LTDA
The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA DECOMMISSIONING: p7 #442 30 April 2019 DELICENSING SCHEME DEEMED TO BE A HIT
p3 Retrofitting Cabs is the Greenest Way Forward
The LTDA launches its plan to retain the 15-year age limit
and clean up the air Taxi Age Limit Cut Plan “Unacceptable”
TfL wipes £150m o p3 cab values overnight 2 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Delicensing Scheme Deemed a Success NEWS IN BRIEF TRADE Brum Levy Rage Almost 3,000 taxi drivers have applied A decision to make taxi drivers pay to the mayor’s delicensing scheme since it the Birmingham equivalent of the launched in December 2018. ULEZ charge has prompted a series of Of the applications, 130 cabs have protests. Unlike in London, Hack- passed the inspection and payments have ney Carriage drivers are being told either already been made or are being to stump up the £8 daily levy for processed. entering the Clean Air Zone, inside The high level of interest in the scheme the A4540 ring road. Scores of drivers is seen as “very positive,” by Mayor Sadiq are due to take part in eight go-slow Khan and Transport for London. protests against the charge, which is However, the unexpected demand due to come into force in January. appears to have caught the regulator by surprise and extra staff have had to be drafted in to clear the resulting backlog. Charity Golf The LTDA has taken dozens of calls from concerned drivers worried that their Day Tee Off application has got lost, or who have The annual fundraising golf tourna- already taken delivery of their new TXe ment organised by the Taxi Driver but are awaiting confirmation of the of the Year Charity Fund tees off at decommissioning of their old cab. Hendon Golf Club on Thursday, June As of March 4, 2019, 2,700 applications 6. The event costs £70 per person, or had been made but the number is £250 per team of four, which includes expected to be far higher now. “Anyone applying for the scheme will contacted by TfL as soon as possible.” a light breakfast, tee off at 10.30am, Most applicants were said to be fleet receive an automatic response confirming The mayor goes on to say: “Taxi a buffet and trophy ceremony at the owners, rather than driver owners. Of receipt of their application and securing licensees can apply to TfL for a delicensing end. For application forms, please the 168 vehicles presented so far for a their place in a queue which will payment at any time. The taxi delicensing write to the at TDYCF, 5 St Brides delicensing inspection, 133 were fleet determine the amount they could receive fund operates on a first come, first served Avenue, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 owned and 35 cabs were driver owned. (subject to the vehicle successfully passing basis and will continue until the available 6BT or email [email protected]. The mayor said: “Transport for London a delicensing inspection). funds have been exhausted. Funds raised will be presented to (TfL) aims to provide an initial response to “Applicants do not need to take any “I encourage taxi owners to take five taxi charities at the TDYCF applicants within 28 days of their online further action once they have applied advantage of this fund. TfL will work with annual dinner dance on November 30. application being made and is undertaking and received the auto-response. It stakeholders to ensure that this scheme is Entry forms and payment need to be work to improve its response times. will be processed, and they will be promoted to all who can benefit from it.” in by May 16.
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The age limit reduction plan would hit the trade hard but retro tting cabs would make it unnecessary RETROFITTING IS STEVE MCNAMARA THE WAY FORWARD TOP TRADE STORY
ast week, I submitted the LTDAs response to TfL’s consultation on its misguided L proposal to reduce the taxi age limit from 15 to 12 years. I know our members have been seriously concerned about the ramifications of this proposal for the trade since it was first announced last Christmas, so developing a workable alternative has been a top priority. TfL had failed to even do a cost impact assessment on the effect of the age limit drop on cab values, something we have calculated to be in the region of £50 million. This drop in residuals will affect everyone irrespective of whether you are mushing or renting, either the resale value of your cab drops or the fleets have to charge more money to get the return on their investments in less time. With City Hall and all the air quality groups increasingly documenting and publicising London’s air quality crisis, the option of trying to deny the trade’s contribution to rising pollution levels evaporated. We needed a workable solution that would give Mayor Sadiq Khan the air quality improvements he wants, without decimating our trade. retrofit system for both the TX4 and the Vito. I’ll be making the case that the The LTDA has worked up and presented to “A SCRT The design work has been done. The first cab Government’s current plans for reform do TfL a fully costed and practical alternative to retrot will shortly be making its way to Dortmund in not go far enough to change the archaic a reduction in the age limit age limit through Germany to be fitted and trialled before coming system, and that there is an urgent need for a conversion programme that would see all system back to London, via the Millbrook proving mandatory national minimum standards and 4600 Euro V cabs converted to Euro VI. Our for both ground, where it will be certified as Euro VI definitions of cross border hiring and plying calculations clearly show that fully funding the compliant. The cab will then be presented to TfL for hire to be set in law. Only with all these LTDA’s proposals, from the Mayor’s £42 million the TX4 for evaluation and real-world testing. measures in place will we see a more level pot, would produce a reduction in NOx of 50% playing field between the two trades and more by 2022 than under the age limit proposal. and the Taxi and Private licensing authorities gain the control they Our proposal negates the need to bring down Vito [is Hire Regulation need to improve public safety. These MPs the age limit, retaining existing vehicle residual Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be are already long-term supporters of our values and it would actually enhance the current ready]...” sitting down with a group of MPs from the trade, so it’s crucial we get them fully up to depleted values of Euro V cabs, which become All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis – speed on the need for new licensing laws to sought after around the country once they are including former Taxis Minister John Hayes keep up momentum in Parliament before it re-certified as Euro VI. and also Andrew Rosindell, Clive Betts, breaks up for summer. u Our solution was arrived at by working with Daniel Zeichner and Sarah Champion – Europe’s largest manufacturer of retrofit systems to discuss the reform of taxi and private Steve McNamara is the for light commercial vehicles to design a SCRT hire licensing laws. LTDA’s General Secretary
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*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 booking. Forest Holidays – The 10% discount applies to the cabin price only and not any extras. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. Forest Holidays reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. isubscribe – Please note that the promotion code and the 10% discount are only applicable to debit card, credit card and PayPal orders and cannot be used against Direct Debit orders. In some cases, the price per issue may be cheaper if you pay by Direct Debit. Some newspapers are only available via Direct Debit. For magazines, 80% of isubscribe’s customers prefer not to pay by Direct Debit. LTDA Plus is managed and run on behalf of LTDA by Parliament Hill Ltd. @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 5
NEWS IN BRIEF Uber Faces Stock Buying a Second Market Launch Strike Hand Cab? INTERNATIONAL If you are buying a second hand Uber drivers are to stage a shutdown cab you must check with TfL that it for 12 hours in protest at low wages and can be licensed. poor working conditions as the company The LTDA has received reports goes public in May. of de-licensed cabs being sold on Drivers in the US will switch off their eBay and elsewhere but where the apps in seven cities on May 8, the day seller is not making it clear that the the company has scheduled its stock taxi cannot be licensed in London. market launch. Before you buy any second hand The protest is being organised by cab that is not currently licensed, driver groups who have condemned the please check with TfL that it can be IPO for attempting to line the pockets licensed. of its executives while drivers exist on Telephone: 0343 222 5555 starvation wages. Drivers in San Francisco will also protest in front of the Uber headquarters. London Made Shona Clarkson, of Gig Workers Rising, The company has been accused of to benefits such as a minimum wage. said “Uber’s much-anticipated IPO will refusing to acknowledge the complaints of Uber drivers say they that colleagues Us Winners put millions into the pockets of executives, drivers and their collectives. from San Francisco drive into town from but the drivers who are the core of the Uber claims its drivers are not other cities and sleep in their cars. The three people who have each service of the company will get nothing. employees but freelance contractors who And in order to make enough money to won a copy of Robert Elms’ latest Uber is paying drivers poverty wages and forgo traditional employee rights, such as support themselves, they often drive more book, London Made Us, are Ann continues to slash wages while executives holidays and sick pay for the freedom to than 70 or 80 hours a week, heightening Watkins of Norfolk, David Deacon make millions.” come and go as they please. safety fears about the services. of Harlow, and James Gibbs of Drivers for Uber and its competitor Lyft However, unlike in the US, both the A 2018 study from the University Billericay. The winners answered make as little as $8.55 per hour before UK courts have supported the view that of Chicago showed fatal car crashes correctly that Robert is a QPR taxes, below the California minimum the control Uber exerts over its drivers increased in cities where Uber and Lyft supporter. The books will be wage of $11 an hour. makes them employees, who are entitled were introduced. posted to the winners shortly.
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BEST BEST EXCHANGE EXCHANG RATESE RATES IN LONDON IN LONDON Taxi Charity Visits D-Day Map Room 0% COMMISSION0% COMMISSION OVER OVE 100R 120CURRENCIES CURRENCIES CHARITY It was an emotional return for former WREN and recent recipient of the War veterans enjoyed a nostalgic VIP visit Legion d’Honneur, Marie Scott, who to Portsmouth where they were made aged 17 worked as a switchboard operator STRAND,STRAND, EMBANKMENT, EMBANKMENT, ST ST PAUL’S, PAUL’S, CANNON CANNON ST, St, special guests of the Royal Navy and at Fort Southwick, the underground FENCHURCHFENCHURCH ST,St, LIVERPOOLLIVERPOOL StST,, LONDONLONDON WALL, WALL Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). communication centre that played a The 18 Royal Navy veterans, many of pivotal part during D-Day. MOORGATE,MOORGATE, CANARY CANARY WHARF, WHARF, LONDON LONDON BRIDGE,BRIDGE, whom served in World War Two, were Taxi Charity Vice Chairman, Ian VICTORIAVICTORIA ST, St, VICROTIA VICTORIA PLACE, PLACE, HIGHHIGH STREETSTREET driven to the island by nine volunteer Parsons, said: “We would like to extend BRANCHES 15 cabbies organised through the Taxi a special thank you to all the staff at the 15 BRANCHES KENSINGTON,KENSINGTON, HAMMERSMTIH, HAMMERSMITH, RICHMOND RICHMOND Charity. RNRMC for this hugely successful trip. The group visited Southwick House, Their enthusiasm and hard work ensured the former D-Day headquarters and the stay in Portsmouth was thoroughly PREPRESENTSENT YOUR TAXI BADGE FOR site of the original Map Room, where enjoyed by all the veterans, committee PREFERENTIAL RATES General Eisenhower and Field Marshal members and cab drivers.” PREFERENTIAL RATES Montgomery planned the Allied invasion To find out more about the charity or 020 72401214 of Normandy, which became the turning to donate visit the website http://www. www.tegforex.co.ukwww.tegforex.co.uk point of WWII in Europe. taxicharity.org 6 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Wild predictions that a million RoboTaxis will be on the roads next year are simply a distraction tactic ROBOTAXIS ARE A RICHARD MASSETT FUTURISTIC FANTASY THE MASSETT FILE buses, taxis and delivery vehicles. LTDA Members’ So, technically self driving vehicles on our streets could be quite soon. How- Meetings ou may have read about Tesla ever, we need to look further than the Thanks to everyone that attended CEO Elon Musk’s threat to technical capabilities of the vehicle the first of our new style members Y have one million self-driving design and at the practicalities of how meetings that took place on the RoboTaxis on the road in just one year’s schemes would work in practise. First, April 23. I am pleased to say that the time. The claim, which seems to be pure would the vehicles be able to share the meeting received a 100% satisfaction bunkum, is thought by some to be a same roads as other vehicles that are rating from the survey forms which way of deflecting interest in the Tesla still being driven by human beings. members were asked to complete at company’s less than impressive recent Would the roads themselves have to be the end of the meeting. financial results. reengineered? If an autonomous vehicle The idea is to hold forums that are The entrepreneur stated that by next was involved in an accident, either with far removed from the old-style branch year owners of a new autonomous Tesla another vehicle or a pedestrian, whose meetings. They are to be held in a would be able to switch their cars into obstacles still facing the development of fault would it be? Should the vehicle be round table format, where all attendees taxi mode when they are not being used. autonomous vehicles. faced with a situation where it needed are encouraged to take a full part in The car would then take itself off to join Clearly, serious money is currently to avoid a collision with one person, but the discussions and at the first meeting thousands of others, which would be being put into the development of these may hit another, how would the on-board I, as Chairman, made sure that available on the Tesla ride-sharing app, vehicles by the likes of Uber and Google, computer work out which one to hit? The everyone had a chance to contribute. which it intends to set up as a rival to while the British Government is fully regulatory system governing the use of the Rather than holding a meeting at Uber and Lyft. It wasn’t stated where this backing projects that it is hoped will keep vehicles obviously has a long way to go to night, in a pub, these workshops are would be likely to happen, but the figure this country at the forefront of technology keep step with technological development. being held during the day in a nice, of one million infers a global operation. in this field. The goal of achieving a On a more practical level, assuming self central location, and are designed to To suggest that this could happen even vehicle that is capable of fully driving driving vehicles are to be fully programed be non-confrontational. More than on a small scale somewhere in the world itself is not far off. It is thought by to stop in order to avoid a collision with a 40 people registered to attend the by next year can only be pure fantasy, some that the streets of central London pedestrian, why then would people do as first meeting and 20 were invited to when there are clearly many serious could offer a testing bed for autonomous they do now and wait patiently at traffic attend. A cross section of people were signals waiting for the green man to tell selected, ranging from those that had them when to cross? Surely, it is likely that previously attended branch meetings, people would opt to cross even major roads to drivers who were new to the trade. STAY IN THE KNOW where and wherever they wanted to, and We particularly want to attract people no doubt bring all traffic to a virtual halt. who reflect the diversity of our The only way to mitigate that situation membership in terms of race, 15 year reminder you must notify LTPH immediately would be to completely segregate all religion and gender, some of whom The London taxi 15 year age limit (0343 222 4444 / tph.enquiries traffic from pedestrians, or cyclists for that we feel have been noticeably under- refers to the cab’s ‘birthday’ @tfl.gov.uk) matter, and that would mean constructing represented at branch meetings. (in the log book) not its You may then continue impenetrable barriers alongside the We will be holding the next of plate date. working. A letter of roads or grade separation; would that be these workshops shortly and will For example: confirmation will be sent acceptable or affordable for our cities? invite those that were unable to A cab passed when out to you by Transport So, while autonomous vehicles may be attend the first meeting as well as new it is 14 years and 11 for London, prior to a extremely attractive to the likes of Uber applicants. Almost all the attendees months old WILL be replacement identifier and delivery companies, who see it as a at the first forum stated that they granted a further 12 being processed. way of reducing the highest cost factor would like to come along again, and months of life. in running their businesses, people. But we will introduce a rota system to Cabs may be booked in for Shop a tout do the rest of us really care whether there accommodate all who wish to attend testing in the normal way when Anyone who sees touting or any is a driver in a vehicle or not? And there future meetings. u the plate has 28 days or less to run. other form of illegal cab-related are still very many of us that do still like The cab can then work up to activity is urged to contact TfL to drive despite all the obstacles that are Richard Massett, LTDA Chairman, the test date. If the plates are taken with the details. continually being put in front of us by the and Chairman of the London off with more than 28 days to Take down the registration highway authorities. Cab Ranks Committee run, both the plates and the paper number and make a note of the licence must be surrendered to one date, time and location where of the six NSL inspection centres in incident took place. and around London. Type “cab enforcement” into “The entrepreneur claimed that The ‘unplated’ cab must then your internet search engine and not be worked, and at least one follow the links to the ‘report illegal by next year owners of a new week should be allowed before activity’ section of the TfL website. autonomous Tesla would be able to attempting to book the next NSL test, to allow the computerised DVLA reminder switch their cars into taxi mode when booking system to recognise that The photo card part of the driving the plates have been registered. licence lasts for 10 years and must they are not being used and the car renewed after that period. The Lost/stolen identier licence becomes invalid if it is not would take itself o to join thousands If your identifier is lost or stolen renewed with a current picture. of others, which would be available on the Tesla ride-sharing app...” @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 7
NEWS IN BRIEF Bridge Trustees Workers’ Rights Agreed by EU Dodge Questions INTERNATIONAL CITY HALL New rules designed to protect workers in Garden Bridge bosses were called the gig economy have been approved by “disgraceful” after refusing to answer the European Parliament [pictured]. questions about the failed project and It means minimum rights and increased the £43m of lost taxpayers’ money. The transparency will be legal rights for trust’s chairman, deputy chairman and people who supply on-demand services for executive director had been summoned companies such as Uber and Deliveroo. to face questions over the doomed The law will also mean workers will project to build a tree-lined bridge be entitled to more predictable hours and over the Thames. The bridge failed compensation for cancelled work. to attract enough private investment EU member states now have at most and was eventually killed off by three years to enforce the new rules which Mayor Sadiq Khan. It has been a pet are designed to end “abusive practices” project of the previous mayor, Boris around casual contracts. Johnson, and swallowed £24 million The legislation will apply to “the most of TfL’s money and £19 million worth vulnerable employees on atypical contracts of Government funds before it was and in non-standard jobs” - including axed. Trust chairman, Lord Davies of those on zero-hour contracts. Abersoch, said the trustees would not Enrique Calvet Chambon, the MEP By Dili - Own work, 3.0, CC https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35972521 BY-SA attend because they were not being responsible for seeing the law through, treated fairly or with objectivity. said it was the first EU legislation setting work more flexible hours and sometimes Only one probationary period, lasting minimum workers’ rights in 20 years. for more than company, have been less a maximum of six months PICTURE APOLOGY “All workers who have been in limbo protected. The EU requires employers Allow employees to have other jobs, In the previous edition of TAXI, will now be granted minimum rights to inform all workers about “essential banning “exclusivity clauses” we used an image of a cab to illustrate thanks to this directive... from now on aspects” of their employment on their The rules will benefit around three a story headlined Innocent Cabbie no employer will be able to abuse the first day, including: million people work at least three hours Saved by LTDA, but the number flexibility in the labour market,” he said. Description of their duties a week, averaged over four weeks, and plate was not blurred out. The taxi Workers in the EU already enjoy a Starting date and pay information also apply to trainees and apprentices in was not connected to the story in any wide range of protections around working Indication of what a standard working similar circumstances. way and we would like to apologise hours, minimum breaks and holiday day is, or reference hours EU officials say the new rules will for any confusion caused to the entitlement. Right to compensation for late not apply to “genuinely self-employed” owner of the cab. But gig economy workers, who often cancelling of work people who work for themselves. 8 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
The ups and downs of being an owner of a brand-new electric taxi ADVENTURES IN JOE THE TXE AN ELECTRIC CAB ELECTRIC DREAMS roof – although some are disappointed you can’t slide it back. I have also had comments about the smoothness and the quietness; I’ve been told verything is good in the land of the it’s like being sitting a bubble, with all the hectic TXe and I think I am at last on top of buzz of London flowing passed on the outside, E all the gadgets and switches. It took “an oasis of calm on the inside.” me forever to get the hang of the swipe screen Now that the apps offer the opportunity for but now I have mastered it, and it’s great. The passengers to select a TXe, I find I am doing radio is fantastic, I have found some great DAB more app work than ever. Rather annoyingly, stations I never knew existed, and some that I they all seem to go to City Airport or Canary wish I hadn’t heard of – I mean what on earth Wharf in the mornings when I have just started, is drill music? The Bluetooth phone connection but rarely in the late afternoon when I am going is crystal clear. In fact, it’s too good and I have home; nothing changes. had to revert to using my headset because I don’t know if it’s just me getting used to passengers can hear every word of both sides the cab, but it does feel a bit bulky and I’m very of the conversation. The intercom is good, but conscious of driving it along some of London’s I rarely put it on, the cab is so quiet I can hear narrower streets. every word anyway. I still occasionally bang my knee getting in Another driver gave me the heads up on and out and the silly cup rail is now a constant running the cab in “pure EV” mode, as opposed source of annoyance to me. Surely, someone to the default setting of “smart mode.” This minutes to top up with a rapid charge. “Get the in cab land must start offering brackets and gives at least another five-eight miles on the Customer wise, everyone loves it. I get lots of phone holders that fit onto it, so it’s not all battery and is great as long as you remember to great comments about the cab. One passenger, hang of sweetness and light. Finally, almost a month to switch back to “smart” mode before the battery who was heading to the theatre with his wife, the swipe the day I took delivery of the cab I finally got is totally flat. I manage to squeeze around 52 told me he was so keen to get her to try riding my passenger free Wi Fi stick delivered. It’s easy miles out of the battery by driving it carefully. in a TXe that they waited 20 minutes for my screen... enough to plug in and to my amazement quite a This suits me really, but it only takes about 40 cab to turn up. Lots of people like the panoramic it’s great!” few people have used it, so it’s another plus. u
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 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 9
INTRODUCING STRAND PALACE, BUT NO LONGER AS YOU KNOW IT
Since we first opened our doors in 1909, Strand Palace has always put the guest experience at the forefront of all we do. We’re delighted to have launched our brand new lobby and public areas, oering guests and the public a new stylish hub in the heart of London.
The new public spaces are flexible lifestyle areas, featuring art deco influences throughout.
Strand Palace Hotel | 372 Strand | London | WC2R 0JJ T: +44 (0)20 7379 4737 | [email protected] | strandpalacehotel.co.uk 10 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
DIARY PRIZE
ALL 4 ONE BONUS FOR LTDA MEMBERS
he warm Easter weekend made our diary spotters even more keen During a visit to Walthamstow, our spotters managed to catch up with to get out and about with some goodies for members. Tom Farmer, who was pleased as punch when he was handed a £150 gift card This week they caught up with Cinddie Crowe, who was delighted simply for having his diary on display. when our spotters surprised her with a £150 All 4 One gift card just for Tom said: “That’s great. That’s made my evening.” Thaving her LTDA diary on show in the windscreen of her cab. Each year we give away almost £8,000 to LTDA members, so the odds of All 4 One cards can be spent on a huge array of items in dozens of stores, coming up trumps are pretty good. including Debenhams, Argos, River Island and Marks and Spencer. Just make sure you have your LTDA membership diary on display and let Cinddie said: “Fantastic. This will come in very handy.” us do the rest.
Cinddie: “Fantastic.” Tom: “Great.” @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 11
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Avoid PCNs at Waterloo and the latest developments on the Mayor’s delicensing scheme DON’T MEET LLOYD BALDWIN YOUR WATERLOO ON POINT old taxi. This means they are insuring two cabs. However, you must wait for your taxi to pass the decommissioning test before you sell it on. Once the e’ve had calls from drivers who have plates have been removed you can take it to your been caught out by the new camera at the suppliers and have the credit card machine and the W left turn into Waterloo station. It appears meter taken out. I understand the stress this is causing that cabbies are stopping on the chevrons next many drivers and I have been working hard to get some to the cycle lane by the lights in Addington Road answers for members, in order to put their minds at circus, waiting to join the queue into the taxi rank, rest as best I can. As we have already noted, TfL has but don’t do it. taken on extra staff to clear the backlog which should There is a camera trained on the area now and it help speed up the process. As ever, I’m always here to means you will get a £130 PCN for your trouble. The which I’m told TfL staff members are working hard to help LTDA members with any issues arriving from the actual offence is for parking more than 50cms from alleviate. delicensing scheme. a curb and there is no challenging it, although you At Taxi House, we have been doing our best to help can reduce the fine to £65 by paying it early as usual. drivers concerned about the lack of response from TfL Electric Shocker! You must filter around to the right if you want to in recent weeks. The delays have caused some anxiety Several drivers have been fined for using the charge join the queue for the rank. for those that have heard nothing since their first points at Newbury Park underground station application. TfL is aware that the stated time for the but without paying for accessing the car park. Delicensing scheme update completion of the deal was 28 days and some drivers Unfortunately, this is an NCP car park and there is a We are still being inundated with calls from drivers have been waiting more than double that. flat fee of £5.70 for using it, whether you want to stay concerned about the radio silence from TfL about their But rest assured that if your initial application was all day or just to charge up you cab. The good news delicensing scheme application. acknowledged then it is being processed and the funds is that it is a taxi only rapid charger, but it will cost As may have read in TAXI the decommissioning will be released as soon as possible. about £12 for a full top up because you need to pay scheme, which invited taxi drivers to apply for up to I have spoken to some drivers who are having a the car park charge as normal. u £10,000 to take their old cab off the road, has been a separate issue because they have already taken great success, in terms of its popularity at least. delivery of their new TXe, but have not heard Lloyd Baldwin is an LTDA But the demand appears to have caused a backlog anything about the decommissioning of their Executive Support Officer @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 13
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Mobile Phones, Driving and the Law Lawyers continue to duke it out over whether non-communication-based phone uses are legal, but could that all be about to change?
DRIVER CAUGHT FILMING A Judges in the Eldarf appeal ruled crash on his mobile phone may that the key words were “interactive” A force a shake-up of the laws and “communication,” and the driver surrounding phone use at the wheel. was using an internal function of the Ramsey Barreto should have been phone and not using an “external able to avoid a conviction because he communication function,” e.g. chatting was not using it to communicate, his on the phone or texting, while driving, defence has claimed. and was not breaking the law. The 51-year-old was prosecuted for In the latest case, Mr Barreto’s legal filming a crash on his phone while team argued that motorists could driving past an accident in Ruislip after not be convicted for using mobile being spotted by police. phones if they were not using them to He had been his phone to take a communicate and was successful. video for more than 10 seconds and was Now however, lawyers for the later found guilty. director of public prosecutions (DPP) But the conviction was overturned challenged that ruling in the High court accepted the officer’s evidence. communication function,” which bans because it was deemed that only using Court in London, which could force In October, Mr Barreto again talking, texting and internet use, but the phone to speak or communicate ministers to amend the law. claimed that the officer was mistaken, not using a phone as a camera. while at the wheel is banned. Lawyers for the DPP argued that the and that his passenger had used the The prosecution says, “the regulation The ruling could lead to a rewrite crown court judge misinterpreted road phone to film the scene. is to guard against unsafe driving of the laws around phone use, as it has safety regulations. They claim that the Judge Simon Davis rejected that caused by drivers holding their phones now been reserved for a High Court rules “prohibit any use of a handheld claim, but still quashed the conviction and using them, thereby distracting judgement later in the year. mobile telephone while driving.” because his use of the phone did not themselves from proper concentration It follows the result of the test When stopped on the road, Mr involve “interactive communication.” and control of their vehicles,” and said it case, the Crown vs Eldarf, which was Barreto is said to have apologised but Mr Barreto’s lawyers claim phone was illogical. highlighted as crucial in TAXI earlier at his magistrates’ court hearing he use restrictions only apply if the Lady Justice Thirlwall will give this year. claimed the officer was mistaken. The driver is “performing an interactive judgment on the case at a later date.
phone whilst driving, and reaction times are Mobile Phone Detectors Tested around 50% slower than a driver not using a mobile phone. ECHNOLOGY THAT CAN CATCH DRIVERS Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley “My advice would be to turn off your phone using the mobile phones at the wheel Police are the first to use the new tool, which is whilst driving, put it out of reach, out of view so T is being tested by police forces around being deployed at numerous hotspots. that more innocent people don’t lose their lives. the country. A stretch of the A34 dual carriageway through Remember, it’s not worth the risk.” A sensor can detect if a motorist is calling, Oxfordshire is one of the early places to get the Officers will be out on patrol, supporting the texting or accessing the internet and set off a technology. detectors, ready to pull over motorists that are road sign which warns them to stop using the PC Liz Johnson, a roads safety officer for thought to be making calls or texts while driving. phone. the Hampshire’s and Thames Valley’s Joint Tougher penalties were brought in two years However, the technology can’t yet tell if it is Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: ago and mean drivers face an on-the-spot £200 a driver or passenger who is using the phone “Research shows us that you are four times fine and six penalty points but can include a ban unless there is the only one person in the vehicle. more likely to crash if you are using a mobile and court summons. u
laws create the impression that chatting on hands- DfT gures show that, on Britain’s roads in 2017, “ Ban hands-free free devices is safe, but it is still distracting and 33 people were killed and 90 seriously injured phone usage” potentially deadly. In research conducted by Dr during crashes in which a driver using a mobile Graham Hole from Sussex University, people were phone was a contributory factor. Using a hands-free phone at the wheel is as asked to spot hazards while distracted by a phone Dr Hole says the gure is far higher when hands- dangerous as holding a mobile device to call or text, conversation or while undisturbed. free calls are taken into consideration. researchers have claimed. Any way a call is made Distracted drivers took two and a quarter Hand-held calls by motorists became illegal in increases the risk of crashing four times, according seconds to respond to dangerous situations, while 2003 and the punishments were toughened in to studies of volunteers in simulators. undistracted drivers took one second. 2017. The Government doubled penalties for using The test results have prompted demands for a Dr Hole said: “Drivers talking on a phone are a mobile phone at the wheel, which initially had the ban on all phone calls while driving, including with signicantly impaired, regardless of whether the eect of reducing incidents, but the gures have hands-free systems. Academics say that current phone is hand-held or hands-free.” now increased again. u 16 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
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LETTERS with a very poor flow, and who find it hard to delay going during the day, to seek help from your doctor, as it might save you going through the prolonged CABBIES MUST treatment that I have endured. This involved 10 cycles of radiotherapy, 10 cycles of LOOK AFTER a different chemotherapy, three monthly injections of hormone treatment. I’m now embarking on another THEMSELVES STAR LETTER 10 cycles for a different chemotherapy; a lot of this ’m writing to thank you, the LTDA, for your can be avoided if you see help early. acknowledgement of my 32 years with the difficult in today’s climate. I always thought it a On another note, I can’t understand why any I association and my retirement gift, but also on a privilege to have a badge and enjoyed my time as a driver would not join the LTDA. It makes no sense matter upmost importance for other drivers. taxi driver immensely. to be out there on your own with so much litigation I was a green badge for 42 plus years and managed I retired after getting prostate cancer, along with about when you can have this essential service as a to bring up four children who have gifted me with some other minor ailments. I want to advise any backup in a crisis. u 10 grandchildren – something which is much more drivers who get up multiple times during the night Colin Young, South Harrow
The point where you need to use the legal system to 3% gift to America. A driverless car is a AMAZING JOB retain your licence. unique American conception. Wait for the would like to offer my thanks to Paul Wright heirloom How can we hope to portray ourselves as the fatal accidents. who contacted to TfL recently over a PCN is a solid cream of the profession when we have drivers Uber deducts something like 35% or I I received in Edgware Road and got them racing around this great city? Can you imagine 25% from every fare paid. Only the mentally to quash the ticket. silver cup the negative publicity if one of us had a serious or unstable could work for them. Addison Lee, But I would also like to say you’re all doing even fatal accident and it transpired their current which is about to be sold to the Americans, an amazing job up there. I wonder if I’d sent complete tally of points should have been enough to keep takes 35% commission and £275 van rental, the ticket to one of the other groups, they with a them off the road? leaving £325 per £1k for a 70-hour week, less probably would have given me a sticker for my I would be interested to see an article on the fuel. That’s £5 an hour! rear window and said “good luck you’re on your lid and a benefits of driving slowly, cadence braking and Now empty red buses and black cabs are so own.“ Your help was much appreciated. replica anticipation alongside some stories from those under pressure that like the rhinoceros, I fear, Barry Dalby who have lost their licence, bill and badge and they will be extinct in the next 10 years. This is hansom the impact it had on their life? while our incredibly rich politicians continue to cab D Kelly get richer. THE SEARCH FOR Stu Wilder, Author UBERGATE X THE SILVER CUP driver...” THE SEARCH axi driver Kevin Thomas recently STOP THE suggested that TAXI might be interested FOR A STAR T in and provide me with some help me new exciting new TV entertainment MADNESS with my research into a family heirloom that I is show looking for a fun, experienced here is petition is online now calling am currently the custodian of. A cabbie with stories to tell. Do you for the mayor to stop causing gridlock The heirloom in question is a solid silver cup regularly put the world to rights with your T with unnecessary, underused cycle lanes [pictured, right] complete with a lid and a replica passengers? Do you find yourself offering them which I urge my fellow drivers to sign. Why hansom cab driver. The cup was presented to all sorts of advice? Are you a fun-loving and is a Labour mayor continuing the madness of my great grandfather – David Phillips – for happy go lucky type person? if so we want to cycle lanes started by his Tory predecessor? winning The Championship of The Cab Trade hear from you asap... email: castingcr@ How many of the cyclists do you see in them? boxing competition over three consecutive years hattrick.com Hardly any outside of peak times. Lower in 1902-1904. Kate Allan Thames Street westbound, Euston Underpass I would be most grateful for any information are two cycle lanes that I see ignored every day. or contacts that your organizations may have Most cyclists no nothing of the Highway Code. that can help me with my research on David RED CARD Sign the petition, it has been started by Lord Phillips and/or the cup. Robert Winston, one of the most respected Huw Jones TO PAYMENTS doctors of our time. If Mayor Sadiq Khan recent edition of TAXI drew my ignores him then we are all screwed. attention to several of my pet hates. Sign the petition here www.change.org/p/ POINTS DON’T A It got me thinking the yanks and sadiq-khan-stop-building-cycle-lanes-in- their cardless society makes every transaction a london-that-cause-traffic-gridlock MAKE PRIZES Fred the Leg badge number 4545 m I the only reader who read the article on “staying on the road with 12 points” A with a hint of disappointment? I’ve had ELECTRIC DREAM my licence for 35 years and have been driving a just got an electric cab and I have to say taxi for 10, clocking up the grand total of three it is bloody brilliant. The first night in it points in that time. I was gutted with myself for I I worked later than usual because I didn’t getting up to 24mph over Tower Bridge (May want to get out of it! Three customers said 2012); the fine and points left me deflated and EASY RUN HARD RUN they will only go in electric cabs now. I got asking myself if it was fair to receive points for the printer working but it went off later again, helping a punter to make that meeting, or so u New River Avenue u Limehouse Station so I will have to phone LEVC and check it to to they don’t miss that train? out. There are a few other issues, such as the Blackfriars Pier Honor Oak Park But perhaps it was a lesson learnt? hopeless hire light – but at least it looks like Our responsibility is to get the fare to their we’re always available, rather than the other destination safely, while using our Knowledge to Do you have a gripe or praise? Contact us at way around. Overall, I’m delighted with find the most expeditious route. You have learnt the TXe. nothing if you keep on breaking the law to the 0207 121 0523 or email [email protected] P White 18 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Being a cabbie is sometimes an uphill struggle, but it’s still the best job in the world LIFE AS A CHRIS ACKRILL SOLE TRADER
ON THE ROAD and you’re presented with an unexpected bill, you’re in trouble. If you’re on a good wage, you adjust to that level of income, ’ve spent a fair bit of my working and whatever you earn will be eaten up. life as a self-employed sole trader, It’s the same with having time on your I with reasonable success. It doesn’t hands: however much free time you have suit everybody though. You need self- you’ll always find something to fill it with. discipline and a sense of responsibility. There’s also the matter of tax and You need to be strong-willed, as every National Insurance. It costs a lot to keep day we face the choice of getting out of a cab on the road, but our tax bills are bed or not to go to work. No-one but negligible compared with employees yourself is going to reprimand you for on similar pay. When I joined TfL as a taking unauthorised leave – or throwing Knowledge examiner I was on a decent a sickie. We need to be able to handle wage, but I was shocked when I received responsibility because when things go my first pay slip and saw how much wrong it’s down to us to sort out. When was being deducted. When things were your cab is out of commission for any running well I was financially better off on reason it can cost you dearly (as I write the cab, even taking into account holiday this, my cab is in a local body shop or bad day, but you have some influence or start a new business. Having a and sick pay. following a disastrous inspection failure – over the outcome. As an agent of my portfolio career would allow me to I’ve tried other self-employed pursuits, more about that next time). own destiny, I can choose my own hours work the cab part-time. including writing. Writing is even more Being your own boss has its advantages using the 24 hour clock and experiment I’d hate to do my job for a regular wage. precarious. Few people make a full-time and disadvantages. You have to take with different hours and days. I can work It would be boring and restrictive to have income. I’d need five columns in national the rough with the smooth. Being self- longer and turn a bad day into a good one. to work the same hours every day for the magazines every week, plus a best-selling employed helps give you motivation. You Taking things further, I can choose to same pay. Even if the wage was good I’d book, to make a living. It’s a nice image, never know if you’re going to have a good take on different work completely, be going through the motions. I’d need tapping a few words out in your pyjamas the motivation – some excitement even until it’s time to go to the pub to edit your – to know I had the ability to motivate work. You clock off after five pints and myself to improve things. congratulate on a job well done. Of course, Working to the clock wouldn’t suit it’s not like that. When I look at the sales any of us who drive cabs. What if your for my book the pint glass is always half The Taxi Centre agreed five days included days where empty before I start – hence the cab. it’s virtually impossible to work? I like As everyone knows, driving a cab is one working weekends but I’m regularly of the best part time jobs you can have. Part of J+J Taxis having days off to avoid disruption. I I’m often asked if I would choose to go wrote a whole weekend off in March: I got into this job if I had my time again. I’d Now just 10 minutes from City Airport just three hours in on Saturday 23 until say it depends on where you’re coming central London was virtually shutdown to from. Rather than spend three years accommodate anti-Brexit demonstrators. doing the Knowledge, you could go to For all your rental needs I didn’t bother at all the following day university (I’ve done both). It’s not always when a half-marathon closed off many of the answer. Everyone’s job has got harder, London’s key routes. and few people have job security. After Vito’s , TX4’s and TX2’s I could be having a slow day, and I’m university I thought I was safe as a careers watching the clock until I feel I’ve put in adviser. I took voluntary redundancy in Available now! a shift and can justify heading home. Out 2010 and went back on the Knowledge. of nowhere, someone stops me and asks The company I worked for has downsized for Terminal 5. A bad day has suddenly staff every year since then, and better folk All your running Repairs/Servicing turned into a good day. This has often than I were unceremoniously put out to Overhauls & Breakdowns. Crash happened when I’m thinking of home but grass in middle age. That’s scary; probably open to one last job. more scary than worrying about Uber. u Repairs with free courtesy Cab A guaranteed income is over-rated; whatever you’re paid you cut your cloth Visit Chris’s website here: pubcat.co on all non fault. Now available to accordingly. If you’re not being paid much you know you’re not going to afford many Chris Ackrill is a service in the Essex areas, Suburb luxuries, and if you sail too close to the taxi driver and wind, when unforeseen things happen former Knowledge examiner drivers welcome. “I’d hate to do my job for a regular wage. Unit 2 Barking Business Centre, Thames rd, It would be boring and restrictive to have Essex, IG11OJP to work the same hours every day for the T: 0208 507 3330 E: [email protected] same pay. Even if the wage was good I’d be going through the motions...” @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 19
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Sign up today at: or pop into the Gett Driver Office u.gett.com/app (162 Farringdon Road) @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 21 Cyclists Quit the Roads in Droves NEWS IN BRIEF Drunk Woman’s ROADS creating separate cycle lanes have exacerbated tensions on the road, with £300 Uber Bill Shouting matches with motorists, the frequently underused cycle lanes, A London woman with a £300 accidents and potholes have forced a lack of space and lengthier traffic Uber fare after falling asleep and hundreds of thousands of cyclists jams infuriating motorists. ending up en route to Newcastle. to retire their Lycra riding suits, Amateur endurance cyclist, Chris Unusually, it was not the fault of according to recent study. Hall, 29, who has raced on some of the the Uber driver, because passenger There was a 355,000 fall in the world’s roughest roads, including last Helen Dryden, had forgotten to number of regular leisure and year’s inaugural Silk Road Mountain change her default settings from commuter riders on the roads in Race in Kyrgyzstan, has taken to Newcastle to Guildford, Surrey. 12 months, Sport England says. training indoors following a serious of The mammoth trip was cut The figures include a “significant” incidents in London. short when the 25-year-old awoke decrease in the number of women “While cycling remains statistically He said: “Three times this year I’ve in the back of the car and realised braving the roads to ride to work and safe, traffic speed, close passing or been bloodied. Four mates in four they were at Milton Keynes. in the number of men cycling for potholes can often make riding a bike consecutive weeks were ‘car-doored’ The embarrassed passenger was leisure. in Britain intimidating and unpleasant, and broke their collarbones. I feel forced to pay up after telling her A “spike” in indoor bike sessions was especially for those who are trying it sometimes that being clad in Lycra driver to turn around and take her recorded in the survey of the nation’s for the first time.” turns you from being a human being back to Surrey. exercise habits. Prof Robert Winston, the Labour to some kind of monster.” The day trip ended up costing The number of people cycling for peer and fertility specialist, recently Hall trains indoors for 10 hours her a whopping £400. leisure or sport fell by 257,000 to 6.1m called for cyclists to be forced to have a week and says: “I would say it is a Dryden said that she thought in the year to November 2018. number plates after being kicked and partial victory for the haters. There she was taking the £80 trip back to There was also a drop of 98,000 to abused after challenging a woman is only so much abuse you can take. I Guildford but when awakening the 3.1m in the number cycling to and riding on the pavement. can’t be bothered anymore.” driver said, “are you sure you want from work. Lord Winston said he encountered Eric Min, chief executive of to go to Newcastle?” She said, The official tally counts people who the cyclist riding on the pavement in Zwift, the most popular virtual ride “what, no! Why would I want to have engaged in an activity at least Bloomsbury. technology, has said that the number go to Newcastle?” twice in the past 28 days. After the 78-year-old pointed out of British riders using his paid-for app British Cycling policy manager that she was breaking the law, the has doubled in a year to 200,000. Nick Chamberlin said: “Our insight woman became “abusive, grabbed my Cyclists sit on a turbo trainer to tells us that perceptions of safety and phone and attempted to damage it. She power an on-screen avatar that travels access to pleasant, traffic-free spaces subsequently assaulted me by repeated through a choice of landscapes. When to ride remain the biggest deterrents kicking.” they go uphill the resistance increases preventing more people from cycling. Attempts to reduce incidents by and when they go downhill it drops. HALVEY ENGINEERING
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Quotax_LTDA_226x288_28-01-19.indd 1 28/01/2019 22:31 @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 23 Google Maps Adds Charge-point Finder
TECHNOLOGY
A new function which gives real-time search results about electric vehicle (EV) charge point availability has been added to Google Maps. Charge point networks like Charge- master, EVgo, and soon, Chargepoint, can all be found easily on the platform, which will show alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) NEWS IN BRIEF users where they need to head to gain access to an available device. The new feature was launched in both the UK and US and more businesses, The new Google Maps EV charge Become a Life Saver are expected to be listed over the coming point search shows users how many Spaces are available for LTDA members on next month’s popular first aid months. ports are currently available at a specific course. A statement issued by Google said: location, along with other details, like Cabbie and qualified instructor Paul Tippett has been running the life- “If you’ve ever driven to an electric vehicle the business where the station is located, saving lessons at Woodfield Road for two years and has been highly praised (EV) charging station only to find that port types and charging speeds. by drivers who have attended. all ports are occupied, you know that you Google added: “You’ll also see Participants learn how to administrate vital chest compressions to a could end up waiting in line for anywhere information about the station from heart attack victim, treat an unconscious person, use the correct recovery between minutes to hours—which can other drivers, including photos, ratings, position and how to save someone from choking. really put a damper on your day when you reviews and questions.” The course gives cabbies the knowledge to help someone in distress have places to go and things to do. The EV charging information is now or danger by keeping them calm until help arrives. “Starting today, you can see the real available on Google Maps on desktop, Paul say: “These situations are real and to have the confidence to time availability of charging ports in the Android, iOS and on Google Maps for help save a life is imperative. You could be the difference between life US and UK, right from Google Maps – Android Auto. and death.” so you can know if chargers are available TXe drivers can also find a compre- Two classes are taking place on Friday, May 17, one at 10.45am and before you head to a station. Simply hensive guide to all the charge points another 1.15pm. If you are an LTDA member and would like to take search for ‘EV charging stations’ to across London by visiting the Zap Map part, call and register with Paula on reception 0207 286 1046. see up to date information.” website at www.zap-map.com
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UNIT 7, DOMINON BUSINESS PARK, CALL NOW 0208 807 7931 GOODWIN ROAD, ED MOTION N9 0BG 24 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 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 & Partner 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” @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 25 TfL Denies Diluting Crossrail Report NEWS IN BRIEF TRANSPORT “Bridge Must Be Fixed Now,” The mayor was denied that he was shielded from the scale of the delays Demand MPs surrounding Crossrail by the transport A petition calling on Hammersmith commissioner, following the release of a Bridge to be urgently fixed controversial London assembly report. has attracted more than 3,000 Emails sent to Sadiq Khan’s office signatures, as the row over who were “watered down” by Mike Brown should fund the repairs to its and he should consider his position, the structural problems continues. MPs transport committee, led by Caroline Greg Hands (Chelsea & Fulham), Pidgeon, has said. Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park), The Crossrail executive team issued and Justine Greening (Putney) weekly briefings to the mayor but they launched the petition after it was were first amended by TfL, chiefly centre of decisions to dilute important leadership of providing “inadequate announced that the Thames crossing Mr Brown, before being cleared for information sent to the mayor.” information” to the mayor and would be closed indefinitely. sending, it is alleged. Ms Pidgeon also criticised the “lack of Department for Transport. The mayor’s Transport for London has said In some cases “key messages of transparency” around the project and said spokesman said: “As the independent it can no longer afford a planned risk,” were altered, the report entitled it was “shameful that nobody at a senior report into Crossrail’s governance by refurbishment because Government “Derailed: Getting Crossrail back on level is willing to take responsibility for KPMG made clear, the previous Crossrail cuts have left it short of cash. track,” noted. the failure of the project thus far.” leadership failed to understand and report The petition calls on Hammer- In one email thread reproduced in the The projected cost of the east-west the true position of the project.” smith and Fulham council, to report, references to problems caused by Elizabeth line has jumped to £17.6bn, TfL said briefings were edited to give “promptly repair and re-open” signals and train software were removed, from £15.4bn in 2009, while the opening clarity and to ensure that concerns were the grade II-listed bridge. But with a senior TfL official saying it “was of the project, which was due last year, not sprung on the mayor but were first the council said the Government amended by Mike so that the setbacks has been put back until at least 2021, briefed to him verbally. should foot the bill, estimated to appeared less serious.” with the entire project not expected to A TfL added: “It is entirely incorrect be “at least £40 million.” The MPs Mr Khan leapt to the defence of the complete until 2023. to suggest the transport commissioner, or say: “We the undersigned note commissioner, saying that the briefings Terry Morgan resigned as chairman of anyone at TfL, kept any information from that Hammersmith and Fulham were edited for clarity, and blamed the HS2 and Crossrail — a TfL subsidiary. the mayor.” Council has responsibility for the Crossrail executive for failing to give full None of the 10 new stations along the A National Audit Office report into maintenance of Hammersmith updates. line are complete, and the testing of new the reasons behind the project’s delay Bridge and demand that the Liberal Democrat Caroline Pidgeon train, signalling and station systems is is expected to be published early next necessary repairs are made and said: “The evidence suggests that TfL well behind schedule. month. Crossrail is expected to announce that the bridge be reopened as a commissioner Mike Brown was at the City Hall accused Crossrail’s former a revised schedule this month. matter of urgency.”
TX4 10 plates to TX4 65 plates from £210 to £275 Euro 6 from £270 17 plate vitos from £275 26 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 27
NEWS IN BRIEF Rape Victims Sue Uber “Driver INTERNATIONAL Rammed Three women who were raped by men posing as Uber drivers are suing the Gilligan,” company for failing to protect the safety court hears of young, vulnerable passengers – the very audience the company claims to support A 28-year-old driver is charged in its new ad campaigns. with ramming the former cycling The lawsuit says the app firm was czar, Andrew Gilligan, off his bike warned by police about the rise of fake last year. Uber drivers targeting intoxicated women Hatton Garden jeweller in a specific area of Los Angeles. Chukwudi Uzorh appeared However, the company made no public before City of London magistrates announcement warning of the threat, nor accused of assault with a motor did it implement any additional safety vehicle and dangerous driving. measurements for night time revellers. easy for sexual predators to pose as drivers Washington, DC, sued Uber for Uzorh allegedly used his black Uber is accused of trying “to rapidly partly because the Uber emblem, which $10 million over a sexual assault. Nissan Juke to attack the Sunday expand its profits” without consideration is attached to driver windshields, can be The company insists it has been Times correspondent Gilligan, on for potential users. downloaded off the website and printed at working with police for several years April 4 last year, in Bishopsgate. The complaint, which deals only with home, and no login is required. on the issue of fake rideshare drivers. Gilligan required treatment at cases in Los Angeles, was filed a week Uber launched its “Check Your Ride” It says it has also announced education the Royal London Hospital and after University of South Carolina student scheme in 2017 to encourage passengers plans, reminding passengers to follow was left with cuts down his shins. Samantha Josephson, 21, was found dead to cross-check their car with the the recommended safety measures. The 50-year-old former after getting into a car she mistook for her information on their app. The lawsuit says much more can be Evening Standard journalist was Uber ride. However, it is ineffective when done and suggests the introduction of an instigator in the construction The case has highlighted the need for customers are inebriated, the complai- an amber alert-style warning, notifying of London’s network of cycle better safety procedures when using Uber, nants say. passengers if they are within a five-mile superhighways. including making certified vehicles more Over a four-year period at least radius of locations where abductions by He was appointed as London’s identifiable. 103 Uber drivers were accused of either fake drivers have occurred. first cycling commissioner in 2013 The university’s president urged sexually assaulting or abusing their Concerns about safety issues could but left the post after the election students to ask their drivers “what’s my passengers, according to a CNN damage Uber’s planned stock market of Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2016. name?” before getting into a car. report last year. flotation this month, which estimates the Camden based Uzorh was The plaintiffs claim Uber makes it too Most recently, a woman, who resides in company is worth around $120 billion. arrested after the alleged assault.
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Drugs Seized from Prius CRIME inch blade hidden down his trousers. Yaseen, of Bedford, admitted Drugs worth £6,500 and a “fearsome” possession of heroin and cocaine with machete were recovered from a intent to supply and was jailed for minicab being driven from London to three years and Bahmani, of Bedford, Norwich. admitted a single charge of being in Police stopped a Toyota Prius on the possession of an offensive weapon and A11 at Cringleford, on November 13, was given six months detention. Download the app discovering a rucksack in the footwell Sentencing, judge Maureen Bacon at d.mytaxi.com of the Toyota Prius that contained 396 told Bahmani the machete he was or swing by our driver office on Great Suffolk St wraps of cocaine and 255 wraps of carrying was a “fearsome weapon” heroin. which “would have caused fear if Mohammed Yaseen [pictured], 19, produced in public.” was bringing the drugs to Norwich The minicab driver argued that he from London in the minicab, and was unaware that the two men were fellow passenger Sarko Bahmani, 21, carrying drugs and a machete and the was found to have a machete with a 14- case against him was dropped. 28 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 29
As soon as terrorists seized the Iranian Embassy, the Government began to plot how to regain control IRANIAN EMBASSY ROBERT LORDAN SIEGE PART TWO
CRUEL LONDON
he Government’s emergency committee ‘COBR’ (better T known to the public as ‘Cobra’) convened in Whitehall on April 30, 1980, to work out how they were going to deal with the six terrorists who’d seized the Iranian embassy in South Kensington earlier that day. At this stage of the crisis, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was unavailable and so Home Secretary, William Whitelaw, chaired the discussion The new British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered the SAS team to storm the Iranian Embassy which dragged on into the early hours. Sitting in on the meeting were advisors British law to the embassy, even though Met and who’d tipped off the Regiment as Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner, from the MOD, the Foreign Office, M15 the building’s diplomatic status technically soon as he’d become privy to the siege. John Dellow who’d established a and the Special Air Service: aka the SAS. meant it stood on Iranian soil. She also With this information in mind, SAS command post near the embassy. The SAS – one of the world’s most insisted that everything possible should be Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rose had Later that night, trucks carrying a revered special forces – was formed in done to secure a peaceful solution. already taken the decision to send a team second team – armed with stun grenades, WWII for the purpose of operating deep Meanwhile, police were conducting an – 22 SAS soldiers – to London in case the pistols, explosives, sub-machine guns behind Nazi lines in North Africa. Over intense investigation into the backgrounds Government called upon them. The team and more – rolled out of the SAS HQ the next few decades the regiment saw of the six Iranian terrorists. This proved waited at Beaconsfield until they were at Hereford and rendezvoused with the action in Malaya, Iran and Aden. Closer relatively simple, as it turned out the given the nod and proceeded to the capital first team at Regent’s Park Barracks. to home, it had conducted operations group of radicals had been shopping at where Michael Rose went straight to the To be continued… u in Northern Ireland and, in 1975, had Harrods shortly before commencing their stormed a hijacked passenger jet on the attack. At the department store, they’d tarmac at Stansted Airport, seizing the purchased an array of gifts, which had lone gunman in the process. been posted back to their home addresses IN ASSOCIATION WITH These elite troops are perhaps best in Iran. known for two things: their incredible The police also ascertained that the SIMRO LONDON toughness borne from a brutal training brains behind the siege was an Iraqi citizen regime, and the need for absolute secrecy. named Sammy Mohammed Ali. It would TAXI RENTALS Indeed in 1980, few civilians even knew transpire that Sammy – who whose aim of the existence of the SAS. This was was to embarrass the Iranian government soon to change, however, in the most – had recruited and trained the men in OVERHAULS, SERVICING, BODYWORK dramatic fashion. Baghdad and then met them in London AND NON FAULT SPECIALIST As COBR assessed the situation, where he’d somehow managed to provide British KITEMARK Approved Body Shop they realised it didn’t take a genius to them with an arsenal of weapons. During see how absurd the terrorists’ demands the planning, he promised the men that were. The Iranian Government blamed the siege would be over in no time and Britain and the U.S for orchestrating that they would be hailed as heroes; a TX2s & TX4s the attack as revenge for the siege at the sentiment which no doubt encouraged the American embassy in Tehran, which had six Iranians to go on their shopping spree been ongoing since November 1979. As at Harrods. AVAILABLE TO such, it was made clear there would be Sammy was no fool though. At the very no cooperation – officials made clear they same moment his stooges were bursting certainly wouldn’t be releasing the 91 into the embassy with guns aloft, he was RENT NOW! political prisoners; and the idea of granting at Heathrow, boarding a flight home to independence to the Iranian province Iraq. The terrorists were on their own. known as Khuzestan was laughable. As well as having representatives at the With these points in mind, Thatcher – COBR meeting, the SAS were already in who was being provided regular updates tune with the situation thanks to a former by Whitelaw – took the decision to apply colleague who was now serving with the “The Iranian Government blamed Britain 07534 125 454 CALL and the U.S for orchestrating the attack NOW as revenge for the siege at the American 0207 372 2222 embassy in Tehran, which had been ongoing 52 Iverson Road London NW6 2QX since November 1979...” 30 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 31
OBITUARY Public Opinion Shifts RIP King Farhad Friends and family have spoken of their sadness at the losss of on Electric Cars a popular south London taxi driver who died suddenly at work TECHNOLOGY at the age of 45. Ahmad Farhad New research about electric cars has Haidare, [pictured] found that people are becoming more known to many positive about buying one, but that more as King Farhad, education is needed. suffered a heart Plugin cars are becoming more attack on April 16. popular in Britain with the drive towards He became a electrification stepping up a gear, more cabbie just four years ago but in choice of EVs and cheaper pricing. a short space of time became a However, there are still several factors much-loved character who could holding back motorists from making the often be found working around switch to electric, including range anxiety, Sydenham station. despite improved ranges. Fellow driver, Mousa Brown, The popularity of electric cars in the said: “It is with great sadness I UK has risen sharply over the last few have to inform colleagues that years, with more than 190,000 plug-in Ahmad Farhad Haidare, known vehicles on the road, compared with just to many as King Farhad, has died. 3,500 in 2013. He had been one of our own since The increase in electric cars in 2018 December 2015. has been powered by an improved public and how they would plan to use it. comfortably drive cover 150 miles or “We will remember him for perception, more recharging points and Almost two thirds (63%) said the best more without needing a recharge. being bright and bubbly; when the growing number of manufacturers way to use an electric car would be for On the other end of the scale the signing on to the group he would launching electric models. commuting or city driving. survey found that more education about give us his customary update on A new survey conducted by carmaker At the same time, 73% of consumers electric cars was needed. the Sydenham station rank whilst Mini found that the attitudes of motorists surveyed said that battery range of up to Nearly three-quarters (74%) of coming in to town. He will be using electric cars have improved. 75 miles was enough for their daily use. consumers said they had no idea where missed by all.” The study was created to find out Many EVs on the market already achieve there nearest EV charging station was He is survived by his wife and what people want from an electric car 75 miles on a single charge and some can located. three children aged 15, 13, 11. 32 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 33
The Hansom cab is iconic thanks to Sherlock Holmes, but its life was not straightforward WHY, HELLO HANSOM ALF TOWNSEND A SHORT HISTORY TAXI TALK He’s one of the few people – according to my sales – who are interested in charabancs and thinks my book on the subject is great. oseph Hansom, of Hinckley, Andrew intends writing a book about the Leicestershire, registered his Patent early Charabanc production companies, like J Safety Cab in December 1834 – but Albion Motors, Morris and Leyland Motors. sold it on for £10,000, before it was Incidentally, the word charabanc is derived manufactured. A nice little earner for from a French word, char-a-banc, which sure, but little did he know that in the means a wooden vehicle with forward facing future his Hansom Cab would probably seats! become the most famous cab in the Maybe it’s self-gratification, but it feels world, with around 7,500 on the streets of good to get a good response from intelligent London. While recognised as an architect people who appreciate your hard work. and entrepreneur, Joseph was something of a flop in the financial department and Facebook Infamy may have received just £300 for his “time Apparently, someone’s been having a pop and trouble,” and not the full £10,000. at me on Facebook recently and basically Other designers recognised defects accusing me of writing about Heathrow in Hansom’s cab and devised various when I don’t even work there. Well, here’s improvements which were to make this The warm glow of some fans in Paris and Moscow. I got an another little secret you can post online. vehicle so popular among the public. self-gratication e-mail from Sebastien Canevet, who is a I’ve not worked a taxi for a year, but I In 1873, Henry Forder, of It’s gratifying to note that people still master lecturer in private law. This guy is a still write cab-orientated stories every Wolverhampton, introduced the straight read my books and sometimes feel black cab fanatic and owns a 1961 model. edition because I’m fortunate enough to axle by cutting away the body of the cab compelled to write me a letter or post a He also has all my books on the trade and, have reliable contacts in the trade and at under the passenger’s seat at an angle, review on Amazon. with a friend, intends writing a book about Heathrow. Nine times out of 10 I get my sloping to the floor where the passenger’s Because I have written mostly about the black cabs. He said he would send me a copy facts right, but I’m quickly crucified by feet rested. He also raised the driver’s seat city and the war it’s understandable that my even though it’s written in French! Then the motor-mouths after a blip, but hey, 7ft off the ground. The driver’s weight fan base is predominantly in London and I got an e-mail from Andrew in Moscow. that’s life when you’re an old journo! u counterbalanced by the shafts, gave a the south-east. I recently received a lengthy perfectly balanced vehicle capable of email from retired cabbie Patrick O’Sullivan reaching a heady speed of 17mph – twice who now lives in East Anglia. As a fellow as fast as the average speed in London evacuee in WW2 from London’s East End, today, thanks to the heavy congestion of Patrick said he purchased my book Blitz-Boy London’s streets caused by idiotic road about the subject and that he felt compelled planners and the growth of minicabs. to write to me because his experiences were COLTS CABS LTD Having said that, traffic in Victorian times similar mine. In particular, the fact that G was also notoriously bad. some of the Cornish farmers who, after 020 7613 0684 020 7613 0630 For the next 50 years, up until the copping their eight shillings per child, per advent of the first motor cab in the late week, to look after them, used them for 100-102 DUNBRIDGE STREET nineteenth century, the Hansom cab cheap labour – especially if they happened to and the Clarence, or Growler as it was be strapping young lads. Then the Cornish LONDON affectionately known (because of the kids who used to bully us and call us by the E2 6JG noise it made on the cobbles,) reigned derogatory term “Vacs,” then accuse us of supreme. It was the same David Davies, being cowards for running away from the designer of the popular Cabriolet in 1823, bombs. Mind you, apart from the attacks on (that’s where we get our name Cab) who Plymouth, there weren’t too many bombs introduced the enclosed, four-wheeled in their part of the country! Finally, there Clarence in 1836. The Growler was the the teachers, who weren’t the slightest bit plodding carriage carrying lots of luggage, interested in the evacuees, because they while the Hansom was the flyer! knew we would soon be moving on! Patrick In 1903, there were over 11,000 horse- said exactly the same things had happened drawn cabs on the streets of London, to him and although he thoroughly enjoyed 7,449 and 3,905 growlers. But within the the book, he found it a bit spooky! relatively short space of 10 years, leading On the minus side, there was a bloke up up to the First World War, the upsurge north who was commented on my book, Bad of 10 various makes of motorised taxis Lads, RAF National Service Remembered. I hitting the London streets, signalled the think he must have been a regular – maybe end of the horse-drawn cabs. The Hansom even a Red Cap – an RAF Copper, because cabs were reduced to just 386 and only he wrote that all the strokes I pulled, I 1,547 Growlers remaining. Despite the should have been charged and slung in the Hansom cab being the most popular Glasshouse – the RAF Nick! He’s entitled vehicle ever used by the cab trade, its days to his opinion, but he probably chose to sign were numbered and within a decade these on as a regular, whereas I was forced by law wonderfully designed vehicles were being to do my time in the RAF and I was always broken up for firewood and sold at one looking for ways to beat the system! shilling a bag! I have noticed recently that I have accrued 34 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
THE BIG ONE! The membership of the LTDA is 40 times greater than some other driver organisations!
HERE’S WHY... YOUR FUTURE HEATHROW OFFICE AND VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS The LTDA remains the only trade REPRESENTATION Continually representing members’ body resolutely opposed to the Call in to the LTDA office at Heathrow, interests in disputes with vehicle CAUTION computerisation of the Knowledge of first door on the right in the canteen manufacturers and suppliers. London testing system. block. The LTDA’s representatives will AUTHORITIES AND MEDIA The LTDA legal service is (No to the quickie Knowledge give you a warm welcome. (Open to all). The LTDA is the largest and most the only trade scheme which campaign). respected driver organisation in defends members for ALL WELFARE DEPARTMENT the trade. We lead the way when alleged offences (traffic, INLAND REVENUE LTDA officers make home visits to negotiating with the Government, hackney or criminal), anytime, ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE members who are in severe distress GLA, TfL, Police, Mayor’s Office, anywhere in the UK. Non Many drivers and accountants refer or with special needs and authorise Heathrow, Rail Authorities, Local members are advised to to the LTDA for specialist advice on contingency payments where Councils and when dealing with all check carefully the exceptions Inland Revenue investigations. appropriate. sections of the media. and exclusions contained (Free to members). RANKS AND HIGHWAYS or imposed by other MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SICKNESS AND REPRESENTATION legal protection schemes Many cab drivers are discovering to ACCIDENT PROTECTION circulating in our trade. The LTDA has negotiated taxi access their cost that their licences are at When trouble strikes it’s comforting to most bus lanes and leads the way risk due to the TfL’s interpretation to know that you’ve got the strength negotiating on issues that affect you, of the new DVLA Group 2 Medical BADGESAFE SCHEME of the LTDA around you. (Additional the licensed taxi driver. Standards. The LTDA has successfully subscription payable). challenged many decisions by the The LTDA retains experienced GENERAL ADVICE TfL to revoke members’ licences on barristers with specialist knowledge LTDA HOLIDAY CLUB If you are new to the trade and you medical grounds. of the London cab trade. Normally Many members have saved don’t know your `roader’ from your when drivers accumulate 12 points on thousands of pounds by taking `legal’, give us a call. We’re always here FANTASTIC VALUE their licence they receive an automatic advantage of special offers and prices to help. (Tel: 020 7286 1046 - non LTDA subscriptions have not 6 month ban, but in the case of (members only). members are welcome to call). increased for 14 years! It costs just 4 LTDA members over 90% of those quid a week to join the trade’s biggest WIN £5,000 EVERY 24 HOUR TOUT LINE represented by our barristers receive a organisation and 3 quid of that is tax MONTH IN THE ban of just 1 month or in most cases Seen a tout in action? Take the details deductible! LTDA LOTTERY no ban whatsoever. and phone them in, we will do the rest. (Payable monthly). 12 big prizes every year, but you have (Tel: 020 7266 4769). EXPERTISE = SUCCESS to be in it to win it (members only £5 HEALTH AND SPORTS The LTDA’s in-house lawyers are per entry). PROMOTION proud of their unrivalled record of court ACCESS TO triumphs; in fact the rate of acquittals We regularly run promotions with ‘SIMPLY HEALTH’ for members defended leading health and sports companies in court by the LTDA is 4 times Great value health care from resulting in big savings to members. the LTDA. The Association pioneered higher than the national average. This LEISURE DISCOUNTS unparalleled level of success is due this scheme in the taxi trade and it entirely to the expertise acquired by the still offers the cheapest rates. (Special Huge savings on weekend breaks at fine LTDA over many years of specialising rates for LTDA members only). hotels and holiday centres. You will not in cab related legal matters. believe these prices! (Members only).
To learn more about LTDA benefits and current joining offers call: 020 7286 1046 or visit www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 35
Mr Meg becomes an anti-waste crusader, but his campaign doesn’t go according to plan THE RISE AND FALL
MUSHER MEG OF AN ECOWARRIOR LICENSED TO CHAT much left over, suggested that I should cut out the middleman and bring the green bin shopping with me so I could just chuck it all away before I r Meg is an eco-warrior. But not bring it home. the type who blocks bridges or That rant began because he had seen me wrap M brings his boat to Oxford Circus up a leg of lamb bone and put it in the bin. to paralyse London. How can you recycle a leg of lamb bone? Make a His form of protest is to sit at the kitchen single earring out of it? table and moan about my eco fails. Last week, I had a cupboard clear out and My offences include using wipes: eye makeup found a pack of out of date meringue nests and remover wipes, hand cleaning wipes and wipes to threw them in the bin. Later the same day they remove the marks around the loo seat, the ones were back in the kitchen cupboard! Mr Meg that are his and his alone. So shoot me. I buy battery management. When I need a (always on one of his five times a day bin checks had biodegradable ones and use them sparingly but rechargeable) battery for the radio or the “That rant deemed them too good to waste. I opened the still they are like Kryptonite to the man. I could TV remote or my weighing scales, for example, began box, crushed the meringues added some Fairy go next door naked, drag the neighbour out into I go to the battery box in the shed where Liquid, and then put them back in the bin. the front garden, lick his ears and do a bump they should be stored. But oh, no. It’s like an because he When he hauls rotten food out of the bin and and grind dance with him and Mr Meg wouldn’t Easter egg hunt. I have found batteries in the had seen declares it good enough to eat, I remind him of raise an eyebrow. As long as I didn’t use a wipe. vegetable stand, in the cutlery drawer, in the last month’s custard-gate. He’d found a carton My next eco crime is that won’t agree to newspaper basket and even under the bed in the me wrap of vanilla custard that got lost in the back of the choosing an all-electric vehicle as our family spare room. A battery-operated car would be a up a leg of fridge. It was nine days out of date and smelt car. Call me shallow, but I don’t want a vehicle no-go-anywhere if Mr Meg was in charge of it. like fish, but to prove a stooped point he with all the finesse of a dodgem that’s twice But the biggest spats we have about anything lamb bone chopped up a banana, poured on the manky as expensive and only has a range of 100 miles is the food waste that goes on in my kitchen. custard… and gobbled it up. on the motorway. I have visions of having to We had family and friends over for Easter and put it in After the eco custard protest he chucked push the thing home along the hard shoulder. Sunday lunch and clearing up after they had the bin....” up for 36 hours straight – but waste not want And then there is the issue of Mr Meg’s general gone home Mr Meg, who thought there was too not, eh? u 36 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
NEWS IN BRIEF Bus Route Shakeup Confirmed Taxi driver TRANSPORT volunteer Three bus routes are to be axed and one outer route created as part of a plan appeal to stop walls of red buses clogging up central London. TRANSPORT Eight routes will be less frequent while five routes will see frequencies increased, A much-loved children’s charity but many others are being restructured or needs volunteers to take part in shortened. this year’s Southend-on-Sea trip. The changes are designed to make the The annual event is organised by network more efficient, but passenger the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity groups have claimed they will mean many for Children, which ferries more people will have to switch buses mid- 250 special needs children to journey in order to reach their destination. Southend-on-Sea. TfL said: “There are currently more “disproportionately affected areas of agency will not go ahead with proposed This year the convoy will gather buses than needed in the centre of the London with fewer transport options,” alterations to routes 11, 19, and 22. on Tuesday, June 25, at Sainsbury’s capital as a result of changes to how or where there were too many additional TfL claims the changes, which will be Low Hall car park in Chingford at people travel, with demand dropping by interchanges required to complete implemented from June, will make the 6.30am for breakfast before setting 12% in three years. The changes to routes journeys. bus network “more efficient.” off for the coast at 9.30am. in central London will make journeys TfL has decided not to go ahead with But a summary of responses to its Some drivers decorate their better for many by improving reliability proposed alterations to routes 11, 19, and consultation to the plans shows the vast cabs, and there is a prize for best and reducing bus-on-bus congestion. It 22. majority of passengers are worried they dressed taxi. also allows for increased services in outer London Assembly members and local will face increased journey times as a The children are allocated to a London where public transport options councillors have criticised some of the result of the changes. taxi and the trip is supported by are more limited.” plans, some which prompted petitions Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s Director of the Kavanagh Motor Group and an The regulator is now consulting on a calling for under threat routes to be Public Transport Service Planning, said: ambulance crew, new bus route for a growth area in outer saved. “London and the way people travel is On arrival the youngsters have London at Kidbrooke, connecting new TfL has confirmed, despite the always changing, but our bus network lunch at the Cliffs Pavilion, before homes there to North Greenwich. widespread opposition, it would shorten historically hasn’t always adapted to this. heading to the Adventure Island It consulted on the blueprint last routes 3, 4, 40, 45, 59, 67, 134 & 172, and “Parts of our network have become complex for the afternoon, which year and has since made changes to it axe routes 48 & RV1. inefficient and unreliable, with too many is followed by tea and a disco. following complaints from respondents. A proposal to scrap the 271 route buses in the same places causing problems To volunteer or to find out more Some of the proposed changes night service has been shelved and the with congestion.” visit www.ltcfc.org.uk
MASSETT'S CAMERA HOTSPOTS EXMOUTH MARKET Red zone BERKLEY STREET J/W PICCADILLY Yellow box cameras JOHN ISLIP STREET No right turn into Ponsonby Terrace FULHAM BROADWAY/BARCLAY ROAD Yellow box CAMDEN 20mph limit WATERLOO ROAD Zig-Zags SELFRIDGES Over ranking LUDGATE HILL Zig-Zags u HOTSPOT 1 CLAPHAM HIGH STREET Zig-Zags Lime Street, EC3 ISLINGTON 20mph limit RED ROUTES TfL is actively enforcing yellow box restrictions — no motor vehicles TOWER BRIDGE 20 mph speed limit – average speed cameras Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm LIMEHOUSE LINK 30mph speed limit u TERMINUS PLACE Bus only left turn. TfL to issue PCNs HOTSPOT 2 SMITHFIELD Do not park in loading boxes, they are enforced by camera Bineld Road A13 Average speed cameras in operation —24hr pedestrian zone THE CITY 20mph limit @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 37
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PUZZLER PRIZE CROSSWORD
omplete our crossword puzzle and be in with a chance to win £50! Send your entry to: Crossword 442, Taxi, Taxi House, 11 Woodfield Road, W9 2BA C before May 21. The first name out of the proverbial hat wins the cash! u ACROSS: DOWN:
7 Enjoyment (13) 2 Tune (6)
8 Told (8) 3 Catalogue (7) 4 Elderly woman (5) 9 Vulgar (4) 5 Stinky (6) 10 Imitates others (7) 6 Onding or skift (8) 12 Minor road (5) 11 Cloudy (8) 14 Dutch earthenware (5) CROSSWORD #442 13 Stabilise (7) 16 Sewer access (7) GP Sargent, Bridport 15 Prenatal posture (6) WINNER: ISSUE 440 — ACROSS: DOWN: 19 Pain (4) 17 Meet (6) 7 Alpha and omega, 8 Confetti, 1 Alto, 2 Shifty, 3 Tantrum, 9 Iota, 10 Toby jug, 12 Media, 4 Admin, 5 Empire, 6 Ego trips, 20 Café (8) 18 Stem (5) 14 CD-ROM, 16 Rubbish, 11 On demand, 13 Fur coat, 19 Ammo, 20 Archduke, 15 Oporto, 17 Budgie, 18 Dandy, 22 Training exercise (7, 6) 21 Realise (4) 22 United Nations 21 King
Have a go at this PUZZLER medium level Sudoku puzzle. Fill the grid SUDOKU so that every row, every column and every 3x3 Just for box contains the numbers UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE THEATRE fun... 1-9 just once THE MARVELLOUS WONDERETTES
THEATRE REVIEW Needham as Cindy Lou, Louise Young as Betty Jean and Kara Taylor Alberts as Suzy, shine so brightly in their own way. They all sing, dance fter so many West End shows about and never miss a chance to get a laugh. The boy bands, we now have one featuring second half sees the team returning for a school A four girls who call themselves The reunion after a period of 10 years and showing Marvellous Wonderettes. And their title is so how, individually, they have changed through apt, because their combined performances which their love-lives, marriages and motherhood. This include, comedy, drama and fantastic vocals, time, dressed in the changing fashion of the make this an outstanding show. It’s set in the 1960s, they combine a fair share of both verbal fictitious Springfield High School, somewhere and visual comedy with 16 more memorable in the unnamed heart of America, during 1958 ditties of that era. Who can resist a smile while when the Wonderettes are called in to deputise tapping toes to such songs as It’s My Party, for an absent band at the school’s lavish annual Son Of A Preacher Man, You Don’t Own Me, Prom. In the first half of the show they deliver and I Only Want to Be with You? Roger Bean gutsy, spirited performances of 16 of the most wrote and created the show which ran for years popular chart-toppers of that period, including in fringe theatres in both New York and Los Lollipop, Stupid Cupid, Dream Lover and Secret Angeles. He also master-minded two follow-on Love. That section ends with the audience being shows depicting the lives of the same four girls asked to vote for their Prom Queen. An almost in later years. If either of these shows come to impossible task because each of the four multi- London, I’ll be first in line for tickets. u Puzzles © 2018 Puzzler Media Ltd.www.puzzler.com talented girls Sophie Camble as Missy, Rosie —Brad Ashton 40 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 41
WHO ARE UTAG? UTAG is a unified collaboration between Drivers & Supplying stakeholders of the Taxi Trade.
United Trade Action Group Ltd ‘UTAG’ has been formed to manage the legal process and action against Westminster Magistrates Court, Transport for UNITE London and Uber. We are in the process of raising funds to pay for these legal challenges to save the Licensed Taxi. On 2nd November 2018, we were granted a judicial review by Hon Justice Walker, IN THE but there is much more to do.
WE NEED EACH AND EVERY DRIVER TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE LEGAL BATTLES. YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL. FIGHT!
Please join the fight and donate here.It’s now or never. www.uTAG.LONDON UTAG is a reference to United Trade Action Group Ltd 42 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Published by LTDA A selection of our numerous Prostate Quarter Page 111mmx 141mm:Prostate A4 ad 15/10/2012 16:22 Page 1 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 u Bubbles Car Wash, E2 Managing Editor TREATING PROSTATE u C & S Taxis, Dunbridge Street, E2 Steve Still T: 0207 121 0523 u Cabsurance, Seven Kings E: [email protected] u Camber eld Taxi Services The Massett File Richard Massett CANCER QUESTIONS 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, Beehive Lane, Gants Hill Taxi Talk Alf Townsend & ANSWERS u Cricklewood Carriers, Cricklewood Overheard Brad Ashton u Dial A Cab, City Road, N1 Licensed to Chat Musher Meg For a FREE copy of this booklet please contact us at the address below. u Edgware Station Rank u Euston Station Rank Produced by u G & L Taxis, Crayford Road, N7 Century One Publishing Ltd This booklet has two aims: u Globe Transmissions, Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road Cudworth Street, E1 • to help you become better u The Ham, Brentford St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. informed about prostate cancer TTreatingreattingg u Heathrow Airport Canteen T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 and its treatment. pprosprostprostate statettate e u Hexagon Garage, Lukin Street, E1 E: [email protected] canccancercer • to guide you in the decisions you annd answers u Jet Garage, Clipstone Street, W1 www.centuryonepublishing.uk Questions and answers u Knowledge Centre, Caledonian Road will make about your care with u KPM, Hemming Street, E1 Advertising Sales Executive your doctor. u London City Airport Canteen Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 It cannot replace talking to u LP Motors, Dunbridge Street, E2 E: [email protected] your GP or hospital doctor. u Martin Cordell, E3 and Stanmore
If you can help us by raising funds for u Paddington Station Rank Art Editor u Putney Bridge Taxis, The Arches, All rights reserved. No our research or to make a donation Alan Booth part of this publication Putney Bridge Station, SW6 may be reproduced, stored please contact us at the address below. u Richmond Road Taxi Centre, E8 in a retrieval system or Advert Coordinator transmitted by any means u Safewise Supermarket, Harrow electronic, mechanical or Your support is vital! Caitlyn Hobbs by photocopying without u South Bank Service Station, prior permission of the Great Suolk Street, SE1 publishers. The views and Printed by opinions expressed in u TAXI HOUSE, W9 this publication may not necessarily be those of the u Taxi & Private Hire, Blackfriars Rd, SE1 Manson Group, St Albans publishers. Please note that u the last day for inclusion Temple Place Shelter of Classified lineage adver- u Tent Street Taxi Centre, E2 tisements is five working days prior to publication. u Turbo Accessories, Three Colts Lane, E2 No liability is accepted by u the publisher should adver- Waterloo Station tisements not appear in the Prostate Cancer Research Centre • 67 Riding House Street • London • W1W 7EJ u Wimbledon Station Rank requested issue(s). While Tel: 020 7679 9366 • email [email protected] • www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk the publisher will take u WizAnn Knowledge School, every care to ensure ac- curacy, no liability can be Watts Grove, E3 accepted for loss or dam- age resulting from errors. @TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 30 April 2019 |||| TAXI 43 44 TAXI |||| 30 April 2019 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
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