The Badge Issue 216 February 2014

The voice of the taxi trade’s only independent organisation Issue 216 February 2014 INSIDENOT GOODENOUGH! IS THE FUTURE GREEN? PAGES 4&5 NEWSCommissioner DIAL-A-CAB UPHendy snubs FOR AUCTIONthe Cab Trade PAGE 7EXCLUSIVE Full story on page 3 NEWS LONDONERS AND THE MET PAGE 19

2 Issue 216 - February 2014 Editorial Published by Grant Davis Many drivers seem to think that good to see that motor The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. just because they have manufacturers still believe there MAY I start by wishing all completed the Knowledge they is a future to be had in our trade. Unit A 303.2, drivers out there a very happy have a job for life - well the truth First Nissan, then followed by Tower Bridge Business Complex and prosperous 2014. is nobody has a guaranteed job LTC, Metro cab and Karsan all Tower Point, 100 Clements Road Despite all the Government’s for life anymore. launching their new modern Southwark, London SE16 4DG reassurances that the economy As self-employed business designs to be the future London has finally turned around, the people we need to be more Taxi. Telephone: 020 7232 0676 levels of work on the streets of proactive in helping to protect The technology of these taxis of the capital do not as yet back up our living. the future look very exciting but E-mail for membership enquiries: these statements. There are many challenges they also carry a hefty price tag. E-mail: [email protected] ahead and many battles the Whilst we support in principle Web: lcdcorg.wordpress.com DOOM AND GLOOM trade must fight to enable us to the ideals set out by the Mayor, During the course of my working survive as an industry, so the we feel it is high time the Mayor Editor: Grant Davis week I stop to eat in many of the majority of drivers out there who backed us like his other transport capital’s taxi watering holes. do not support ANY trade projects with some hard cash for The Badge is distributed free to the Often, I get told by drivers that organisation and tell me they this to become a reality. Licensed London Cab Trade. the news in The Badge is just “Don’t do politics” had better too depressing to read. wake up fast before the job weFor advertising enquiries please contact the office on It is the easiest thing in the all know and love becomes a 020 7394 5553 or E-mail: [email protected] world to hide one’s head in the thing of the past. If we don’t care sand and pretend everything is about our future, why should All advertising in The Badge is accepted under our fine and rosy, but deep down we anyone else? terms and conditions. These are available all know that the trade is not in at the LCDC office. good shape and has been in HYBRID TAXIS decline over the last decade. On a more positive note it was Before entering into any commitment, financial or otherwise, always remember to seek professional advice. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarity those fo the Editor or of the Management Committee of the London Cab Driver’s Club. Contributions for publication are welcomed and should be sent to the Editor at the above address. The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd.

Issue 216 - February 2014 3Commissioner Hendysnubs the Cab tradeAs you may have read in the last edition of The Badge, even be bothered to acknowledge our letter, never mind reply to it,back in December the LCDC wrote to Commissioner Sir speaks volumes.Peter Hendy outlining our deep concerns about the rapid Instead we received an email some six weeks later from Garrettimplementation of the new Surface Integration Programme Emmerson, (see below), who has already illustrated to us not only aand also the serious lack of any consultation with the complete lack of knowledge as to how our trade operates, eventrade. worse he has shown a complete lack of understanding regarding If there was any doubt just how low a priority the licensed taxi trade TFL’s “Corporate Governance Code Of Conduct” (see Novemberhas now become to TFL the fact that the Commissioner could not edition of The Badge). What chance do we have?E-mail response from Garrett EmmersonDear Grant Secondly, we strongly agree with you that compliance and enforcement are extremely important, which is why we haveThank you for your letter to Sir Peter Hendy regarding our created a new directorate, Enforcement and On StreetSurface Integration Programme (SIP), which I am responding to Operations, to deal specially with this area.on his behalf. Thirdly, you discussed the primacy of the Knowledge. I canIn your letter (attached) you provided a summary of outcomes assure you that there are no plans to change this importantwhich the London Cab Drivers Club consider central to the feature of the London taxi trade.future viability of the Cab trade. I address each of those pointsbelow. Finally, you sought reassurance that we would continue the self-financing nature of the licensed taxi trade and wouldFirstly, you raised the idea of creating a separate directorate maintain the quarterly meetings between TfL and the licensedwithin TfL to deal exclusively with the taxi trade. As you know, taxi trade representative bodies. I can confirm that we willwe have no plans for there to be a separate taxi directorate continue with both of these. Indeed, our next meeting is on 4within TfL, although Taxi and Private Hire will continue to be a February. I look forward to seeing you then, when we canseparate unit within the Service Operations directorate at TfL. discuss these and any other points you may wish to raise inHowever, we would like to offer the trade the opportunity to have more detail.a member of staff who would work exclusively on taxi issues. Ihope this is something we could discuss at the upcoming Yours sincerelyCabbies Cabinet meeting. Garrett Emmerson Chief Operating Officer - Surface TransportLCDC comment Since the an utter disaster. At the time of the way forward for the trade is In the last four years we have introduction of going to press TFL have still not for us to create a separate gone from Penton Street with our SIPS back in employed a Head of this directorate within TFL to deal own Head, and dedicated staff September Directorate, which proves to us exclusively with the licensed taxi dealing with the Knowledge, 2013 all our what we have known all along trade, staffed with dedicated and licensing and everything else worse fears at and that the position is a poison trained personal emphasising the within our industry. The way we’re the LCDC chalice and whoever takes on the role of compliance and going we will soon be operating have been role will be on a hiding to nothing. enforcement. out of a broom cupboard!confirmed. Being pushed into the The Directorate is far too big for This is NOT acceptable to thenew Surface Transport one person to oversee, and the As you can see from the above trade and if we have to go backProgramme which saw us being service which we can expect in email from Garrett Emmerson, all on the streets to demonstrate ourlumped in with Congestion the future from TFL will be TFL is willing to offer the trade is frustration with how we are beingCharging, Dial-a-Ride, cycle hire, unacceptable to the trade. the opportunity for us to have a treatedRiver services and Victoria As we outlined in the last edition “member of staff who would workCoach Station has proven to be of The Badge we at the Club feel exclusively with taxi issues”. SO BE IT! [email protected]

4 Issue 216 - February 2014 IS THE FUTULONDON TAXI COMPANY SHOWSPLUG-IN HYBRID BLACK CABThe London Taxi Company has Approved Black Cab and London ‘Geely’s investment has allowed the ground up to be a Londonshown the first image of its Conditions of Fitness. It offers a us to do what we do best; create Taxi and will be robust andplug-in hybrid London Taxi, due 25ft turning circle, will have a five- purpose-built vehicles. It’s not a durable in order to survive theto launch globally from 2018. star Euro NCAP rating and seats van conversion; it’s designed from demanding taxi duty cycle.’ Part of Chinese manufacturing six passengers in the back.giant Geely, which also owns Details about running costs andVolvo, the company has the drivetrain used have not beendeveloped a purpose-built taxi announced as yet.cab which can be driven using Vice-President of UK Operations,electricity, but has a conventional Peter Johansen, said: ‘Givenengine to extend the range as Geely’s green credentials andnecessary. their commitment to invest £200m It meets London Mayor Boris in green taxi technology over theJohnson’s requirement that all next five years, coupled with ourtaxis licensed from January 2018 own extensive experience andmust be capable of driving using enviable heritage, we feelelectricity, and was shown comfortable that we will providealongside Nissan’s fully electric e- London with an environmentally-NV200-based taxi and Ecotive’s sound Black Cab, which can meetrange-extended Metrocab at an the future air quality demands ofevent held at London's City Hall. our capital city, whilst also The platform is purpose-built for delivering a vehicle which isuse as a taxi and meets the recognised by the general publicEuropean Whole Vehicle Type as a taxi. NISSAN LONDON TAXIS TO BE BUILT IN COVENTRYA new London taxi, designed by models are set to be produced from ADV plant in Coventry for final pledged an £80m investment in theNissan, is to be built in Coventry, December, with an electric version assembly. research and production of the newthe company has said. expected to be launched in 2015. Tim Martin, Managing Director of TX5 model, initially with a hybrid The cabs will be assembled by ADV Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer ADV said it was \"great news\" for the engine, and expects to launch anManufacturing at a new plant as part and Executive Vice President of company and the city, and would electric version in 2018.of a £6m joint investment by the firms. Nissan, revealed the news as part of \"underpin sustainable jobs at ADV for Warwick Business School's Dr ADV said it was already taking on his address to students at Coventry many years\". Christian Stadler, an expert in themore engineers and other staff, and University on Tuesday in a lecture on Nissan's new London taxi motoring sector, said he expectedwould be expanding its production the future of motoring. An all-electric version of Nissan's taxi Nissan to have a big impact on theteam. The vehicle will be shipped from is set to be launched next year market. The first 1.6 litre petrol-engine Nissan's factory in Barcelona to the 'Big impact' \"Mercedes have been there for a few Nissan revealed its new designs at years, but not had too big an impact the beginning of the month. on LTC. However, I'm predicting The manufacturer is one of five Nissan's model will be at a lower price developing more environmentally- point - possibly about £30,000 - and friendly cabs for the streets of London. will be a tougher competition for LTC,\" Last week, London Mayor Boris he said. Johnson announced all taxis \"I believe Nissan are planning about operating in the capital would have to 140,000 vehicles a year. That's the be capable of zero emissions from equivalent of all the taxis produced for 2018. London since 1948.\" London Taxi Company (LTC), which He said Nissan's entry into the produces what the mayor described London taxi market was \"potentially as the current \"iconic\" black cab, is troubling\" for LTC, although he said itself developing a greener model at Geely was also planning a global roll- its base in Coventry. out for its vehicles, which should help LTC's Chinese owner Geely has protect the firm.www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 216 - February 2014 5URE GREEN?KARSAN TO CREATE TOMORROW’STAXI – BY LONDON FOR LONDONLondon - 16 January 2014 - Turkish different models were revealed at the body in cooperation with its based on research thoroughness.automotive manufacturer Karsan event, each capturing key aspects of experienced R&D company Hexagon Environmentally friendly, Concept V1has revealed its designs for a new, user research to date: Studio and London’s prestigious is designed to 'accommodate' thefully inclusive London taxi, based Royal College of Art to meet the latest generation electric powertrain toon the iconic Black Cab, at Mayor Zero Emissions aspirations of the driver as well as the achieve zero emission and isof London Boris Johnson’s Zero Concept V1 is designed to needs of the passenger. Karsan’s compliant with conditions of fitnessEmissions London Taxi launch accommodate a state-of-the-art unique engineering and including the 25 feet turning circleevent. electric power pack, as well as a range manufacturing expertise is combined requirement. Revolution, alongside extender version to achieve zero with an in-depth design process evolution!”By London for London… emissions for town-based journeys. Karsan and design engineeringcompany Hexagon Studio is working The Design Teamwith London’s prestigious Royal behind Concept V1College of Art to deliver a bespoke Leading Turkish car manufacturertaxi design for London. Karsan and the design engineering Immediately recognisable worldwide, company Hexagon Studio have beenthe iconic hackney carriage will be working with the Royal College ofupdated for a new generation of Art’s Helen Hamlyn Centre for Designpassengers. Karsan’s all-new (HHCD) and Vehicle DesignConcept V1, with unique styling programme for over a year.themes, not only builds on a great Murat Selek, CEO of Karsan, said:British design heritage but includes a “Building on the heritage of London,number of distinct innovations. Three Karsan has developed the vehicle METRO CAB RETURNS TO THE CAPITAL CITYThe new Metrocab is driven Plug-in charging is also Cycle, this technologically Metrocab represents the cuttingby two independent brushless achieved via any mains outlet efficient taxi offers greater edge of green transportationelectric motors. A small petrol when the taxi is off duty. economic benefits for the driver design.engine, coupled with a Zero-emissions in electric mode and operator. As pollution levels Driven by a 1-litre petrol enginegenerator - the ‘Range and regenerative braking all rise over major cities, coupled with a generator toExtender’ - is used to ensure a low fuel consumption governments are looking to more recharge the battery pack.recharge the battery pack or through the course of the working energy efficient, low emission, Charging is also available viaprovide power directly to the day. modes of transport. any mains electric outlet. Ultramotors. Achieving over 70 mpg on the The new Metrocab boasts an low emissions, improved air Public Carriage Office (PCO) incredible environmental record, quality, reduced noise and exceeding current standards. pollution the new Metrocab is a Metrocab can operate with zero win win for London emissions, giving it a range of well over 50 miles on its battery Metrocab Chairman Sir Charles pack only. Maesfield says: In its Range Extender low- “ The all-new Range Extended emission mode, the new Metrocab has been in Metrocab produces less than development since the mid-200s 50g/KM of CO2 – significantly with several prototypes built and better than any other vehicle in over a million kilometres of the market. testing. Instantly recognisable as The performance figures entitle an iconic London Hackney Cab Metrocab owners to a wide range with a panoramic glass roof for of tax breaks and government views of the city, our new all- grants. British London cab offers, for no The purpose built all new Range price premium, completely new Extended Electric ( REE ) levels of economy, emissions and [email protected]



Issue 216 - February 2014 7 Walker on the March....FOR SALE – RADIO CIRCUIT, ONE CAREFUL OWNERDAC members have received a letter accounts become available some time They should also be wary of anything the success or otherwise of the businessfrom their Board of Management later this month) were almost £13 million, other than a cash offer. Any cash and and so shares instead of cash should be(BOM) informing them of two of which almost £7 million was held in shares offer carries risk. They should also of a much higher value than a simplecompanies possibly interested in cash. Most of the rest of the value is held be careful of any shares that cannot be cash offer.buying the circuit. At this time, the in the freehold property owned by DAC. traded on the open market. When RTG Whatever the offer, members shouldBOM need to establish if there is any de-mutualised, members were awarded remember that the first £10,000 - £12,000interest in selling among the There were approximately 1316 £1100 plus 1,000 shares in the new of any offer is paying for the assets theymembership before they can pursue subscribers. That equates to an asset company that their BOM judged to be already own.the matter any further or release more value of approximately just over £10,000 worth £3 per share (£3,000 per member). Only the amount over that is for thedetails of any possible offer. per member. The shares could only be sold within the goodwill and future profits of the circuit The idea of de-mutualising and selling It should also be noted that DAC’s company and had to be compulsorily sold that they would be selling.DAC reared its head some years back freehold land is valued at the cost price. when a member left the circuit.and despite being recommended by the Its building is being depreciated in value No matter what the intentions of thisBOM almost unanimously, was rejected to nothing over 50 years. Now we all were, the outcome has made share-by the members. The fall-out from that realise that prime, almost-city centre trading a very unfair, buyers’ market.became quite nasty as threats were property increases in value and so the Those £3,000 worth of shares were verymade between individuals, along with real value of the property will likely be in quickly only worth £300, falling to £200expulsions and an eventual court case. excess of its paper valuation in the within two years of trading. Most wereSo, the rest of us should get the popcorn accounts. bought up by a couple of the boardin and sit back and watch with interest. So, when considering any offer, the members who had judged them to be The DAC members should be aware members should be aware that the first originally worth up to fifteen times whatthat the book value of DAC assets, £10,000 - £12,000 of any offer is merely they paid for them.according to the 2013 accounts (latest paying them for the assets they already Even openly trade shares depend on own.BILKED AGAINYou’d think I’d know better at my age and I said that if he could not get the Plod A must have got a rollicking still probationary, had made mistakes onbut I still fall for one now and again. dosh from her, then I wanted her nicked. I because he texted me soon after and this case, would make more on futureOn a mid-week evening shift in early asked him if he wanted a statement and spoke to me for the very first time the day cases until he gained some experience.November, I’m trawling along Earls Ct he said no. I asked for an incident after that, still claiming that I had told him The custody officer had failed to get anRd and hailed by a 30-ish, number and he said not to worry as he that I wished to take it through the civil address before releasing her. Plod D,respectably-dressed woman who had my details. There was now £60 on courts. I explained to him carefully that who told me why the case had beenturns out to be a Greek called Maria, the clock. this was actually the first time he and I closed had nothing to do with the casewho wants to go to Harrow. A few days later I received two letters had actually spoken as I had spoken to and didn’t know what was going on and I know what you’re all thinking – get informing me that the crime I had been his partner, Plod B, on the night and he had only skimmed the case notes.some wedge up front. Honestly though, a victim of was being dealt with. After had not bothered to contact me Skimmed or not, I fail to see how heshe gave no reason for doubt. However, two weeks of silence I phoned and afterwards. could have made any mistake about myby the time we get to Harrow, she is so spoke to Plod C who informed me that Anyway, he says, though not in so many non-existent phone calls that dropped themonged, she can’t remember where she the case had been closed but was not words, sorry mate, you’ve done your charges.lives. I agree to drop her at the station sure why. Plod C promised that Plod A dough! This is where it turns into a West I got the impression that Sgt Plod maywhere I get the good news that she had would call me within three days to End farce; or keystone cops, take your have thrown a few teacups around theno cash. My machine declines her cards explain. pick. Maria turns out to now be a fugitive canteen. I still think I was being lied to byand I refuse to let her out of the cab to Two weeks without a sniff from Plod A on the run over this £60! Her employer several plod. I still think that Plod A wentuse an ATM “around the corner”. and I ring again, getting through to Plod supposedly found out about her being a bit far hand-cuffing the woman and that While trying to find a police station, we D, who informs me that the case had nicked and had had problems with her was the reason for release withouthappened across a patrol car containing been closed because I had supposedly previously over her drinking and sacked charge. I could take it further but I doubtPlod A and B. They had no more luck phoned Plod A on this same morning and her. She had been a live-in au pair and that Maria will try this with another cabthan me in trying for a name and 10 days previously to inform him that I did so left with no forwarding address and so driver and also that Plod A will not treat aaddress, nor find it in any of her not wish to pursue the matter through the Plod A was unable to locate her. bilk so lightly againpossessions. She admitted it was civil courts. Worse still, Plod A had “heard” that shepointless going to an ATM and I tried one Quite how I would have done this was planning to leave the country, if sheof her cards in front of Plod B, while Plod without a name and address for the had not already done so. There’s stillA was getting increasingly frustrated at bilker, nobody seemed to know. Plod D hope though, he says. He is placing aher inability to give her address. She was says this is serious, needs investigation border watch on her. If she tries to leavenot being aggressive or abusive but just and that Sgt Plod will phone me. the country, customs will nab her andincapable of helping the situation. Plod A Sgt Plod phoned me the following day, Plod will get his man (woman).asked one more time for an address, with suggesting there had been a A border watch for a £60 crime? Yeah,an appropriate warning and then arrested “communication breakdown”. He asked if right! So anyway, then Goldilocks goesand hand-cuffed her and led her to the Plod A could recover the £60, would this downstairs, etc.patrol car. I was quite shocked as she satisfy me. I said yes, so long as she I made a complaint to the PCC and thatwould have gone to the police station would be nicked if she didn’t pay. He said drew another call from Sgt Plod. He atwithout any fuss. that was the case and that Plod A would least admitted now that it had been a Plod B asked me what I wanted to do keep in touch with me. balls-up from start to finish. Plod A was [email protected]



Issue 216 - February 2014 9TfL bosses get private Thames cablehealth care perk for car takings 35their children... until per cent lowerthe age of twenty five than predictedTransport for London was accused programme, which are to be funded in part Transport for London Boris Johnson today facedof dishing out “another outrageous by a major ticket office closure operation. pressure to overhaul Thamesperk” today after it emerged the is not new and is in line with the schemes cable car ticketing “urgently” aschildren of its top bosses were The latest benefit, thought to be the only offered by other organisations. it emerged that the project facesentitled to free private medical one to include dependents, was revealed in a financial black hole.insurance up to the age of 25. this month’s TfL proposals for senior staff \"We must recruit and retain high quality Transport for London figures revealed London farepayers are paying tens of remuneration. It comes as it emerged that staff to deliver 27 million journeys a day and that income from fares in the secondthousands of pounds to provide the benefit one in four young adults are still living with one of the world’s most ambitious quarter of the 2013/14 financial yearto senior staff, their partners and children, their parents as a result of high rents and programmes of transport investment. This was 35 per cent lower than predicted.even though Boris Johnson’s transport body difficulties getting on the housing ladder. taxable benefit is a conventional element of The Mayor’s transport body hadhas vowed that every penny goes on the reward packages in the transport, assumed the £60million link wouldfront line. More than 3.3 million people aged between infrastructure and construction sectors where raise £8.3million in tickets - but it took It means the offspring of the seven 20 and 34 across the country had not left we have to compete for the high calibre £5.4 million.highest-paid executives at TfL get free home last year, the Office for National people required to deliver on this scale. Even though operating costs werehealthcare up to 21 while potentially holding Statistics reported. £400,000 lower than expected, thedown a lucrative career of their own, or 25 if \"The total remuneration packages of our cable car was still £2.5million short ofin full-time education. Richard Tracey, Tory London Assembly Chief Officers are actually far lower than TfL’s budget predictions. A Freedom of Information request last May transport spokesman, said: “I had to check it other companies in these sectors.” TfL insisted the cable car was notfound that the perk had cost £50,000 since wasn’t April 1st. This is yet another Courtesy of making an operating loss. But without2009 but that figure is now likely to be much outrageous perk. The London Evening Standard its £3.6million quarterly sponsorshiphigher. from Emirates Airlines, its finances TfL bosses have come under fire in recent “It is quite right that TfL is working hard to would have been much tighter.months over their huge salaries, pensions, save money by measures such as closing Green Assembly member Darrenbenefits including free travel for their underused ticket offices. However that Johnson said: “Including the cable carpartners, as well as thousands of pounds of makes it all the more bizarre that there are in the Oyster pay-as-you-go cap,expenses claims on taxis, trains, magazines people at TfL who are finding new ways to freedom passes and travelcards wouldand meals. waste money by subsidising the healthcare make it more affordable.” At the same time the body is facing cuts of of the partners and children of senior, very TfL’s cable car chief Danny Price said:£220 million a year over the next ten years well paid employees. “Passenger numbers do fluctuate…as a result of the Chancellor’s austerity however overall numbers this year are “Indeed the public may well ask why in line with our forecasts.” taxpayers should be paying for public sector workers to receive private healthcare at all.” JOIN TODAY A TFL spokesman said: “This benefit, including the criteria applied to dependents, 0207 3945553London mayor’s £30m for garden bridge draws criticism ©Arup [email protected] James PickfordThomas Heatherwick's design for a gardenbridge spanning the Thames from Templeto Gabriel's Wharf in the heart of thecapital's South Bank arts district has beenunveiled. Boris Johnson has agreed to put £30m towardsconstruction of a garden bridge across theThames, sparking criticism that the public moneywould be better spent on conventional rivercrossings east of Tower Bridge. Transport for London said last year it expectedconstruction costs for the proposed footbridgebetween Temple and the South Bank to becovered by “third-party funding”, adding that nomoney had been allocated to the project in itsbusiness plan.

10 Issue 216 - February 2014Keima Paytoncomes up trumpsDanny Sullivan think the officer had a bad day as PAYTON’S he argued with me when I SOLICITORS- L.C.D.C questioned him on his ability see round corners. It does annoy me 9 – 13Committee Member how they think drivers will take the CURSITOR STREET fine and the points on the chin LONDON, EC4A 1LLI would like to thank the LCDC rather than go to court.and their inhouse solicitor Having denied this accusation I We at the LCDC don’t often bang our own drum when it comes to helping ourKeima Payton. helped Keima compile a dossier on members with their legal troubles. A lot of the cases which come our way withBack in October 2013 I was the junction and the phasing of the members are quite sensitive and we respect their wishes to keep things in house andaccused of jumping the lights lights at the junction. out of the paper which I can fully appreciate.by a police officer whilst The case went to court attravelling eastbound on Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court in However, not only do Payton’s Solicitors offer our members a 24 Hour DutyPiccadilly. January this year and I’m pleased Solicitor 365 days a year, but since getting involved with the Club, our solicitor When accused I was quite to report it was thrown out of court Keima Payton has the distinction of having a 100% success rate in all her cases whichshocked by what the policeman whilst I was in attendance. she has handled on behalf of the Club’s members.had said, as he was waiting at the Again I would like to thank Keimalights on Old Bond St and had no and her team for their great work. Keima Payton has a fearsome reputation in court and should ever the need arise youvision of the lights on Piccadilly. I There are many drivers out there will find no one better able to fight your corner and save your Badge than Keima. who do not belong to any trade organisations - for the sake of 50p - Grant Davis, LCDC Chairman a day! You too can be covered and not Tel: 0207 405 1999 / FAX: 0207 405 1991 be thousands out of pocket, and represented by the LCDC, as you never know when you may need this service, whether it be at court or at Ltph with the threat of losing your Bill.

Issue 216 - February 2014 11 Alan’s AngleTaxis targeted at Smithfield MarketThe City of London have stepped up No camera car visits Leadenhall Street Camera car obviously doesn’t visit here either, Addison Lee rankingtheir campaign of attacking the Black at New Street SquareCab trade by now issuing PCNs to all So is that all it takes for the COL to enforcetaxis parked in the loading bays at parking in the square mile - a request? Well on Thursday and Fridays. I did ask her if she market. I’m aware of the tactics that areSmithfield Market. it does seem funny, considering that as a could direct her camera van up and down being used by the drivers to avoid a PCN They have now adopted a style of issuing trade we have been complaining about Leadenhall St and then try getting all the being issued - keep up the good work, it’stickets that I have not seen used by any Private Hire being parked up illegally outside Addison Lee vehicles that RANK UP in and becoming a game of cat and mouse. I amother borough in London - they now are the bars and restaurants in the city for years. around New Street Sq. also in the process of writing a letter to theusing their camera car to do a drive past We don’t even see a warden as they are businesses around Smithfield to make themand video all the offending vehicles parked home in bed by seven most nights of the I’ve never seen there to be a problem with aware of what’s going on and that taxisup in the bays and then issue PCNs to all of week with a token gesture of enforcement the parking around Smithfield and if asked frequenting their premises might be driventhem. the drivers would always move to away, thus affecting them financially. This could have major implications for the accommodate the working vehicles of thecafes that we use in and around SmithfieldMarket and I don’t think the COL will showany leniency to any of these businesses ifthey start to struggle. I have spoken to KayEnglish, who is the Traffic Manager from theCity of London Corporation, about why theCOL have taken this very aggressiveapproach to the taxi trade at SmithfieldMarket. She replied: “We have taken thisapproach after the management ofSmithfield Market asked us to enforce thebays”.St Paul’s Consultation begins onChurchyard City’s speed limitcameraDrivers, we are getting more PCNs issued Following a vote by the City’s Court key part of delivering the capital’s wider corridors through the City. These are:to us by parking not on the zig-zags of Common Council last autumn, “Safe Streets for London” road safety plan. • Blackfriars Bridge, New Bridge Street,behind the rank in St Paul’s Churchyard, consultation begins on Tuesday [28but for parking on the footpath to the left January] on the implementation of The creation of more area-wide 20mph Farringdon Street (up to Charterhouseof the rank. the City’s 20mph speed limit. The speed limits was a key recommendation of Street) – which form part of the Mayor’s It's somewhat invisible unless you get out consultation will last at least three the Mayor’s Roads Task Force, helping proposed North-South cycle route.and see it with your own eyes - it kind of weeks. improve safety perceptions andblends in with the cobbles. We are getting The change is part of the City’s Road encouraging pedestrians and cyclists. The • London Bridge, King William Street,drivers calling into the office regularly, saying Danger Reduction Plan and it is estimated proposed scheme covers almost all of the Gracechurch Street, Bishopsgate, Nortonthey feel they have been trapped by this it will add only minutes to journey times Square Mile, and fits with many the Folgate (up to Worship Street) – which willcamera as there are no warning signs to say whilst decreasing casualties by more than surrounding boroughs, which have widely tie in with a pedestrian improvementthat the footpath is there. This must be one of 30 a year; a 10% reduction. It is adopted 20mph speed limits and zones. scheme currently being delivered outsidethe City of London's most productive supported by the Mayor of London, TfL Liverpool Street station.cameras. So please refrain from putting on and the City of London Police and forms a At the same time, TfL will be introducingbehind the rank and running the risk of getting an “experimental traffic order” to set TfL’s trial will last 18 months, duringa PCN. 20mph speed limits on two north-south which time it will gather feedback and We are the easy touch in the City and they monitor the scheme’s merits.know it - it's such a shame they can't put asmuch effort into enforcing the NIGHT SHIFT. Marylebone Station Archway taxi rank There are ongoing works in Harewood A new taxi rank in Junction Road, Avenue resulting in the northbound lane outside Archway Station, has been being closed between Hayes Place and appointed. The rank is operational Harewood Row, but the southbound lane is between 19:00 and 02:00 and is in still open and the taxi rank is still working two portions. as normal. The first portion is for one taxi and the The works are expected to finish by the end of second is for three. March 2014 and following this the road will be The rank is not in a suburban area and reopened. has not been designated as an island rank. [email protected]

12 Issue 216 - February 2014Vortex exhaust system update Cuban Tony says AdiosIn recent months there have been taxis and they are in the process of A London cab driver who is parting Cuban Tony bids farewell to his fairwaymany rumours regarding the testing at Millbrook testing centre. with his taxi, which is painted in theimminent arrival of a new exhaust Unlike the past fiasco with emission colours of the Cuban flag, said week, in the presence of the Cubansystem that can achieve great systems being fitted in taxis, which tonight it was \"like losing part of my ambassador to London, Estherthings for a TX1. required changes to the engines, family\". Armenteros.What is so exciting about the Vortex this system is just an exhaust Tony Caccavone, 70, handed over the Mr Caccavone said afterwards: \"It'ssystem is that once fitted to a TX1 system that takes the fumes vehicle to the island's authorities for it like losing part of my family. It is sad -taxi, the taxi would be able to straight from the engine through to be parked up in a motor museum in it's like a part of me. I still have it forachieve Euro5 emission standard. the exhaust box and Bob’s your Havana - which he says is its ''spiritual now, but can't use it for work - it will beI have contacted Vortex personally uncle, enables a TX1 to reach home''. in a container to Cuba in two to threeto discuss this and they have Euro5. The cab is painted in Cuban colours to weeks. I feel a bit down, and I knowinformed me that at this present I have contacted TFL over these show solidarity with the country in the why it is - it's the departure of this cab.time the system is being fitted onto systems and their reply is below... face of US sanctions and Mr \"The Americans need to realise, Caccavone said: \"It has the fortitude enough is enough, if they would onlyHello Grant, and resilience of the Cuban people. It's drop this embargo, it would change the done just under 400,000 miles - all that whole world.\"I’m afraid that I am going to have to disappoint you. mileage promoting Cuba.\" Mr Caccavone has no plans to retire. The cabbie, who was born in Camden, \"I will eventually get a second handThis company has not applied to TfL for approval of this system, we have no but now lives in Enfield, north London, white cab, and its livery will be from theinformation regarding the system or verification or otherwise as to its performance bought and painted the vehicle in 1997, Music Fund for Cuba, that's ain reducing emissions to the Euro 5 standard. It is not approved for use on after Canadian tourists recommended registered charity.\"London taxis. Cuba to him as a place to visit. Mr Caccavone - known as ''CubanWe have been getting a lot of queries regarding this system but when I contacted Tony'' - said he was ''very angry at thethe company itself recently I was informed that they are not marketing this system struggles of the Cuban people'', andto the taxi trade. when he came back he bought a white cab and had the flag sprayed on it.Perhaps you are being given the wrong information? The taxi driver has been promoting the cause ever since, and the handingRegards Transport for London over of the cab - it is being retired fromAlexander Moffat service - was a sad moment.Vehicle Policy Manager The vehicle had its official send-off atTransport for London - London Taxi and Private Hire Bolivar Hall in central London thisHeart Tests For London Taxi Drivers MONDAY & TUESDAY NIGHT CABBIE SPECIAL WOOD STREET CLINIC £7.95 FISH AND CHIPS The Heart Centre For London Taxi Drivers and a cup of tea. Dine in only Have You Had Heart Problems? King’s Square, off Central Street EC1 Do you need an Exercise Test and / or Echocardiogram (to measure LVEF) for LtpH? We can help with our fast, efficient service and special low rates for London’s taxi drivers We are now providing stress Echocardiography (functional testing) when required. We understand that your living can depend on these testsContact us now onThe Wood Street Clinic133 Wood StreetBarnet, Herts EN5 4BXTelephone : 0208 449 7656www.woodstreetclinic.com [email protected] @WoodStClinic FMeormabllersLCDC£10 offwww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 216 - February 2014 13Are we just a soft touch?Greetings all, and wishing front of Knowledge of London Knowledge students and it is instructions from TfL warning theeveryone a happy and belated examiners, endless points important to remember that this dozens and dozens of minicabsnew year, especially revision, and Blue Book calling unique form of study is quite ranking illegally outside anyKnowledge boys and girls and hours of map studying, are unlike any other apprenticeship night club you care to mention.who I see out on their mopeds all vital ingredients which go to qualification. Why? I as a law-abidingat what is the most difficult make up the apprenticeship Upon completion of the London cabbie fail totime of year regarding known as the Knowledge. Knowledge, one of the many understand why TfL along withweather conditions. But riding a moped around expenses incurred on the way to the local police do not quite London’s busy streets in becoming a licensed London simply arrest these minicab These students who I see out freezing conditions, really takes cabbie is the £299 payable drivers and indeed the touts withduring the winter are the ones guts and determination. I have a every three years for the their illegal satellite offices.who really deserve their badge. real empathy towards cabbie’s licence renewal. What am I supposed to thinkNerve-racking appearances in Which reminds me, as I’m now about the non-action against in my third year, my licence will those who are stealing from be payable in December. This me? seems to be a long way off, but Similarly, the rickshaws in time flies. So what exactly am I Regent Street are causing an getting from Transport for obstruction outside Hamleys - London for my money? Precious what is being done about that? little, evidently. I’ve been asked The answer is nothing. Yet when to present my badge and bill by the London cabbie steps out of inspectors twice, and I have line, the book is being thrown at seen cabbies moved on from him. I want some honest Novikov night club for ranking answers to some honest illegally in Berkeley Street. I questions. Three years on a have also seen many messages moped yet to be treated like this. on Twitter telling cabbies not to Please can we have the over-rank illegally in Waterloo, Metropolitan Police back to Paddington, and Oxford Street. organise and regulate London’s I don’t see any tweets or cabs and minicabs?LCDC COVER SAMPLE SAMPLE RATESExclusive INCLUDING TAXESTravel Cancellation: £5,000Insurance Medical: £10,000,000 EUROPE Baggage: £2000 17 days single trip - £17.96Once again the Clubhave pulled it off. Airline failure CHANNEL ISLESA travel insurance Travel 17 days single trip - £9.24scheme for members & Accommodation failureand their families. Delayed baggage EUROPE FAMILY ANNUAL - £60.75At a price to snap up WORLDWIDE FAMILY ANNUAL - £70.44 PLUS PLUS optional: Optional cover attracts additional premium Winter sports Golf cover Wedding coverFor more information call: 0203 327 0555or Email: [email protected] for full details of rates and cover. Arranged through ASUA LTD. who are authorized and regulated by the FCA No. 308488 www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

14 Issue 216 - February 2014AS AN L.C.D.C COMPLAINTS RANKS The Chairman is a regularMEMBER YOU AND APPEALS AND HIGHWAYS contributor on LBC, RadioWILL RECEIVE: London, and the BBC. As a member of the LCDC, The LCDC attend the Joint We at the Club also 24 HOUR DUTY we will deal with any Ranks committee, working represent the trade at SOLICITOR complaint that has been hard for more ranks and meetings with the Mayor’s EXCLUSIVE TO THE made against you by more access for the taxi Office, TFL, LTPH, CAB TRADE members of the public. trade in London. Corporation Of London, Also we will attend the BAA, and all Local Your 24 Hr duty solicitor LTPH with you on any CAB TRADE ADVICE Authorities in the Capital. hotline membership card. personal appeals that Peace of mind 24 hrs of would affect your licence. All members can call the JUST the day. office for any information £3 per HEATHROW or up to the date news on month FULL LEGAL COVER AIRPORT any trade related subject. REPRESENTATION * £12 per month is tax Our fantastic team of City MEDIA AND deductible Of London based solicitors With our reps at the airport AUTHORITIES and barristers, experts in working hard on the Hackney Carriage and trade’s behalf for a fairer, The LCDC is always the road traffic law. and more safer future first to be called when the at Heathrow. media want the “Cab Trade’s“ reaction. Please complete this form and send it with your application form Application Form (LCDC) Ltd UNIT 303.2 Please complete this form in BLOCK CAPITALS TOWER BRIDGE BUSINESS COMPLEX, TOWER POINT, The subscription rate is £170 per annum. If you are unable to pay in a 100 CLEMENT’S ROAD, SOUTHWARK single payment please make one cheque payable to “The London Cab LONDON, SE16 4DG Drivers’ Club Ltd,” with today’s date, for £56.67, and two post-dated 0207 394 5553 cheques one month apart for £56.67. Standing Order Form Send the completed form to: THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd, UNIT A 303.2Your Bank: ......................................................................................... Tower Bridge Business Complex, Tower Point,Your Bank Address:............................................................................ 100 Clements Road, Southwark, London SE16 4DGPost Code:.......................................................................................... Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:.................... Surname: ...................................... Please pay the sum of £15 NOW and monthly therafter until further notice. First Names:...................................................................................... Please pay the sum of £42.50 NOW and then quarterly thereafter Address: ........................................................................................... until further notice. ............................................... Post Code: ...................................... Badge No: ............................. Shift: ............................................... Quoting Reference No ( ) Telephone No: (with full STC code):................................................ To the account of THE LONDON CAB DRIVERS’ CLUB LTD, I agree to abide by the rules of the Club. I also agree that the above Barclays Bank Bloomsbury & Tottenham Court Road branch, information will be kipt by the LCDC in a computer system under the terms of the Data Protection Act. PO BOX 1134, London W128GG Sort Code 20-10-53. Account No- 40450421. I understand that I will not be eligible for legal representation forYour Name: ..................................................................................... matters arising prior to the date of this application. Thereby declare thatAccount No: ..................................................................................... I have no outstanding PCO or police matters pending.Sort Code: .......................................................................................Signature: ........................................................................................ Signed: ...................................... Date: ......................................Date: ..................................................................................................

Issue 216 - February 2014 15LCDC launch accident andsickness scheme for membersAs Chairman of the members. LCDCLCDC, after many The deal we have negotiated Memberconversations with our is placed with certain Tammymembership I am proud underwriters at Lloyd’s, giving Goddard -to finally announce the you the member access to the “Great valueintroduction of the first excellent security and stability for peace ofever LCDC Accident & of the world’s leading mind. AnotherSickness Scheme. insurance market. We believe reason for This has not happened that the new scheme on offer being aovernight and has taken many is more than competitive with member ofmonths of negotiations to anything currently on the the LCDC”provide what we feel is an market and will be availableexcellent scheme for all our to all drivers aged up to 60. - Grant Davis ChairmanIntroducing LCDC’s CLUB PROTECTATAXI DRIVERS SCHEME £35.50 /month KNOWLEDGE STUDENTSCHEME £9.81 /monthBENEFIT Up to 60 years BENEFIT 18 to 60 yearsMaximum age which members can join Age which members can joinDeath by accident £60,000 Death by accident £30,000 £50,000Death of Spouse by accident £50,000 Permanent Total Disablement by accident £25,000 £300 per weekPermanent Total Disablement by accident Temporary Total Disablement, £150 per week £90 per week (for Accident up to 50 weeks after an eliminationTemporary Total Disablement, period of 2 weeks)(for Accident and/or Illness other than for £400 per weekstress/mental illness and/or back related Hospitalisation, per week for up to 2 weeks £200 per weekinjury up to 50 weeks after an eliminationperiod of 2 weeks) Hospitalisation, per week for weeks 3 and 4 £100 per weekTemporary Total Disablement,for Accident and/or Illness for stress/mentalillness and/or back related injury after anelimination period of 2 weeksHospitalisation, per week for up to 2 weeksHospitalisation, per week for weeks 3 and 4 £200 per weekHOW DO I JOIN? Simply email Susan at the LCDC on [email protected] or call 0207 394 5553 www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

16 Issue 216 - February 2014 Tony Forsythe: Quality bodywork guaranteedLong Lane’s new fleet of bodywork loan cabs Long Lane taxi centre offers full body shop repairs Tony Forsythe of Long LaneWhen it comes to giving the cab every cab driver’s bodywork the waiting room, have a cup of tea, and as lights, belts, etc, as well as a fulltrade a first class service at a first demands. watch the news whilst we put their taxi up valet.”class price then Long Lane is Long Lane can accommodate both TX on the ramp and see what they need. Westreets ahead. and Mercedes Vito’s. offer an M.O.T test with a no failure fee Being situated just 2 minutes away“We are very proud of our and if the test flags up a faulty item then from Waterloo Stn, Long Lane garage isbodywork division” says Tony. Tony, who runs one of the biggest TX4 we can repair it straightaway and put it fast becoming the Cabbie’s favouriteWith our state of the art ovens and fleets in the capital, was keen to point out back on the ramp and get a pass. We are garage south of the water.team of first class sprayers we the advantages of using Long Lane for also offering drivers a fixed top end checkreally have a top team to satisfy your new testing requirements. for just £100, which checks things such Tony, Simon and all the team at Long Lane wish everyone a very merry Xmas “Drivers can come into us and relax in and a happy and prosperous New Year.Southwark Bridge Testing StationM.O.T SERVICEBRAKES EXHAUSTSSUSPENSIONS AIR-CONDIAGNOSTICS ELECTRICALWATER/OIL ALL REPAIRSSouthwark Bridge Testing Station is a family run business and is locatedin Southwark SE1. It offers a full range of garage services for all makesand models of cars and light vans, including MOTs, brakes,suspensions, exhausts, air-conditioning, electrical and diagnostics, aswell as a wide range of servicing.So if your vehicle needs an MOT, servicing or repairs, please contact us or just call in to make an appointment. Also, while you wait for yourMOT, you can take advantage and use our free wifi, so you can carry on working and not miss those important emails or deadlines. Southwark Bridge Testing Station tel: 0207 620 0201 164 Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark, SE1 0DG e-mail: [email protected] web: www.sbmots.co.ukwww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 216 - February 2014 17Airport MattersBY PETER “THE CANNON”L.C.D.C AIRPORT REPBAA give Heathrow and constructed on the public roads near The issue of refunds is a separateupdate after Hotel Forecourts their ‘private property’, where drivers issue and giving drivers a free hand toHALTS could safely deposit hotel guests and go to any terminal when the work has Hypothetically, if Heathrow taxi their luggage. Undoubtedly hotels dried up, is not a new idea. It’s an oldThe taxi trade organisations met drivers were to wait for and link up would have to deal with complaints rule that used to be in force and itHeathrow Ltd (BAA) in late with their passengers on the from guests who rightfully expect to be worked very well for the majority. TheDecember and were given an airport’s forecourts, an army of dropped off at their hotel entrance, but rights of drivers who do evening workassurance that following the police and traffic wardens would at least the hotels would no longer at Heathrow need a thoroughdeparture of HALTS, BAA has no descend on them and the law have to worry about the unsightly examination and that may take time ;plans in the pipeline for the taxi enforcers would delight in charging presence of licensed taxis on their but keeping drivers banged up againsttrade to offer fixed fares into as many taxi drivers as possible forecourts. their will in the feeder park is ancentral London. with parking and Hackney Carriage unnecessarily oppressive practice thatThe trade was also assured that offences. Evening Work BAA needs to change as soon asthere is no substance to the As stated in the December issue of at Heathrow possible.rumour that NSL rank attendants The Badge, private hire drivers do justwould use hand-held computers as they please on Heathrow’s During the past year BAA has Taxi marshalsto offer passengers information terminals, especially on the forecourts received a lot of differing viewson fixed fares. of terminals 3 and 5. Undoubtedly, the from taxi trade reps regarding what The LCDC is on record as BAA explained that the remnants of source of the authority that would happens to drivers in the south consistently stating that the anti-HALTS and the mini-businesses that order a purge on taxi drivers would be feeder park when work on the tout work of Heathrow taxisprung up during the collapse of the same source that chooses not to terminals dries up. marshals should be done by fullyHALTS were being formally ordered to do anything about private hire. It’s Every aspect of managing the Taxi fledged police officers.vacate the office attached to the worth repeating that the LCDC doesn’t System creates a cost that BAA There are Acts of Parliament that setHeathrow drivers’ canteen . accept from either BAA or the police recovers through the gate money, the rules covering the level of policing BAA further explained that HALTS’ that manpower isn’t available to stop currently set at £5.22 per entry to the that is required at Heathrow Airportfiles and computers could not simply the illegal parking and waiting by system. BAA accountants attend taxi and rules covering who is required tobe chucked out into the street. The minicab drivers. trade meetings and they have carefully pay for the services of the police. Anyprocess of eviction, although long Heathrow drivers are reporting that the explained that admin’ costs of taxi marshal representative who has awinded and time-consuming, has to be war of words between door staff at refunding gate money to drivers who working knowledge of the Acts indone properly. HALTS was a company local hotels and taxi drivers has are not despatched to a terminal question is welcome to space in Thethat broke every rule in the book intensified. Taxi drivers who set down because of lack of demand , is a cost Badge to put the marshals’ case as toduring its money grabbing reign at at many hotels are being warned by that has to be quantified. why the marshals who are on anti-toutHeathrow and many drivers see it as hotel employees to get off the hotel It’s a complicated subject and the duties outnumber police officers by tenvery unfair that HALTS can claim to property as quickly as they can. The LCDC has taken part in some lively to one.have legal rights that have to be PH companies that have contracts to discussions concerning the rights and The LCDC believes that if all the tradeobserved. supply local hotels with transport wrongs of not having a workable organisations at Heathrow were to pull When HALTS had the Heathrow Taxi services are finding work hard to come refund rule that could kick in at around together, BAA and the police wouldSystem in its grip, it seemed that by and minicabs who form ranks 10 pm. have no choice other than to conduct aHALTS driver-directors couldn’t put a outside nearly all hotels at Heathrow To date, nothing positive has been major review of who should be dealingfoot wrong. They got away with are accusing taxi drivers of stealing decided, but whatever BAA decides to with minicab touts .robbing drivers of their hard earned ‘their’ work. do, it’s manifestly wrong of BAA to The problem of touting shows no signcash by taking subscriptions to HALTS It seems that very few of the local keep drivers incarcerated in the south of going away and to say that wefrom the gate money. But when hotels, probably due to the terms of feeder park, when they could be should all be satisfied with the taxiHALTS’ taxi desks began topping up their contracts with private hire, are released from the park at say 10 pm to marshalling scheme and especiallypassengers by as much as £40 per happy to have taxi drivers waiting near take their chances on the terminal of police reliance on unpaid marshals ishiring into central London, HALTS’ they main doors. Hotels that are guilty their choice. not an overview the LCDC is willing tofriends and beneficiaries in the taxi of being openly hostile to the sight of a support.trade realised that the writing was on taxi with its For Hire light on, need tothe wall. be reminded that London taxi drivers No amount of fine-tuning or re- can easily get the hump. For example,organising of HALTS was going to they could conjure up all sorts ofmake good the damage caused to the perfectly valid reasons as to why theyreputation of Heathrow taxi drivers by don’t have to set down hotel guests onthe taxi information desks. HALTS had what hotel owners like to describe asto go! their “ private property”. Some of the hotels that don’t want to be served by Heathrow taxi drivers should think about having taxi bays [email protected]



Issue 216 - February 2014 19Have Londoners lost faith in The Met?Eddie Nestor Mark Duggan shooting was done by the police. The ========================BBC London 94.9 family frustration, police inaction, hotDrivetime: Weekdays 5-7pm her son’s killing on the news. weather and the fact every senior February will see a series of strikesCall: 0207 224 2000 It is still unclear whether the powers that politician appeared to be on holiday on the underground aimed at be realise just how significant this fact was created the perfect storm. People watched stopping TFL from implementing itsWeekly Podcasts to the London riots. Yes the police and stealing on an epic scale without police plan to close the majority of ticketUK Black IPCC appreciate the family needed to be action and thought that law and order had offices on the underground with theManchester United Redcast told but there is no clear understanding broken down… and it had. loss of 950 jobs. It is a battle both about whose job that is and why, in this Those who are concerned about the sides are ready for with neither TFLHappy New Year, I do hope this is a case, it caused such a huge reaction. number of deaths in police custody nor the unions wanting to be seen asgreat one and cabby gold will flow On the day Mark was killed [my station] [without any successful prosecutions] caving in.from the skies. We start with a serious BBC London94.9 were reporting that a should be heartened by Plebgate. I mention this because I will be lookingone this year. man had been killed after a shoot out with In that case a serving police officer has for a cheap ride back to Wanstead after The death of Mark Duggan on August the police. When the family and friends pleaded guilty to lying about what he saw my show so let’s see who amongst you4th 2011 caused the largest civil unrest made their way to Tottenham police in relation to contact with a cabinet draws the short straw.this country has seen in a generation but it station seeking to speak to a senior officer minister. If police can lie about a whitecould have been avoided. on the Saturday, they would have known officer in Her Majesty’s Parliament then ======================== When anyone is killed after contact with what we all know now - that Mark didn’t they can lie about anybody. All of athe police someone HAS to tell the family. have a gun in his hand and all the sudden middle England is taking notice. Things must be really great forIt cannot be right that a mother learn of The police have a tremendously difficult Chelsea. They have sold their two job and some people will never like them time player of the year in Juan Mata but we need them and they need us. Until and may well have saved Manchester and unless the instinct is not to cover up United’s season and I for one am and give misinformation when something truly grateful for that. happens they will always be viewed with By the way here are my predictions for suspicion. If you doubt me, don’t just think London clubs in the Premiership about Mark Duggan and other black Arsenal will sadly end up without a people. Think about what we were told in trophy but will see progress even the immediate aftermath of the deaths of though 3rd is the best they can hope Jean Charles De Menezes and Ian for. Tomlinson and how that made you feel Chelsea will battle hard, but is a team when you learned the truth. in development and a lack of goals will see them pipped at the post by the awesome Man City. [email protected]

20 Issue 216 - February 2014 www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Film 2013 Issue 216 - February 2014 21by Norman Barry RED – Stop, don’t bother wasting your money AMBER – It’s alright, go if you want. Or wait for the DVD GREEN – Put your foot down, go and see it.The Wolf of Wall Street (18)In their fifth pairing together as actor and If you hadn't guessed it already, this filmdirector, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin doesn't hold back! Like his previous films,Scorsese bring to the screen a film that Goodfellas and Casino, Scorsese lets hisredefines the word 'Excess' audience be seduced by the glamour. But also, like those films, you see that that greedClocking in at an epic 3 hours (after being cut always corrupts and the fall comes crashingdown from 4 hours) it is another visually down while everyone turns on each other todazzling showcase for trademark slick camera save their own skin.shots, frantic editing and a rocking soundtrackthat captures the life of an excessive The cast that includes Jonah Hill, Margotcharacter. Robbie and Matthew McConaughey are all very good. And also very funny! It's quite boldTelling the true story of Jordan Belfort, a young to start your film as you mean to go on - withWall Street broker that gets involved in drugs, an A list star, inhaling Class A drugs from themoney, and even more drugs during the ‘80s rectum of a high class prostitute. And goes onand ‘90s. In his tenure trading (and stealing), it does!Jordan marries, divorces, does drugs, marriesagain, does even more drugs, has sex with GREEN LIGHThookers by the dozen, and believe it or not,does a lot more drugs. [email protected]

22 Issue 216 - February 2014 A Tiger Rose out of GeorgiaSteve Bunce biography, A Tiger Rose out of Georgia fighter is given the credit for making a Tiger Flowers-BOXNATION by Bob Mee, Flowers travelled 77,629 reality, though he did mostly appear on miles by car and train from 1922-27 for \"blacks only\" fight nights – the \"merry-go- to getting a chance to fight for his old titleWhen Tiger Flowers was starting out dozens of fights. The facts regularly defy round of the black circuit\". Inevitably, the against Walker. It would not be a goodas prizefighter in the segregated logic: Flowers must have been part- same names come up and he met some boxing book without a tiny tale of mobbusiness of boxing, black men were pugilist, part-freak to have survived as men five and six times, doing 65 rounds involvement.being lynched on the roads he long as he did. with Jamaica Kid and taking on a Detroittravelled and the Ku Klux Klan, the slugger called Whitey Black three times. Mee is insanely thorough and uncovered\"invisible empire\", was a force in the The relentless schedule inside the ring many new details, including a blockbusterAmerican south. was matched by a mesmerising itinerary Flowers had met Greb in a non-title fight twist at the end that previous writers had on America's fledgling roads and railroad in the summer of 1924 and Greb insisted failed to discover during decades of Flowers fought for the first time for lines, as Flowers went from fight to fight the \"no-decision rule was in place\". Greb seemingly endless fascination withmoney in 1918, became the first black with seldom more than a week between kept his title but Flowers won easily Flowers. The final thrilling reveal took myman to win the world middleweight title in bells. according to the ringside gathering and breath away and, having worked at1926, and the following year, four days that meant he would be kept waiting for ringside with Bob for nearly 30 years, Iafter his 159th fight, he died during a Flowers was abused by judges and his title chance. knew what it would mean to him. It is aroutine operation to remove scar tissue referees and ignored because of his book packed with love and when you canfrom above his eyes. colour for too long and Mee never once, The month after that first fight with Greb say that about a boxing book you know it during the tricky compilation of the book, it was back to the road and Flowers is worth reading. According to a startling and raw new found one instance of anger, hate or would fight 46 times in 18 months of retaliation attributed to Flowers. It was not \"keeping busy\" before taking the title. so much a colour line, as Mee points out in the starkest of language, but a colour Flowers beat Greb in a rematch, lost to wall and the gentle fighter never lost his Mickey Walker the following year in what cool. was probably a fix and was busy up until the very end. His funeral in Atlanta was a Flowers finally gets his world title fight big event for both black and white citizens against the great Harry Greb, a rare white and two streets in the Georgian city carry champion who was prepared to fight a the name of its greatest fighter. black man, in February 1926 at the old Madison Square Garden. It's a savage The death of Flowers is given a literary brawl with fouls in every round and at the autopsy in the book and Mee's end Flowers gets a tight decision. exploration of the operating quack's credentials even raises considerable It was a mixed crowd, something that doubt over the cause of Tiger's death, Flowers, more than any other black which came at a time when he was closeRules, fools and championshipsAmateur boxing wise, minute round than it is over a 2 minute round. judges have to decide a winner of each round Progression from 2 minute rounds to 3 minute and in a case where they have scored the bout a2014 bursts into life rounds, for the top juniors, until now, happened draw, i.e. one boxer has won 2 rounds 10 – 9 but when they became seniors at 17 years of age, lost a round 8 – 10 the judge has to note whichwith the junior ABA meaning their trainers had 3 months to prepare boxer they believe has won the contest. them for the new distance and were also able to Computers are operated by each judge, theychampionships being organise non championship contests before the have 15 seconds at the end of each round to boxer competed over the longer distance in register their score. 5 judges score amoved forward, from championships. Having only 30 days prep championship contest, the computer randomly available meant many clubs didn’t enter their 16 picks the score of 3 judges, so no of the judgetheir, long time, April year olds, so numbers are down for this year’s knows whether or not their score is going to be prestigious national competition. used. Whoops there is only one such computerdate in the calendar, to in England. Another dictate from AIBA is, there Besides the above AIBA enforced new rule, all has to be a 2 metre barrier around the ring toJanuary, with the the other new AIBA rules became binding as of keep the judges separated from the crowd, the 1st January. Amateur Boxing England, the which is okay for finals, but many of the venuesschools The Boddyman founders of the modern sport of amateur boxing used for amateur boxing, in the preliminary in 1880, have become the lickspittles of AIBA as rounds, just aren’t able to meet this requirement.championships being they have sacrificed their right, on the altar of Amateur boxing can ill afford to lose reasonablymoved from January - BOXNATION retaining personal power, to have England’s priced venues. Now tape is not allowed to be amateur boxing clubs make the rules for used, which is fine in international competition,to April. domestic boxing, even being forced, by AIBA, to where the equipment is sponsored, but at club change their name from ABA England to level, where clubs have to struggle to buy newThis decision was made England Boxing. Those clinging to power didn’t equipment, tape is used to tighten the back of even negotiate a phasing in period, so much for vests, secure headguards, tighten loose shortsin December, along with the care of the athlete and the sports long and repair boxing boots. However there is good suffering trainers and volunteers. news, London’s best 16 year olds are adaptingthe AIBA (World Governing to 3 x 3, but, in the main, are expending too Bringing/imposing /changing rules, at such much energy in the first two rounds.Body of Amateur Boxing) short notice, obviously, creates problems. For instance, above 64.5kgs boxers have to wear No doubt there will be more to report aboutimposing a rule/edict that 12oz competition gloves, as this weight of glove new names, new rules and our top juniors in was rarely used before 2014, there is a shortage future columns, but already eyes are looking16 year olds now have to box 3 x 3 minute of them in the UK. Scoring has changed from forward to the Commonwealth Games, later this punches over the entire contest deciding the year in Glasgow. Top Celts, Wales’ Andrewrounds in national, elite championships. Amateur bout to contests being scored as per the Selby and Fred Evans both signed to AIBA’s pro professionals and as amateur boxing was boxing 8 to 12 round circus, at the moment, areboxing clubs were only informed of the new, scored before the Seoul Olympics, round by excluded, by Commonwealth Games rules, from round. Winners of a round get 10 points, their boxing in the Commonwealth Games, a problemincreased distance for 16 year olds on the 15th opponents get 9 or 8 points. Knockdowns, AIBA will have to resolve in the next couple of standing counts only count as a single punch,December, in fact whilst the CYP/Ambition(Clubs for Young People, the old NABC/Boy’sClubs championships) finals were being stagedwith 16 year olds, as ever, boxing 3 x 2 minuterounds.Boxing clubs therefore had difficult decisions to Debbie Tyrellmake, they had to instantly decide whether a months. Some of London’s outstanding boxers are looking to their ancestry to see if they qualifymonth to prepare their top 16 year olds for the to box in the Commonwealth Games, one such could well be Hook’s ABC, Park Royal, fashionnew distance, with the little matter of Christmas model, beauty queen and outstanding boxing stylist, Debbie Tyrell, who would qualify toand the New Year to take into consideration, compete for Scotland at 51kg, her Mum’s a Scot, born and bred.would be enough time to condition their boxers Until next time, drive carefully, cheerfully andfor and teach their boxers the new distance. N.B. profitablyto those not familiar with boxing, increasing thedistance, by a third, might not appear to be a bigdeal, but, in athletics terms, it is the equivalent ofthe difference between 800 metres and 1,000metres, similar but not the same. Tactics, paceand controlling a contest is different over a 3www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com



24 Issue 216 - February 2014 Adam D. Elliott Vincent House, 99a Station Road, London, E4 7BU SPECIALIST ACCOUNTANT TO THE LICENSED TAXI TRADE Tel: 020 8281 0500 email: [email protected] / SKYPE: taxitaxSIMIA WALLThe Taxi Drivers AccountantsSpecialising in: SPECIAL OFFERAccounts preparation: PERSONAL INJURY Offices in City & North London REFERAL SCHEME £200 HMRC enquiry insuance (75% discounts) Associated law firm (25% discount) HAD AN ACCIDENT? Tax Returns completed Loss of earnings claims We can arrange for your claim to be managed Personal Injury claims management by associated in house team dealing with References for banks etc. everything from injury claim, loss of earnings, bent metal repairs and most importantlyFirst consultation free of charge arranging a REPLACEMENT VEHICLE.178 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NJ / Also at Devonshire House, Stanmore HA7 1JS / For appointments phone: 020 8732 5525www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com



26 Issue 216 - February 2014 ADVERTORIALTasty Café Big Changes At No4 Mill Street Help Cabbies For the best in homemade Become Quids In Italian cooking N04 MILL St , in Mayfair, used to capped at 4 people, which would Pasta, chicken, be a seedy, badly run hostess earn the cab driver an extra £140 meatballs, lamb, pork club called Club Sakura. for one drop. escalopes, sirloin steaks Not anymore, as the new owners Also No4 have told us, that any have completely refurbished the cab driver wishing to have a night a speciality premises and called the Club “NO4 out, can do so without having ever MEALS MAYFAIR”. to pay admission providing they It has undergone many changes show their green or yellow badge, £7.00 INCLUDING TEAS AND and is now a respectfully run, and providing they purchase one COFFEES classy lap dancing venue. drink they will also get one free lap Beforehand customers were dance, compliments of NO4. £8.00 SIRLOIN STEAK DINNERS expected to pay £100 admission, It’s their way in saying a big thank which was madness as no one was you for London taxi drivers’ support. PLASMA TV FOR simply going in. Gary Coppen, the clubs director ALL FOOTBALL Now they only charge £20 has said “without the support from entrance fee and £20 for a lap the black cabs, you simply cannot 72 St John St, EC1 dance, which is not expensive for survive in this industry, and that is Tel: 020 7253 1907 Mayfair by any means. The drinks why we are offering cab drivers are normal club prices too. more than other clubs and also the K.W. TAXI SERVICES The club is open from 7pm until above deal. 5.30 am, which is later than the UNIT 10 BRYANT AVENUE other clubs in this industry. NO 4 wish INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ROMFORD ESSEX RM3 0BY One of the clubs owners, whose all London father is a retired London Black Taxi drivers 01708 373 786 Cab driver, has told us they respect a very how important London Black Taxis prosperous FAIRWAY, TXI, TXII, TX4 for their business, and because of New Year this NO4 Mayfair are offering all Overhauls, Servicing, Repairs, cab driver £35 per paying person Fitting only LTI Factory Parts cab rental, best rates, that they bring to the premises, 24hr RAC cover, Fairway, TXI ALL CABBIES WELCOME AT NO4 MAYFAIR KEEPING LONDON’S TAXIS MOVING MORRIS TYRE SERVICES Unbelievable Prices TX / VITO REMOULDS £38.50+VAT TEL: 0207 231 5857 72 ENID STREET, BERMONDSEY, LONDON, SE16 3RAwww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com