Rumour has it (yet to be confirmed) that the Pedicab Clause 19 has been withdrawn by TfL from its bill.
As you all know the RMT had opposed this clause from the outset, recently supported in opposing by the LCDC (after pressure on the leadership form the members). The stance taken by UNITE and LTDA of not opposing Westminster's Voluntary (yes, Voluntary!!!) registration Scheme was ridiculous:
'Westminster Enforcement Officer: Your nicked Mr Pedicab Driver'
Mr. Pedicab: 'In that case I resign from the registration scheme right away so now Feck Off'
Westminster Enforcement Officer: 'Sorry to have bothered you then sir, carry on fleecing the tourists'.
Apparently TfL recognised that after talking to the parliamentary representatives of the RMT opposing this clause, it could scupper the whole bill.
So before Bob Oddy and the rest of the usual suspects start claiming another UTG success, as the Suns' Cabbie might say;
'It's The RMT wot won it'.
No wonder the UTG keep running the slur campaigns!!!
What's up chaps, your shortcomings being exposed?
p.s.
The Private Members Bill on the same issue from MP Mark Field came about 20th in the ballot to get an airing so has no chance of becoming law. Little point then in spending any money opposing that. However once Parliament gives Westmonster an easier way to bring in bye laws, expect it to come back, as well as no doubt many others to our detriment.
Be sure, those NOW protecting the trade properly, are watching.
Watch Oddy claim it was all down to thr LTDA when this clause is sling out. UTG have supported Westminsters self registration scheme right from the off. The only opposition has come from the RMT, it's well documented although the club has tried to insist they have been against it all along. Well done John Kennedy for all the time/work you put in. Don't worry about the headlines in Taxi, CTN or the Bodge, we know who really got this clause scrapped
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