The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association

TAXIS SAFEST FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT Page 3

SUBURBAN SECTOR UPDATES Pages 16 -17

AL FRESCO ON GETTING BACK IN THE CAB Page 20 www.ltda.co.uk 18th May 2021#492

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RANK INCOMPETENCE LTDA calls on TFL to act on Uber's proposed ‘pick up points’ in Soho www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA 2

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

OLA MAKES EV PLEDGE IN BID TO Inside... RECOVER LONDON LICENCE OLA has announced a series of measures to encourage the use of EVs, as it fights to 18:05:21 regain its licence to operate in London. The HAVERING GRANTS FOR TAXI DRIVERS ridesharing firm will now offer incentives for 3 | News its London drivers to switch to electric vehicles, WHO MISSED CUT-OFF including waiving its commission fees until 5 | Steve McNamara The London Borough of Havering is offering August 13 for grants for black cab drivers who missed the cut- those with EVs. 6 | Paul Brennan off date to apply for funding through its previous Ola users in rounds of discretionary grant schemes. The the capital will 8 | Lloyd Baldwin Havering Taxi (Black Cab) Drivers Grant provides also be able to up to £6000 for licensed London taxi drivers opt to travel by 11 | Sam Houston living in Havering, if they meet the eligibility EV by selecting criteria. The deadline to apply is 5pm on 28 the newly added “Ola EV” category, which 12 | Kanize Cozens May 2021 and applications can be made via the only allows drivers with electric vehicles to Council’s website: https://sjvlola8h0s.typeform. 15 | Wim Faber accept rides. Ola is currently appealing TfL’s com/to/Nx1gQ3PY decision not to renew its Private Hire Vehicle Drivers who previously received the Additional 16 | Steve Howard Operator licence in October 2020, over “historic Restrictions Grant will not qualify for further breaches” of licensing regulations, which funding through this new scheme. To be 18 | Steve Kenton allowed unlicensed drivers and vehicles to eligible, applicants must have been trading undertake more than 1000 passenger trips. 20 | Al Fresco on the 17 October 2020, be registered as living at an address within Havering and be able to 22 | Cab You Drive demonstrate ongoing costs associated with finance or rental of a vehicle throughout periods 24 | Chris Ackrill of restrictions.

27 | Puzzler MORE EVS REGISTERED IN 2020 THAN IN 29 | Exclusive: Taxi Charity ALL PREVIOUS YEARS Vehicle licensing statistics published by the 30 | Musher Meg Department for Transport show that more fully Puzzler answers electric cars were registered in 2020 than in all previous years combined. The Annual Vehicle Licensing Statistics for 2020 also revealed the impact of the Coronavirus crisis on new car sales, 3 with over 800,000 fewer vehicles registered in the LTDA LONDONERS CONSIDER TAXIS SAFEST Taxi House 133 Great Suffolk Street, UK in 2020. Unsurprisingly, the most affected SE1 2PP T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk periods for new registrations were the two FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT @TheLTDA national lockdowns from March to June and the A YouGov poll commissioned by the Evening Editor month of November. July was the only month to Standard has found that taxis are widely Katie Combes E: [email protected] show a year-on-year increase when registrations regarded as the safest form of public transport, Commissioning Editor increased, of 12% compared to 2019 figures. with three in five Londoners (62%) saying Nick Hartop they’d feel comfortable travelling in a cab, E: [email protected] while a third (32%) would not. In contrast, 53 Produced by Century One Publishing Ltd per cent of Londoners say they are worried Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road about using the tube again, with older people St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 particularly concerned about returning to E: [email protected] the daily commute. 60 per cent of over-65s www.centuryone.uk said they were uncomfortable using the tube, Advertising Sales Executive Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 compared to just 34 per cent of the same age E: [email protected] group who had concerns over using taxis. Creative Director Peter Davies

Designer & Advert Coordinator Caitlyn Hobbs NEW TRANSPORT RULES FROM 17 MAY Printed by TfL has announced that in line with the easing Manson Group, St Albans of restrictions yesterday, bus capacity has been

Published on behalf of the LTDA by doubled, to allow more people to travel. Most seats on buses are now available for use, with the capacity of double-decker buses having increased to around 60. TfL has acknowledged that as capacity increases and more people return to the network, social distancing will Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, not always be possible, but TfL Commissioner, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG Andy Byford has assured people that services are “cleaner than ever”. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical or by photocopy- ing without prior permission of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the publishers. Please note that the last day for inclusion of Classified lineage advertisements is five working days prior to publication. No liability is accepted by the publisher should advertisements not appear in the requested issue(s). While the publisher will take every care to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for loss or damage resulting from errors.

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Did you drive a London Black Cab between 2012 and 2018? If so, you could have a legal claim against Uber worth up to £25,000

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA General Secretary | Steve McNamara A Rank By Any Other Name…

“I explained in no uncertain terms that if they refused to act, we would be forced to take matters into our own hands, gathering evidence to undertake private prosecutions…”

this that ranks are a fundamental Steve’s comment part of the licensed taxi trade and The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association our exclusive right to ply for hire. So, when Uber began sending out TAXIS SAFEST FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT Page 3 emails, text messages and push notifications to their customers SUBURBAN SECTOR UPDATES ver the last couple of Pages 16 -17 informing them of their plans,

weeks, it’s been great www.ltda.co.uk I immediately contacted senior AL FRESCO ON GETTING BACK 18th May 2021#492 to see London coming IN THE CAB Page 20 licensing officials at TfL making back to life, albeit very them aware, raise our concerns Oslowly. Most importantly there and asking that they took are more cabs on the street with immediate enforcement action if passengers in them. Hopefully, Uber went ahead. following Monday’s further Since then, TfL have failed to act easing of restrictions, things will decisively, claiming that it is “not only get better, with hospitality that simple”. They say that they are finally allowed to let people “looking into this issue” and "have inside out of the never-ending 1 deployed officers to monitor specific rain and more venues opening locations to ensure that no vehicles back up. As we finally dare to are causing an obstruction to the start believing things will pick highway." Uber’s actions once up, it has been good to talk about again highlight the problems and things other than Covid for a illegalities of their business model change and turn our attention to which clearly constitutes plying for other issues impacting the trade. hire. It also further demonstrates Unfortunately, there is always their belief that they can do as they some “bad” news that some will want, whenever and wherever 5 choose to focus on. they wanton London’s streets, It’s no secret that social media with no real consequences. Sadly, has been a challenge for our this belief has been reinforced by trade, or more specifically it’s repeated failures by the regulator become a challenge thanks to a @TheLTDA and enforcement officers to act small few within our ranks, who www.ltda.co.uk when they fail to play by the rules. on some occasions have turned it into a nightmare. Just recently harder than ever. Failure to act the extreme, frankly disgusting, “With the important Currently, there are around 700 On a call with TfL officials and messages directed at the Deputy caveat that our ‘Gold candidates on appearances, back other trade reps last week, it Mayor for Transport on her in 2018 and before then, it used to became apparent that they have birthday, managed to tick just Standard’ must not average over 2000. There is a plethora no immediate plans to condemn about every box on the abuse list, be watered down, of reasons that numbers are down. Uber’s actions and make it clear reinforcing all the stereotypes our we should consider Again, ironically, one of them is the to the company that the use of enemies label us with. This does negativity surrounding the trade these points will not be tolerated us no favours. every option to keep and our poor image on social media! and will be subject to enforcement It’s not just abuse; in fact, their it relevant and valued Whatever the reasons, we need to action. I decided enough was greatest skill is either making a look at how to make the KOL more enough and took the opportunity story up totally or twisting a real in the 21st Century.” appealing to a younger generation, to make our feelings crystal clear. news item to such an extent that possibly ways to secure funding for I said that TfL was failing in its any accuracies in their posts are those on appearances, in the same duty as regulator and that they purely by mistake. way funding is available for every had an obligation to act to uphold system when it was 25 runs and other vocational trading course. the law and prevent Uber from Proposed KOL changes when you got your ‘Rec’ on a Monday With the important caveat that our establishing, what are tantamount The latest news to get the twisted and the examiner said, “come back ‘Gold Standard’ must not be watered to illegal ranks. I explained in no treatment concerns a possible on Friday for your suburbs.” But, down, we should not be scared to uncertain terms that if they refused change to the suburban runs according to them everybody else shine a light into the darkest corners to act, we would be forced to undertaken at the end of the should have to waste four months of the Knowledge and consider every take matters into our own hands, Knowledge. According to the doing 120 plus suburban runs – option to keep it relevant and valued gathering evidence to undertake Twitterati, it’s all a clever plot learning streets and places that they in the 21st Century. private prosecutions of individual to scrap the Knowledge, reduce will never go to in 50 years of driving Uber drivers, as we have done on standards and sell us down the a cab! A good example of “don’t do as Uber ranks numerous occasions in the past. river. What they don’t tell you I do, do as I tell you.” At the end of April, we became We wait to see whether they will is that the proposed ‘changes’ The Knowledge was last altered aware of Uber’s plans to create act and will be keeping a close eye simply take the number of about 20 years ago, when the blue what they are describing as, “pick on the situation. In the meantime, suburban runs back to what we book went from 468 runs to 400 and up points” in and around Soho due we have contacted the newly had 15 years ago. The irony is then shortly after to the current 320. to the road closures. What they call (re)installed London Assembly that those who are screaming the None of these changes affected the “pick up points” we call “ranks”. I members asking them to hold TfL loudest all did it under the old standard and if anything, it's now do not have to tell anyone reading to account on this issue. n LTDA

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Chairman | Paul Brennan A Warning for 2022? “This was a much closer race than many (if not all) had predicted and if I were Mayor Khan, I would not be feeling too comfortable right now.”

showing. He did after all narrow Top rank Mayor Khan’s winning margin from 13.6% over the previous golden boy Tory candidate Zac Goldsmith to n Thursday 6th May, 10.4% this time around. There must Londoners went to be many on the blue side of London the polls to elect a left wondering, what if? Mayor and London OAssembly Members. As expected, Business as usual Sadiq Khan won the race over In the London Assembly, it’s pretty his nearest rival, Conservative much business as usual. Not too candidate Shaun Bailey, with much has changed, Labour is down 1,206,034 votes to 977,601. This a seat and the Tories, Lib Dems and was a much closer race than many Greens all gained one seat. We have (if not all) had predicted and if I lost some supportive and vocal were Mayor Khan, I would not be voices from within the Assembly feeling too comfortable right now. and work will now be ongoing to The Tories must also be kicking meet the new members and seek themselves, if they had shown a their support going forward. in Bexley and Bromley or an that feeling would be justified. little more confidence in their man Islington or Tower Hamlets If, however you are a Labour and given him a bit more support Sign of things to come? Labour councillor, you are councillor in Camden you might (and funding), who knows? Maybe Based on the way the votes played probably feeling relatively want to take a step back and he would have made an even better out, if you are a Tory councillor untouchable right now and reflect. In Barnet and Camden, although victorious, Labour won the Assembly seat by 75,000 votes, 6 Further lockdown easing though, and not just for those who work the to the Tories 62,000. In the London As you read this, further restrictions will have airport or Eurotunnel, is the meagre list of wide vote the result was even closer, been lifted in London and across England and ‘green’ countries that people will be able to with Labour only winning by 64,000 the following rules now apply. travel to and from the UK easily. If you are not against 61,000 to the Tories. If you l Restaurants, pubs, and bars will be allowed to aware of what they are then feast your eyes on compare that result to North East, welcome customers indoors. these destination hotspots: which covers Hackney, Islington l A group of six people or two households will l Australia and Waltham Forest where Labour be allowed to meet indoors at pubs, bars, and l Brunei won just short of 113,000 votes, restaurants. l Faroe Islands while their closest rivals the Greens l Customers will be required to stay seated l Falkland Islands received just 44,000 votes, you to order, eat and drink, but there will be no l Gibraltar can perhaps draw the conclusion curfew, and no one will one be required to l Iceland that Camden councillors should have a “substantial meal” with alcohol. l Israel put themselves on a warning for l People will be permitted to meet in groups l New Zealand next year’s local council elections. of up to 30 in beer gardens or at venues that l Portugal including Madeira and Azores It seems the damage that (in my have outdoor dining. l Singapore view and many others), the current l Museums and cinemas will be allowed to group of Camden councillors have reopen to customers but will need to maintain Unfortunately for UK travellers, Australia, inflicted, not only our trade, but on social distancing. New Zealand, and Singapore are not many other businesses, which are l A number of trials relating to indoor and reciprocating and currently their borders suffering the consequences of their outdoor events have already taken place to are closed to UK tourists. The list therefore idealistic attempts to create their show how they operate safely. goes from bad to worse. As nice as I am version of utopia, has not gone l Some larger theatre, music and sporting sure the Faroe & Falkland Islands are (much unnoticed. events indoors will be allowed to have a like Wales I am told), I cannot see too many For now though, life continues capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever people wanting to travel to or from them. much as it was, with what feels like is a lower number). Whilst it is expected that other popular a never-ending convoy of one bad l Furthermore, outdoor venues can open to a holiday destinations such as Spain, France and scheme after another – all failing maximum capacity of 4,000 people or half-full, mainland Greece could make the list by the to recognise the realities of life in a whichever is lower. end of June, it is yet another month of waiting. normally busy, living and breathing l Larger outdoor venues, which can allow for What we really want to know is when will all city like London. Although it isn’t greater social distancing, can host 10,000 our friends from the Middle East and USA be all doom and gloom. We must people or quarter-full, whichever is lower. able to return? Both tend to be good cab users recognise the many councils (of l Hotels and B&Bs will be allowed to admit and we need them back in London sooner all political persuasions) across the guests travelling for leisure purposes. rather than later, as do the restaurants, hotels, city, which are now including taxis museums, and the wider hospitality industry. within their traffic management A blow for travel As I keep telling people, we are all in this orders as permitted vehicles. And All of the above will of course be welcome together and the quicker we can all get if TfL fail to win at the Court of news for the trade and should help put more back to work and resume our normal lives, Appeal in June, I expect to see bums on seats. What is very disappointing the better. many more schemes go (as they should) in our favour. n LTDA

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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Executive S.O | Lloyd Baldwin Beware of the Bilker

“This man probably assumes that most cabbies will ultimately just take it on the chin and make sure he does not catch them out again.”

but he never answered the door On point and ignored letters asking him to contact the Police. Upon hearing this, Ray called me and asked that I inform members to be careful and under no here cannot be too circumstances pick the man up. many more sickening A couple of days later Ray feelings for a cabbie was waiting for job in Marloes than when you realise Road, when low and behold, who Tyou are about to be or have been comes down the street but his bilked. It is so frustrating that bilker. Being the gentleman he someone would be so low as to is, and taking the man’s age into purposefully lie and deceive you. account, Ray approached him I have on many occasions been calmly and asked for his £34. The very suspicious of members of man just laughed and said, “I the public who have got in the have got no money so go away”. cab and asked me to take them Ray told him that the Police were to multiple locations. Nine times onto him and he would come out of ten, the fare comes back unstuck if he kept bilking cab when they say they will, and they drivers. His answer was, “I am pay up ok, sometimes leaving an old man with lots of health me questioning myself and issues who lives on benefits, what wondering if maybe I should have are they going to do to me?” a little bit more faith in people. The thing is that he is probably The challenge is that we must right. The Police have too much 8 place our trust in someone we probably have thought the same and told him they would come on their plate and by the time have never met and in the present and been less suspicious of him out to him but couldn’t do so they arrive to investigate he is climate being bilked is something as a result too. immediately. The next morning always long gone. Plus, this man we just cannot take (we cannot He very politely asked to be Ray received a call from the probably assumes that most take it at the best of times). taken to the Halifax Bank in Police informing him that they cabbies will ultimately just take Kensington High Street, where he knew all about this bilker and it on the chin and make sure he asked Ray to wait whilst he did there were complaints about does not catch them out again. It his banking. On his return to the him spanning back over the is down to anyone reading this to cab, he then asked to go up to last nine years! They had made pass this info on to other fellow Boots on Notting Hill Gate. Ray several attempts to contact him cabbies and spread the word, told me that when he got out, including attending his block, this way we can put a stop to it. he asked him if he would like a coffee or a sandwich – no doubt a ploy designed to make the cabbie Camden PCN errors let their guard down. He then Camden continue to issue PCNs asked to be returned to Cromwell to members driving LEVC TXs on Road, where he said he needed certain streets, despite signage Beware the to pick up his carer, who would clearly stating that electric Kensington then escort him to Chelsea and vehicles are permitted. The issue bilker Westminster Hospital. This is seems to be that Camden officers when he did a disappearing act, don’t understand their own rules. leaving Ray with a huge £34 loss. The traffic management orders Serial bilker clearly state that zero emission Generally, you end up being Happened before capable taxis and electric turned over by the people you It turns out, this whole routine vehicles are exempt. But when least expect. The story below is is a well-rehearsed, common the cameras show a TX entering a perfect example. Long-time occurrence. On realisation the area, they either fail to recognise it as a ZEC taxi or assume the LTDA member Ray called me last that he had been knocked, Ray vehicles are not exempt because they are technically hybrids, not week to report a terrible bilk, by parked up his cab and had a walk fully electric. a man who has turned out to be a down Collingham Gardens to Most appeals to these PCNs are accepted, but we know of a few serial bilker from the Collingham see if he could find him. As he that have not been, for no apparent reason, and Camden are Gardens area. This man is in his did this, another cabbie pulled demanding payment. We have made several attempts to discuss mid-70s with a strong foreign up and having seen Ray’s badge this with Council, but they ignore our requests. We are also working accent and walks with the aid around his neck, asked him if he with LEVC to try to put an end to this. If any member gets one, of a stick. He walked from his was looking for an old man with please call us immediately. We will help with the appeal and worst- house out onto Cromwell Road a walking stick. He told Ray how case scenario guide you through the tribunal process. The rules for and waited by the Marriott Hotel. the same man had done him a driving in these streets are quite clear and we are equally clear that As Ray came down the Cromwell couple of weeks previously. Ray Camden are wrong in sending them in the first place, and so will do Road, he assumed he had walked therefore called the Police to everything we can to overturn them. n LTDA out from the hotel, I would report it. They took his details

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Senior Rep | Sam Houston Let’s Get Back to Normal “This last month has reminded me a bit of last summer, when there was a period of a few weeks with the virus at very low levels, but things did not open up.”

M4 musings

important time for us will be the nd so, the grand London council elections in 2022, reopening shuffles and the campaign for those has imperceptibly onwards, already begun. There have been day by grindingly demonstrations and bitter social frustratingA day, our liberties are media battles for months now restored, but only grudgingly it over traffic restrictions in various seems. I drove down Oxford Street boroughs. It’s taken a while, but one day recently and thought wow this stuff has really cut through. this is as busy as I’ve seen it for People I talk to from all walks of months. Then I realised that half life recognise the fundamentally the people on the pavement were undemocratic and cynical in a queue because they were way these policies have been limiting the numbers going into implemented. the shops… We’ve all had to put up with a Hospitality venues can now lot during this unprecedented finally serve customers inside and pandemic, and for the most we are told we can hug friends part people have acquiesced and relatives and have them in to extraordinary limits on our our homes, amongst other things, freedom, because they recognised but life is nowhere near normal. that it was a national emergency. Reading through the media It’s not just the lockdowns, we you can find plenty of people are now prepared to wait longer 11 advocating a faster release from the virus at very low levels, but that’s the cab trade. Nationwide for things, accepting that almost restrictions, but you’ll also see things did not open up. Back then, the election results were every organisation has suffered some scientists calling for social you could understand it, as the disappointing, embarrassing and a disruption of one sort or another. distancing to go on, well forever, government was shell-shocked threat to Keir Starmer’s position as Contrast that with the lightning essentially. and unsure of how to proceed. leader. Usually, opposition parties speed at which money has been Things are so different now. The do better than incumbents in local poured into traffic restrictions Return to normal biggest single factor is the hugely elections, and Labour activists will and how quickly they have been We have to get back to normal successful vaccine programme, be particularly disappointed to thrown in and you might feel just a sometime, and in my view that but there’s also a massive pent- have done so poorly against a party little bit mugged off! time is now. So many people have up demand to get going again. that’s now been in government for If I were being super-cynical, I been vaccinated in this country Everyone wants to have a great 11 years. might think certain Tories see this that it’s hard to believe there is summer, to go on holiday, go Interestingly, Sadiq’s margin as a win-win. Firstly, they have any danger the NHS can be under shopping, see friends and family, of victory was narrower than to get serious about this stuff – pressure again from Covid-19. This and go out to eat and drink. expected, and Shaun Bailey did some of them probably believe in doesn’t mean it will disappear, but So, I’m proposing a new slogan, quite well in the end; he will be left it – but more importantly they’ve it should mean that the number of instead of the asinine “Build Back wondering what might have been made various commitments to people getting seriously ill won’t Better", I suggest “Let’s get back if he had a more coherent policy end the sale of diesel and petrol ever be anything like as high as it to normal". platform and better support from cars and achieve net-zero, which was last March or this January. Conservative central office. Khan they will now be held accountable So, for now, and hopefully for Election results was more vulnerable than people on. Plus, if they can get the mostly good, the Covid-19 epidemic in Labour have had a drubbing. thought, and I think opposition to Labour councils in urban areas to the UK is largely over. This last There’s no getting away from it, some of his less popular policies take the blame for the hemming month, since the first restrictions they should have done better. I will grow. residents into their local areas were lifted, has reminded me a only know one cab driver who was While this doesn’t change the while their backs are turned, then bit of last summer, when there prepared to admit he voted for fact that he will be our mayor for maybe they can flip a few seats was a period of a few weeks with Sadiq Khan, but that’s London and the next three years, the more in 2022. n LTDA

Cryptocurrency, worth a punt? to have been in early have made fortunes. Desperate people might even Odds are, someone has asked you if you’ve heard of consider borrowing a few quid in the hopes of doubling it or more. cryptocurrencies recently. It’s happened to me several times, a But that sort of volatility can cut both ways, and it doesn’t go on family member, another driver, and an old mate all contacted me forever. In normal times anything above 5% per year is a very decent within a month to ask what I think. I told them all the same thing: return on savings or investments, especially with interest rates so it’s a punt, don’t invest any money you can’t afford to lose! low. History is littered with asset bubbles, from tulip bulbs to Sub- I haven’t invested anything because I don’t have any disposable Prime mortgages; buyer beware, or "caveat emptor", as I believe income at the moment, for obvious reasons, but you can see why people Del-Boy used to say. are tempted. The returns on Bitcoin were huge and those lucky enough Good luck out there.

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Membership S.O | Kanize Cozens

50 Years in the Trade

Kanize Cozens from the LTDA memberships team talks to an LTDA member of 50 years about his time and experiences in the trade.

eighties and some of the older Membership matters members will remember this as an LTDA venture.

here were you 50 Memorable runs years ago? They During his time in the cab, he said the trade was had some good runs including dead, even then. out to Southampton Docks, MungoW Jerry, T. Rex, Diana Ross, Birmingham Exhibition Centre and Benny Hill topped the charts W&R and some strange ones and Arsenal won the League. like Hampshire W&R to pick up Box office hits in 1971 were The a bag of mangle wurzels (cattle Aristocrats, On the Buses and feed) for a photo shoot. He Soldier Blue, the long-awaited also encountered a fair number Frazier Vs Ali fight took place in of inebriated passengers who New York and cab driver David forgot where they lived, sleepers (Davie) Turner joined the LTDA. and snorers for whom he had to Last month, after being apply the ‘foot on brake sharply with us for 50 years, David trick’, but as David said “that’s reluctantly decided it was time all just part and parcel of being to retire. I rang to thank him a cabby.” for his support and arranged to visit him to present him What will you miss most? with a small gift from the When I asked David what he LTDA, the famous crystal taxi, would miss most after hanging in recognition of his loyalty up his cab keys, he said he loved 12 and longevity. When I visited the flexibility, camaraderie, his home, I was very warmly heritage, and sense of belonging greeted by his wife Anastasia in the ‘trade’, plus the earning and over coffee and biscuits potential, particularly in the early David shared some of his days. He enjoyed never knowing stories as a licensed cab driver. whose face would appear at the that was always entertaining. window or what event he would Life in the cab David wrote the match reports witness that day. Although, he David started his career as “He enjoyed never for TAXI for a few years then also remembers some bad times. a Marine Engineer. He had knowing whose face handed over to Alf Townsend, During his stint in the trade, extensive periods of leave in the would appear at when he took over managing he witnessed shocking events job, during which he needed the football team. in London. He told me he was to stay occupied. Initially, he the window or what Alf and many other drivers “much too close for comfort” to thought cabbing would be a event he would were already members of the the IRA Baltic Exchange and the good short-term way to fill time witness that day.” LTDA and advised David to sign High Holborn Oasis explosion and earn some extra cash. Little up. Throughout his time in the and of course was around for did he know it would be the start trade, he passed this sound more recent atrocities and acts of a long, rewarding career. advice on to other new drivers of terrorism. Fortunately, these A friend was already doing the as having sought help from the were few and far between and Knowledge, so he and another LTDA a number of times, he were balanced with the many pal signed up. Encouraging clutch, manual gears, heavy found it very reassuring to have much happier events and times each other, David, Jim, and duty steering and having to the LTDA in his corner, “as a in our great city. Frank did their call-overs reach across the windows to welcome safety net”, whilst he Then there are the passengers, together and 18 months later, open them, gave drivers a full was driving the cab. David says the vast majority David had passed out and work out for pretty much every were “as good as gold”, and he rented his first cab from Darcars muscle in the body. As David Celebrity punters will miss the many interesting in West End Lane. said, “today’s drivers with LEVC David had his fair share of conversations he had over Eventually, he went on to cabs have it easy, so easy, in celebrity faces in his cab. Names the years. buy a cab for just £400! He told comparison!” that sprang to mind included Sadly, Covid knocked it on me it “sounded like a tank”, so His work pattern was a Bobby Charlton, Dennis Law, the head for David and a lot of using his engineering skills, mixture of days and nights. George Best, Gazza, Kojak, other drivers. It was an absolute he purchased some insulating Nights would often see him at Peter O’Toole, Kenny Everitt, pleasure to meet such a charming material from a hardware shop the Pont Street Shelter, where he Lauren Bacall, Victoria Wood gentleman who is an absolute and managed to reduce the met some great characters and and Nigella Lawson. In the old credit to this trade. I wish him noise. It all came out for the the big cab faces of the time. He days, he told me you would ask and his lovely wife, a very healthy annual overhaul, but it went also joined MOCATRA (Motor them to sign a £1 note, which and happy future ahead, I won’t straight back in afterwards. Cab Trade Football Section) would then be raffled off for say in retirement, because they He also described how and the chat there was a mix of taxi childrens' charities. This both come across as being far too physically demanding it was to team affairs plus philosophical was just when the note was energetic to use that word. I wish drive the cab. Using the shift discussions and general banter being phased out in the mid- them all the best. n LTDA

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Columnist | Wim Faber Who Clogs Up Our City Centres?

“In Brussels we have a special taxi department, which looks after licensing and training and safeguards the interests of the taxi trade. As soon as there are redevelopment plans, this office gets involved and the trade’s views are taken into account…” –Ed: “Hmm, London could do with one of them…”

built – many of them of the pop-up International variety. Before corona, Brussels correspondent had hardly any decent and safe cycling spaces. The clear goal in this car- re ‘Streetscape’ dominated city is to redevelop and ‘Bishopsgate’ space in favour of cycles and becoming the bywords pedestrians. But Brussels Mobility for limiting the underlines that the local taxi trade traditionalA taxi trade’s service is not suffering, even if the different to passengers? And in doing so, road users are increasingly going excluding all public transport head-to-head: “In Brussels taxi providers? Corona saw cycle drivers are not treated the same lanes and pedestrianised areas way as other car drivers,” says a mushroom – and not just in Some Berlin bus lanes were widened, so that buses could spokeswoman for Brussels Mobility. London… safely overtake cyclists. Photo Axel Rühle. “We have a special taxi department, which looks after licensing and On yer bike – or not? Apparently, these feet can be cyclists have reserved a special training and safeguards the interests If the appeal by TfL is successful, recharged everywhere. vocabulary of colourful expletives of the taxi trade. As soon as there are the terms ‘Streetscape’ and for taxi drivers. Fortunately, local redevelopment plans, this office gets ‘Bishopsgate’ may well become A quick look abroad cab drivers can use an extensive involved and the trade’s views are ‘shorthand’ for referencing plans Cycling and walking are to stay. network of tram and bus lanes. taken into account.” in many cities to curb car (and Promoted as healthy mobility taxi) road space in favour of cycle options (true) and facilitated ‘Cycling safer than Which cars stifle 15 lanes and pedestrianised areas. by new dedicated cycling and taking bus or tram’ city centres? Since the start of the corona walking areas. That’s fine, as In 2016, the Greens came to power Stark rises in the numbers of pandemic, when nobody was long as these measures include in Berlin and took the reins of the PHV’s circling around in city really looking, these and other input by stakeholders like public traffic department, starting a green centres exacerbate the mobility ill-advised street schemes have transport and the taxi trade. wave aimed at diminishing car (car) problem. Are licensed PHV’s ‘popped up’ at an alarming rate. Let’s have a quick look abroad. use. Yet, the taxi trade didn’t suffer to be treated the same way as Despite the term ‘pop up’ and the Together with Copenhagen, too much, says journalist Axel licensed taxis when it comes to air of being temporary, many of Amsterdam is the leading city Rühle, who is also a taxi driver. access? The reason I’m mentioning these road ‘improvements’ are when it comes to bike ownership Taxis can still use 90 to 95% of PHV’s in relation to bicycle and here to stay. In my quick (virtual) and riders. The 800,000 locals all bus lanes. The various traffic pedestrian areas, is the increasing look around Amsterdam, Berlin own 881,000 bicycles – four measures have only slowed the pressure of traffic in city centres. and Brussels, I learned that this times as many as cars, and in taxis slightly: “Suddenly, at the start A recent international scientific is becoming a truly international the Danish capital, the 520,000 of the Covid-19 crisis, lots of pop- study carried out by universities approach. A week ago, the Brussels locals own 675,000 bikes – five up bike lanes were created. Biking in the USA, Singapore and Japan mobility people launched ‘Feet©’ times as many cycles as cars. In for a reasonable distance was seen proved (again) that ridehailing as preferred mode of transport. both cities, most of the cycling as safer than taking bus, tram or does not reduce car traffic in cities infrastructure hasn’t happened metro.” But the legal people saw (as its backers often claim) but overnight. It was extensive, well- some of these ‘pop-ups’ as illegal increases road congestion by 1% planned and well-built years ago, and wanted them gone. The traffic and the duration of traffic jams keeping pace with mounting people promptly appealed and by 8.9% The research group also traffic numbers. the impromptu lanes are still found an 8.9% decrease in public there. “Some bus lanes were even transport use linked to TNC’s Special, colourful widened, so that buses could safely and an “insignificant decrease of expletives overtake cyclists,” says Rühle. He only one percent in private vehicle In numbers, Amsterdam cyclists adds that ‘corona’ was a welcome ownership.” Based on US data vastly outnumber local cabs opportunity for the Greens to the researchers found that “the and (even) Uber & Co. And boost their new traffic future. substantial deadheading miles the defensively aggressive way (miles traveled without a passenger) Amsterdam cyclists ride around 'Build more bike lanes by TNCs (Transport Network in their city, means that there’s and the cyclists will Companies) could contribute to definitely no love lost between come' the TNC’s negative impact on road cab drivers and cyclists. The Brussels recipe for change congestion. According to some other Years ago, when I published a is quite simple, as Elke Van studies, approximately 40.8% of local taxi mag in the Dutch capital, den Brandt, Brussels Region’s TNC miles are deadheading miles.” cab drivers would often regale minister for mobility, recently told Now make the link between me with hair-raising stories about a German cycling conference: creating space for bikes and aggressive cyclist behaviours, near- “Build more bike lanes and the pedestrians and the stifling On your feet, recommends the Brussels Region. Photo Brussels Mobility. misses and accidents in the city’s cyclists will come.” Since the start pressure of…. cars in the city centre. many narrow streets. Many local of corona 40 km of bike lanes were Which cars? n TAXI

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Suburban Rep | Steve Howard

News From the Suburbs

Steve Howard provides updates from each of the LTDA’s suburban sectors to keep drivers in the know.

SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE many tragic stories to be told and Throughout the last year, in 1 Frank Okolie everyone1 has been affected in some the face of all these challenges, 2 Andy Kavanagh way. To each and every one of you, LTDA reps have been working 2 9 3 Vic Moore/ Tony Ellis I extend my sincerest sympathies. hard to support our members 4 Tony Manzi Many of us have struggled to and address issues impacting 5 Ronnie Ward make ends meet and other have both individual drivers and their 6 Kieran Brady had to leave the trade altogether. sectors. A lot has happened, so 7/6 Steve Howard3 I bought a new cab in September below I have provided key updates 8 Gary Scannell and I count my blessings that my from each of the suburban sectors 9 Kevin Annand 7 wife carried on working and kept to make sure drivers have all the (and is keeping)5 our household information they need to get back for over 29 years, I can safely say afloat. Covid has touched my on their feet and recover. 6 that it has never been as bad as family, but we have got through it As we look to the future, I fter a year of over the last 18 months. Work thank God. Now vaccinations are hope we can move forward unprecedented has been at an all-time low, we’ve turning the tables in our favour as a united trade and get problems, it seems that lost a huge number of cabs from and things are looking up. Dare back to where we were before life is slowly coming the fleet and drivers have moved we hope for an increase in trade the pandemic. Stay safe and back.A Having worked in the trade on to other jobs. There are so over the next few months? keep well.

you only stay for a short time. Corporation of London’s new site Sector 2 The Westfield rank in for their famous markets (meat, Montfichet Road will now be fish and vegetable). Representative: Andy Kavanagh moved to the bus lane at the start of the crossing to accommodate Redbridge Newham works vehicles Sunday to Redbridge removed their LTN ector 2 has fared better Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Thursday at night, whilst a new schemes after many protests, than others in terms Dagenham and Tower Hamlets) electronic hoarding is put up. proving that people power can 16 Sof the implementation to try to get a consensus in terms Also in the Westfield area, a new work. They are also bringing of atrocious low traffic of approach to taxi access across rank is in place at Celebration in a few School Street schemes neighbourhood schemes, east London. Avenue and plans are in hand to for which they have agreed to with only London Borough of They seem to have been install a rank at the Velodrome, recognise taxis as approved Newham (at the time of writing) emboldened by the Court of Abercrombie Way. vehicles, but for access only, so be forging ahead with their plans. Appeal’s decision to allow TfL to Some time ago, we asked for a careful! The plans for these schemes appeal the High Court’s ruling rank at the joint Crossrail/DLR Redbridge have also recently can be viewed on the council’s in our favour, which found Custom House station and will consulted on EV charging website and are still open to the Streetspace Plan and A10 be chasing this up now the new points and we have responded objections, I urge you all to object Bishopsgate Corridor scheme to bus station works are almost emphasising that only rapid to plans to exclude taxis ASAP. be unlawful. Once the appeal is complete. charge points are suitable for heard in June, and if it goes our We also prepared a briefing taxi use. We have also made strong way, we’ll have a much stronger note for the Joint Ranks Crossrail ranks are also now in representations asking Newham hand to play and believe they may Committee ahead of the GLA HQ place at: to allow taxis access to the be more willing to listen. move to the Crystal building at n Seven Kings – Cameron Road camera-controlled streets using The ranks at the Crossrail the Royal Victoria Dock and the and Seven Kings Road the Bishopsgate decision to stations in Newham have now new Beckton Park development n Goodmayes – Goodmayes Road. support our argument. We been appointed and marked at Royal Albert Dock. spoke with officers there to out, although they still await TfL Havering discuss our concerns. They have plates. These are: Barking and Dagenham We had a video call just before since informed us that they do n Maryland – Leytonstone Road The Barking Riverside area is Christmas with Havering’s not currently plan to amend n Forest Gate – Woodgrange Road being developed including Councillor Dervish, the Cabinet the schemes, however they n Manor Park – Manor Park Road a new rail extension from Member for Environment to are planning to meet with the Please start using them and Barking, which will include a establish a political contact in the neighbouring boroughs (Waltham establish a taxi presence even if taxi rank. Also in this area is the Borough. Cllr Dervish previously

Sector 4 Sector 5 Representative: Vic Moore/ Tony Ellis Representative: Ronnie Ward

Orpington station perpetrators and shortly after East Croydon 5am during the works. We are n the last few weeks, the rank this, we found nails scattered on emolition of the post hoping that the railway car park has been being abused by local the rank. Our rep used his local office has begun, with where the bikes go will be empty, IPHV drivers, our rep has been contacts within BTP and railway Dwork on the scaffolding allowing us to use the car park down to the rank several times to staff to view the CCTV, but they starting at the beginning of June as a temporary rank. All being try to address this, unfortunately could not find any footage of the and due run for about thirteen well, there will be traffic lights so their efforts met with the usual act, so we are now keeping an weeks. East Croydon rank will we can come in and back out of illogical response from the extra close eye on the rank. be closed between 10pm and Billington Hill. There should also

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Sector 6 Sector 7 Representative: Kieran Brady Representative: Steve Howard

Wimbledon fed from a line outside gate 5 to e have now been the usual point, all these points Richmond given an operational will be marshalled and controlled have received several calls outline for this year’s in numbers by traffic control from drivers about the Hill tournament, there operatives with support from Street rank. Firstly, the rank willW be several major changes that compliance officers. is still available, but as it has will impact taxis. The major change is that there Ialways been, it’s still a night rank Firstly, the ranks will work will be 'no cab share' at this time, only from 7pm to 7am and at other around the road closures, so it will be 'first cab, first job'. times it is a loading bay. Church Road will be closed operate as per usual, except when At this time, we have been from gate 5 main gate to gate setting down at the event cabs told that there will only be Kingston 4, with exception of emergency will enter via gate 8, set down as 25% attendance allowed at the Soon Thames Street will be made vehicles and cycles, but ranking directed and then leave on an Tournament, but of course with into a pedestrian has been arranged to ensure we internal track road in the park ever changing Covid rules this area, making over can operate around this block. along to gate 10 Wimbledon Park may change. It is important to ranking no longer Traffic will be directed by both and return via Albert Drive as per remember that there will be possible. We also taxi marshals and traffic control usual. other road closures that may understand that this operatives. AM Wimbledon station will make it awkward to operate as we area will be under AM Southfields rank will operate as usual, except the only usually do but try your best and camera control. set down point at the event will remember there will be no other It seems we were be in Marryatt Road. traffic in Church Road. unfortunately “sold a pup” by the worked with Andrew Rosindell PM Rank in Somerset Road We are also happy to see the council regarding the Kingston MP, who is known to be pro taxis (at gate 13) will operate as usual, but Centre Court rank back in use – station rank. We were told there and a keen supporter of the trade. entry will only be by Newstead Way. someone in Merton Council has was no space available outside the We discussed the importance PM Church Road, this is where clearly seen sense. station, on the station side, but of taxi access to any new School the major change comes in. There Should there be any more there is now clearly space for two Street schemes, the need for rapid will be a dog leg rank in two parts, changes between now and cabs outside the rather unused charging EV points, illegal parking the point of the rank will be in the then, we will do our best to and expensive bike shed for 150 on taxi ranks in Gidea Park and park opposite gate 4, this will be keep you updated. bikes. It is unclear why they are Harold Wood and the need for saving this space, perhaps one 17 greater enforcement by the day it will be used or turned into Borough and other matters. another office block? Sector 9 We have received information that a new rank outside the Representative: Kevin Annand Brasseria in the Chiswick High Upcoming events Road, will be provided around There are several large events September 2021. planned to take place in the sector over the coming months, as listed below. Please look out for more information and Wembley support them where you can, as they are set up to give taxis Fixture Dates: priority access and should be a n FA Cup Final Sat 15th May great source of work. n Non League Finals Sat 22nd May n All Points East Festival, n EFL Championship Play-Off Victoria Park- 20/21, 27-31 Final Sat 29th May August n League One Play-Off Final n Tobacco Dock- 28-29 August Harrow Sun 30th May n We Are FSTVL – Central arrow Council have finally seen sense and agreed to remove n League Two Play-Off Final Park Dagenham, 11-12 experimental cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhood Mon 31st May September schemes which were causing havoc all over the Borough. Thank you to all sector nine drivers for their help in getting Euros 2021 Fixtures: Hthese schemes overturned. Taxis are also now allowed to use the bus gate lane in both directions at Christchurch Avenue in Wealdstone. n Sun 13th June @1400 Wealdstone Town Centre is currently being revamped and new bus n Fri 18th June @ 2000 and taxi lanes are due to be introduced as part of this. n Tues 22nd June @ 2000 n Sat 26th June @ 2000 Brent n 29th June @ 1700 The new taxi rank at Queen's Park station seems to be popular with n Tues 6th July @ 2000 our drivers. Brent Council have removed the Kilburn station taxi n Wed 7th July @ 2000 rank without consulting us or TfL and we are working to hopefully n Sun 11th July @ 2000 get it reinstated soon. be two members of railway staff We have just agreed a new taxi rank for the Wembley Arena in pointing people down towards Engineers Way on arena days and will let you know as soon as it's After two years and many the temporary rank. We will put open. The Wembley event day taxi rank should also be busy in the meetings Wembley Park taxi a notice on the notice board as next couple of months with Euro football games due to take place on feeder park rank monitor is now soon as we have the final details. the following dates: renewed and working. n LTDA

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Columnist | Steve Kenton

Won’t Get Fooled Again

“Now what was extraordinary about the Count Binface result was that he saw off notable candidates such as Piers Corbyn, Peter Gammons and Farah London… and cabbie's favourite, David Kurten.”

Labour to take a bit of a pasting Where do we go A man in black in numerous areas across the UK from here? – except in London (uh oh) … So where does this now leave the taxi industry? Well, the first The artist formerly thing to remember is that the o, today boys and girls, known as Lord Sadiq Khan only has a three- I'm going to serve you up Buckethead year tenure this time due to a portion of lyrical genius London also had its mayoral the Covid-19 crisis preventing from the legendary hands elections, with 20 candidates any form of campaigning in Sof The Who’s, Pete Townsend… vying for a place at the top table. 2020, when the election was So, without further ado, here due. We also need to remember "There's nothing in the streets are the top three – over to you that there is a court hearing Looks any different to me Fluff Freeman: in June, regarding the Mayor's And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye n Straight in at three is the Sian defeat at the hands of the LTDA And the parting on the left (don't be mean, be Green) Berry, and UTAG over his Streetspace Is now parting on the right taking 197,986 votes. initiative and the exclusions And the beards have all grown longer overnight n At number two, banging on faced by cabbies from some of the door is Shaun (i'm gonna the roads around the London. I'll tip my hat to the new constitution make those Red votes Blue) Bailey However, there may be a chink Take a bow for the new revolution with 893,051 votes. of light and possibly hope. In Smile and grin at the change all n And holding on to top spot, it's a recent interview the Mayor around the man in red himself, Sadiq stated that he was willing to Pick up my guitar and play (my old man’s a bus driver) work with the taxi industry. Just like yesterday Khan with 1,013,721 votes. This may not convince too Then I'll get on my knees and pray Bubbling under in a many drivers though, given the We don't get fooled again creditable 9th place, Mayor's performance over the 18 Don't get fooled again, no, no" with 24,775 is the last five years, a performance artist formerly which has seen taxi driver known as Lord numbers drop to around 20,700 Buckethead – Count and licensed taxi numbers fall to Flippin monkey Binface. Yup, you less than 13,500. There is also the hangers read that right, the issue of Knowledge candidates It's been a politically strange Count finished dropping to a critically low time of late, with Hartlepool (it's ninth out of a number – the Mayor certainly in the North East of England, for possible twenty – has his work cut out in regaining the geographically challenged), or in other words the trust of the industry. firmly in the spotlight. Now not he's the electoral There is of the course the much has ever really emerged equivalent of argument that it's better the from Hartlepool, it's quite an Arsenal. devil you know. If social media unremarkable town really. Now what was is any sort of gauge, there was a Famous Hartlepool alumni extraordinary substantial amount of distrust include everybody's favourite about the Count toward Bailey from the industry, ballet dancer, Wayne Sleep; Binface result was with criticisms such as his the hairiest man in TV sports that he saw off political beliefs surrounding presenting, Jeff (unbelievable some pretty serious competition Uber and the concern that he Jeff) Stelling, and legendary “Yup, you read that from notable candidates such as would nail his flag to any given Iron Maiden guitarist (when right, the Count Piers Corbyn, Peter Gammons mast in a bid to get elected to high not accidentally throwing his finished ninth out and Farah London, but the real office being a topic of discussion. guitar into the crowd, knocking surprise was cabbie's favourite, The concerns surrounding Uber people unconscious), Janick of a possible twenty David Kurten finishing below the may not be without foundation, Gers. One of the most famous – or in other words wily old Count. in 2019 I requested an interview events to take place in the town he's the electoral I must be honest I was amazed with Mr Bailey. I was informed was the hanging of a monkey, at how the voting panned out, by a colleague of Mr Bailey's that convicted of being a French spy. equivalent of but Sadiq Khan's victory was he would happily be interviewed Micky Dolenz was of course not Arsenal.” unsurprising given that the Tory – provided there was no ‘Uber a happy bunny (or monkey), party seemingly cast Shaun bashing’. This of course to an especially since the rest of the Bailey adrift by withdrawing award-winning journalist like band went on to write Hey Hang, his funding after concerns myself (well I won a raffle once), We're the Monkeys (my editor is developed regarding his was a rather perplexing comment going to hang me for that joke). in the town with 51.9% of the performance. The irony there for somebody to make, needless Ed – That was a joke? vote and a swing from Labour is that he was actually closer to say the interview never However, something rather of almost 16%. It was the to ousting Sadiq Khan in this materialised. extraordinary took place in first Conservative win in the election with a 4.7% differential So, again in the wise words this town on 6th May 2021, constituency since its creation than Zac Goldsmith during the of Pete Townsend, "Meet Conservative candidate, Jill in 1974 (UNBELIEVABLE JEFF). previous mayoral election where the new boss – same as the Mortimer, won a by-election This result was the catalyst for Khan won by 9.2%. old boss". n TAXI

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

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

Tom Poulson I joined the LTDA when I first got my badge and it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. Due to an unfortunate Farouk Merdjane set of circumstances I ended up getting I was involved in an accident whilst driving my my licence revoked by TfL. I turned cab in Shepherd’s Bush. I wasn’t too worried to John Luckhurst, one of the LTDA’s about it because I was confident that it wasn’t legal eagles, for assistance. John went my fault and the insurance would sort it out. to great lengths to prepare a detailed A short while later I received a summons for appeal against TfL’s decision and briefed driving without due care and attention. I had 19 a brilliant barrister to represent me in no witnesses to help me, but the other driver court. The appeal was successful and had produced “independent” witnesses out of saved my livelihood. LTDA subscriptions thin air! I quickly contacted the LTDA’s legal are only four quid a week, which is less department and they immediately visited than a pint, and three pounds can be the scene of the incident and arranged for claimed against tax. I can’t believe that professional photographs to be recorded. I every cabbie in town is not a member. later appeared before magistrates at Lavender Hill Court, where the LTDA barrister tied the witnesses up in knots and demonstrated they could not have seen what they said they had. “FOUR times more likely than the Thank you, LTDA legal department; you gave NATIONAL average to get an acquittal” me an excellent service.

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

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

Passenger Collection

“The buildings, anchored in place disconsolately, wallow like de-commissioned battleships, overtaken by a tide of bureaucratic apathy and whim, instead of just ‘covid and lockdown.”

Oasis-rank Cabbie chronicles The historic thoroughfare may be home to a plethora of Knowledge boys’ most famous points – n reference to finding fares, especially because it has also I think I must have used become a lifeline for taxi drivers up every piece of fragile trying to earn a living. Book intuition, shrewdness, shops, restaurants, hotels, Royal Iguesswork or random pig-in-a- Institutes and grandiose shopping poke logic at my disposal since arcades grace the area with genteel my return to the streets. One- sophistication, and a store that by-one, I had exhausted each epitomises the perfect study of vague oasis of opportunity I’d food and culture in a meeting of explored or gambled my time the two influences – Fortnum and against, challenging my patience, Mason. As a matter of fact, the testing my mettle and pushing rank can only be reached from my luck. I glanced at the clock on the east, so depending on the flow the London Zoological Gardens of traffic turning left out of Regent headquarters in the Outer Circle, Street, the rank is literally an oasis. and the cluster of cabs huddled Shame you can’t rank up, pop in and on the static rank, feeling my buy a quick sandwich and a cup of stomach sink – just a little more. Kopi Luwak coffee, which is filtered Fifty minutes since I’d left home I turn right into Charles’ 2nd through civet cats’ intestines, and déjà vu, the daily scenario was “Faced, at Piccadilly Street, confused, momentarily imparting a certain ‘je ne sais repeating itself. Circus, by a selection by the recent change in road quoi’ flavour, though would set 20 layout and turn right into Regent you back a day’s takings at current The hope of identifying a of Monopoly Street, formally known as ‘Lower’ earning rates. lone traveller nomenclature, I turn Regent Street. I catch a glimpse of My gamble had paid off. I Augmented by the traffic lights Orvis, one of my favourite men’s slipped in behind the two empty at the exit of Regent’s Park, the right into Haymarket casual-wear shops, where they cabs in front of me and settled heavy gates did their ceremonial and gasp silently deftly move buttons and hack down to wait. I didn’t have the job, holding me back, stamping a to myself, at the into waistbands and sell life-size full courtesy of Mr Fortnum, sense of Regency dignity on such replicas of Grizzly bears standing bowing to me and his partner, Mr humdrum proceedings as traffic raw emptiness of erect or on all fours – just ready for Mason, way up the balcony high control. My subsequent journey, the restaurants, a stroll around St. James’s Square. above ‘on the hour,’ and I didn’t past the grandiose buildings of shops and naked even get a job out of the store… Portland Place, involved ritual A strategic plan… A sartorially elegant young man, head-swivelling, in obeisance to the pavements.” My mind suddenly generated a strolled across the road from the hope of identifying a lone traveller, strategic plan, like concocting a exclusive domain of The Albany, mirroring the daily equation of cordon bleu recipe. It all depended and two hours and forty minutes hope plus anticipation equals (a on the available ingredients: after I’d left home in Stanmore, I cabbies) ‘modus operandi.’ chance, the current reversal of was on my way back to north west I stare through my windscreen at Piccadilly as a one-way street London and another elegant ‘neck the resigned faces of other cabbies Naked pavements and, like most ideas – timing. I of the woods.’ who look back at me blandly, & decommissioned moved over to towards Piccadilly, glimpsing only the occasional battleships thanked a bus driver with a smile Back to my beginnings flutter of animation between a Faced, at Piccadilly Circus, and a mini salute for allowing me It was going to take me an hour driver and passenger – perhaps by a selection of Monopoly into his bus lane, and turned left and a half to pick up another fare, identifying a distant set-down nomenclature, I turn right into into Piccadilly. Across the road, and oddly my life went full circle… point, acknowledging a nearby Haymarket and gasp silently another empty taxi rank and a I had been back to my ‘Fortnum venue or simply passing the time to myself, at the raw emptiness deserted hotel stood marking & Mason oasis rank' but it was full of day. A trifle enviously, I wait of the restaurants, shops and time. The Meridien Hotel, and found myself amongst some for the lights to change and head naked pavements. The buildings, poised like a question mark in other cabs, slowly making progress on further into Regent Street. My anchored in place disconsolately, the familiar vista of the languid to turn into Manderville Place. My spirits are buoyed by watching the wallow like de-commissioned traffic struggling east bound. It first ever employment starting out comedic antics of Hamleys ‘Hamy’ battleships, overtaken by a tide had changed hands during the as a youth was in a building on entertainment staff, ‘camping of bureaucratic apathy and coronavirus epidemic, not just Manderville Place. As I turned in, up’ a selection of raucous Disney whim, instead of just ‘covid’ and over a precautionary lockdown (recollecting the manner in which tunes and rainbow bubbles. At ‘lockdown.’ Droshkies glide past period – but permanently. The I was removed from said building) the junction of Brewer Street, I electrically or park randomly on original hotel premises, built in a woman stepped out into the can still hear Mary Poppins’ “Feed ranks I never knew existed. The 1908 by Norman Shaw, the same road, bang in front of the cab and the Birds” as I chug past what Theatres Royal and Her Majestys bloke who designed Scotland Yard, hailed me… 20 quid or so later, had once been, in a different era, stand elegantly empty, chuckling is to become the ‘Dilly Hotel,’ some driving down Kings Road, Chelsea, Aquascutum – an ancient Roman, to themselves at some erstwhile time in 2021. Another old face I still had a smirk of reminiscence made-to-measure, toga shop. theatrical in-joke. wearing a new hat to remember. painted on to my face. n TAXI

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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Column | Cab You Drive

Lack of Finance Holding Back Recovery

“The number of new cabs would have been at least three times this, if the fleets were able to get finance.”

many mushers in a cab that’s worth Word on the street a lot less than is outstanding on the finance or PCP. Several of the newer fleets are or months, I have been currently developing apps that the bearer of bad news would allow a driver to rent by on the state of cab trade the shift. On these apps available and the sad decline in the cabs would show up either where Fnumber of vehicles on the road. they are at the time or where they This time, I am happy to be able to will be dropped off by the current deliver the news that according to driver and when. It would then be the latest figures, the catastrophic possible to open the cab and start haemorrhaging of cabs from the it via the app and drivers would fleet has finally begun to slow pay per shift, hour or even mile. down, at least a bit. houses, who are now refusing over their quotas. They are now stuck This could transform the industry April saw 38 new TXEs join the 95% of finance applications to with vehicles which are almost and make it much easier to rent ranks, which is nowhere near businesses. Even the fleets which worthless outside of London, only a cab. It would be particularly where we were pre-pandemic, are totally up to date on existing have scrap value in London and, useful for those drivers in dire but things are moving in the right payments, with a proven track at the moment, no one wants to financial circumstances due to direction. The number of new cabs record and firm business plans, drive, even at heavily discounted the pandemic, some of whom would have been at least three cannot get the money they need to rents. Things have become so silly currently have no route back into times that, if the fleets were able buy more new cabs. that there is only one price for late a cab and back to work. The only to get finance. Sadly, the well- Many of these same fleets have TX4s – even the latest Euro VIs flaw in the plan is that without the publicised impact of the pandemic diesel cabs they cannot rent and (which are the best-ever driving necessary finance the fleets cannot on our trade has not gone would dearly love to decommission, TX4) – irrespective of mileage or buy the cabs they need to make unnoticed at the banks and finance but they have already exceeded condition. This is effectively trapping it work! n TAXI 22

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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk Columnist | Chris Ackrill Preserving the Icon

“In many countries and towns, the only recognisable difference between a taxi and a private car is a local authority plate on the back, a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof, and lurid stickers on the sides of an unremarkable production saloon. This has never been London’s way…”

On the road set to stay popular for longer than the first electric cab at least. The trade was forced to become part of the electrical revolution, though he electric cab is nothing we wanted a better alternative new. The Bersey was – anyway, we’ll all go electric probably the first eventually, so we might as well be mechanically propelled pioneers and get on with it. Tcab in the world on its launch in 1897. I don’t know how it went Options? down with environmentalists, but If many drivers who de-licenced it wasn’t a big hit with the drivers. their cabs during the Covid It was a huge unwieldy vehicle, depression return, there will be a delivering nine miles per hour on shortage of cabs to rent. None of a forty-mile charge. Cabbie’s now those thousands of cabs that were arguably struggle to reach nine de-licenced and sold up north can miles per hour on TfL-controlled return as TfL can’t re-plate cabs roads in 2021, however this wasn’t that were de-licenced under the deemed acceptable in 1897. scheme (my old cab is living out The following year’s model was its last days in Birmingham and I claimed to reach twelve miles an still wonder how it’s getting on). hour, but the Bersey was removed The options are to try to find a cab from service in 1900 when drivers to rent, or to buy one. Buying an abandoned the cab due to its old TX4 or Vito is a retrograde step. 24 unreliability. We know there are more modern and reliable alternatives available Iconic status counts… now, and we also know that every The first petrol engine cab, the authority involved in controlling French-built Prunel, arrived in the roads is hostile towards diesel. 1903, and we never looked back. It’s not an option that many drivers For a while we had a variety of would contemplate unless in an vehicles to choose from, with a emergency. Maybe we are in an range of reliability – which included emergency? Only time will tell. It’d the rental cabs I started out with modern and reliable, and it has years and are demanding both be a leap of faith to buy a new TXE in the late 1980s. What’s generally its fans. I’m sure it’s a nice cab to more modern and affordable or Dynamo, as we’re not sure the accepted as the classic shaped cab drive, but it’s hardly an icon. It’s not vehicles. Many of us like the 25-feet work will be there to sustain such a started as the FX4 in 1958. With something that sets us apart. It’s turning circle, but we ask, ‘why huge investment in our business. I the diesel-powered TX4 rapidly used as a minicab for God’s sake! we can’t have a reasonably-priced think a popular choice will be in disappearing from London’s If the iconic cab goes, the trade purpose-built vehicle?’ Many the shape of used TXEs coming on streets, I wonder if one icon will be will lose its iconic status. Most drivers would like to go electric, the market. replaced by another? London taxis are still black. That but trade will need to improve, and One thing we’ve never had in my It’s essential that the trade can helps, but the colour factor has fast electrical points will need to lifetime is a price war. Perhaps with continue to offer up an instantly been slightly undermined by the be increased before the majority two cab manufacturers to choose recognisable taxi. In many cynical use of black minicabs. As of drivers are onboard with the from we’ll see some competition. countries and towns, the only to styling, the shape of the TXE electrical revolution. Still, more No, I wouldn’t bank on much of recognisable difference between is radically different from the electric cabs have been sold than it. I’m confident one icon will a taxi and a private car is a local discontinued TX4, and the TXE is I expected. Drivers were clearly be replaced by another, but the authority plate on the back, a ‘TAXI’ fast becoming the de facto London thinking ahead. The TXE looks question remains – ‘Must style sign on the roof, and lurid stickers cab. It’s unique and being unique come at such a high price?’ n TAXI on the sides of an unremarkable is a big factor. The TXE will surely production saloon. This has never become as iconic as cabs from the been London’s way. Here, iconic FX / TX family over time. status counts for a lot. Driver & cab evolutions Styling There will be some TX4s on the The TXE won’t look old-fashioned road for some years to come, for some years yet. Not that it’s a though they’ll be part of a much- problem. The classic body shape loved minority. Much-loved by hasn’t changed much since 1958. the public, if not the drivers, who EASY RUN HARD RUN Being old-fashioned helps in realise they’re driving a museum the icon stakes. Before the TXE, piece that’s not high on reliability Danubius Hotel – Marshall Street Leisure Mercedes took a lot of business and rather cramped in the front. The Porterhouse Centre – School of Hygiene from the London Taxi Company Cab drivers – like the vehicles & Tropical Medicine with their Vito van conversion. It’s they drive – have evolved over the

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

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

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

@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk a 2020 |||| TAXI 27 APPLICATION FORM

Name

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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 TWO MONTHS FREE FOR FIRST TIME JOINERS LTDA Basic Direct Debit Instructions TWO MONTHS FREE FOR NEW MEMBERS 26 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. ReturnThen return form tothe form to the 1 Please write the name and full postal address of your LTDA, FREEPOST, FREEPOST, (PAM London, 2005), SE1 London 1PP W9 2BR FREEPOST LTDA branch in the box (left)

To the Manager of 2 Name of account holder

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

5 Signature(s)

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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.

www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA LTDA Application Form Oct18.indd 1 09/10/2018 10:23 Brain twister | Puzzler page So you know every street and every run between two points in London? Let’s now see how your knowledge stands up to these brain twisters... Crossword Sudoku Have a go at this medium level Sudoku puzzle. Fill the grid so that every row, 123456 every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9 just once. 7

89 2 73 10 11 12 41 87 13

14 15 3674 16 86 41 17 18 19 94 2 20

21 22 23 2359 98253 24 4 ACROSS 27 1 Place where you feel as comfortable as in your own pad (4,4,4) Futoshiki < > 8 Stuffed toy bear (5) Fill in the blank squares so that 9 Update (of a licence, eg) (7) each row and column contains all < 10 Raise up (4) the numbers 1 – 5. Use any given 11 Accompanied, chaperoned (8) numbers and the symbols that tell you if the number in the square is < 14 Way, method (6) larger (>) or smaller (<) than the 15 West Indian‑style music (6) number next to it. ∧ ∧ 17 Loosen (8) > 18 Cigarette end (4) ∨ 21 Spread in all directions (7) PREDICTIVE TEXT Starting in the highlighted box, try to make a word adding one  23 Royal head‑dress (5) word part from each layer as you go. Then return to the second layer and use the letters in the unused box to start another word and so on, until you’ve used all the boxes and created six words 24 Old‑fashioned quality (12) of decreasing length. DOWN 1 Residence for paying guests (5) ST Predictive text 2 Mocked, teased (4,3,2) Starting with the highlighted box, try to 3 ___ Dunaway, Mommie Dearest actress (4) make a word adding one word part from each 4 Sudden surge (6) EV RA layer as you go. Then return to the second 5 Result of a heavy drinking bout? (8) layer and use the letters in the unused box to start another word and so on, until you've 6 Cut (grass) (3) AN IG ER used all the boxes and created six words of 7 Soft mud or snow (6) decreasing length. 12 Circus balancing cable (9) 13 Published again (8) HTF YW EM TIB 14 Musty, mildewed (6) 16 Warm up (food, eg) again (6) BAR IO HE ORW TUR 19 One‑off extra payment (5) 20 Decorated (a cake) (4) RE NIP ARD TIC SON GO All answers to 22 Nasty viral cold (3) puzzler on p30

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com

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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA@TheLTDA Exclusive | Taxi Charity London Cabbies to Attempt Three Peaks Challenge

London Cabbies Scott Murray and Seb Philp talk to TAXI about attempting the Three Peaks Challenge on 26th June 2021 to raise funds for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

London cabbie Seb Philp with attempting the challenge in June, WWII Veteran Ray Whitwell we get the most amount of daylight over the 24 hours which will be a great advantage. Our challenge will start at Ben Nevis at 5.00am, moving onto to Scafell Pike and we will finish by climbing Snowdon, aiming to have completed our descent by 5.00pm. We expect each About the Three mountain to take up to five hours to Peaks Challenge climb and descend and there will be a total driving time of ten hours The National Three Peaks depending on the traffic. Challenge is an event in which participants attempt to Will you be taking anything climb the highest mountains with you? of England, Scotland, and Wales within 24 hours. It is Scott: I’ll be a bit like a squirrel, as frequently used to raise money Tell us a bit about Why this challenge? I will be taking lots of fatty snacks for charitable organisations. yourselves? including peanuts, energy bars Walkers climb each peak in Scott: I phoned Seb to ask if he and avocado to give me additional turn and are driven from the Seb: I’m 40 and have been a cabbie fancied doing the Three Peaks energy. foot of one mountain to the for 18 years. Scott and I met when Challenge knowing that he would next. The three peaks are: we responded to a request from the jump at the chance. He is a keen How much are you hoping Taxi Charity, for volunteer cabbies cyclist and very fit (although not to raise? • Ben Nevis (1,345 m), the to take two veterans to Belgium as fit as me, but don’t tell him I highest mountain in Scotland 29 to participate in the Waterloo said that), so I knew that he would Scott: Seb and I would love to raise • Scafell Pike (978 m), the Uncovered charity dig. We spent relish pushing himself to do this £2,000 for the Taxi Charity. We know highest mountain in England two weeks in Belgium and got on challenge. I climbed Scafell Pike, it’s been a hard year for everyone, but • Snowdon (1,085 m), the well and have kept in touch ever one of the three mountains last it’s been especially tough for the highest mountain in Wales since. year, and had thoroughly enjoyed veterans that the Charity supports. it and wanted to push myself to The veterans haven’t been able to The total distance walked is Scott: I’m 33 and have been a climb the other two. I am especially get together to mark important dates estimated at 44 km with a total cabbie for five years. I found out looking forward to reaching the including the 75th anniversaries of ascent of 3,000 m about the Taxi Charity by chance summit of Ben Nevis to see if it still VE Day and VJ Day last year, and when I picked up one of their Vice has a covering of snow in June. their much-loved annual trips had President’s, Frances Wyhowska, to be cancelled. The pandemic raise some money, I know it will be from the rank in Sloane Square. She What is the Three Peaks also meant that the charity’s usual put to good use. had told me all about the charity Challenge? fundraising opportunities were put before I dropped her off at home on hold, so If you could donate, How can people donate? and I was very impressed by what I Seb: The challenge is to climb the whatever the amount, we really heard and wanted to support them. highest peaks in England, Scotland, would be very grateful. Scott: We know it’s been a and Wales over a 24-hour period. challenging time for cabbies, but If London cabbie Scott Murray The three peaks are Ben Nevis in Seb: I am not only a volunteer for anyone would like to donate, please Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, the Taxi Charity, but I also sit on visit https://www.justgiving. and Mount Snowdon in Wales. It the committee and like so many com/campaign/seb-scott- will be hard going as during the 24 charities across the UK we have had 3peakschallenge every little bit hours we will have to walk 27 miles to put all our fundraising activities will make a difference to the lives and climb a total of 3000 metres. By on hold for the last year so if we can of veterans. n TAXI

About the Taxi Charity

The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London licensed taxi drivers and has been supporting hundreds of veterans since 1948. The charity arranges free trips to, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, and days out to museums, concerts, or fundraising events in the UK, to catch up with friends and comrades. For the last twelve months, pandemic restrictions have meant their events have had to be cancelled so the Charity has made a huge effort to ensure veterans have received regular contact; sending out a greeting card each month, gifts to mark the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ day, stockings at Christmas and arranging Guards of Honour at veteran’s funerals. Volunteers have also helped with; regular phone calls, food shopping, transport to hospital appointments, and more recently taking veterans for their Coronavirus injections. To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is reliant on generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts. www.taxicharity.org

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