TfL/LTPH Week... By Thomas the Taxi.

In July 2005 the London Assembly was asked to investigate the performance of the Public Carriage Office since becoming part of Transport for London. 

Fair play for London's taxi services 
(In true STaN agenda spirit, London's Private hire and Licensed Hackney Carriage Taxis, being to be referred to as London's Taxi services by the GLA) 27 JULY 2005

Question: Does the Public Carriage Office help London’s cab drivers deliver a safe and efficient service for the many thousands of passengers who rely on taxis to get around the city every day?

This question will be addressed by a new London Assembly investigation into the performance of the Public Carriage Office (PCO) since it became part of Transport for London in 2000.
The London Assembly’s Transport Committee has given the go ahead for the study to examine the impact of new fare pricing policies on both customers and taxi drivers since the introduction of increased night time and weekend tariffs.

It will also look at the PCO’s requirements for the licensing of traditional Black Cab taxis and Licensed Minicabs and assess the effectiveness of new regulations to reduce emissions, as part of the Mayor’s strategy to establish a Low Emission Zone in the capital.

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Peter Hulme Cross

In November 2005 Peter Hulme Cross released his report “Where to Guv”.

In his first report, Peter clearly differentiates between Taxis and private hire and gives a number of recommendations.

But since the first report, it’s very clear that TfL have constantly twisted the objectives of the recommendations made, in a clear bid towards harmonisation of the two industries.

Peter main recommendation in 2005, based on the assumption that marshaled ranks would be for the licensed Taxi trade was; 
That the PCO undertake research in liaison with trade organisations on where further marshaled ranks could be implemented.

Earlier in 2005, TfL's surface transport committee, had discussed the merits of a marshaled taxi rank at Kingston Station. Peter was led to believe this would be for the benefit of suburban Licensed Taxi drivers (Yellow Badges). 

But after Peters report was published, TfL along with the help of the LTDA, set up a private hire marshaled rank on the forecourt of Kingston station and the licensed Taxis were evicted.


Why Did the LTDA agree to replace the License Taxi drivers they represent, with Private hire?

It is alleged, the LTDA's involvement was to secure a marshaling contract at the station. But one of their committee resigned, formed his own marshaling company and undercut the LTDA's tender.

A subsequent Private hire rank was also agreed by the LTDA to replace the licensed Taxi rank at Sutton. Both Richard Masset and Steve Howard of the LTDA turned up and gave their blessing at a public meeting, which was held to discuss the setting up of the marshaled PH rank. 
After the local suburban drivers pointed out to the police that it is illegal for private hire cars to stand and wait to be hired in view of the public, (Hunt-v-Morgan) the police refused permission for the rank.

It is this report by Mr Hulme Cross, that has been used as a manual for setting up so called satellite offices all across central London.

These offices could not function without cars illegally forming ranks outside which are fed by staff operating illegally on the pavement.


The Hackney Carriage contravention of illegally plying for hire by Private hire vehicles, has not been enforced by TfL, LTPH or the Police since 2003. WHY?

Most satellite office licenses should never have been issued. 

We have seen 24 hour ticket kiosks, 24 hour supermarkets and in some parts just a flashing light on a wall with a clipboard Johnny standing underneath, all given satellite office status. Lines of PHV's licensed by TfL form illegal ranks, parked on double yellow lines, 24 hour bus lanes and in some case they even park on licensed Taxi ranks. Every one of these vehicles is illegally plying for hire, but LTPH and the Police turn a blind eye. WHY? 
See Video Click Here

The way TfL/LTPH have carried out the licensing of satellite offices has also added to the huge number of rapes and serious sexual assaults as the majority of journeys from these centres are unrecorded.

It seems strange that after the LTDA were instrumental in setting up basically the first Private Hire Rank, its General Secretary Mr Bob Oddy, suddenly gets seconded on to the board of TfL.

• The LTDA should challenge all marshaled private hire ranks as they are illegal. They chose not to!
• The LTDA should be challenging Satellite office licenses, where legal operation within TfL's guild lines is impossible. They chose not to! 
• The LTDA should have gone back to court in 2003 after the Bug Bugs case to clear up the illegality of PHV's plying for hire. They chose not to. 
• Bob Oddy should be representing the whole of London's Licensed Taxi trade on the board of TfL. He chooses not to!

Also see Legal Requirements, Following the Correct Procedure.

We need a Judicial Review to examine the actions of TfL/LTPH and we need it now. 


Find out everything you need to know about a Judicial Review

Remember Remember the 9th of November, 4 pm Trafalgar Square. 


We have been informed that the Demonstration in Trafalgar Square will be supported by the LCDC and the RMT.

The Peoples Pledge 2 ... by Wongo.

I have just signed up to the People's Pledge, a new campaign that will force MPs to give us a referendum on our relationship with the EU.

The People's Pledge is supported by people with a wide range of views on the EU: those who are enthusiastic about British membership, those who are sceptical and those who actively seek to leave the EU. The campaign is cross party too, with supporters from all the main political parties.

Please add your name to theirs.

Go to http://www.peoplespledge.org/ and sign up to add your name to others in your constituency who want their MP to support a referendum on our EU membership. You will also be able to see whether your MP has yet pledged their support for a referendum, along with details of how they voted on every major EU-related issue over the last few years.

Remember, many MPs have majorities of just a few hundred votes, so every person that signs the People's Pledge WILL make a difference.

On Twitter @PeoplesPledgeEU

On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/peoples.pledge

The Tale of the Woodford Waffler

Travis B Writes:

The tale of the Woodford Waffler

Peter J Rose at Charing Cross Road Rank

The latest edition of CTN contains another article from Mr Peter Rose who has undertaken yet another visit to South Woodford with the 'all action' Deputy Director of LTPH Ms. Helen Chapman.

They both went out east a year ago to look at the problems of touting and general ignoring of the rules by the PH satellite offices and the inherent risks to public safety, after that visit promises were made by TfL/TOCU etc. about robust action etc. etc.

Well Peter, we could have saved you the trouble of a night off the cab and told you that Surprise! Surprise! NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE AND THINGS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME.

The article goes on at length about venues, meaningless pre bookings etc. etc. all things we know Ad Nauseum

Well Peter, as you and every other cab driver witnesses, this is now commonplace throughout our once great city every night of the week without any meaningful will to enforce the law by those paid BY US to protect us and the travelling public.

LTPH sent a letter to a PH operator who denies getting it because TfL cannot fund £1.00 for a Recorded Delivery, Peter, PH & LTPH are laughing at us!!!!!!

Of course, It's all part of the STaN agenda that you once wrote about and now seemingly seem not to even remember, still none of us are getting any younger are we? but we are all certainly getting poorer due to LTPH's indolence.

You then told us what strong action that once great Cab Trade Union UNITE are going to take this on, oh, sorry you didn't!!!!

Maybe your 'colleagues' at the LTDA should appoint another PH rank, like the one at Kingston station or the LCDC drag Ms. Chapman out for another fish supper and another bout of indigestion, that will sort it!

Maybe another call to a radio talk show or a strongly worded e mail? That really will scare them Sh**less at LTPH.

To Peter and all those left in UNITE and others in UTG organisations, clear the bulls**t from your eyes, enough of talks that quite obviously get you nowhere, get involved in some real action.

See you at Trafalgar Square?

Expose the lies, broken promises and incompetence.

STAND TALL!

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Editorial Comment

After many complaints from Taxi drivers about the actions of Private hire drivers at Grosvenor House Hotel Park Lane,

LTPH sent TfL enforcement officers to???

·        Move on the offending PHV’s?

·        Check their details to make sure they were pukka?

·        Report PHV drivers who did not have correct insurance?

·        Arrest PHV drivers that did not have a pre booking (e.g. touting)?

In your dreams they did!!!

TfL/STC Enforcement have turned up for the last two nights at Grosvenor House and victimised Taxi drivers by doing a couple of hours Badge and Bill check. Then as they leave they take registrations of Taxis for over ranking (Tickets in the post).

Not once did they insist the PHV’s illegally parked on double yellow lines move on!!

Not once did they move on the Addison Lee vans that were (at one point) double parked on the Licensed Taxi Rank!!!

Last night, I was told by a customer that Addison Lee had told his companion to find an Addi Lee Van on point of the Taxi Rank outside in Park Lane. The customer asked me if they were now Taxis.

Hendy, Mason and Chapman, are terrified of taking on Griffin who constantly flouts the Hackney Carriage Laws and the Criminal Justice and public order act 1994.

We need a public enquiry to find out why the victimisation of the Taxi trade continues unabated year after year.

WE need proper enforcement from LTPH/TfL and we need it now.

Be There on the 9th November

Be at the Square!

CityFleet Networks Limited Win Taxi Card Contract.....Is Com Cab Sleeping with the Enemy?. By Jason Byrne.

London Councils has awarded a three year contract for the administration of the Taxicard scheme which has saved boroughs more than £1.8million.

Taxicard allows people who have serious mobility impairment which makes it difficult for them to travel on public transport, to make journeys in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

City Fleet, advertising Taxis and Minicabs harmonised together

Following a tendering process, members of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee have approved the letting of the contract to CityFleet Networks Limited. The company will take calls from Taxicard holders across London to book journeys 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They will also provide vehicles with wheelchair access when required.

The contract will run from 1 April 2012 for three years with the option to extend it for up to three further one year periods. The £1.8million saving is split 45/55 per cent between boroughs/Transport for London and Taxicard holders.

Thirty-two London local authorities run a Taxicard scheme in their area. Taxicard is funded by boroughs and Transport for London. London Councils administers the scheme on behalf of the boroughs.

There are a total of 98,000 Taxicard holders in London who are predicted to make more than 1.5million trips on 2011/12.

Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West said: “Taxicard has given people who find it very difficult to use public transport freedom and independence. Without it, many would of them not go out as much as they do.”

 “This single, London-wide contract has saved boroughs a substantial amount of money.”

Editorial Comment:

Although London's Licensed Taxis Trade is 100% wheelchair accessible and as City fleet own a London Taxi radio circuit (Com-Cab), It is alleged that holders of Taxi card are amazed how often cars are dispatched to inappropriate pick ups.

Apparently Westminster City Council runs its own scheme as they were unhappy with the service offered by Com-Cab.

We asked Bob Oddy, a none executive director of Com-Cab why so many cars are dispatched in place of London Taxi Cabs, but have received no comment. 

Written Answers to Questions Submitted to the Mayor by Caroline Pidgeon on behalf of the UCG and the Taxi trade.

The Knowledge

Question No: 2525 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

I believe student taxi drivers are currently experiencing delays in their Knowledge training due to a shortfall in examiners. Can you please update me on this? Is TfL looking to hire more
examiners to rectify these delays?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London did have a shortfall in examiners which led to some delays for knowledge candidates appearance times earlier in 2011. However, following a successful recruitment campaign,
appearance times will be fully within targets by the end of September once the training for the new Knowledge examiners has been completed.

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Safer Travel at Night

Question No: 2526 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

As part of your Safer Travel at Night scheme, I believe TfL has been looking at marshalled private hire pick up points across London. Can you update me on whether this is likely to be introduced and the legal position to enable such an initiative to proceed?

Written response from the Mayor

As part of the Safer Travel at Night initiative TfL has established a number of late night marshalled taxi (black cab) schemes across London.

In addition, TfL has been trialling marshalled late night private hire pick up points in Croydon, Kingston and at The O2. The marshalled private hire pick up point in Croydon was operated on a trial basis in the town centre to provide a safe pick-up point for passengers who had booked a PHV. The scheme in Kingston, meanwhile, uses marshalled minicab booking kiosks and was set up along with a late night marshalled taxi rank to help provide safe travel late at night in the town centre. The scheme at The O2 is operated by The O2 and, along with a late night marshalled taxi rank, operates when there are busy late night events on at The O2.

In determining the suitability of introducing a marshalled private hire pick up point, a number of legal factors need to be taken into consideration and, therefore, each request would be judged on a case by case basis. The requirements for marshalling PHVs are different to marshalling taxis, as all private hire journeys must be booked with a TfL licensed private hire operator. Private hire bookings cannot be accepted on the street and bookings must be made inside the premises licensed by TfL.

There are no plans to introduce additional marshalled private hire pick-up points at this time as TfL does not have funding available for new schemes. However, TfL will continue to advise and assist boroughs in developing their own late night travel schemes in order to help the public get home safely.

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Private Hire Vehicles (1)

Question No: 2527 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

I recently witnessed many licensed private hire vehicles in London with blacked out or tinted windows, meaning you can barely make out the licence disc. Given that the TfL website states “all licensed private hire vehicles have the distinctive TfL licence disc in the front and rear windscreen,” will you review the use of blacked out and tinted vehicles in licensed private hire vehicles?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London has recently undertaken a public consultation on a number of private hire matters and it is clear that the current vehicle signage arrangements need to be revised as the existing system of the licence disk and the separate stickers for red route enforcement purposes cause confusion.

The outcome of the consultation has just been announced and TfL will now work with the private hire trade and the police to design a new type of consolidated vehicle signage which will be introduced from 2013 or sooner if possible. Any new design will take into account the need for signage to be clearly visible.

Having considered all of the responses to the consultation, there are no plans to change the conditions regarding tinted windows in private hire vehicles.

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Private Hire Vehicles (2)

Question No: 2528 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

I believe there are around 23,000 licensed private hire operators and around 45,000 licensed private hire vehicles. Please can you provide figures for how many of these vehicles belong to operators and how many do not?

Written response from the Mayor

All private hire vehicles must be licensed by Transport for London but vehicles can be owned by a licensed private hire operator, licensed private hire driver or by one of the fleet operators who rent licensed vehicles to drivers and / or operators. TfL does not have figures for the number of licensed private hire vehicles owned by operators, drivers or fleets operators but at present there are approximately 3,100 licensed private hire operators, 62,000 licensed private hire drivers and 51,000 licensed private hire vehicles.

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Private Hire Vehicles (3)

Question No: 2529 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

Whilst I support your stance on enhanced CRB checks for cab drivers, what are you proposing to the Department for Transport on the issue of CRB checks on drivers from overseas with a vague or absent background history?

Written response to the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.*

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Taxi ranks (1)

Question No: 2530 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

Can you explain who is responsible for the maintenance of ‘signs and lines’ and the up keep of Traffic Management Orders to ensure taxi ranks are fit for purpose?

Written response from the Mayor

It is primarily the responsibility of the local borough to maintain ‘signs and lines’ and to ensure the correct Traffic Management Order is in place and appropriately enforced unless the taxi rank or proposed taxi rank is on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) where the responsibility remains with TfL.

TfL’s London Taxi & Private Hire directorate has a team dedicated to dealing with taxi rank matters which includes liaison with the relevant highway authority. If you have any specific concerns, please contact John Mason, Director – Taxi & Private Hire, who would be more than happy to discuss this with you.

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Taxi ranks (2)

Question No: 2531 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

Does TfL pay for the maintenance to all taxi ranks in London? If not, please list which ranks TfL does pay for?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.*

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Taxi ranks (3)

Question No: 2532 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

What processes are in place to ensure all taxi ranks are fit for purpose across London, with the correct Traffic Management Orders, signage and lines?

Written response from the Mayor

When a taxi rank is appointed, TfL liaises with the local borough to encourage maintenance of the rank and to ensure the correct Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) are in place. Historically, there are a number of taxi ranks which do not have a TMO in place and TfL continues to work with the local authorities to improve this situation.

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Pedicab Drivers

Question No: 2533 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

I was pleased to see that you lobbied the Home Office to reconsider the proposed weaker Criminal Records Bureau checks on London’s black cab drivers. In light of this, why do you find it appropriate for pedicab drivers to remain unlicensed with no CRB checks?

Written response from the Mayor

I agree that it is anomalous that the regulatory regime for pedicabs is so different to that for other forms of transport where passengers are carried for hire or reward. However, I do not currently have the powers to regulate or licence pedicabs within London. For pedicabs to be licensed, national legislation would be needed.

The joint London Local Authorities and Transport for London No. 2 Bill, which is currently under consideration by Parliament, includes provision for borough-run voluntary registration schemes for pedicabs. In addition, I do have significant concerns about pedicabs and therefore I have recently asked Transport for London to conduct a review of pedicab use in the Capital, which will include consideration of passenger safety. This will be complete by spring 2012.

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Capped fare schemes to airports for London’s taxis

Question No: 2534 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

Will you look at the recently announced capped fare scheme from The Cumberland Hotel to the airports in London, with a view to rolling this out across London in order to clamp down on the many tourists who are apparently being ripped off by some unscrupulous hotel door staff?

Written response from the Mayor

I welcome and support any scheme that provides the public with value for money and clarity on the price they will pay for their taxi journey. Any activity by unscrupulous doormen which rips off tourists wanting to arrange transport from the hotel is unacceptable and hotels should be taking the strongest possible action against anyone found doing so.

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On-street inspections of black cabs

Question No: 2536 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

Please provide figures for the number of on-street inspections to black cabs which have taken place, per month, since May 2008.

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.*

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On-street inspections of private hire vehicles

Question No: 2537 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

Please provide figures for the number of on-street inspections private hire vehicles which have taken place, per month, since May 2008.

Written response from the Mayor

Since May 2008, approximately 41,500 private hire vehicle inspections have taken place. The table below provides a breakdown from May 2008 to present.

The recent organisational change within Taxi and Private Hire has led to the establishment of a single Compliance Team, with responsibility for all on street licensing matters covering taxi and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators. As part of this process, a flexible prioritisation process for this single team has also been introduced which ensures all available resources can be focused on key issues and activities as required. These changes have also led to the establishment of a dedicated night time Compliance Team of 7 officers, in direct response to concerns from the taxi and private hire trade regarding issues with touting and private hire operations in late night venues.

As a result of the organisational change itself, the need to train up all staff in this single team to undertake vehicle inspections and a focus on private hire operator compliance activity, there has been a reduction in on-street private hire vehicle inspections during the first 5 periods of 2011.

TfL is monitoring the impact of these changes very closely and will increase the level of on street inspections if felt necessary.

Engagement Policy for Associations Representing London Taxi Drivers

Question No: 2538 / 2011 Caroline Pidgeon

The Engagement Policy for Associations Representing London Taxi Drivers states “TfL recognises that there are certain smaller groups of drivers that may have specific issues. In exceptional circumstances TfL will engage with such groups as they feel may be required.” Since the 1st May 2010, please list all occasions where TfL has met with these groups. Please also provide the name of the group.

Written response from the Mayor

I am aware that TfL does indeed engage with many individual and groups of taxi drivers to discuss specific issues. However, this engagement can be in many forms, including telephone discussions, emails or ad-hoc meetings and, as such, no definitive list exists.

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Private hire vehicles in bus lanes

Question No: 2777 / 2011 Murad Qureshi

In answer to MQT 2476/2010 in July last year you advised that TfL were considering whether to allow private hire vehicles in bus lanes and assured me that “A full report and recommendations will be available by the end of the summer”. Admittedly you did not specify which summer, but over a year later I am still waiting for that report. Will it ever be produced?

Written response from the Mayor

The report you refer to is currently in the final stage of being completed and will be available shortly. I have asked TfL to send you a copy as soon as it is ready.

London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No. 2) Bill, Dead in the Water.

The second reading of the Bill has been repeatedly opposed.

 A blocking motion has been tabled which, while it remains in place, will effectively prevent the bill receiving a second reading until a debate is held. No date for a debate has yet been agreed.The table above shows the progress of the Bill and the next date the motion will be taken.

The petitioning periods in both Houses of Parliament have now closed, and there will be no further opportunities to petition against this Bill.

The Bill was opposed in both Houses. In the House of Commons, four petitions against the Bill were lodged. In the House of Lords, three petitions were presented, one of which was subsequently withdrawn.

The Bill (as introduced) empowers London boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) to:

• recover the cost of repairing any damage caused to footpaths or roads by building work being carried out on an adjacent site
• take more effective enforcement action on builders’ skips that are not properly lit and covered when placed on paths or roads
• require any objects placed on pavements or roads to be removed and disposed of to ensure the good management of the highway
• recover from the organisers of large scale public events, like football matches or concerts, the cost of any additional traffic management and street cleaning needed as a result of those events
• enforce road traffic regulations effectively against owners of pedicabs or cycle rickshaws
• establish stiffer penalties for cyclists who put pedestrians at risk by riding on footpaths
• issue penalties to motorists encroaching into the special advanced stopping boxes set aside for cyclists at busy junctions

John Kennedy gives his personal views on the proposed cuts to BBC London radio.

The management of the BBC have decided to slash budgets under the banner of ‘Delivering Quality First‘, as a consequence of the Coalition freezing the licence fee for the term of this parliament – in effect, a cut in real terms due to inflation.

The saddest proposed cuts are the ones that will decimate BBC local radio services across the UK, but especially here in London. The editor of BBC London 94.9 FM is a chap called David Robey, and I’ve always been amazed at the content he’s managed to fit into London’s 24/7 licence-fee-funded radio station. The station hosts shows of general interest but also ensures minority communities get their say. It has always allowed myself and colleagues from the London taxi trade to air our views and opinions, often including grievances with TfL and the Mayor of London.

If these proposals go ahead, the station will lose the overnight show presently hosted by Nikki Bedi who took over after the death of ‘Big George Webley’ (Have I Got News For You theme tune composer). Nikki has brought a new perspective to overnight radio with intelligence, laughter and Indian culture. She’s filled the void left by George remarkably well.

George was a friend, but also a mentor to me. At his vigil, I told those present that the BBC would have a battle on its hands if they sought to destroy local radio. Well the BBC have decided to threaten shows and slots like Robert Elms, Danny Baker, nearly all the sports coverage and the late show which JoAnne Good presents. Tune in and you’ll hear new bands, young energetic talent and the UK’s only radio show dedicated to dogs on Thursday evenings.

I’m saddened that the management of the Corporation can’t hear the voices of people who rely on radio, people who are elderly, infirm and those of us who are working late at night in taxi-cabs, hospitals, emergency services or simply stacking shelves.

So next Friday at 6pm (28 October) some of us will return to Portland Place outside Broadcasting House and demonstrate our disgust at a budget cut of 25% that will destroy BBC London 94.9 FM.

If you can attend please do – bring a torch and wrap up warm. We have a blog www.savebbclondon949.blogspot.com or join the facebook community Save BBC Radio London & tweet@savelocalradio you can help by contacting the BBC Trust and asking them to reverse this sad decision at www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust. You have a few more weeks to get involved in the consultation.

The BBC has an annual revenue stream of nearly £5 billion. Are the management so celebrity obsessed that they can’t protect the crown that holds the jewels that is BBC radio broadcasting.

By John Kennedy