn us over into the recovery thousands of fans, many of them being women because to be losing interest in the Speedway Racing and in the position, making sure their airways are not blocked. of his Errol Flynn looks - was the undisputed star of 1960s he got involved with the notorious Kray twins. This entails placing the arm nearest to you to the side, motorbike speedway during the decade after the war. His car was stopped at Newhaven with his fiancée bending the opposite leg, placing their hand against He learned his racing prowess while serving in the driving it and gold bullion worth £10,000 was found their cheek and holding it there. You then gently roll army in Italy. He fell in a race once and split his racing hidden in the chassis. The police then searched her the casualty towards you! Then he placed five dummies leathers down the back, his mates nicknamed him Split home and found a stack of guns! Split was charged on the floor and five of us had to bend the head back Arse, soon to be called for the rest of his life as just with gold smuggling and firearms offences. He got and check for breathing for 10 seconds. Give 30 chest Split. four years in gaol and his fiancée got six months. They compressions then give two rescue breaths. The rate of He was snapped up by Wembley Lions after the war married at the end of his sentence and moved to Spain compressions, (CPR) is a massive 100-120 per minute, and captained them to two British Championships. where they spent nearly 10, happy years. They’ll never and the chest should be compressed by between Then in 1950, he was transferred to Harringey Racers be another ‘Split’ Waterman 5-6cms. for £3,500, a record fee in those days! That’s when We then moved on to someone learning how to help my little gang started watching him at every meeting Three Score Years and Ten someone who is choking. You place your arms around because he really was very exciting and daring. You The life expectancy in The UK not too long ago the casualty from the rear and bend them forward, need to remember that the motorbikes in the races was 70. But thanks to the NHS and their wonderful administer up to five sharp blows between the shoulder didn’t have any brakes and the winners were those who doctors and nurses, it is creeping up to another decade. blades with the flat of your hand. Then place your could whizz fearlessly around the bends at a very fast Incidentally, they recently celebrated three score years arms around the casualty, form one hand into a fist and speed, throwing showers of cinders over their rivals. and 10 since their founding by Aneurin Bevan, the place on the upper abdomen just below the rib cage. After winning the London Riders’ Championship, Labour health minister in the late 40s! Japan tops the Pull sharply inwards and upwards. Last but not least, his team honours were National League Champions, world league for life expectancy, at 87, with the UK Paul brought over an artificial defibrillator, (AED) National Trophy winners, British Speedway Cup lying 14th, with 79.2 for men and 82.9 for women. and pulling out another dummy, he showed us how winners, London Cup and Coronation Cup winners! In a couple of months, god willing, I hope to be to operate it. It gives out electric shocks and basically He was also runner-up in two world championships celebrating FOUR score years and five! Not bad for an jump-starts the heart! and also won 30 international caps for England against old geezer who puffs his pipe too much and drinks too The time whizzed by and at the end Paul handed out Australia! Sadly, the Harringey Stadium closed in 1954 much rum and coke! u 34 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 35

Meg is stuck indoors after an operation, with hapless Mr Meg as her carer; what can go wrong? PLEASE DON’T CARRY MUSHER MEG ON DOCTORING LICENSED TO CHAT Him: “I haven’t got me glasses but it’s soooo hot blow up the microwave, burn the bottom out of in here. In fact, I think I’ll open a window….” “Go get the my favourite saucepan and decorate the kitchen Me “I am cold because I am not moving much, foil blanket ceiling with blueberries. And as he worked it y New Year’s Day was spent in hospital and I am not dressed.” Unlike you. You are and stu it sounded like the London Philharmonic Orchestra having a surgery, which needed a dressed like a lumberjack and wearing a fur lined was warming up in my 12-foot square kitchen. Mtwo-week recuperation period. Under hat with earflaps indoors.” where the There were bangs, crashes, wallops and the sound doctor’s orders I am not allowed to drive for a Him: “Shall I get you a hat?” sun doesn’t of breaking glass and china. fortnight, so I won’t be sitting uncomfortably, Me: “No. Just turn up the heating.” My breakfast finally appeared on a tray that glancing at the fearful faces of my passengers Him: “I have a foil blanket in the shed. Like shine” was covered in a sort of greasy soot. Cornflakes through the rear-view mirror, in London traffic the ones the marathon runners use. Shall I fetch floating in orange juice accompanied by two jams any time soon. Farewell Piccadilly, Goodbye that?” bourbon biscuits. And still no tea. Leicester Square as the song says…for now. Me: “Oh yes, do. Go get the foil blanket and stuff Next, I asked him to help me to the bathroom Being marooned on the sofa with Mr Meg as it where the sun doesn’t shine, but before that, so I could wash my face and brush my teeth. A my nurse is not the cure for a worry-free recovery. turn the sodding heating up or I’ll *&^%$£ing brainless task that just required his muscles and a The man is willing, but not able. kill you!!!” gentle steer. Here are the chats we have had this morning so Mr Meg is a man with has many skills, but Once in there he tried to be helpful and loaded far and it is only 7.20am. none of them can be applied in a kitchen. I have my toothbrush, but with Immac not toothpaste. Me: “Can I have a cup of tea?” cooked every meal he/we have eaten for three When I tasted it, foaming at the mouth, I turned Him: “What? Like right now? I just made decades. to him and shouted, “what have you done?” He you one.” So, day one of my recuperation and breakfast chose that moment to bring close the cloth (the Me: “That was at 10 o’clock last night.” was a Craig Revell Horwood style D I S A S TE R. very one that I know he uses on his athlete’s Him (tuts): “OK, OK. In a minute.” My order was for porridge with milk, a sprinkling foot when it flares up) to wash my face. I am Me, (teeth chattering with the cold): “Is the of blueberries and a drizzle of honey. Nutritious determined to get well soon so Mr Meg’s caring heating on?” and most importantly, super simple to make. skills (or kills as I fondly call them) won’t be Him “It’s roasting in here” Mr Meg rolled up his sleeves and told me he needed for long. Me: “What does the thermostat say? was going to “sort” breakfast. What he did was And still no sign of tea…. u HALVEY ENGINEERING

TX2 & TX4 ENGINE SPECIALIST SERVING THE TAXI TRADE FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS RECON TX2 ENGINE - supply & fit £1,795 RECON TX4 ENGINE - supply & fit £2,100 with 1 year guarantee BRAND NEW out of the crate TX4 engine supply & fit £3,499 * PLUS VAT

CALL TODAY: 0208 312 2224 Based in the OR EMAIL: [email protected] Woolwich area 36 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

Controversial Heathrow expansion plans loom large this year but there is also some positive news CABBIES DEMAND SAM HOUSTON HAL MEETING PLANE SPEAKING and frequently unfair competition. It was perhaps understandable four or five years ago for executives with a background outside transport to be seduced by fantasy he proposed expansion at Heathrow is going to efficiency savings touted by Silicon Valley, but the reality is be one of the biggest issues of the year. The trade clear now. has requested an urgent meeting with the Blue To those of us in the know, it has always been obvious T no record books, which have yet to be reprinted. Skies team which preside over the consultation for this huge that no-one has reinvented the wheel. The best quality and Even if you don’t have specific issue, you are welcome to project. most efficient way to move people and luggage, whether come in for a cup of tea and a chat. Some of the intentions set out in the ‘master plan’ are in central London or at Heathrow airport, is in a taxi. The a direct and unnecessary threat to the way licensed taxis sooner our partners realise that the happier their customers operate at Heathrow. This includes the proposal to charge will be. Work, work, work up to £15 every time we pick up or set down at the airport, I will keep you posted about further developments as and Throughput was again higher in December 2019 than the and the controversy surrounding the backfilling plans. when they emerge. previous year. In fact, 2019 was the highest for several years, It is still all to play for, and the expansion is by no means although the proportion of rides with at least one ‘local’ set in stone. Boris, you may remember, was dead against it journey has risen. at one stage and no one is quite sure what he thinks about Heathrow O ce There are no figures available for the percentage of rides it now, but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said it is On a more positive note, the new Heathrow LTDA office that end without a job ‘off’ the airport. still possible the project may be scrapped. opening hours have proved popular with drivers at the Certainly, in terms of waiting times many drivers in Shapps said it was unclear whether the project “stacks airport. To catch more of the early drivers, we have decided the park will not have felt any improvement with waits up” financially and with the cost of HS2 doubling, the to make the times one hour earlier. So, as of Monday, over three hours the norm and four hours not uncommon, Government will have to wield the axe somewhere. January 27, the office will be open 9am to 2pm Monday, especially now we are in the kipper season. Of course, there One thing is for sure, taxi drivers already invest vast Wednesday and Friday. are some drivers who are now unable to even get a tag to personal sums in the future of the trade and its relationship LTDA reps in the office have been trained to assist with work the airport as new tags were suspended in June last with both London and the airport and will continue to do so the usual PCN, bill, licence and DBS issues, along with year. This situation puts the trade in an invidious position. and this must be taken into account. stuff that’s more specific to the airport, such as disputes and Some drivers at the airport agree with the suspension but Huge strides have been made in the efficiency of disciplinaries, so give it a try. We also have Met price lists, overall there is no way this is good for the trade, but that is our business in the last few years in the face of strong no smoking signs and receipt books, and much more, but a discussion for another time. u @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 37

L E V C

E1 TAXIS APPROVED SERVICE DEALER LEVC TXE’s NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL

LEVC Service & Warranty for all TXE’s & TX4's

Insurance Approved Bodyshop Non Fault Accident Management Schemes 0207 473 5169 or 0207 473 3796

E1 TAXIS

[email protected] 67 Stephenson Street London E16 4SA 38 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 39

PUZZLER 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 PRIZE CROSSWORD 9 10 omplete our crossword puzzle and be in with a chance to win £50! Send your entry to: Crossword 460, Taxi, Taxi House, 11 Woodﬁeld Road, W9 2BA before 11 12 13 C February 28. The ﬁrst name out of the proverbial hat wins the cash! u 14

ACROSS: DOWN: 15 16 17 18 7 Well mannered (6) 1 Worthless (2, 4) 19 8 Area of a city (6) 2 Colour (4) 20 21 9 Friar (4) 3 Enchant (7) 10 Impending (8) 4 Tasty (5)

11 Addition (7) 5 Prehistoric age (5, 3) 22 23 13 Wake up (5) 6 Spasm (6) 15 Brownish cat (5) 12 Uninvited (8) 17 Confederate (7) 14 Cravat (7) CROSSWORD #460

20 No chance (4, 4) 16 Reparation (6) WINNER: ISSUE 458 — Sean Curtis 21 Indian king (4) 18 Entreat (6) ACROSS: DOWN: 6 Scion, 7 Adaptive, 10 Diarist, 1 Titanium, 2 Anoint, 3 Pasteurise, 22 Stick (6) 19 Blanket (5) 11 Bouncer, 12 Shih-Tzu, 4 Garb, 5 Avocet, 6 Sadism, 23 Cover (6) 21 Reckless (4) 13 Blasted, 14 Millionaire, 19 8 Tsunami, 9 Prude, 13 Benchmarks, Antique, 21 Hearten, 23 Airhead, 15 Liquefy, 16 Entrance, 17 Radar, 18 25 Attract, 26 Baby talk, 27 Excel Instil, 20 Tartar, 22 Anthem, 24 Dead

THEATRE REVIEW Have a go who manages to ﬁnagle her way into the show’s at this chorus line and, as they do in musicals, fall in PUZZLER medium love with the head male dancer. Inevitably the level Sudoku s far as stage musicals go, 42nd Street diva gets disabled with a broken ankle just puzzle. is one of the biggest. Three years ago 36 hours before Pretty Lady’s opening night Fill the grid Ait was produced at the Theatre Royal, and, guess who saves the day by taking over SUDOKU so that every Drury Lane - London’s largest stage - with a as its star? Yes, it’s our heroine Peggy, who row, every cast of 48 singers and dancers. The miracle in just a day and a half, learns six songs and column and is that this diminutive venue which nine intricate dance routines and manages every 3x3 only seats 120 has managed to keep the rest of the cast out Just for box contains to produce a smaller of the dole queue. Not the the numbers version using just 13 most original of plots, fun... 1-9 just once performers without I’ll agree. But that’s losing any of the inconsequential, show’s momentum because it’s the or charm. 42nd fantastic dancing, 3 9 1 7 Street, set in fabulous costumes the 1930s deep and most 1 7 6 4 depression memorable songs era, is about by Harry Warren 9 a dedicated and Al Dubin that Broadway carry the show. I 6 producer, Julian noticed at least 80% Marsh, struggling of the audience toe- to get a new musical tapping to the rhythms 7 8 9 called Pretty Lady ready of such songs as Lullaby of for production and, at the Broadway, Keep Young And 6 8 same time, desperate to keep his Beautiful, Shufﬂe Off To Buffalo, We’re sole millionaire backer onside with the money. In The Money, I Only Have Eyes For You, 5 2 His big problem is that the backer insists his You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me and, of girlfriend, Dorothy Brock, a jaded, past her course, the show’s title song, 42nd Street. All prime diva, plays the lead role. She holds up the cast were good, but the really outstanding 4 6 7 rehearsals with her inconsiderate demands and performances came from Alex Wadham as Julian her clandestine meetings with the man she Marsh, Tamsin Dowsett as Dorothy Brock and 2 1 8 3 really loves. Fortunately for Julian the solution Kate-Anne Fenton, Even Craig Revel Horwood arrives in the form of Peggy Sawyer, a naïve would have given them a 10. u Puzzles © 2018 Puzzler Media Ltd.www.puzzler.com but accomplished hoofer with a fabulous voice, –Brad Ashton 40 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

APPLICATION FORM

Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone Mobile

Email Twitter

Date of Birth Badge No.

Badge colour (Please state whether green or yellow) Year badge obtained

Suburban badge sector numbers Have you ever been a member of the LTDA before? (please tick) Yes No Do you currently have points on your DVLA driving license? (please tick) Yes No If Yes how many points do you have? Please tick if you DO NOT wish to receive information from the LTDA and other related organisations in the future?  I understand that my application for membership of the Association must be approved by the Council of Management and that until this is confirmed I am not eligible to vote in relation to any form of Association matters. I agree that all benefits prior to approval of membership shall be at the discretion of the Council of Management. Please note: We do not provide assistance for any matters that have occurred prior to you joining LTDA. Signed Date LTDA Basic Direct Debit Instructions Originator’s Identification No. Instructions to your Bank/Building 9 1 4 4 2 8 Society to pay Direct Debits: For Office use only

Please complete parts 1 to 5 to instruct your branch to make direct payments from your account. Then return the form to the 1 Please write the name and full postal address of your LTDA, FREEPOST, (PAM 2005), London W9 2BR branch in the box (left)

To the Manager of 2 Name of account holder

3 Account number

Address 4 Bank Sort Code Banks/Building Societies may not accept instructions to pay Direct Debit from some types of account.

5 Signature(s)

Date

This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer The Direct Debit Guarantee • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit LTDA will notify you (10 working days) in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request LTDA to collect a payment, conﬁrmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by LTDA, or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when LTDA asks you to. • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written conﬁrmation may be required. Please also notify us.

LTDA Application Form Oct18.indd 1 09/10/2018 10:23 @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 41 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 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” 42 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

A selection of our numerous Published by LTDA LTDA Distribution Points Taxi House 11 Wood eld Road, London W9 2BA u A1 Taxis, Melody Lane, Highbury, N5 T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk u Abacus Accounts, Southbrook Road, Lee, SE12 @TheLTDA u Astral Café, Regency Place, SW1 TREATING PROSTATE u Bubbles Car Wash, E2 Managing Editor u C & S Taxis, Dunbridge Street, E2 Steve Still T: 0207 121 0523 u Cabsurance, Seven Kings E: [email protected] u CANCER QUESTIONS Camber eld Taxi Services The Massett File Richard Massett u Computer Cab, Mitre Way, W12 International News Wim Faber u Coney Allen, Dunbridge Street, E1 Two Fingers Al Fresco u CP Beehive Service Station, & ANSWERS Beehive Lane, Gants Hill Taxi Talk Alf Townsend u Cricklewood Carriers, Cricklewood Overheard Brad Ashton For a copy of this booklet please contact us at the address below u Dial A Cab, City Road, N1 Licensed to Chat Musher Meg u Edgware Station Rank u Euston Station Rank Produced by u G & L Taxis, Crayford Road, N7 Century One Publishing Ltd u Globe Transmissions, Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road Cudworth Street, E1 This booklet has two aims: St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. u The Ham, Brentford • to help you become better u T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 Heathrow Airport Canteen informed about prostate cancer TreatingreatT ngg i t u Hexagon Garage, Lukin Street, E1 E: [email protected] and its treatment prostpprosprostatestatetatet epe u Jet Garage, Clipstone Street, W1 www.centuryonepublishing.uk canccancercer sanswernd u Knowledge Centre, Caledonian Road • to guide you in the decisions you Questions andan answers u KPM, Hemming Street, E1 Advertising Sales Executive will make about your care with u London City Airport Canteen Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 your doctor u LP Motors, Dunbridge Street, E2 t aot rpla tali to u E: [email protected] Martin Cordell, E3 and Stanmore our or ospital otor u Paddington Station Rank All rights reserved. No Art Editor part of this publication u ou a lp us raisi us Putney Bridge Taxis, The Arches, may be reproduced, Peter Davies stored in a retrieval Putney Bridge Station, SW6 system or transmitted by or our rsar or to a a u Richmond Road Taxi Centre, E8 any means electronic, oatio plas otat us at t Advert Coordinator mechanical or by u Safewise Supermarket, Harrow photocopying without arss lo Caitlyn Hobbs prior permission of the u South Bank Service Station, publishers. The views Great Suolk Street, SE1 and opinions expressed Your support is vital! Printed by in this publication may u TAXI HOUSE, W9 not necessarily be those of the publishers. Please u Taxi & Private Hire, Blackfriars Rd, SE1 Manson Group, St Albans note that the last day for u inclusion of Classiﬁed Temple Place Shelter lineage advertisements is u Tent Street Taxi Centre, E2 ﬁve working days prior to publication. No liability is u Turbo Accessories, Three Colts Lane, E2 accepted by the publisher u Waterloo Station should advertisements not appear in the requested Prostate Cancer Research Centre • 23-24 Great James Street • London • WC1N 3ES u Wimbledon Station Rank issue(s). While the publisher will take every Tel: 020 3735 5444 • email [email protected] • www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk u WizAnn Knowledge School, care to ensure accuracy, no liability can be ac- Watts Grove, E3 cepted for loss or damage resulting from errors.

Prostate.indd 1 17/09/2019 11:29 @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 43 44 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

CLASSIFIED

ACCOUNTANTS CABS FOR RENT

BUTLER’S 07957 465423 Black Cab Rentals e16-taxirentals.co.uk TXII, TX4’s & Vito TX4s TO RENT FULL BACK UP 24-7 Ascott's maintained. Pay by cash/bank/online. 0796 098 2507 Mercs also available Based in Chessington- KT9 1RD

CABS FORNEW RENT G&H_Eighth_366.qxp_Layout 1 11/04/2016 15:02 Page 1 G&H TAXIS FLEET RENTAL

Established 1993 518 KING STREET, OFF BRUCE GROVE, TOTTENHAM N17 8AW

Est 25 WE WANT YOUR USED CAB years BEAT THE RECESSION! Get up to £3,500 more on part ex TX4's for HIRE values for certain TX4 models* Fuel-Saving LPG Taxis from £185 per week Get your valuation at www.levc.com/valuemytaxi OVERHAULS SERVICING BODYWORK PAY IN AT ANY BARCLAYS BANK 24 HOUR RAC BACKUP CALL US NOW 07946 110815 / 020 8885 1844 * Terms and conditions apply, please see levc.com for full details WEB: www.gandhtaxis.comEMAIL: gandhtaxis [email protected]

CABS FOR RENT DRIVER APPS

BERMONDSEY TAXI TAXI RENTALS AD FREE TX4 & NEW TX4 TXII’s & TX4’S EURO 6’S FOR RENT FOR RENT LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY? A cab to suit all budgets SERVICE, REPAIRS that puts you as a & BODYWORK customer first. PHONE PAUL ON 020 7358 1272 CALL: 07738 162 518

INSURANCE EARNING OPPORTUNITIES

TAXI FINANCIAL GAP INSURANCE ARE YOU AN ‘ALL LONDON’ LICENCE HOLDER, PURCHASED A NEW TAXI? OWNER OF A TXE ELECTRIC TAXI, AND OPEN Avoid any potential shortfall in your finance following a total loss claim TO A NEW LIVERY (FULL) FOR 1 YEAR?

0208 597 2622 Chestertons are seeking TXE owners interested in earning up to £2,000. Email caroline.maxfield@ CABSURANCE chestertons.com for more details. AUTHORISED & REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 45

CLASSIFIED

SERVICE & REPAIRS

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED AD Arin Garage Cabs Available BY a e R epa oea a epa Now MRS o ed pea TH 4 TX4 Reconditioned Engine FEBRUARY £1,900 (fitted) (1 YEARS WARRANTY) all genuine parts FOR Mercedes Vito reconditioned Engine TAXI 461 £2,500 (fitted) (1 YEARS WARRANTY) all genuine parts

Unit L7, Kemp Road RM8 1SL, 8 77 7

SERVICE & REPAIRS

London’s Premier Fleet us todayContact to join I Michelin tyres fitted as standard I Verifone card readers provided free of charge in every vehicle I All vehicles are serviced every 6,000 miles I No insurance excess to pay I Maintained and repaired by the best mechanics and technicians in London

www.randellcabs.co.uk 07442 496757/8 [email protected] 46 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA

LINAGE

service, overhauls, running repairs G CABS URGENTLY WANTED, ACCOUNTANTS & body work. 0207 700 1045 or Any condition, cash same day, sell CABS FOR SALE 07951 661430 – Nick. Looking for a and rent back. Call Roy G G CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS taxi mechanic. 07305 160361 2011/11 TX4 ELEGANCE. specialising in the taxi trade. Charcoal Grey. 145k. 11 months G Accounts and tax returns £312inc TX4S TO RENT FROM £240 G plate. £11,995 07811 777888 VAT. Call 0208 360 1446 BASED in Bow 07442 496757/8 ALL DE-COMMISSIONED good quality TX4s wanted. G TWO TX4s. BLACK. MAIN G SHARE MY TXE, ROMFORD Instant decision, cash paid. We dealer service history. 14 & 66 AIR CONDITIONING area. Absolute bargain for right come to you. 07973 335739 or plate. 07957 465423 driver. Phone Derek 07453 758587 01253 407500 G MOBILE AUTO AIR G TX4 BLACK ELEGANCE. 65 G conditioning service and repair TXIIs & TX4s FOR RENT, FULL G ALL CABS WANTED, WE plate. Euro 5. Plated until for taxis, Telephone Nick on back up, Family garage, Old Kent come to you, top prices paid, cash/ September. 84,000miles. FSH. 07785 900006 7 days Road based 0207 358 1272 £25,000. 07734 049470 bank transfer, instant decision, finance settled, non-runners or sell G TXII TO RENT. NORTH G TXII 04 REG FOR SALE. CABS FOR RENT London. Tidy cab. Full garage and & rent back, Taxi’s available to rent. PLATED until July. Very clean cab. AA backup. £190pw. 07956173969 call 07956 317300 £1,800. 07723 330742 G ALL MERCEDES VITOs TO rent. 07508 977592 G ALL LONDON TX4s WANTED, G EURO 6 MERCEDES VITO. 67 CABS WANTED Euro 4, 5, & 6. Immediate payment. reg. Black. 75,000miles. 1 owner. G TX4s/TXEs EAST LONDON/ Finance, Lease, and HP settled. We Plated until 26/09/20. Mercedes G Essex Based From £200pw. 24hr ALL CABS WANTED. WE collect. No fuss. 07428 545400 Warranty until 27/09/20. £33,500. Back-up. Own garage/bodyshop. come to you. Any condition quick 07966 819943 07715 512263 & 01708 347288 decision. Instant cash paid. G DE-COMMISSIONED YOUR 07763 699767 G 16 PLATE TX4 EURO 6. BLACK. G VNK MOTORS -TXIIs & TX4s TX4s and Euro 5’s? Earn more by Full LEVC Brewery Road Service for rent, from £185pw - £245pw. G ALL GOOD QUALITY TX4s selling outside London. We pay & maintenance history. VGC. Full back up, Caledonia Road, required. Top prices guaranteed. cash, collect and drive away. Tony 135,000miles. £28,000. Dave North London area, breakdown 07566 225156, 07787 513629 07919 401622 John 07702 554934 07958 225583

PLACE YOUR LINAGE BY WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5TH FOR TAXI 461

UP TO 15 WORDS: £35 UP TO 25 WORDS: £45 UP TO 35 WORDS: £55

CALL JACK ON 01727 739 196 @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 47

Concerned about money? Money worries a ect you in many ways. If you are struggling with debt, talk to us 24/7 via telephone or live chat with our experts.

We can help 2020 be the year you get back on track.

CALL ONLINE CHAT 0333 444 0194 dissolvemydebt.co.uk 15 Years in Insurance Broking This year, we’re celebrating our ﬁfteenth anniversary! Since 2004, we at Quotax have kept a steady momentum to become a leader for Commercial Vehicle Insurance in the UK.

2018 Quotax invests considerable resources into growing our presence online. John retired in September 2018 and has passed the business to Daniel and Paul, expanding even more by opening a second oﬃce in Dartford.

2009 - 2010 John’s two son’s, Daniel and Paul Fosker joined the business after graduating from University. Their added drive and determ- ination alongside an ambitious team around them only helped the company grow.

2019 Under their control, the business remains true to its core beliefs of being supportive, Getting Established professional and delivering exceptional Quotax was started by John Fosker. As customer service to all of our clients. a London Green Badge Taxi driver he built up a relationship with Ascott Cab Company, a well-respected family-run London Taxi garage.

2013 Quotax made the decision to grow their product range adding a number of other niche motor products. We have now become one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers for London Taxi drivers and other specialist vehicles.

2004 John originally had the idea of establishing an insurance broker for London taxi drivers at Ascotts, with ambitions to reproduce the same high-quality levels of customer service.

We do our very best to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance needs. Check out our site today for more information!

020 8127 8419 quotax.net