The Anderson Shelter has written to Martin Low (Westminster's Transport manager) about this issue, but after a couple of brief reply's, he now chooses not to answer.
Most of the problems faced by the Taxi trade is to do with the CCTV and Mobile CCTV operations. Drivers have reported that Westminster have resorted to underhanded, clandestine and in some cases illegal tactics to catch drivers out.
While the Anderson Shelter does not condone the contravention of traffic signs we do however feel that to publicly state that the CCTV smart cars are to be a visual deterrent and then resort to hiding behind parked lorry's and large vans is immoral.
The recent practice of giving parking tickets to Taxi drivers who have stopped to drop off passengers is an abuse of power. We believe that this practice is illegal and would challenge Westminster to send us a copy of the TMO that states clearly that Taxis only have 2 minutes to pick up or drop off passengers.
As most drivers who take the time and trouble to appeal against these penalty charge tickets manage to get them revoked, we believe the TMO doesn't exist. We would also point out that the former Mayor ken Livingston made a TFL press release (44/06) that stated "as far as he was concerned taxis have as long as it takes to drop off or pick up passengers, there should be no time limit".
As most drivers who take the time and trouble to appeal against these penalty charge tickets manage to get them revoked, we believe the TMO doesn't exist. We would also point out that the former Mayor ken Livingston made a TFL press release (44/06) that stated "as far as he was concerned taxis have as long as it takes to drop off or pick up passengers, there should be no time limit".
He also pointed out that this did not apply to passengers who wanted to shop, as parking regulations should be adhered to in this case. Unfortunately his power only applied to red routs.
Westminster have declared war on the Taxi trade and are now issuing more PCN's to taxis than at any other time in their history. One of the reasons is that drivers cant be bothered to challenge and just pay them, so they see it as easy money.
But are Westminster condoning the lawless actions of there mobile CCTV smart cars?
We understand that these cars have been given certain exemptions to parking regulations but they still have to obey the law.
Driving down a one way street the wrong way is not only unsafe for the driver and dangerous to other road users, it is also illegal. Leaving the vehicle unlawfully parked while the driver goes shopping for goods or fast food is also a contravention. But whose watching the watchers ?
Are Camden's Wardens any better?
Its time to fight back... below is a recent communication from the NO to Bike Parking Tax Lobby. TtT.
Hi guys. if you can join us on the Square on a Wednesday that would be great. However, when we are schunting what we need is information on the whereabouts of the little bleeders.
Westminster have declared war on the Taxi trade and are now issuing more PCN's to taxis than at any other time in their history. One of the reasons is that drivers cant be bothered to challenge and just pay them, so they see it as easy money.
We understand that these cars have been given certain exemptions to parking regulations but they still have to obey the law.
Driving down a one way street the wrong way is not only unsafe for the driver and dangerous to other road users, it is also illegal. Leaving the vehicle unlawfully parked while the driver goes shopping for goods or fast food is also a contravention. But whose watching the watchers ?
Are Camden's Wardens any better?
You can also follow the action on Twitter. Just follow @NoToMob
http://twitter.com/NoToMob
Your Tweets will prove invaluable to us. It is free to use, and if you want to there is an option for you to receive free texts to your mobile phones that will keep you updated live on the schunts.
FYI we were out schunting today and managed to shut down the operations of the only Wastemonster cctv car that is currently on the road, and also two of the Scamden cars.
In fact, while we were directing traffic on one of the Scamden car haunts on Willes Road,, 4 residents came out and started shouting at the operators so much it p*ssed off back to base and wouldn't come out to play again.
The word is spreading guys, and with your help we will kill this so called parking "industry".
http://twitter.com/NoToMob
Your Tweets will prove invaluable to us. It is free to use, and if you want to there is an option for you to receive free texts to your mobile phones that will keep you updated live on the schunts.
FYI we were out schunting today and managed to shut down the operations of the only Wastemonster cctv car that is currently on the road, and also two of the Scamden cars.
In fact, while we were directing traffic on one of the Scamden car haunts on Willes Road,, 4 residents came out and started shouting at the operators so much it p*ssed off back to base and wouldn't come out to play again.
The word is spreading guys, and with your help we will kill this so called parking "industry".
PS. We could really do with some help developing this map Click Here to see.
If I see a smart car driving the wrong way up a one way street, I will deliberately drive into the front on it. Let's see WCC's legal team justify the risk and safety of others, especially pedestrians for a few extra quid inb the bank. Support the Cabbies, support the bikers.
ReplyDeleteLet's give WCC the bully boy, a big smack on the nose and join the bikers on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteThis wilful and deliberate act conceived for the demise on a minority group in a 300 year old industry voted as being the best in the world year after year is being attacked and eroded by a regimen that has adopted an extremist measure for the demise of the London Cab Trade, that I can only describe as being on a par with THE THIRD REICH.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to fight back join the bikers on Wednesday, and give em some!
I support the bikers and will be there
ReplyDelete