Rumour has it (yet to be confirmed) that the Pedicab Clause 19 has been withdrawn by TfL from its bill.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.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Tiger Tiger...The Answer is ?....By Thomas the Taxi
On the 29th of June 2007, two car bombs were left in strategic positions to cause as much carnage as possible. One of the cars, a green Mercedes was left sitting illegally parked in the 24 hour bus lane, on a Bus Stand outside the night venue Tiger Tiger. The bombers had obviously done their homework.Mini cabs had been unlawfully ranking and touting outside this bar/restaurant for many years without being hassled by wardens or police. So the discovery of a car bomb would be very unlikely.
Only by the grace of God and the incompetence of the bomb makers were massive fatalities and injuries averted.
Ever since this incident, the Anderson Shelter has campaigned to get the authorities to act in a reasonable way that will stop this scenario recurring. We have had limited success with the placement of an extended Taxi rank outside the premises. Unfortunately to this day, after many broken promises from Martin Low and Robin Gillis, the rank remains un-marked.
Earlier this year TfL placed Marshals at this rank, but told them they must not get involved with the policing of the rank and that they have no authority to confront the touts who still illegally rank here night after night. So the problem continues.
But hold on.... we have in the past seen other marshalled ranks in this area, they have always been accompanied by a police officer or two. In fact we have been told, the new Golden Fare Rank soon to go live in Coventry Street may have police or PCSO officers there with the marshal for security.
So what makes this location different, why do we not have police cover with the marshals on the two nights they are at this location?
We have been informed that Westminster Parking services have no power to enforce parking at this location this is not the case as their own manual states that parking on a licensed taxi rank is a code 45 contravention. This location also has double yellow lines, a bus stand and is in fact on a 24 hour bus lane.
Something else that applies to this case is that when PHV's park on a licensed Taxi rank, they form an impromptu, unauthorised rank. As only licensed Taxis have the right under law to ply for hire from a licensed standing (a Rank) , their act is judged to be a contravention of the Hackney carriage act and makes their actions a criminal act, not a Civil offence or a parking contravention.
Last night I pulled on to the back of the six licensed PHV touts, who habitually rank outside Tiger Tiger.
I then flagged down a passing police van who then pulled over and moved the touts on.
This situation has been going on too long. It is disgusting the way the authorities (Licensing and local council) have handled the tout problem at this venue, in the wake of the car bomb episode.
Most of the 143 serious sexual assaults have taken place in un-booked minicab journeys emanating from this area.
Three years of campaigning, complaining and militant action, have produced little or no results.
The question has to be asked...Why?
Peter Hendy, Joe Royle, John Mason, Martin Low and even our own man on the board of TfL, Bob Oddy, how do you sleep at night?
Your inaction has directly resulted in hundreds of rapes, serious sexual assaults and personal robberies.
It could, in the very near future result in the deaths of very many people.
You are all an utter disgrace to the office you hold....
Thomas the Taxi (James Thomas)
m
Only by the grace of God and the incompetence of the bomb makers were massive fatalities and injuries averted.
Ever since this incident, the Anderson Shelter has campaigned to get the authorities to act in a reasonable way that will stop this scenario recurring. We have had limited success with the placement of an extended Taxi rank outside the premises. Unfortunately to this day, after many broken promises from Martin Low and Robin Gillis, the rank remains un-marked.
Earlier this year TfL placed Marshals at this rank, but told them they must not get involved with the policing of the rank and that they have no authority to confront the touts who still illegally rank here night after night. So the problem continues.
But hold on.... we have in the past seen other marshalled ranks in this area, they have always been accompanied by a police officer or two. In fact we have been told, the new Golden Fare Rank soon to go live in Coventry Street may have police or PCSO officers there with the marshal for security.
So what makes this location different, why do we not have police cover with the marshals on the two nights they are at this location?
We have been informed that Westminster Parking services have no power to enforce parking at this location this is not the case as their own manual states that parking on a licensed taxi rank is a code 45 contravention. This location also has double yellow lines, a bus stand and is in fact on a 24 hour bus lane.
Something else that applies to this case is that when PHV's park on a licensed Taxi rank, they form an impromptu, unauthorised rank. As only licensed Taxis have the right under law to ply for hire from a licensed standing (a Rank) , their act is judged to be a contravention of the Hackney carriage act and makes their actions a criminal act, not a Civil offence or a parking contravention.
Last night I pulled on to the back of the six licensed PHV touts, who habitually rank outside Tiger Tiger.
I then flagged down a passing police van who then pulled over and moved the touts on.
This situation has been going on too long. It is disgusting the way the authorities (Licensing and local council) have handled the tout problem at this venue, in the wake of the car bomb episode.
Most of the 143 serious sexual assaults have taken place in un-booked minicab journeys emanating from this area.
Three years of campaigning, complaining and militant action, have produced little or no results.
The question has to be asked...Why?
Peter Hendy, Joe Royle, John Mason, Martin Low and even our own man on the board of TfL, Bob Oddy, how do you sleep at night?
Your inaction has directly resulted in hundreds of rapes, serious sexual assaults and personal robberies.
It could, in the very near future result in the deaths of very many people.
You are all an utter disgrace to the office you hold....
Thomas the Taxi (James Thomas)
m
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Paddington Rank to lose 25 spaces.... By Thomas the Taxi
TfL have decided to take 25 spaces away from the Taxi rank at Paddington, on Bishops Bridge. This space will now be allocated to London Buses to be used as a Bus Stand.
What happened to the open and meaningful relationship between TfL and the Joint ranks committee.
Where was our man on the board of TfL.
Taxi rank spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate , all over the capital and the ones that are left are under attack from the private hire fraternity, who see licensed taxi ranks as just another place to park unhindered by traffic wardens or CCTV cameras.
What function is served by having a representertive on the board of TfL. Oddy has never made a statement to the trade about any proposal made at service transport meeting. The first we know about any change that dramatically affects us is when it is implemented.
This recent affair at Bishops Bridge is a blatant disregard of the drivers needs at this terminus.
I now believe that industrial action is on the cards at this station with drivers refusing to service the rank. With thousands of passengers arriving and milling about the station, it would soon become unsafe and would have to close until the area cleared. Resulting in a restricted service run on the Heathrow Express.
There are many more suitable spots in the area where a bus stand could be implemented.
This just seems to be another swipe at the licensed Taxi Trade by TfL...
I know this video is an old one from our archives, but it shows the importance of the need for adequate ranking spaces for London's Taxis.
News Flash.
What happened to the open and meaningful relationship between TfL and the Joint ranks committee.
Where was our man on the board of TfL.
Taxi rank spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate , all over the capital and the ones that are left are under attack from the private hire fraternity, who see licensed taxi ranks as just another place to park unhindered by traffic wardens or CCTV cameras.
What function is served by having a representertive on the board of TfL. Oddy has never made a statement to the trade about any proposal made at service transport meeting. The first we know about any change that dramatically affects us is when it is implemented.
This recent affair at Bishops Bridge is a blatant disregard of the drivers needs at this terminus.
I now believe that industrial action is on the cards at this station with drivers refusing to service the rank. With thousands of passengers arriving and milling about the station, it would soon become unsafe and would have to close until the area cleared. Resulting in a restricted service run on the Heathrow Express.
There are many more suitable spots in the area where a bus stand could be implemented.
This just seems to be another swipe at the licensed Taxi Trade by TfL...
I know this video is an old one from our archives, but it shows the importance of the need for adequate ranking spaces for London's Taxis.
News Flash.
LTPH Notice 27/10
Important Changes to
Paddington Station Taxi Rank
Paddington Station Taxi Rank
With effect from Tuesday 28 September 2010 the taxi rank arrangements at
Paddington Rail Station have changed. Part of the rank, on Bishop’s Bridge
Road, will now be used as a bus stand between the hours of 11pm to 5.30am
daily. Buses will stand in the nearside lane alongside the kerb, allowing taxis to
continue to use the outside lane.
Paddington Rail Station have changed. Part of the rank, on Bishop’s Bridge
Road, will now be used as a bus stand between the hours of 11pm to 5.30am
daily. Buses will stand in the nearside lane alongside the kerb, allowing taxis to
continue to use the outside lane.
TfL apologise for the short notice of this change and to any taxi driver who may
be inconvenienced. However, urgent action was necessary to relocate the bus
stand from Westbourne Terrace due to a high number of complaints from local
residents regarding the noise disturbances in the area.
be inconvenienced. However, urgent action was necessary to relocate the bus
stand from Westbourne Terrace due to a high number of complaints from local
residents regarding the noise disturbances in the area.
Due to the time constraints, TfL were unable to formally consult with drivers
and the taxi ranks committee in advance of the change. However, we have tried to minimise the impact to taxi drivers by agreeing that taxis can continue to use the rank as normal between 5.30am and 11pm.
and the taxi ranks committee in advance of the change. However, we have tried to minimise the impact to taxi drivers by agreeing that taxis can continue to use the rank as normal between 5.30am and 11pm.
Whilst use of the rank drops significantly outside of these times taxi drivers will
still have use of approximately 65 allocated spaces at the station and we will
monitor the situation very closely and seek to address any issues arising.
still have use of approximately 65 allocated spaces at the station and we will
monitor the situation very closely and seek to address any issues arising.
John Mason
29 September 2010Director Taxi and Private Hire
29 September 2010Director Taxi and Private Hire
Grosvenor House, Night 2....by Thomas the Taxi.
Last night, after seeing dozens of Addison Lee Vans ranking outside the Grosvenor House Hotel, The Twitter action Group (TAG) turned up in large numbers and completely took over the whole front of the hotel. The marshals from AL were infuriated as their vans had to move off the Licensed Taxi rank and illegally park on the double red lines in front of the rank. At one point they drove round the corner and parked in Mount Street.
Emails were fired off to John Mason Head of Taxi and Private hire and the reply came back that Addison Lee were doing nothing wrong, again.
Well John you weren't there (you never are). Nor was anyone from the TPH, we were and Addison Lee were seen to be contravening the law on a large scale.
1. Jobs booked inside the Hotel on the spur of the moment, are not valid pre booked jobs. Vans parked outside were waiting to be hired and were seen to be forming a rank. This rank is unauthorized as only Licensed Taxis are entitled to rank. Forming an unauthorized rank is a criminal offence. (refer to J Buttons statement from earlier this year)
2. A desk inside the Hotel taking immediate bookings for a PH operator needs a satellite office license. Bookings can not be taken remotely. As people passed the desk they were asked if they wanted a Taxi and escorted to an unlawfully ranked Van. As no satellite office license was in place, this is Touting.
3. Addison Lee marshals covered all exits and as guests made their way out of the Hotel again they were asked if they wanted a TAXI, then shown to a Van by the marshal. This is touting.
This behavior from Addison Lee is unacceptable.
All the drivers who were there, saw exactly what went on. To then be told by the head of TPH, that because Addison Lee has an account with Barclays that it was fine for them to be at this two day event is not in question. Touting openly with the aid of the hotel security staff is unacceptable.
Griffin is pushing the boundaries hoping for a show down. Well Last night the Taxi trade turned out in force to show we are not having it and we will turn out every night if we have to.
The Taxi trade is now asking why Mason is unwilling to take on this cowboy minicab proprietor with delusions of grandeur .
What hold has this man got over TfL.
Bus Lanes, Cab Ranks and open touting. The Law is clear! Minicabs are not Taxis and have to abide by the PH act 1998. We will continue to demonstrate at these functions and the feeling in the trade is to escalate the action.
Emails were fired off to John Mason Head of Taxi and Private hire and the reply came back that Addison Lee were doing nothing wrong, again.
Its amazing after the week of enforcement stops on Taxi we have seen from TPH, that when it comes to private hire they are nowhere to be seen.
Well John you weren't there (you never are). Nor was anyone from the TPH, we were and Addison Lee were seen to be contravening the law on a large scale.
1. Jobs booked inside the Hotel on the spur of the moment, are not valid pre booked jobs. Vans parked outside were waiting to be hired and were seen to be forming a rank. This rank is unauthorized as only Licensed Taxis are entitled to rank. Forming an unauthorized rank is a criminal offence. (refer to J Buttons statement from earlier this year)
2. A desk inside the Hotel taking immediate bookings for a PH operator needs a satellite office license. Bookings can not be taken remotely. As people passed the desk they were asked if they wanted a Taxi and escorted to an unlawfully ranked Van. As no satellite office license was in place, this is Touting.
3. Addison Lee marshals covered all exits and as guests made their way out of the Hotel again they were asked if they wanted a TAXI, then shown to a Van by the marshal. This is touting.
This behavior from Addison Lee is unacceptable.
All the drivers who were there, saw exactly what went on. To then be told by the head of TPH, that because Addison Lee has an account with Barclays that it was fine for them to be at this two day event is not in question. Touting openly with the aid of the hotel security staff is unacceptable.
Griffin is pushing the boundaries hoping for a show down. Well Last night the Taxi trade turned out in force to show we are not having it and we will turn out every night if we have to.
The Taxi trade is now asking why Mason is unwilling to take on this cowboy minicab proprietor with delusions of grandeur .
What hold has this man got over TfL.
Bus Lanes, Cab Ranks and open touting. The Law is clear! Minicabs are not Taxis and have to abide by the PH act 1998. We will continue to demonstrate at these functions and the feeling in the trade is to escalate the action.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Addison Lee, Minicab Lawbreakers....by Thomas the Taxi.
Its only been two weeks since John Mason, head of TPH (PCO) had to apologise to the London Taxi Trade for the insult of Tfl, inappropriately suspending the Licensed Taxi rank at the Dorchester Hotel. Click here if you missed it.
The licensed taxi rank outside the Dorchester was Subsequently used by Private Hire company Lewis Day, to openly tout at the TV awards. Click here for full story.
No Lesson learned!
After a week when the whole London Taxi trade has been under attack from TPH enforcement and the City of London Police, with extended Badge and Bill stops, we now have more proof of the unfair advantage being shown to major minicab providers.
Last night Sunday 26th September 2010 Addison Lee was again allowed to formed an unauthorised Taxi rank outside the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane. This is not the first time Addison lee have done this, it is becoming a regular sight to see dozens of black ford Galaxies Ranking at this Hotel.
This time was different though, with the illegally ranked vans were a collection of Hi Viz wearing marshals and a clipboard Johnny.
Griffin is taking more and more liberties every week, in a bid to challenge the established Taxi and Private hire laws, which he believes are unfairly bias towards Black Cabs!
Because of TfL/TPH's reluctance to challenge Griffin, he now believes he is invincible.
So not content with using Bus/Taxi lanes and waiting on the odd taxi rank, they (Addi Lee) are actively and openly, plying for hire on the Street.
Why are the authorities letting him get away with these clear contraventions of the Hackney carriage and private hire laws?
The Anderson Shelter have been complaining about the one-sided approach to enforcement for many months and it is well documented in this blog. We feel that if the situation is not challenged by the established groups who have put themselves up to represent the trade, then this type of incident will escalate.
The licensed taxi rank outside the Dorchester was Subsequently used by Private Hire company Lewis Day, to openly tout at the TV awards. Click here for full story.
No Lesson learned!
After a week when the whole London Taxi trade has been under attack from TPH enforcement and the City of London Police, with extended Badge and Bill stops, we now have more proof of the unfair advantage being shown to major minicab providers.
Last night Sunday 26th September 2010 Addison Lee was again allowed to formed an unauthorised Taxi rank outside the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane. This is not the first time Addison lee have done this, it is becoming a regular sight to see dozens of black ford Galaxies Ranking at this Hotel.
This time was different though, with the illegally ranked vans were a collection of Hi Viz wearing marshals and a clipboard Johnny.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
Photos by QPRJim
Because of TfL/TPH's reluctance to challenge Griffin, he now believes he is invincible.
So not content with using Bus/Taxi lanes and waiting on the odd taxi rank, they (Addi Lee) are actively and openly, plying for hire on the Street.
Why are the authorities letting him get away with these clear contraventions of the Hackney carriage and private hire laws?
The Anderson Shelter have been complaining about the one-sided approach to enforcement for many months and it is well documented in this blog. We feel that if the situation is not challenged by the established groups who have put themselves up to represent the trade, then this type of incident will escalate.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Insult to Injury...By Thomas the Taxi.
After the infamous press release confirming exactly what I've been banging on about for many years, that there is a frightening increase in the number of serious sexual assaults (54% last year 2009) that are occurring in licensed and unlicensed PHV's, you would have thought that Chief Superintendent Joe Royle and his Cab enforcement officers, would be taking to the streets to put an end to the massive lines of endless, illegally parked, illegally ranking and illegally touting mini cabs.
But you would be completely wrong.
Over the last few nights Cab Enforcement have mounted the same attack on ordinary working Taxi drivers in the same predictable road stops for badge and bill. In an even more surprising move, the City of London Constabulary are now mounting Badge and Bill stops on entry into the city.
They, however are taking no prisoners. If for some reason you are not in possession of both badge and bill, you will be nicked. The fine is a staggering £280.00.
If however you are an illegal scab unlawfully ranking outside Abacus and are unfortunate to get nicked, don't worry the fine is only £100. And if the nasty Mr Mason takes away your license, don't worry, just carry on working. Chances are you will never get bothered again...
On Friday night, it was reported on the social network site Twitter, that Compliance officers were seen in Shaftesbury Avenue, talking to the touts in the loading bays that Martin Low conveniently placed for them to use as ranks. No one was seen to be arrested and the scabs were left to carry on touting.
Just around the corner in the 24 hour bus lane, on the bus stand outside Tiger Tiger (which also is part of a Licensed Taxi rank for 9 taxis) minicab touts were touting openly. The fact that there are two marshals assigned to this rank at weekends makes no difference, the scabs just rank outside the club and tout unhindered.
Its not the marshals fault, they have been ordered by none other than John Mason (Head of PCO/TPH) to stand at the very point of the rank. They have been told they must not, under any circumstance, get involved with the touts. This leads to much abuse from passing Taxi drivers, who don't understand that their hands are tied. (utter waste of our license fee by TfL)
I have spoken to the lads who work there and they say they constantly phone, (on their own mobiles) Westminster parking services but are ignored. WPS say they have no power to ticket touts parked on Licensed Taxi ranks. This is of course a lie, as in their own hand book the contravention is a code 45.
I have sat at this location for many hours and observed these touts at work. Any passenger who is deemed to be too drunk is walked up the Haymarket by security staff and left to hail a black cab or left at the mercy of a potential rapist. One night I witnessed a young girl who obviously had been sold too much alcohol in this club. She fell against the steel barriers and was knocked out cold. An ambulance should have been called by the door staff and the incident should have been reported. But they just manhandled her into a scab van which drove her away from the club. A second similar incident occurred shortly after.
Click here for archived story.
Moving up the road to Regent Street, traffic was at a complete standstill as touting minicabs jostled for prime positions on the junction of Swallow Street. The touts have also taken to parking in the middle of the road on the Licensed Taxi Rank. The parking wardens just walk by, sometimes chatting and waving at their new found friends, but they never ticket or move the touts on.
So, after many years of complaining to the relevant authorities about Tiger Tiger, On Anon, Swallow Street and Heddon Street, plus with the added news of the 54% rise in mini cab related sex attacks, you would think that someone somewhere would care enough to do something.
But you would be wrong.
No one cares, the figures are massaged and manipulated and the ground work is non existent.
Peter Hendy, John Mason, Joe Royal, Martin Low and Mayor Boris Johnson.
The muggings, robberies and serious sexual assaults including full rape, which are happening night after night by licensed and unlicensed PHV drivers, are happening under your watch.
And you are not taking a blind bit of notice.
The crime of Illegal touting is being left unenforced in a bid to clear the streets of potential drunken trouble makers. This is of course at the expense of the hardworking Licensed Taxi Driver, again voted the best Taxi service and drivers in the world.
But you would be completely wrong.
Over the last few nights Cab Enforcement have mounted the same attack on ordinary working Taxi drivers in the same predictable road stops for badge and bill. In an even more surprising move, the City of London Constabulary are now mounting Badge and Bill stops on entry into the city.
They, however are taking no prisoners. If for some reason you are not in possession of both badge and bill, you will be nicked. The fine is a staggering £280.00.
If however you are an illegal scab unlawfully ranking outside Abacus and are unfortunate to get nicked, don't worry the fine is only £100. And if the nasty Mr Mason takes away your license, don't worry, just carry on working. Chances are you will never get bothered again...
On Friday night, it was reported on the social network site Twitter, that Compliance officers were seen in Shaftesbury Avenue, talking to the touts in the loading bays that Martin Low conveniently placed for them to use as ranks. No one was seen to be arrested and the scabs were left to carry on touting.
Just around the corner in the 24 hour bus lane, on the bus stand outside Tiger Tiger (which also is part of a Licensed Taxi rank for 9 taxis) minicab touts were touting openly. The fact that there are two marshals assigned to this rank at weekends makes no difference, the scabs just rank outside the club and tout unhindered.
Its not the marshals fault, they have been ordered by none other than John Mason (Head of PCO/TPH) to stand at the very point of the rank. They have been told they must not, under any circumstance, get involved with the touts. This leads to much abuse from passing Taxi drivers, who don't understand that their hands are tied. (utter waste of our license fee by TfL)
I have spoken to the lads who work there and they say they constantly phone, (on their own mobiles) Westminster parking services but are ignored. WPS say they have no power to ticket touts parked on Licensed Taxi ranks. This is of course a lie, as in their own hand book the contravention is a code 45.
I have sat at this location for many hours and observed these touts at work. Any passenger who is deemed to be too drunk is walked up the Haymarket by security staff and left to hail a black cab or left at the mercy of a potential rapist. One night I witnessed a young girl who obviously had been sold too much alcohol in this club. She fell against the steel barriers and was knocked out cold. An ambulance should have been called by the door staff and the incident should have been reported. But they just manhandled her into a scab van which drove her away from the club. A second similar incident occurred shortly after.
Click here for archived story.
Moving up the road to Regent Street, traffic was at a complete standstill as touting minicabs jostled for prime positions on the junction of Swallow Street. The touts have also taken to parking in the middle of the road on the Licensed Taxi Rank. The parking wardens just walk by, sometimes chatting and waving at their new found friends, but they never ticket or move the touts on.
So, after many years of complaining to the relevant authorities about Tiger Tiger, On Anon, Swallow Street and Heddon Street, plus with the added news of the 54% rise in mini cab related sex attacks, you would think that someone somewhere would care enough to do something.
But you would be wrong.
No one cares, the figures are massaged and manipulated and the ground work is non existent.
The only trade being enforced is us, the Licensed Taxi trade.
The Police are treating these crimes as if its beneath them to enforce. They have a duty of care to protect the public and they are failing in their duty.
But the biggest culprits are;
The Police are treating these crimes as if its beneath them to enforce. They have a duty of care to protect the public and they are failing in their duty.
But the biggest culprits are;
Peter Hendy, John Mason, Joe Royal, Martin Low and Mayor Boris Johnson.
The muggings, robberies and serious sexual assaults including full rape, which are happening night after night by licensed and unlicensed PHV drivers, are happening under your watch.
And you are not taking a blind bit of notice.
The crime of Illegal touting is being left unenforced in a bid to clear the streets of potential drunken trouble makers. This is of course at the expense of the hardworking Licensed Taxi Driver, again voted the best Taxi service and drivers in the world.
Friday, 24 September 2010
Grant Davis and John Kennedy Talk to Eddie Nestor...
..................................<>.....................................
Good News At The Hurlingham Club:
The Hurlingham Club is now hiring off-duty knowledge students to wear hi-viz bibs and stand on the north side of Putney Bridge directing licensed taxis into the function.This place appears to be pro Licensed Taxis so remember to keep an eye out for the Marshals and lets give them a great service...CSP.
Simco, Not Happy...
For those who remember my two videos about Putney FEZ Club CBJ who claimed that he has exemption so he can work from outside the club on the pavement.
I have arranged at the meeting with Bob Oddy for Police to visit the Club to see them touting. Police visited the Club and confirmed that he was outside but at the time they (Police) did not see him tout.
It seems that the above CBJ or someone with connection to the FEZ Club is impersonating PCO employee and send me a warning on UTUBE.
This CBJ is constantly touting on the pavement and booking jobs in contravention to the PCO Notice 19/9.
Below is the link to my previous articles and 2 videos that seemed to ruffled their feathers.
Click Here and Here
ZydrateZoe
Anyone have more ideas how we can pull rug from under this CBJ to stop him illegally tout on the street?
I have arranged at the meeting with Bob Oddy for Police to visit the Club to see them touting. Police visited the Club and confirmed that he was outside but at the time they (Police) did not see him tout.
It seems that the above CBJ or someone with connection to the FEZ Club is impersonating PCO employee and send me a warning on UTUBE.
This CBJ is constantly touting on the pavement and booking jobs in contravention to the PCO Notice 19/9.
Below is the link to my previous articles and 2 videos that seemed to ruffled their feathers.
Click Here and Here
.........................<>........................
Hi,i'm a secretary at the PCO,i've watched a few of your videos and i'm wondering if you've got permissions from the people concerned as you're using their images and you could get sued.I've checked our records and some of the people you claim are working illegally are not, such as the fez club in putney who do have an exception due to the layout of the club and health&safety regulations.We've had some complaints about your activities,both ourselves and the legal representatives of those involved have written to youtube for your details in order to take legal action against you.You do realize that whilt we dont condone illegal touting, this kind of blatant troublemaking and harassment cannot be tolerated and the PCO will certainly be taking action against you as its fairly obvious that you are a cab driver.This is a personal warning, I am giving you 48 hours to remove any video that you are not 100% sure that are of people opperating illegally(for example, the fez club videos should definately be removed) after which time i shall be unable to prevent further action being taken.This is a friendly warning.By all means keep taking videos of those acting illegally but check your facts before posting those videos on the internet.I am choosing to keep my identity secret for the sake of my job but want you to know that some of us at the PCO do appreciate the efforts you're making to expose touts just PLEASE be sure of your facs before posting on the internet.ThanksZydrateZoe
Anyone have more ideas how we can pull rug from under this CBJ to stop him illegally tout on the street?
Thursday, 23 September 2010
TfL Warns of Attacks in Mini Cabs.... By Thomas the Taxi.
New figures released have shown another increase in the instances of serious sexual assault, including rape.
The official figures for 2008-9 were 93 and 09-10 were 143. The figures available from rape crisis center "The Havens" are much higher (140 rapes alone). Experts say that the real figure which includes unreported attacks could be double that shown by this report. The figures given by the Mayor (TfL) do not take into account attacks that have occurred outside, or away from the vehicle.
The increase in attacks is a stark reminder that unbooked minicabs will always pose a very serious danger to the travelling public. TfL say they have set up a Cab Sex Offences team to deal with cab-related sexual offences. The team follows up leads, carries out surveillance work and gathers intelligence to bring offenders to justice; in the last year since they were set up, they have made 100 arrests, thats just two a week. Now, these figures include sexual assaults that have taken place away from the vehicle. I think they call this padding out the statistics.
All the agencies involved in the STaN (Safer Travel at Night) scheme say they are doing everything possible to deter and detect offenders and bring them to justice. But every week end, late at night/early morning while Peter Hendy, Kulveer Ranger, Joe Royle and John Mason are tucked up fast asleep, lines of touts are allowed to illegally rank up and tout outside every bar, restaurant and night venue in the West End and City. The Police are nowhere to be seen on this level and act as if this type of crime is beneath them. PCO enforcement officers concentrate on stopping only Licensed Taxis for badge and bill checks (as one said to me a few weeks ago, you cant get stabbed pulling up black cabs!) Local council parking officers take no notice of the illegal parking of touts but will issue tickets to black cabs all night long.
The press release states;
The STaN partnership between TfL, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and the City of London Police (CoLP) was launched in 2002/3. The campaign aims to make people travelling at night aware of the dangers of picking up unbooked minicabs off the street, as well as informing them of the best ways to get home safely. But judging by the ever increasing rise in serious sexual assaults, rapes, muggings and robberies, I think it safe to say they have failed to safeguard the public dramatically.
To add insult to injury, tonight I listened to Chief Inspector Jo Chinn, MPS Safer Transport Cab Enforcement Unit, whilst being interviewed on BBC Radio London refer to these assailants as TAXI DRIVERS and their vehicles as TAXIS.
What chance have we got in deterring these attacks when the top officers in charge of policing our trades, can not tell the difference between a Taxi driver and a Private Hire Driver.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
RMT accuse the UTG of selling the Taxi Trade down the river....By Thomas the Taxi.
 |
| RMT Chairman John Kennedy (Center) |
In this months edition of its news letter, the RMT accuse the LTDA, LCDC and Unite of failing to act in the best interests of the whole taxi trade by taking it upon themselves to agree to an age limit for London’s taxi-cabs. They ask the question, Who gave these driver organisations the right to sell the residual value of your taxi-cab away without giving you a VOTE or even a say?
The RMT have always believed in “one badge one vote” for all taxi-cab drivers especially on matters/issues as important as this.
The RMT will now be writing to the Mayor and also ask all members of the London Assembly to back their urgent call for a scrappage scheme. If large parts of the taxi trade accept an age limit they must understand the resale value of taxi-cabs will be reduced and this will in-turn affect us all, whether you rent, lease or buy.
Note the Department for Transport believe in natural wastage and we at the RMT, agree with the DfT on this issue.
Boris Johnson has just spent £140 million on a bike hire scheme, some of this money could have been used to assist taxi-cab drivers with the purchase of newer euro 4 taxi-cabs but yet again a Mayor of London just ignores the taxi-cab trade/driver and spends public money on a pet project designed to gain favour with the zone 1 inhabitants of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea…
Breaking News…
Buses that meet the euro 3 standard receive a discounted VED (tax disc), yes buses that meet the euro 3 standard, only pay £165.00p for a tax disc. How much does the tax disc cost for your euro 3 or 4 taxi-cab cost…?
We are sorry to say this is more proof that the trade orgs that have sat at the table for years have been asleep.
Whilst the rest of the taxi trade ignores the problem of the M4 bus lane be assured that the RMT London taxi branch is about to send a number of letters, complaints to organisations, companies & public bodies asking them to ensure that a certain PHV company obeys the law.
Pall Mall and St James’s Street to go two-way. Take a close look at the road works on Pall Mall a central reservation is going in. We have contacted Martin Low of Westminster City council regarding our ranks on St James’s Street…
Where are the minutes?
TFL produce very detailed minutes of meetings of the main board and surface transport panel. It is here we found out about partitions in mini-cabs and it is here that we could find no objections to partitions in mini-cabs from the taxi trade representative. Now if TFL can produce detailed minutes of meetings they have with the main board and all sub-committee’s where are the minutes for the meetings Taxi Private Hire directorate hold with the various trade organisations/union.
TFL/TPH needs to be open honest and transparent, this is still not the case.
We will be bringing this issue to the attention of the Mayor/Greater London Assembly.
The director of TPH has spent a lot of time meeting and talking/emailing people (including the RMT) and at present we await the results of many reviews including the start of the consultation on “satellite mini-cab” offices.
Satellite mini-cab offices
Take a long hard look at Charing Cross Road and it has turned into an awful looking stretch of road made worse by the many mini-cab offices that have been allowed to open up with the blessing of TFL/TPH and we can only presume Westminster City Council. Ticket offices, newsagents, door-ways once again become mini-cab operating centres. TFL/TPH (formerly PCO) has made a mockery of the 1998 Private hire act and at the same time fail to appoint taxi ranks/stands outside bars/venues. We must remember TFL/TPH are the very same people telling us to be environmentally friendly and what could be friendlier than a taxi rank/stand?
We look forward to the consultation regarding these offices but we reserve the right to take the necessary action to defend our member’s right to ply for hire, a right all taxi-cab drivers have earned…
Westminster City Council has installed a new toilet facility at Tachbrook Street near Pimlico underground station. You’ll note it looks as if one action or call of nature will be free. However if you are female it will still cost you dear to spend a penny. What ever happened to equality???On a positive note can we thank Westminster for this much needed facility, please note parking restrictions are in force and spending a penny or two tends not to be a good excuse when appealing a parking ticket.
If you wish to join the RMT and its London taxi branch please do contact the branch via email;
via mobile on;
07899 786 433
or log onto;
www.rmt.org.uk and sign up online…
Bob Oddy, Short of a Sandwich or two?....By Travis B.
Peter (Bendy Bus) Hendy has announced that in future food in the way of a buffet will not be supplied after the conclusion of TfL Board Meetings in order to assist in the cash crisis at TfL.This means that Mr Bob Oddy (The Mayors appointed not ours!) representative on Taxi Matters may well have to bring a packed lunch. Still as he hardly ever speaks at the meetings (Read the minutes!) he can nibble away on something tasty whilst others decide on screens in PHV's, Age Limits on Cabs and other key issues that affect you and me.No, we stand corrected, he did say something at a Surface Panel Meeting:'I would like to congratulate the PCO in it's handling of the TX4 Fires Issue'.How many LTDA members are still waiting to get a settlement from LTI and it's agents Bob?Sure bet that they agree with your statement!!!Still there is always the "Famous Fish Suppers" hosted by the Chairman of the LCDC, that should put him in his Plaice!What a load of Cods!
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Falklands : the Governor’s taxi in the Falkland Islands is formally retired...By ThomastheTaxi
The red Austin taxi (chassis no: FL2 DR 28644, car no: H26653) came into service on 20 January 1976 during the time of Governor French. The tradition of having a London taxi as the Crown car in the Falklands was already well-established: at least two black taxis had preceded her. The taxi was considered more practical than other cars on ceremonial occasions because the higher roof and greater space in the rear of the taxi made it easier for a Governor, in full dress uniform with plumes and sword, and his elegantly behatted wife to sit in comfort (and alight with more dignity).
An old lady laid to rest – the Governor’s taxi in the Falkland Islands is formally retired
His Excellency the Governor, Mr Alan Huckle, toasted the Governor’s taxi in the company of its current and previous drivers at his farewell reception on 18 September 2010, before it was taken away for a well-earned retirement with the Falkland Islands’ Museum and National Trust.
Friday, 17 September 2010
LTPH Notice 26/10...by John Mason.
Licensed Drivers Convicted or Cautioned for Touting, update.
On 1 August 2008, the Mayor introduced a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy for licensed private hire drivers convicted of touting. As a result 320 PHV drivers have had their licences revoked in the past two years.
In February 2010 Transport for London extended the policy to include Adult Cautions as well as convictions which has resulted in a further 61 revocations.
Despite this policy it is clear that some licensed drivers continue to break the law. TfL takes a serious view of touting and will not tolerate such illegal behaviour. Therefore, for the avoidance of any doubt, all PHV drivers are reminded that any licensed driver convicted of, or cautioned for touting will have his or her PHV driver’s licence revoked.
An application to be re-licensed will not be considered until at least 12 months after the date of revocation, subject to the driver having had no previous similar convictions or cautions.
This policy does not affect a licensee’s statutory rights of appeal against the decision of the Licensing Authority.
17 September 2010
Director Taxi and Private Hire
For previous Notices visit tfl.gov.uk/pco
On 1 August 2008, the Mayor introduced a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy for licensed private hire drivers convicted of touting. As a result 320 PHV drivers have had their licences revoked in the past two years.
In February 2010 Transport for London extended the policy to include Adult Cautions as well as convictions which has resulted in a further 61 revocations.
Despite this policy it is clear that some licensed drivers continue to break the law. TfL takes a serious view of touting and will not tolerate such illegal behaviour. Therefore, for the avoidance of any doubt, all PHV drivers are reminded that any licensed driver convicted of, or cautioned for touting will have his or her PHV driver’s licence revoked.
An application to be re-licensed will not be considered until at least 12 months after the date of revocation, subject to the driver having had no previous similar convictions or cautions.
This policy does not affect a licensee’s statutory rights of appeal against the decision of the Licensing Authority.
John Mason
17 September 2010
Director Taxi and Private Hire
For previous Notices visit tfl.gov.uk/pco
The Shape Of Things To Come.....Thomas the Taxi
Dublin once had a fantastic Taxi service. It was run well and administered well. Then one day a bright spark thought it would be a great little earner to open up the trade with deregulation and now its a complete nightmare.
Very shortly the very same thing is going to happen to the current best Taxi service in the world.
The Anderson Shelter has spent the last four year trying to wake up the trade representative bodies, but unfortunately we have failed in our endeavour to do this. The trade reps have now united to create a closed shop against new comers.
At the same time, we have tried to wake up drivers who have had their heads in the sand, hoping tomorrow would never come. This has been more successful, but its not happening quick enough.
To give you an idea of what TfL has in-store for us , just click on this link. It will take you to the IrisTaxi.org Blog where you can listen to the Pat Kenny Radio Show. It seems they are experiencing now, what we can expect in the not too distant future.
Click Here for the Pat Kenny Radio Show (Dublin) see if it rings any bells with you.
Very shortly the very same thing is going to happen to the current best Taxi service in the world.
The Anderson Shelter has spent the last four year trying to wake up the trade representative bodies, but unfortunately we have failed in our endeavour to do this. The trade reps have now united to create a closed shop against new comers.
At the same time, we have tried to wake up drivers who have had their heads in the sand, hoping tomorrow would never come. This has been more successful, but its not happening quick enough.
To give you an idea of what TfL has in-store for us , just click on this link. It will take you to the IrisTaxi.org Blog where you can listen to the Pat Kenny Radio Show. It seems they are experiencing now, what we can expect in the not too distant future.
Click Here for the Pat Kenny Radio Show (Dublin) see if it rings any bells with you.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Letter Sent to Boris, through MP.... by Simco.
The Time has come for action, no more playing the waiting game.
For years, drivers have been complaining about the situation we currently face with the non enforcement of Private Hire, plus the victimisation of drivers trying to find ranks that are disappearing daily.
We have tried going through our representatives bodies who have been seen to do nothing. We have watched as new groups formed, are slandered, libeled and left out of consultations by the UTG and TfL.
We don't want the earth. We are not asking for massive pay rises. We don't need expensive, new legislation.
All we want is the laws that already exist, to be enforced FULL STOP.
Our cries have been falling on deaf ears it seems, and our so called leaders have set themselves up in ivory towers and are collaborating with our enemy.
We have tried to go forward in a positive and correct manner, causing as little disruption as possible. This has not been successful. So now is the time to regroup and make a concerted attack from a different perspective.
What can I do? I am only one driver, you may well ask.
And that's right. There is not a lot one driver can do, but this is where we have to be reminded about the story of twigs. One twig on its own may be weak and break when bent. But the more twigs you put in the bundle, the harder it is to bend and break. Once you have a sizable bundle you can tie around a handle and make a broom and you knew what they say... A new broom sweeps clean.
That's exactly what this trade needs, a new broom.
One man who stands out amongst the few is Simco. He has been a one man army against the touts, producing some of the best quality, covert video seen. He has joined all the trade groups to try to get them more involved in the survival of the job that he loves, is a regular contributor to "The Anderson Shelter" and is also a member of the LTDF forum.
One thing those in authority don't like, is to be tied down with excessive paper work. We have, in the past, tried mass email complaints, but emails can be deleted without being read.
If an MP or Assembly Member receives a communication on paper such as a letter or fax, they are obliged to read an act upon it.
Therefore we at The Anderson Shelter would ask you all to consider writing to your assembly member and MP. Your wont have to use pen and paper although that would be fantastic, you can use the box provided to contact both AM's and MP's, leave a message that is forwarded on to them by fax.
I will finish by Publishing the letter sent by Simcos MP to Mayor Boris Johnson. Please read then fill in the box below and send similar message to your MP, or if you live in London Assembly Member.
Dear Mayor Boris Johnson,
I have received representations from the London Taxi Drivers’ about a number of problems they are experiencing across London – with the two main issues being enforcement of the law and better ranking facilities.
I would be grateful if you could ask for a detailed reply on this – presumably from Transport for London. In providing myself and my constituents with a reply, can you please ensure that any figures from the Public Carriage Office are double-checked.
1. Enforcement
I would like you to carry out a detailed assessment of the effectiveness of the regulation of the taxi trade in London. I would like to request formally that you, as Mayor, instruct such an investigation.
I am asking this because I am frequently told that the current system is widely and blatantly flouted – undermining the livelihoods of many hardworking taxi drivers and threatening service levels to customers.
In the meantime I have a series of questions about the effectiveness of the current regulatory regime (see below), and I hope you can provide answers to these before setting up an investigation.
Background
London’s taxi drivers pay a large annual fee so they can “ply for hire”. This effectively means they have a contract with the Greater London Authority and its agencies (i.e., Tfl, the MPS and the PCO) that they will ensure that those not paying the fee will be prosecuted if they “ply for hire”.
Licensed private hire vehicles cannot legally “ply for hire”. They have separate rights to pick up pre-booked customers and are separately licensed. They have complaints too – as unlicensed drivers will steal their pre-booked market as well as the “ply for hire” market.
To police London’s taxi market, there has in recent years been an increase in the number of officials apparently tasked to enforce the regulations – though there remain many complaints. The relevant TOCU claims to have 62 officers compared to the 5 officers that the old PCO had – yet drivers report little or no improvement.
Therefore, my questions are:
1. How many prosecutions of drivers illegally plying for hire have there been in each of the last 5 years, and whether this can be further broken down by a) London Borough; b) time of the day; c) whether the driver prosecuted was licensed for private hire vehicles;
2. How many special enforcement patrols of the taxi regulations have there been in each of the last five years, broken down by a) London Borough; b) time of the day;
3. How many a) police officers; b) traffic wardens; c) local authority officers have in the last five years received training in the law in London around “plying for hire”?
4. What guidance is provided to non-specialist a) police officers; b) traffic wardens; c) local authority officers in the enforcement of the law in London around “plying for hire”?
5. What initiatives have been implemented over the last five years to improve the enforcement of the legislation around “plying for hire” in London, and what initiatives are planned?
6. How many staff are involved directly and specially in the enforcement of the legislation around “plying for hire” in London, and how has this number changed in the last 5 years?
7. What is the total budget for the enforcement of the legislation around “plying for hire” in London, and how has this number changed in the last 5 years?
8. What complaints have been received about the failure to enforce the legislation around “plying for hire” in London in each of the last five years?
9. What performance or other management indicators are used to assess the regulation of these laws in London? How do you as Mayor assess whether TfL / the MPS / the TOCU / the PCO are carrying out these specific regulatory functions well and represent good value for money?
10. What is your overall policy towards the enforcement of these regulations?
2. Ranking facilities
As passenger behavior changes, so should ranking facilities adapt. I am told this is rarely the case. Therefore can you review the policy towards keeping London’s black cab taxi ranks up-to-date and sufficient?
Can you also tell me what changes have been made in such ranks, by London Borough, over the last 5 years? Can you tell me how many requests for new or changed black cab taxi ranks have been received but not enacted over the last five years?
I look forward to receiving your reply.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Grayling MP
For years, drivers have been complaining about the situation we currently face with the non enforcement of Private Hire, plus the victimisation of drivers trying to find ranks that are disappearing daily.
We have tried going through our representatives bodies who have been seen to do nothing. We have watched as new groups formed, are slandered, libeled and left out of consultations by the UTG and TfL.
We don't want the earth. We are not asking for massive pay rises. We don't need expensive, new legislation.
All we want is the laws that already exist, to be enforced FULL STOP.
Our cries have been falling on deaf ears it seems, and our so called leaders have set themselves up in ivory towers and are collaborating with our enemy.
We have tried to go forward in a positive and correct manner, causing as little disruption as possible. This has not been successful. So now is the time to regroup and make a concerted attack from a different perspective.
What can I do? I am only one driver, you may well ask.
And that's right. There is not a lot one driver can do, but this is where we have to be reminded about the story of twigs. One twig on its own may be weak and break when bent. But the more twigs you put in the bundle, the harder it is to bend and break. Once you have a sizable bundle you can tie around a handle and make a broom and you knew what they say... A new broom sweeps clean.
That's exactly what this trade needs, a new broom.
One man who stands out amongst the few is Simco. He has been a one man army against the touts, producing some of the best quality, covert video seen. He has joined all the trade groups to try to get them more involved in the survival of the job that he loves, is a regular contributor to "The Anderson Shelter" and is also a member of the LTDF forum.
One thing those in authority don't like, is to be tied down with excessive paper work. We have, in the past, tried mass email complaints, but emails can be deleted without being read.
If an MP or Assembly Member receives a communication on paper such as a letter or fax, they are obliged to read an act upon it.
Therefore we at The Anderson Shelter would ask you all to consider writing to your assembly member and MP. Your wont have to use pen and paper although that would be fantastic, you can use the box provided to contact both AM's and MP's, leave a message that is forwarded on to them by fax.
I will finish by Publishing the letter sent by Simcos MP to Mayor Boris Johnson. Please read then fill in the box below and send similar message to your MP, or if you live in London Assembly Member.
Dear Mayor Boris Johnson,
I have received representations from the London Taxi Drivers’ about a number of problems they are experiencing across London – with the two main issues being enforcement of the law and better ranking facilities.
I would be grateful if you could ask for a detailed reply on this – presumably from Transport for London. In providing myself and my constituents with a reply, can you please ensure that any figures from the Public Carriage Office are double-checked.
1. Enforcement
I would like you to carry out a detailed assessment of the effectiveness of the regulation of the taxi trade in London. I would like to request formally that you, as Mayor, instruct such an investigation.
I am asking this because I am frequently told that the current system is widely and blatantly flouted – undermining the livelihoods of many hardworking taxi drivers and threatening service levels to customers.
In the meantime I have a series of questions about the effectiveness of the current regulatory regime (see below), and I hope you can provide answers to these before setting up an investigation.
Background
London’s taxi drivers pay a large annual fee so they can “ply for hire”. This effectively means they have a contract with the Greater London Authority and its agencies (i.e., Tfl, the MPS and the PCO) that they will ensure that those not paying the fee will be prosecuted if they “ply for hire”.
Licensed private hire vehicles cannot legally “ply for hire”. They have separate rights to pick up pre-booked customers and are separately licensed. They have complaints too – as unlicensed drivers will steal their pre-booked market as well as the “ply for hire” market.
To police London’s taxi market, there has in recent years been an increase in the number of officials apparently tasked to enforce the regulations – though there remain many complaints. The relevant TOCU claims to have 62 officers compared to the 5 officers that the old PCO had – yet drivers report little or no improvement.
Therefore, my questions are:
1. How many prosecutions of drivers illegally plying for hire have there been in each of the last 5 years, and whether this can be further broken down by a) London Borough; b) time of the day; c) whether the driver prosecuted was licensed for private hire vehicles;
2. How many special enforcement patrols of the taxi regulations have there been in each of the last five years, broken down by a) London Borough; b) time of the day;
3. How many a) police officers; b) traffic wardens; c) local authority officers have in the last five years received training in the law in London around “plying for hire”?
4. What guidance is provided to non-specialist a) police officers; b) traffic wardens; c) local authority officers in the enforcement of the law in London around “plying for hire”?
5. What initiatives have been implemented over the last five years to improve the enforcement of the legislation around “plying for hire” in London, and what initiatives are planned?
6. How many staff are involved directly and specially in the enforcement of the legislation around “plying for hire” in London, and how has this number changed in the last 5 years?
7. What is the total budget for the enforcement of the legislation around “plying for hire” in London, and how has this number changed in the last 5 years?
8. What complaints have been received about the failure to enforce the legislation around “plying for hire” in London in each of the last five years?
9. What performance or other management indicators are used to assess the regulation of these laws in London? How do you as Mayor assess whether TfL / the MPS / the TOCU / the PCO are carrying out these specific regulatory functions well and represent good value for money?
10. What is your overall policy towards the enforcement of these regulations?
2. Ranking facilities
As passenger behavior changes, so should ranking facilities adapt. I am told this is rarely the case. Therefore can you review the policy towards keeping London’s black cab taxi ranks up-to-date and sufficient?
Can you also tell me what changes have been made in such ranks, by London Borough, over the last 5 years? Can you tell me how many requests for new or changed black cab taxi ranks have been received but not enacted over the last five years?
I look forward to receiving your reply.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Grayling MP
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Wirral Taxi drivers Told to smarten up. Dress Codes and TfL.
Taxi drivers in Wirral have been banned from wearing tracksuits, flip-flops or dirty clothing under a new dress code introduced by the council.
Licensing committee councillors voted in favour of the guidelines after members expressed shock at the appearance of some drivers.
Licensing committee councillors voted in favour of the guidelines after members expressed shock at the appearance of some drivers.
It means Hackney carriage and private hire cabbies must follow a list of acceptable standards of dress.
The code, described by Unite union as "over the top", is not legally binding.
The code, described by Unite union as "over the top", is not legally binding.
But could this happen in Central London ?
Blaenau Gwent Council bought in a dress code in 2007 in Ebbw Vale, to "portray a better image" of the service. The ban included no tracksuits or football tops plus shirts must not carry any words or pictures other than logos, and non-religious head-wear was also banned.
How would you like to go to work in a Primark Suit, Shirt, Tie and shoes?
Some time ago John mason made a statement on just this subject;
"Over the past year in my discussions with trade associations and individual drivers I’m often asked ‘Why does TfL not introduce a dress code for taxi drivers?"
"There appears to be a general and commonly held view within the trade that TfL has a role to play in this respect and that we should perhaps take the lead and introduce a dress code which drivers should abide by".
"At first I didn’t really pay much attention to this suggestion, thinking instead that the last thing drivers would want is for TfL to start checking what they were wearing as well as everything else we already do but as more and more drivers have mentioned it I think it’s worth throwing out for consideration".
"There are plenty of examples of dress codes in place for taxi drivers up and down the country and it would be quite straightforward for us to stipulate what our dress code is. We could provide a very clear policy on this with perhaps suspension of licenses for short periods for drivers who continually break the code".
"At first I didn’t really pay much attention to this suggestion, thinking instead that the last thing drivers would want is for TfL to start checking what they were wearing as well as everything else we already do but as more and more drivers have mentioned it I think it’s worth throwing out for consideration".
"There are plenty of examples of dress codes in place for taxi drivers up and down the country and it would be quite straightforward for us to stipulate what our dress code is. We could provide a very clear policy on this with perhaps suspension of licenses for short periods for drivers who continually break the code".
Well ain't we glad that Silent Bob and Dicky the snail are looking after our interests!
JB
Have St Albans Drivers Shown Us The Way To Go....From The BBC on Line
There were chaotic scenes in St Albans as taxi drivers went on strike over what they view as over-zealous parking enforcement.
Frustrations were heightened on Thursday afternoon when fifteen tickets were issued to taxis parked on the rank in St Peter’s Street.
The drivers subsequently stopped work and began a ‘go-slow’ protest through the city centre. The drivers said why they took the action:
“There are a lot of taxis operating in St Albans and not enough parking spaces to accommodate all the drivers. “The Council wants the drivers to drive around until there’s a free space on the rank, but that’s just not feasible, we can’t work that way,” explained one of the drivers.
After a meeting between taxi driver representative Mohammed Khan and the Chief Executive of St Albans District Council, the parking tickets were rescinded.
Steve Deakin, Parking Contract Manager at St Albans City and District Council, said in statement: “It is difficult to manage the taxi rank in St Peter’s Street, St Albans, safely with the number of taxis that need to use it. Owing to a misunderstanding, the civil enforcement officers have issued tickets to taxis using the rank.
“We have agreed to work with the taxi drivers on how to make the taxi rank work better and to agree alternative places for them to wait within the city centre area. In the meantime, we are continuing with arrangements that were in place up until now.
“We have agreed not to enforce the tickets that were issued today and the taxi drivers have agreed that they will help the civil enforcement officers ensure that the taxi rank operates safely. We are very pleased that the taxi drivers are working as usual and look forward to our discussions in the future.”
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