Touts Caught on Camera at Abacus....By Thomas the Taxi

Day 1

For years now, PHV drivers (or touts as we know them), have been forming unauthorised ranks on both sides of the street outside Abacus in Cornhill EC3.

The previous head of the PCO Ed Thompson had been taken to observe the unlawful goings on out side this venue. He remonstrated with the clipboard man only to ascertain the bar management would not let him work inside the premises as it was against their health and safety regulations, plus it later came to light, they do not have a satellite license. These touts are left quite unabated by the City of London police and local wardens, to scoop up unsuspecting members of the public and carry them away uninsured and over charged. The City of London Corporation have done absolutely nothing to stop this practise.

This particular venue has also become a favourite haunt of sexual predators, a statistic that the increasing tariff of serious sexual assaults will bear out.

So, What can be done?

We must call on the Chief Superintendent Joe Royles TOCU squad and the PCO to do something, anything. But going on their past record, I wouldn't hold your breath.

While this video was being filmed by an undercover cabby, the Tocu Squad were stopping empty Licensed Taxis in central London and asking to see their badge and bill. What a waste of their budget and our tax money.

Openly touting, these same touts can be seen at this venue every night

Notice that every one of these touts drives a licensed PHV. By forming an unauthorised rank and touting, they contravene the terms and conditions of their license and under the Mayor's one strike and you're out initiative, they are entitled to have their license revoked. But no one wants to enforce this particular piece of legislation for fear it may be in breach of their human rights. Its like owning a guard dog with no teeth.

If you would like to do something useful, join us in reporting this to your MP and Assembly member. You can find their details on the right of this blog, just enter your postcode and you can navigate to a complaint form. All you have to do is remember to put the link from these videos in with your complaint.

Help us to help you. The more complaints they receive, the more likely they are to do something. Do nothing and it will just continue.

Footage supplied by Simco.

Where Are They Now?

Do you remember the undercover video produced on behalf of the LTDA?

Featured outside Movida was a young man who was reported to be on the Knowledge while working as a clip board Johnnie.

Well it seems he now drives a Scab Cab. Filmed here outside Abacus, wonder if he is still on the KoL?