The Badge Issue 224 November 2014

More trade stories than all the others put together Issue 224 November 2014LCDC SAY NO TO TEN INSIDEYEAR AGE LIMIT LCDC CROSS SWORDS AT CABBIES’ CABINET PAGE 3 NEWS FALSE HOPES OVER UBER TAX INQUIRY PAGE 4 NEWS GET TAXI LAUNCH NEW MOBILETfL BEGIN ULEZ CONSULTATION Full story - see page 5 PHONE APP PAGE9

2 Issue 224 - November 2014 Editorial: Published by Why U.L.E.Z You will be able to read that TfL L.C.D.C The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. spells disaster wish to bring in a TEN year age LEADERS for the taxi trade limit for non-zero emission Unit A 303.2, capable taxis from 2020 NOT FOLLOWERS Tower Bridge Business Complex AS REPORTED in the last (irrespective of date of licensing) Tower Point, 100 Clements Road edition of the Badge, both I The ramifications for our trade if JOIN TODAY: Southwark, London SE16 4DG and Darryl Cox attended a this were to be introduced would 0207 394 5553 hastily convened meeting to decimate our industry beyond our Telephone: 020 7232 0676 discuss the upcoming ULEZ imagination. zone. What really concerns us at the E-mail for membership enquiries: The meeting was chaired by LCDC is that we are being asked E-mail: [email protected] Michele Dix (Managing Director to accept these age limits on our Web: lcdcorg.wordpress.com Planning) of Transport for vehicles, to be replaced by London. vehicles that have not even been Editor: Grant Davis Michele Dix started the meeting built yet, let alone tested in the by informing us that there was to workplace, sheer lunacy. The Badge is distributed free to the be a ten week consultation The Club Secretary, Darryl Cox, Licensed London Cab Trade. starting on October 27th until 9th suggested to TfL that they should January 2015 (not much time leave the 15 year age limit inFor advertising enquiries please contact the office on considering Christmas and the place and if these new greener 020 7394 5553 or E-mail: [email protected] New Year both falls in this time taxis deliver the results that TfL frame). claim they will, then drivers will be All advertising in The Badge is accepted under our On page 5 you can read in full the only too happy to invest in them terms and conditions. These are available document outlining their ULEZ with financial help from both TfL at the LCDC office. proposals. and Government. Before entering into any commitment, financial Grant Davis 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 224 - November 2014 3ULEZ, UBER, Boris and me…CHAIRMAN, GRANT DAVIS Grant Davis attends Cabbies’ Cabinet on behalf of LCDCON MONDAY the 27th October, Iattended the quarterly “Cabbies’ meetings Boris has informed me thatCabinet” meeting with the Mayor although he thinks it is a meter hisand TfL Management at City Hall. legal team were not quite sure, and wanted to refer the matter to theWe started the meeting by High Court. Ken Livingstone went ondiscussing the proposed ULEZ to say that as Mayor of London, youConsultation and the ramifications can obtain a legal opinion to back upfor the taxi trade if the planned TfL any decision you wish to make andproposals were to be implemented. as such Boris was talking B….cks! As you can imagine Boris was noneI reiterated the points that the Club too pleased with the former Mayor’shad made to Michele Dix the opinion on this matter.previous week at the ULEZ meeting,I pointed out to the Mayor that we as The Cabinet Also at the meeting Garretta trade have been here before. We at City Hall Emmerson brought to the Mayor’shave also heard the same spiel from was Chaired attention the rise in complaintsTfL about the so called benefits from by London regarding taxi drivers from membersapplying age limits to the fleet. Last Mayor Boris of the public. I immediately pointedtime around we were told that Euro5 Johnson, out to Boris that we are notwas the answer to the emission (right), and accepting these so called findingsproblems we have in the City. Not also attended and questioned Garrett Emmerson’sonly was that NOT the answer, the by TfL’s motives in raising this issue with theproblem actually got worse! Garrett Mayor.I informed the Mayor that we had Emmerson I explained to the Mayor thatmembers who had to take their taxis (below) presently TfL do not accept anyoff the road and as a consequence complaints from the public regardingbecame unemployed by the TfL After explaining all this to the Mayor, the behaviour of minicab drivers.decision. in fairness to him, he did say to The complaints go to the Operators Isabel Dedring (Deputy Mayor of who employ the drivers so whyI also told the Mayor that any Transport) and all TfL members would the Operators dismiss driversintroduction of a reduced age-limit present, that they should get these for say overcharging customerswould be catastrophic for our new green taxis developed and when they are receiving substantialindustry, as the trade in London is working before any decision was rent from the drivers!unique and both us as mushers and made on implementation of age Does a turkey vote for Christmas?fleet owners rely on a steady supply limits. Once again, Boris was quiteof both new and second hand taxis shocked that this was the case andto cater for everyone’s needs within The discussion then turned around asked Garrett Emmerson why PHthe trade. If a cab had only a ten to Uber and we once again driver complaints are not dealt withyear life span then the rents would expressed our dismay and disgust at within TfL the same as taxi drivers.have to be dramatically increased to the way TfL have allowed them to bemake it financially viable for garages licensed. I mentioned to Boris that I Finally, I asked the Mayor when theto invest in new taxis. had recently held a meeting with findings of the GLA Investigation intoAnother point I made to the Mayor former Mayor Ken Livingstone and taxi and private hire services by TfLwas that if TfL made the decision of discussed the Uber licensing issue. were to be published.a 10 year age limit irrespective of We got round to discussing the I told him that at the meetings Idate of licensing on all new taxis, situation where on two previous attended, it was very clear to me thatthen who would be mad enough to both us and the private hire werebuy a new taxi this year or in the both very dissatisfied with the way inyears to come? which TfL have performed.London Taxi Company would find it I think Boris was quite shocked atvery difficult to sell any new taxis if the ferocity of some my questions tothe new age limit were to be him, but he was left in no doubt justenforced, making it nigh on how strong the Club feels about theimpossible to raise the funds to help survival of the trade.develop the non- zero emissioncapable taxis coming on stream in2018-20. [email protected]

4 Issue 224 - November 2014HODGE RAISES FALSE HOPESOVER UBER TAX AFFAIRSIN THE last edition of TAXInewspaper there was an articleunder the heading “Uber TaxAffairs Investigated”However, all that has happenedwas that Margaret Hodgereceived a letter from the Mayorof London, Boris Johnson,stating that “TfL have raised thisissue with the appropriate body,the HMRC to consider”.Below is an article fromChristopher Booker in the DailyTelegraph last November whichexplains just how companies likeUber are operating within EU taxlaw.Certainly, the sums lost to the “establishment”, which entitle firms owners, at artificially high rates of Top: Margaret HodgeTreasury are mind-boggling. to move all their income to the interest, which can then be offset as Below left: Christopher BookerGoogle, based for tax purposes in country where they want their tax a business expense against theirDublin, earned £11billion from base to be, to give them the profits, shrinking their tax liability still strangely quiet about it. When MrsBritain between 2006 and 2011, but smallest tax liability. This has further. Hodge was asking the HMRC’spaid only £10million in tax. completely destroyed the sovereign Even more disturbing is the way no man last week why it doesn’t bringStarbucks, based in Holland, in right of national governments to levy one ever publicly admits that this is “show cases” against these firms,2011 earned £395million in the UK, tax in a country where income is what makes such a colossal racket he made no mention of the EUbut paid only £6million in tax. earned. Google, Amazon, Apple perfectly legal. Mr Cameron keeps dimension, despite knowing thatAmazon, based in Luxembourg, and the rest can thus quite legally HMRC has already put this to legalhad UK sales of £3.35billion in 2011 channel all their earnings wherever test in a historic case in thebut paid only £1.8million in tax. tax rates are lowest. European Court of Justice in 2007.Equally clever at avoiding UK tax In 1992, a further massive loophole The UK comprehensively lost. Theare our largely foreign-owned water was opened up by the Maastricht greatest financial damage inflictedcompanies, such as Thames, which Treaty, which, in preparation for the on us by our membership of the EUin 2011 made a £550 million profit single currency, extended the has thus become the mostand paid no tax at all. Ever longer “freedom of capital” to countries embarrassing “elephant in the room”grows the list of leading companies outside the EU, including tax havens of all.avoiding UK tax in this way, from such as the Cayman Islands orApple and Vodafone to BHS and Jersey, with even lower tax rates. The only people with the authority toPizza Express – so that estimates of This is how, for instance, our water stop Uber operating are TfL and itwhat the Treasury is losing are as companies manage to pay so little has been well documented in themuch as £120billion a year, equal to tax, despite making profits trade press that in our opinion, alonga fifth of the Government’s entire averaging at 30 per cent a year. with the PH Industry, they do notincome. They have also learnt the cleverest operate within the 1998 Private HireAstonishingly, however, entirely trick of all, which is to borrow huge Act. There is plenty of evidence thatmissing from all the outrage is the sums from their tax-haven-based supports this claim.simple explanation of how and whythis racket has come into being. It allstems from the “four freedoms” laiddown in the founding treaty of theEuropean Union, especially thefreedoms of “capital” andwww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 224 - November 2014 5ULTRA LOW EMISSIONZONE CONSULTATIONDear Sir or Madam taxis will be exempt from the ULEZ standards;Transport for London (TfL) onbehalf of the Mayor of London is • Zero emission capablelaunching a public consultation taxis will have a 15 yearon the introduction of an Ultra maximum age limit;Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) incentral London. The ULEZ would • All PHVs driving inimprove air quality and public central London musthealth, reduce CO2 emissions meet the ULEZand help stimulate the market for standards from 2020 orlow emission vehicles. The pay a daily charge.consultation will be open for 10weeks from 27 October 2014 to 9 In considering the impact of theJanuary 2015. reduced taxi age limit, the Mayor and TfL are proposing a specificEveryone has their part to play in fund to assist taxi drivers toimproving London’s air quality replace their vehicles. We willand public health. In one year, an work with representatives fromequivalent of 4,300 deaths in the taxi and PHV trade in order toLondon was attributed to air shape how this funding will bequality related illness. In a apportioned. We will share moresurvey about air quality in information on this when itLondon conducted by TfL earlier becomes available.this year, respondents indicatedthat all vehicles types should be In addition, we have been inincluded in measures to improve regular dialogue with the Officeair quality, including taxi and for Low Emission Vehicles toprivate hire licensees. ensure their new £500m funding allocation specifically supportsIf approved by the Mayor, the Top: Michèle Dix from TfL taxi and PHV drivers to purchaseULEZ would require all vehicles Above: A breakdown of emissions in the capital zero emission capable vehicles.driving in central London to meet This is in addition to a supportingspecific exhaust emissions the ULEZ standards would be licensing requirements. fund for on-street rapid chargingstandards (ULEZ standards) in enforced using the existing infrastructure.order to drive in the zone without camera network and failure to Together, this will mean:paying a charge. It would operate pay would result in a penalty • All new taxis and PHVs For further information about thein the same area as the charge notice. ULEZ charges ULEZ and to provide us with yourCongestion Charging Zone would be payable in addition to must be zero emission views about the proposal please(CCZ) and operate 24 hours a any applicable LEZ or CCZ capable from 2018; visit our website atday, 365 days a year. This would charges. tfl.gov.uk/ultra-low-emission-zonebe in addition to the London-wide • A 10 year maximum age or alternatively emailemissions standard for heavy The ULEZ proposal would also limit for non zero [email protected] which is already in place require changes to the taxi and emission capable taxisunder the London Low Emission private hire vehicle (PHV) from 2020; (irrespective Yours sincerelyZone (LEZ). of date of licensing). All Michèle DixThe ULEZ charge for non- Managing Director Planningcompliant light vehicles, such as Transport for Londoncars and vans, would be £12.50a day. For heavier vehicles, suchas lorries and coaches it wouldbe £100 a day. It is proposed that [email protected]

6 Issue 224 - November 2014LCDC ATTENDS ENFORCEMENT ANDThe LCDC recently attended a TfLcompliance meeting - below aresome of the slides and figures wewere shown, in regard to theiractivities...Enforcement and Compliance EngagementMeeting – Taxi trade 13th October 2014Please note that this presentation includesrestricted information that should note beshared or published without approval fromTfL and the MPS.TFL PROSECUTIONS– PLYING FOR HIRESince May 2014, compliance officers havesubmitted a further 24 prosecution files foroffences committed. A total of 113 files have beensubmitted since April 2013 which have resultedin:Prosecution stage VolumeSummoned and convictions 24Summoned and found Not Guilty 1Summoned and awaiting trial 18Referred for prosecutions (at various stages) 40Referred to other TPH department 12Statutory time limit expired 8No further action 5Warning given 3Advisory letter sent 2TFL PROSECUTIONS– PLYING FOR HIRECombined total results of the 24 Plying for Hireconvictions;Outcomes VolumeFines £8,040Disqualification (months)Penalty points 44Costs 36Victim Surcharge £11,240Warrant of arrest issued £637Collection order 2 1 L.C.D.C WE GO THE EXTRA MILE JOIN TODAY: 0207 394 5553www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 224 - November 2014 7COMPLIANCE ENGAGEMENT MEETING COMPLIANCE NIGHT TEAM - OFFENCE LOCATIONS CABS INTELL – REPORT VOLUME AND DETAILTop Offence Locations - Count Top Offence Locations - CountBorough Street In the last 6 months..City of Westminster 190 Praed street 45Lambeth 77 Acre lane 29 Over 200 individuals reported, with one person entering 82City of London 72 Clapham High street 27 reportsHackney 46 /Stonehouse street 40% of reports were sent by the same 10 people.Camden 36 Hamilton Place 21 There were, on average, 25 Intel reports received per week.Tower Hamlets 31 Eden Street 20 • 57% report the misuse of TaxiSouthwark 24 Shoreditch high street 19 Driver Identifiers.Richmond 23 Charterhouse street 18 • 30% report Touting/UnlawfulIslington 22 Victoria Taxi Rank 17 Plying for Hire.Kingston 17 Bishopsgate 16 • 13% relate to ‘Other’ concerns 1. Fenchurch Street 13 10% or Touting/Unlawful Plying for Hire reports have poor or no location details. This does not include long streets such as COMPLIANCE NIGHT TEAM Oxford Street and Euston Road. There were 19 reports relating to pedicabs in the last 6 Taxi PHV months; of which, 6 were reported in during July and 10 during August.Offences Observed 6 P1 - P6 Offences Observed 6 P1 - P6 12 of the 19 pedicab reports are by an anonymous reporter and are likely to be the same person.Drive away 03 Drive away 17Fraudulent taxi driver 1 1 Illegal plying for hire 5 45Illegally Parked on rank 0 27 Misbehaviour 01Illegal ranking 9 26 legally No insurance 01plying for hire 12 12 Not wearing badge 14 27Incorrect fare table 0 3 Obstructing an TOUTING ARRESTS - TOP LOCATIONSLoitering 01 authorised officer 0 1Misbehaviour 01 Parking on red route 0 1Misuse of Ids 0 30 PHV on Taxi rank 10 27 Highest arrest locations Count Change from May 14No badge 26 77 Section 2 19 101 - +1No bill 4 20 Touting 07 Clapham High Street,SW4 58 +4 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 19 -No insurance 15 Unlicensed 01 Bayham Street, NW1 15 NEW Camden High Street, NW1 11 NEWOut of date disc 01 Grand Total 49 220 Upper Street 11 -5 Conduit Street 10 NEWPlying for hire out area 6 51 Berkeley Square 8 NEW Albert Embankment 7 NEWPlying for hire elsewhere 0 30 Edgeley Road 7 Great Marlborough Street 7Ribbons from rear wiper 1 1Unattended on rank 6 23Unsigned bill 22Vehicle unfit 03 Taxi offences; No badge 24%, Plying forGrand Total 68 317 hire out of area 16%, misuse of IDs 9% Rank Borough Count Change from May 14 TFL ACTION ON SECTION 31 REFERRALS – 1 Westminster 106 - PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN ADVERTISEMENTS 2 +1 3 -1 4 Lambeth 68 +1 5 -1For the year to date, TfL has received 64 referrals for potential breaches of Section 6 Camden 3531 of the Private Hire Act 1998 NEW 7 Islington 25 - 8 Wandsworth 8 NEW 9 -The Act states that no advertisement shall include the words “taxi”, “taxis”, “cab” or “cabs” 10 Hammersmith NEWor any word so closely resembling any of those words as to be likely to be mistaken for it. and Fulham 764 offences reported have resulted; Tower Hamlets 6Section 31 results Kensington andTotal number resulting in change of Chelsea 5behaviour and positive action 18 Redbridge 5Total number of ongoing 39 Southwark 5Total number NFA 7Recent results have included; Around 40% of all touting arrests are made inIn March 2014 a warning letter was sent to Royal cars and May 2014, all offending words Westminster, predominant hotspot for touting and cab-were removed from their website related sexual offencesRecently, South west cars, West cars and Zone minicabs were given warning letters.They did react and took down the offending words from their websites www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

8 Issue 224 - November 2014 www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 224 - November 2014 9REMO GERBER: ‘WE TRULYBELIEVE IN BLACK CABS’Dr Remo Gerber, the CEO at GetTaxi the market. We’re working 9. We have heard you are planningUK, popped into our offices to talk with many blue chip an initiative to revive Black Taxi useabout the app. In particular, how organisations, major legal in the suburbs and generate work forthey’re standing up for the Trade, firms and banks. In fact Yellow Badge drivers. Is this true,improving the service for drivers, globally we work with over can you tell us about it from both awinning back corporate accounts for half the Fortune 500 driver and customer viewpoint?Black Cabs and where they are going businesses. Our - Today, Black Cabs are finding it reallyin the future. technology allows us to tough in suburbia, it’s a big problem. bring Black Cabs back into How often did you go to a restaurant and1. Great to finally meet you Remo - the game as a proposition all you could get home is a MiniCab?tell us a bit about yourself and how that fulfills all corporate We’re launching our biggest campaignyou got started with Taxis and needs. Our ambition is to ever in suburbia and we expect aGetTaxi? make London’s massive demand surge for rides. If you- I love consumer products, so before businesses understand are a driver with a Yellow Badge, get inmy time at GetTaxi, when I was at they don’t need PHVs, or touch, because we are changing theGroupon serving millions of customers, I Dial-a-Cabs, Radio Taxis, landscape through this campaign. Youbecame fascinated with the seamless or Comcabs platforms. We will see that work coming in, we canexperience GetTaxi provides to riding truly believe in Black Cabs assure you of that. In addition, we’reusers. My background lies in the and together with the getting the kiosk product out into thesecorporate and consumer world, not in trade we are proving time areas, at hotels, hospital, restaurants,transportation and this is very much by and time again that it is stadiums - you name it, we’re going to trydesign. Our drivers know best how to the best complete solution it. Again, it’s another example of GetTaxideliver customers the best ride possible, out there. investing significant cash to getI’m coming in to make sure corporate consumers using Black Cabs. We’reLondon and consumers know about 5. Focusing on proud to say it - we believe in the Trade.GetTaxi and return back to the trade. London’s Black Cabs 10. Finally, is there anything else2. How are things at GetTaxi, tell you’d like to say, or a message forus about how the company is and the Trade in general the drivers?performing in general? What are your - First of all a massive thank you to allshort and long term plans? - where is GetTaxi in this the Black Taxi drivers in London. Some- We are doing extremely well, breaking of our best advice comes from driversrecords weekly in fact! Orders are going mix, how do you not yet on GetTaxi, while our activethrough the roof and corporate clients drivers are simply amazing for all theare very interested in our business currently support the Remo Gerber meets Chairman Grant Davis reasons we’ve just talked about.product, especially how it helps them to Trade? Seriously, you’ve helped us tomanage their expenditures. We’ve also understand what we need to do bettermade a lot of changes how we operate - We invest significant sums in 7. Onto the infamous GetTaxi driver and it’s driven us to where we are today.the drivers side - better technology, Thanks again. Secondly, and pardonbetter systems and better policies. We marketing to bring Black Cabs into tablets and the question many me for banging the drum, we’re alwaysview our drivers as our partners and we looking for drivers to join us here atlisten very actively to get feedback on people’s minds when they think of drivers have been asking - is an app GetTaxi. With the new Driver App,what we should do better. you’ve no excuse - give us a call today! getting a Taxi. That’s both through coming and if so, when? Finally I guess, I’d just like to say let’s all3. What things are you doing for keep working together to make theconsumers, why should the public marketing and PR, supporting GetTaxi - We are really excited to launch our trade even stronger - despite someuse GetTaxi? commentators wanting to paint us as- We really want to make it as easy as and the Trade as one. Through the brand new Driver App. Drivers are old fashioned, the truth is that we’repossible for consumers to get into a embracing technology and pushingBlack Cab. We’re committed to technology we give consumers the already live, up and running using the change in the industry. The public wantproviding a seamless experience to a choice against using Uber or Addisonorder London’s best, the classic Black ability to book a cab with the ease of GetTaxi App. Also, for those still using Lee. Let’s make sure that Black TaxisTaxi. and GetTaxi are that choice. use they would get at Private Hire the tablets, we have worked on - Really appreciate your time, look4. And tell us about businesses - forward to chatting again soon.what initiatives do you have to get companies, such as Addison Lee or improving the battery life and thosecorporate work back for the Trade?What do you see happening for the Uber. Of course, the bigger the number drivers get a larger screen experiencerest of 2014 and more importantly,into 2015 in this area? of drivers signed up the more at no extra cost. We’re happy to be able- We ramped up our sales team overthe summer and are a major player in Londoners will get back into black cabs. to give drivers that choice. That’s why we always need new drivers to join GetTaxi and our existing drivers 8. Any other innovations in the to spread the word. In fact, on that last pipeline? point, we have to say a big thank you to - We are working on providing a cheap our driver. Whether it’s word of mouth, payment solution for card payments, so or social media, they are always out keep an eye out - it will be great. Also, there, shouting about GetTaxi. It really we recently launched our Future Orders make a huge difference. screen that allows your to plan your journeys in and out of town. It means 6. Do you still intend to only use drivers can manage their day starting Black Cabs on GetTaxi, or are with some rides already in the bag. minicabs ever going to be part of the Alongside that, we have other exciting mix? stuff to come that will benefit both - Yes, we believe that black cabs drivers, consumers and businesses, but should be the only way to get around we can’t tell you everything at once - London. There’s a lot of competition, but you’d have nothing to get excited about. we feel that the cream will rise to the We’ll have to come back for another top, and Black Taxis are the cream! chat in the New Year! www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com



Issue 224 - November 2014 11 Alan’s AngleDOVER STREET RESTAURANTAND BAR SOLD TO RUSSIANCHAIN NOVIKOVWELL-KNOWN West End bar a notice on the wine bar door stated: “ItDover Street Restaurant and Bar is with deep regret that Dover Streethas closed after being sold to a Restaurant and Bar has officiallyRussian restaurant chain. closed, following the passing of its owner in July…thank you for your The site has reportedly been bought custom…and for all the great times thatby chain group Novikov, for a lease of we have shared together in this verymore than £1m, according to the special place.”London Evening Standard. It is not yet The wine bar has been in operationknown when or if the group plans to for over 35 years, and often attractedopen the site. celebrity clientele. It also regularly The London newspaper reported that played live music.CAMDEN RETHINK KING’S CROSS FEEDER RANK...ABOUT A year ago the cab ranks they said a feeder rank in Camley Street side for cyclists passing under the bridgecommittee was invited up to King’s would be dangerous for drivers u turning in Pancras Road.Cross by Camden Council to look at the onto the rank. Now I couldn’t see the Also Camden Council are looking to takeranking problems at King’s Cross problem with feeder in Camley Street and away the rank space under the bridge,Station. could see we there was room for about 15 with no plans to replace the rank spaces.Camden Council was looking to make to 20 cabs.Now Camden Council seem to We are now awaiting the plans fromsome disabled spaces outside their new have softened to the idea of a feeder back Camden but the meeting we had withoffices in Pancras Road. We asked for a in Camley Street as they are going to be them re the feeder rank was very positive,feeder rank to go in Camley Street to putting in a new cycle path through in fact it was one of the best meetings I’vemake up for some of the lost rank Goodsway. The plans I’ve seen for the had with them- are Camden Councilspaces, that idea was turned down as cycle path look a bit on the dangerous finally warming to the taxi trade?FOLLOW MATTY NEWELL - LCDC COMMITTEE MEMBERI THINK most of us would agree that the them - but the vast majority of us can make has some unique characters and there are done to maximum effect on Twitter.London Taxi Trade has been treated a difference. Social Media can help us to do plenty of them on Twitter. Many are I would advise anyone who has not set upappallingly over a number of years by this. extremely witty and humorous, that comes an account to do so. For those who are notour supposed regulator TfL. Many drivers, myself included, use Twitter, across in many tweets. overly computer literate, it is very easy to setThe situation has got increasingly worse and which is excellent for getting up to date trade This year a few impromptu flash demos up, only takes a few minutes and is simple toto me perhaps beyond repair with the news in real time rather than only waiting for have been organised within minutes on use! Set up an account today!current hierarchy. It appears that TfL do not the trade papers that come out fortnightly or Twitter and have had success. The LCDCvalue or respect the service we provide monthly. Twitter allows us to engage, share called one at The Shard that was attended Please follow @The_LCDCLondoners and tourists that it is the envy of information and conversations to huge by hundreds of the drivers, which eventually @Mattthecab14major cities worldwide. numbers of us by the touch of a button. put pressure for us to obtain our rightful rankI like many Taxi Drivers now believe that our The LCDC Twitter Account has over 4000 there. These types of demos are effectivefutures under this regime are in jeopardy. followers and provides trade information and and nutmeg the authorities as they areTfL’s biased management for PH and dialogue with drivers on a daily basis. Many caught unaware and not afforded the time todisregard for us is deregulating the industry drivers like myself have built up place road restrictions.to the detriment of Public Safety and the Taxi networks/contacts with other drivers who I believe that the blatant disregard that TfLTrade. they never previously knew before. have for us gives us no alternative but toIt is more important than ever that we ALL It is great for sharing views and debating FIGHT BACK in numbers!!! Do we need toget organised, informed on trade matters trade matters and banter about your working cause major disruption by flash demos inand have an input in standing up to TfL. day, football, current affairs or just letting off a order for TfL to take the trade seriously? Is itLet’s forget the drivers who do not do trade bit of steam! It is also useful for letting each time we paid a visit to some bent hotels,politics and only care about their day’s other know if there are road closures or if the clubs and restaurants who frog march theirtakings, as were never going to change stations are busy or quiet etc. The cab trade customers in to rip off PH? IF so, this can be www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

12 Issue 224 - November 2014HARD WORK - BUT WELLWORTH THE EFFORT - ROSHANSO MANY people here and around the executed on death row! My name was one life left. Either redline (and back to the start) think of it and I was itching to get this over andworld have heard of \" The Knowledge\". eventually called out by a tall, white haired or drop to 28s. Mr Gunning called my name. Mr done with and to get out there!They know we have to learn London and gentleman. I followed him into a office where I G is dreaded by most. He is a lovely examiner My favourite appearance came on 21s (bar myhow to get from A to B. They've heard that was told to sit down. Mr McDowell was the but very difficult. The inevitable happened. I req). Mr Swires called my name. Sir is knownit takes a long time and is very examiner's name and he explained what was was told that I wasn’t good enough for 28s and to be very knowledgable and forgets nothing!complicated. But do they know what it expected of me and how Appearances work. I must start again. I was numb. I came out of Most people on the knowledge would say he isREALLY involves? I'm often asked why I was shaking. I'm pretty sure I was sweating. Palestra a broken man. How did this happen? I a bit of a legend up there! I had, on thischose to do the Knowledge of London. And I was having trouble opening my mouth was doing well in the beginning. I would have occasion, a \"Mr Swires special\". I sat downEveryone has their own reasons. Mine was, I without mumbling some nonsense. Eventually, jumped off Blackfriars bridge that day but luckily and he asked me where I was from, where mywanted the flexibility of when I wanted to work. the first question was fired at me. Where's I didn't know where it was! family are from, he gave me the ins and out ofI was sick of working for big companies, Limehouse Police station? \"West India Dock rd The next year was full of ups and downs. obtaining an HGV licence, he gave me themaking them richer while I struggled to make sir\". Where's Olympia? \"Hammersmith rd sir\". Every 56 days, same routine. Calling over with history of how M&S started, he explained toends meet. My daughter lives in Ireland and I Right, go on then. Silence. Eh? Did Mr McD my call over partners. Dreading that day me where the first ever carnival in the worldwant to see her more often. I didn't want my really want me to get from Limehouse to marked on my calendar. The emotions happened, he named every town from Londonemployer to choose when I saw her. I wanted Hammersmith? Mr McDowell looked at me involved on the run up to an app can only be to Ipswich, he told me what the livery was on ato see her when I wanted to. I had enough of over his glasses and asked how I think I did. I described as everything from nightmares to company I used to work for in the ‘90s was. Heworking shifts (as a HGV driver for M&S). I had apologised for being so rubbish. He sort of dreaming of road names to mood swings to told me the route for a truck from Ireland toenough of dead end jobs, talking to the same smiled and said, \"There is something there. wanting to kill everyone to completely Italy! None of this makes any sense to anyonepeople every day, signing endless pieces of Not much, but something\"! He scored me and alienating all my friends and family. I found the else. But it did to me. Because, it was my life tomeaningless paper, watching pen pushers rule gave me the benefit of the doubt on many cock experience challenging to say the least. date and Mr Swires made an appearance outmy life. No more. I wanted to be a London Taxi ups that day. I could have kissed him but I I eventually got my drop to 28s relatively of all those aspects of my life. I didn't want thedriver. thought better of it. I couldn't believe it. I've unscathed. I got to recognise the examiners questions to end! I can't wait to see sir out hereMy journey started in July 2009. I got the letter scored on my first Appearance. I was ecstatic. and who was calling my name. I had Ma'am one day. I will gladly stop the cab and shakesaying I'd been accepted to start the KoL. I was My next few appearances went well. I scored Gerald 3 times on 28s and ma'am is known to his hand. What a legend. He saw me sitting upecstatic. I couldn't wait to get going. I was going on 3 and got 1 D. I only needed one more be difficult with points but likes a nice fluent call. in the waiting room a month later, stopped,out and doing the Blue book after a long 12 score to get my drop to 28s. Things were Ma'am scored me 2 out the 3 times and I was looked at me and said \"it'll be a carnival for youhour shift at work. This often meant being out looking good. The Olympics came and I got very grateful to her for the great advice she soon sir!\" - this was a reference to that app Iof the house for 15,16 hours everyday. This caught up in lots of delays at Palestra. I got a often gave me. had with him a month earlier!eventually took its toll on my relationship. My job as a driver at the Olympics. It was a I was almost there when I got my drop to 21s. I And to my Req. I gratefully received it from Mrpartner at the time got fed up with never seeing fantastic experience for me. I went to lots of could start to see that shiney cab on the O'Connor. Luckily, I knew what was thrown atme. Eventually, she got fed up with the whole events and made some new friends. The driveway! But I didn't want to take anything for me and didn't cock too much up. When thatsituation and left. This took its toll on me and I downside was, I stopped calling over. I granted. I always remembered what happened hand came out I didn't know what had hit me. Iwas left to fend for myself. I got into financial completely took my eye off the ball and my next to me on 56s so I tried not think about driving a had to stop myself from crying my eyes out.difficulty and had to move. I lost my flat in Acton few apps suffered. I eventually got to 3 all. I had cab just yet. But In all honesty, I couldn't not The sense of relief, happiness and elation wasand had to think about what I really wanted to over bearing. I tried hard to keep myselfdo. Did I want to stay working as a lorry driver together but I won't lie, I could easily have burstfor the rest of my life or did I want to become out in tears in that office. I couldn't believe I hadone of the world’s favourite taxi drivers? There actually done this. I found it so difficult. Almostwas no competition really. I ploughed on with impossible. I almost lost everything during thethe Knowledge. Knowledge. Everything for the last 5 years wasAfter a couple of more years, my friends for today. That handshake meant a new life foreventually gave up on me. They were sick of me. I was on cloud 9.me not keeping in contact. I tried telling people The next couple of months was doing theI was either calling over, on the bike finding suburbs. And then my final appearance waspoints, revising or sleeping. My health started with Ma'am Ayres. I never had ma'am duringto suffer as well. I wasn't eating well. It was apps and she asked me why I was swervingquick, convenient meals when and whenever. her! She was lovely and I passed! That was it.Was all this going to be worth it? I was The final hurdle jumped. We had our talk ingambling with my life. the afternoon with ma'am and the do's andI eventually was ready for the map test which dont's was explained. It was the first time Iluckily I passed. And then to the dreaded went into Palestra with a massive smile onAppearances!! my face.My \"apps\" were at TfL's new fancy offices at And that was it. My Knowledge of London. AnPalestra, Blackfriars. They had moved from unbelievable experience of emotion. It's difficultPenton St so I never experienced an app for a reason.there. I didn't sleep the night before my 1st There is a very good reason why London Taxiapp. There was a million things going on in my drivers are consistently voted the best in thehead. I'd heard so many stories about world. We are the best and any knowledgeexaminers and Appearances. One cabby even student out there on their bikes in the cold andtold me, when he had his Appearances 30 wet will always have my admiration.years ago, the examiner picked up a glass ofwater and threw it over him!!!! Up to the 4thfloor where I was waiting with about 15 otherpeople. Deadly silent. No one was talking.Most of us looked like we were about to bewww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 224 - November 2014 13YOU WAIT FOR ONE ANDTHREE COME ALONG AT ONCE!Not another new Taxi app? increase in revenue by up to 30%. Andy Tye without drivers it makes it very hard to marketTaxiToo was actually one of the first London It’s equally a no-brainer for passengers, why the app to passengers, so the more drivers thatTaxi apps available to drivers starting life as The would a passenger want to stand out in the When do drivers get paid? download and sign up, the more work it willLDN Taxi app in 2011. The brain child of cold and rain waiting for one of us to drive down Each driver gets sent a weekly statement and generate.Warren Cressdee, a Black Taxi driver for the the street, when they can simply hail one of us any payments due to the driver are paid on a What’s the feedback so far?past 28 years and app developer Mick Coulter. with the touch of a button from their own phone weekly basis. Great and I’m not just saying that, the feedbackThe app featured in the Evening without leaving the pub or the office. So how is the launch going? has been positive especially about how simpleStandard with great reviews and The Sunday Is the app easy to use? We’ll I’m using it! But Honestly, not too bad, however we could really that app is to use and the help and adviceTimes rated it as one of the top ten new apps of seriously yes, the app couldn’t be do with more drivers signing up, as I said, and I given from the support team, with the drivers2011. However at the time the strategic simpler, all drivers have to do is register giving obviously can’t speak for every cabbie, but the that have already registered starting to use thedecision was made to withdraw from the their licence and badge details, this is to app is free to download, it takes five minutes to app and earning more fares.market until the right funding could be found to prevent anyone who is not a licensed Hackney register and is another opportunity to be able to Are you worried about the competition?be able to equally compete in the market place. Carriage driver using the app! It’s then a case pick up fares and the fact the app can be used No, we are here for the long term. I believe theA couple of years on and with the right backing, of accepting their first fare. for ‘off the street card payments‘ at no cost to app we have developed is as good as any ofthe right infrastructure and even better How much does it cost the driver? the driver, must make it a win win. The truth is the other apps available and we are constantlytechnology, TaxiToo launched its brand new taxi TaxiToo take 10% commission from any cash looking to improve, listen and develop the appapp for the Android and iPhone at the end of or card fares accepted through the app, unless to make it even better.September 2014. the fare is an ‘off the street card payment‘ What’s next for TaxiToo?So why use TaxiToo? where the driver pays no commission and the Drivers, Drivers, Drivers, our aim is to sign upFounder and full time Black Cab driver Warren passenger pays a small 5% transaction fee. as many drivers as we can before ourCressdee explains: “I’ve been a cabbie for Some apps have stopped card payments? I passenger marketing campaign kicks in at thenearly 28 years now and I don’t have to tell have read about this in the press and can end of November, so any drivers who haven’tanyone that it’s getting tougher and tougher out understand the concerns, however our already downloaded the app, download now,there each year, with growing private hire and passenger payment process allows the also remember there’s no law about how manypeople still considering whether a taxi is a passenger to pay and enter their own card taxi apps you can use at the same time! If younecessary expense. I for one think that taxi details from their own phone for both TaxiToo want to ask any questions send me a tweet atapps are a brilliant idea, why wouldn’t any fares and ‘off the street fares‘ giving the twitter.com/taxitooapp Thanks for reading.driver want to have the opportunity of being passenger piece of mind and also the Warren.able to earn more fares. I have read quotes that convenience of not having to find a cashsome drivers using taxi apps have seen an machine late at night that’s working. TAXITOO. THE ALTERNATIVE TAXI APP.

14 Issue 224 - November 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 303.2 Your Bank: ......................................................................................... Tower Bridge Business Complex, Tower Point, Your Bank Address:............................................................................ 100 Clements Road, Southwark, London SE16 4DG Post 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 for Your Name: ..................................................................................... matters arising prior to the date of this application. Thereby declare that Account No: ..................................................................................... I have no outstanding PCO or police matters pending. Sort Code: ....................................................................................... Signature: ........................................................................................ Signed: ...................................... Date: ...................................... Date: ..................................................................................................www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

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16 Issue 224 - November 2014Uber minicab ‘ran overcyclist’ in CamberwellAN UBER minicab driver She said the driver sounded The couple have sinceallegedly struck a cyclist his horn at a cyclist who was reported the incident to Uber,and knocked him off his riding in the middle of the who she said were unaware itbike. road. had taken place.The incident was said to have The 28-year-old said: “The A spokesman for Uber said:taken place in Walworth Road, cyclist did come up to the car \"Trust and safety are ofCamberwell, at around 8pm and said ‘What are you paramount importance toon Saturday as a couple doing?’ He drove away to the Uber, and we pride ourselvestravelled in the back of the car side of the road. on offering the safest, mostMiraculously the cyclist \"We felt it [the car] go over the convenient and reliable way ofescaped with minor injuries, bike.\" getting about town.but images show his bicycle The driver stopped at the \"As such we are shocked toleft in a crushed heap scene. learn that one of our partnerunderneath the vehicle. London Ambulance Service drivers was involved in thisSocial media manager Heena attended and treated the incident.Randhawa was travelling in cyclist, but he did not require \"We are in touch with thethe taxi with her husband, hospital treatment. authorities and have askedbooked using the Uber A spokeswoman for The Met them to pass our details to theminicab smartphone app from said the incident was reported cyclist so we can offer our fulltheir home in Herne Hill, south to police later that evening support. The driver has beenLondon, to Liverpool Street, and an investigation is under deactivated from the Ubereast London. way. platform whilst we investigate.”www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 224 - November 2014 17 Walker on the March....ACCIDENT???It was almost six years ago to theday. In the early hours I wasdriving behind a scab in NorthEnd Road.We came to the double mini-roundabout. I entered the RAB ashe was clearing it and that waswhen he decided to reverse backacross the RAB. I flashed my lightsand kept my hand on the hooter butall to no avail as I sat there with thatsick feeling we all know as I waitedfor him to hit me. Hit me he did.Time to exchange details. His fare NEW IDENTIFIERSwalks off immediately in disgust. Ihave a nice couple in the back who These new identifiers are good, aren't they? Enforcement officers will now be able to zap our plates,are happy to stand witness. Theyare almost home so pay me, leave licences and identifiers to make sure we are all kosher.their details and off they go.Another cab driver who was behind All fine if you are above board. What about when they come across a snide though? An enforcementme and saw the whole thing also officer has no power of arrest and as they keep reminding us about touts, they have no power to actleaves details. I exchange details against non-licensed drivers. So, how much use is this ability to spot a fake licence actually going towith the other driver and through be?the whole thing he doesn't utter aword to me. While exchanging himself in a position outside the months. How unlucky can you get, ELECTRONIC HAILINGdetails though, one of his pals rocks Holiday Inn X, where there is no eh? Apparently, I had some hardup and they have a discussion in a clear view of the accident site and evidence and was asked if I would Remember a while back when Hailolanguage that I don't understand. photos were taken to show this. go to court as a witness? Too was a taxi-only App and they bleedin' right I would. introduced minimum fares? It wasI duly put the claim in the hands of Several letters to me personally argued that as Hailo rides were thea non-fault insurer, the cab is followed from his solicitor and I hear nothing at first, then told the same as radio circuit rides,quickly repaired and all over bar the frankly were responded to by phone trial was going ahead. Committal minimum fares were OK.shouting, or so I thought. Nah! A calls from me, taking the pee. In the proceedings and adjournmentscouple of weeks go by and I get a end though, it started to get serious mean that eventually a month short The TFL claimed that Hailo driverssolicitor's letter about the accident. and I explained to the brief that her of six years since the accident, I could not charged above the meteredAccording to the other driver, I client's insurers had already attend Croydon Crown Court as a fare because these rides weredrove into the back of him and admitted fault and coughed up. witness for the Crown. I have to say \"electronic hails\" and not pre-bookedcaused him to sustain a whiplash Even then in order to convince the that I found the court proceedings arrangements between Hailo and theinjury. I must have hit him very hard brief, I had to obtain copies of the very interesting. The prosecutor had passenger.because two of his family members no-fault insurers invoice and me in the box for almost 30suffered the same whiplash injury payment remittance and send them minutes. Now that Hailo are a joint taxi-PHVwhile at home in bed sleeping and to her. That was the last I heard After that, the four defendant briefs supplier, what has happened to theweren't even in the car. from the brief. were asked if they wished to cross- pre-booked/ electronic hail situation. I examine me. The three repping the mean, are the Hailo PHV RidesThe three of them were each Three years go by and I've \"injured\" defendants didn't bother electronic hails and thus illegal, orclaiming £9,000 compensation from forgotten all about this accident, but the \"witness’s\" brief spent have they suddenly become pre-me. Now here's a thing I didn't when I get a call from Sgt Plod of another half hour nit-picking on booked?know. Apparently they all attended the Fraud Squad, who wants to details and trying to get me to say I If the PH rides are pre-booked, whathospital for their injuries and if their know about the accident. Being a had made a mistake and that the about the taxi rides? Are they now pre-individual claims had been £10,000 bit anal, I keep all records of other driver's mate turning up had booked in order to allow TFL to claimor higher, my insurers could accidents and the like for years, so I been a fiction of my imagination. that PH operators are working withindemand to see the medical report still had all my stuff. This included Yeah, right! the law while flagrantly breaking it? Orof the hospital attendances. the post-it note the nob wrote his do we now have double standardsHowever, because they were details on, that had the details of his The jury got it right with a 12 - 0 where a ride is judged by TFL as aclaiming a bit less than that, their fare on the back. guilty verdict after an eight-day trial. \"hail\" when it works against the taxiattendance at the hospital may be Sgt Plod asked if he could come That was during September. They trade and \"pre-booked\" when it workschecked but not the medical reports from Kingston to Kent to have a don't get sentenced until the end of in favour of PH?themselves. Neat, eh? nose at my paperwork. He visits November. Looks like this little gang and explains that my accident was of toe-rags will not be having a very Perhaps somebody from TFL couldSurprise, surprise, he also now had the third time this little crew had merry Christmas but I'll let you explain? Or is this situationa witness to the accident - no doubt received whiplash injuries in 18 know the result when I hear. indefensible? TFL - it never does whathis mate. Fortunately, his mate put it says on the tin. Not fit for purpose! www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

18 Issue 224 - November 2014Call for tougher checksto protect passengersMINISTERS HAVE called for local unspent convictions, cautions,authorities to ensure enhanced reprimands and final warnings.security checks are carried out on Enhanced scrutiny includes anycab drivers to protect passengers additional information held by thefrom sex attacks. police that is considered relevant.Transport minister Baroness Kramer Last month, minicab driver Alaksur(pictured) is writing to Transport for Rahman, 39, of Poplar, was jailed forLondon and town halls across the 30 months at Snaresbrook crown courtcountry urging them to make “full use” after admitting two charges of sexualof new powers to probe the assault on PR and media executives.background of individuals applying for Shocking reports have also emergedtaxi licences. recently from Rotherham of taxi drivers“People need to feel safe when using a paid for by council staff ferryingtaxi or private hire vehicle,” she told vulnerable young girls in care to beThe Standard. “We have made it abused by sex attackers, and alsoeasier for local authorities to carry out carrying out assaults themselves.checks on people who want to drive Courtesy of the Evening Standardtaxis or private hire vehicles.“These checks should ensure thatviolent and sexual criminals aren’tallowed behind the wheel of a taxi.”Ministers have sought to strengthenthe system by encouraging town hallsto require enhanced, rather thanstandard, checks on all mini cab andtaxi drivers.Standard checks by the Disclosureand Barring Service cover spent andwww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Issue 224 - November 2014 19Airport MattersBY PETER “THE CANNON”L.C.D.C AIRPORT REPHeathrow Policing Cost Heathrow taxi drivers are not introduce a disciplinary scheme at (BAA) applied on behalf of HALTS.The LCDC has been in contact with prepared to take action to stop private Heathrow and quite possibly such a For the benefit of those drivers atthe Home Office in an effort to find out hire operations from dominating the scheme would be a good thing. But Heathrow who have forgotten, HALTShow much the taxi trade is contributing airport’s forecourts. The decision the LCDC would insist that all drivers was drawing £40,000 a month fromto policing cost at Heathrow. As makers in the MPS are also gambling who feel qualified to sit in judgement the gate money but HALTSpreviously reported in The Badge, the that illegal parkers who go on their fellows, would have to be executives didn’t use the funding as itbosses at Heathrow police station unchallenged don’t pose a threat of a drivers who use the Taxi System in full was meant to be used. It would behave teamed up with HAL terrorist incident occurring at compliance with Heathrow’s feeder accurate to say that HALTS had somanagement and information on Heathrow. The latest word reaching park byelaws. many fingers in so many pies that thepolicing costs is being deliberately and the LCDC’s office is that any £480,000 HALTS took from the gateunfairly withheld. Home Office officials Heathrow driver or group of drivers More on Heathrow Express money every year was money thatadvise that the information on costs who take part in industrial action to There’s no doubt that the HEX train couldn’t be tracked by HALTS‘has to come from the MPS Heathrow clear the forecourts of minicabs, will company recognises London taxis as opponents. HALTS’ executivesand so the LCDC will continue to face a 12 month ban. (We shall see). one of its biggest competitors. Many persuaded many Heathrow drivers topress the MPS for answers to HEX passengers only use the service believe that HALTS was keeping itsstraightforward questions. Given that Heathrow Driver Banned to and from Paddington until they head above water with the profitsthe MPS receives over £35 million per A Heathrow driver who allegedly realise that it isn’t always an economic made from credit card transactions.annum to cover Heathrow, questions refused to go to from Terminal 5 to way of travelling. More and more HEX HALTS also tried to convince its manyabout costs deserve to be taken Kingston has been banned from passengers are finding out the hard critics that its share of the gate moneyseriously. In defence of advice given Heathrow for 14 days by Heathrow way that the best way to get was being invested in schemes toby the Home Office, HAL is a private Ltd. (HAL). The dark side to this themselves and their luggage from promote the taxi trade. In reality nosector company and the Home Office prohibition incident is fact that HAL Heathrow into London is by taking a such thing was happening. HALTScan’t do anything about HAL’s shows no signs of serving Prohibition taxi directly from Heathrow. The latest was ploughing its huge income fromrejection of the LCDC’s requests for Orders on all the PH drivers who offer round of attacks conducted by HEX the gate into keeping HALTS’ taxirelevant financial information. The passengers illegal meet and greet on Heathrow’s taxi service is an booking service afloat. The serviceMPS on the other hand is a public services on the airport’s forecourts. To indicator that HEX people at the sharp had been set up by HALTS allegedlyauthority and the longer it obstructs add fuel to the fire, law breaking by end are under pressure from the top to provide extra work for all Heathrowthe LCDC from getting information on PH is going on unchecked under the to shrink the taxi trade’s share of the drivers ; but it was used primarily topolicing costs, the deeper the hole the noses of HAL management and the Heathrow surface travel market. As ensure that HALTS’ executives andMPS is digging for itself. law enforcers. The LCDC is waiting for the operator of the UK’s most their cronies had the exclusive right toGetting financial facts and figures from written confirmation from HAL as to important airport, Heathrow Ltd. (HAL) cream off lucrative bookings. AlongHeathrow police station shouldn’t be whether the ban on the taxi driver has should be giving out top quality with the other Heathrow tradelike trying to get blood from a stone. already been applied or is going to be onward travel information. Travellers organisations the LCDC accepts thatWe need to know if the MPS at applied in the near future. It has to be need to be advised of exactly where the taxi trade has got to find theHeathrow is ripping off the taxi trade. said, that HAL made an agreement Paddington is situated, together with means to promote itself. But becauseTo make this point another way, who with the trade organisations that it the safety aspects and total cost of of the HALTS debacle manyis paying the cost of having the MPS would not investigate complaints getting to final destinations. If HEX is Heathrow drivers are sceptical aboutdeal with minicab touts in the against individual drivers, without all it’s cracked up to be, there would contributing to a new fund.passenger terminals ? Let’s all hope notifying the trade organisations of be no need to have HEX touts posted Throughout all the years when HALthat these costs are not being dumped what was taking place. HAL has a in key positions at Heathrow, (BAA) imposed the compulsoryonto the licensed taxi trade at habit of making and breaking badgering travellers to go to HALTS’ levy there was a constantHeathrow. It’s common knowledge agreements, just as it has done by Paddington even though their arrival battle to get the levy rule rescindedthat the police are doing sweet FA to banning the driver who allegedly there may necessitate a long and time and the reasons why that battle wasstop minicabs from having total control refused a compellable hiring. The consuming journey back towards fought shouldn’t be forgotten. Moneyover the parking spaces on the LCDC certainly doesn’t have any wish Heathrow. is definitely needed to promote theforecourts. In fact it would be fair to to protect cheats and ‘gangster’ taxi trade at Heathrow, but allsay that MPS law enforcers of drivers and we certainly can’t tell other Promoting the Taxi Trade arguments for and against howdifferent grades seem to have trade orgs what level of protection HALTS no longer exists at Heathrow funding could be raised have to bereached an agreement with the they should provide for their but there is a lot of positive talk about given an airing. Above all, it shouldn’tprivate hire companies and their members. But having said that, any organising a method of raising funds be taken for granted that theredrivers. The deal struck with the MPS ban imposed on an LCDC member to promote Heathrow’s taxi services. wouldn’t be widespread opposition toseems to be that if the minicabs can who works at Heathrow would There is a great deal of discussion on the imposition of a new compulsorymaintain the scale of the offending on automatically be opposed at least until whether funding scheme could we levy. Alternative ways of raising fundsthe forecourts at a very high level, the member had been given the introduced using the rules that HAL have to be explored.then the traffic wardens, policemen, opportunity to explain why he was inPCSOs and tow-away crews have a trouble. The LCDC would not accept agood excuse to claim that law third party’s decision as to whether anenforcement is an impossible and LCDC member deserved to bepointless exercise. Lazy law enforcers punished. The LCDC would make thatemployed by the MPS and cunning decision for itself and all other trademinicab drivers must be laughing at orgs at Heathrow are entitled to do thethe taxi trade. The LCDC believes that same, without outside interference.HAL and the MPS are gambling that Proposals are in the pipeline to www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com



Issue 224 - November 2014 21 Vito Taxi ClubWe Vito taxi owners all know that we drive the best vehicle for the job. No other cab compares with the quality, comfort, and performance as far as we are concerned. MB is listening to, and learning from the owners and drivers.R/steer upgrades coming soon. We help resolve the owner’s issues.We have set up an email address at MBHQ for owners to communicate with MB directly (politely of course) [email protected] Our genuine MB parts discount deal is great value for our club members. We aim to obtain group buying discounts with all products where possible. Join us Mike & Paul www.vitotaxiclub.org

22 Issue 224 - November 2014 Golovkin could be a greatGENNADY Steve Bunce ignored the pleas of their natural rivals, men moving up and men moving downGOLOVKIN is but it seems that in the last 25 years for a fight with Golovkin and the sportone of about -BOXNATION dozens of essential fights have simply would be a richer place if Mayweather failed to take place. agreed to gain a few pounds or Andre80 men who Ward, arguably the best fighter in the Golovkin throws a powerful shot at Rubio world today, agreed to lose a few poundshold an on Saturday night The business of boxing, to make the fight happen. “I will fight where the absence of one ruling body anybody and I will consider any offer,”increasingly encourages chaos, has shaped the sport said Golovkin and I believe him. during the last 120 years into adiluted Golovkin ends the fight in round two bewildering coalition of men with rival The uneven pile of boxing history books agendas. It has created a sporting that litter my shelves is often a hopelesssegment of a avoided, he has compiled his wilderness where the best never have to guide to the sport’s greatest fighters, but championship record by not meeting a fight the best and often retain their world there is no denying that the pages ofworld title in single elite fighter in the middleweight titles in mismatch after mismatch. It is a memories, often packed with howlers, division; in theory he fights men who are contradiction in terms but there has contain the cold, hard facts that all greatone of the 17 ranked at four or five but the rankings always been a solid, if unacceptable, fighters have at some point had a great from the various sanctioning bodies are excuse for the best men not fighting each fight, often with a splendid rival. Men likedifferent pathetic fairy tales and not worth the other; it was for a few decades Sugar Ray Robinson had a dozen close paper they are printed on. straightforward racism, then the gangsters encounters with elite boxers and that typeweight controlled the sport and then television of cherished conflict is something that far Right now Golovkin has about 10 money and the grandees from the too many modern fighters seem to avoid.classes that help to maintain leading contenders, some of whom hold a sanctioning bodies formed unholy It is, for instance, the one missing version of the world middleweight title and alliances. It is now as acceptable to say ingredient that Mayweather, with hisboxing’s position as a global some hold belts at different weights. that Floyd Mayweather will not fight millions and ring riches, simply can’t buy. However, the tiresome politics between Manny Pacquiao because they are onsport rival sanctioning bodies, the intransigence rival television stations, as it once was for Golovkin has, even at 32, a lot of time of opposing promoters and television Jack Johnson to be excluded from fighting left and I hope that eventually he findsOn Saturday night in California, Golovkin companies with firm alliances that form a for the heavyweight world title because he his great fight, his big night and his rival. lethal mix of reluctant partners all combine was black. However, another three years of sendingdid what he pleased for a few minutes to keep men like Rubio in the opposite men like Rubio out in front of huge corner. It is, after all, the tragic way that Right now Golovkin is two fights shy of crowds of more than 9,000 will onlybefore knocking out a rube from Mexico in we do business. There are some obvious becoming a truly great fighter and a very convince the sport’s powerbrokers that modern exceptions, boxers like Miguel rich man, but he will not achieve either if there is no need to change the safety-firstround two with a punch to the temple that Cotto and Carl Froch have a truly fearless he meets more boxers like Rubio or the format for good fighters. Golovkin is approach, and also a lot of men in history 12 who preceded the Mexican into the unbeaten in 31, with 28 ending quick,was visible in the cheap seats; somehow ring, men with enough talent to deserve and he just might be a great fighter but the chance but not enough to avoid the there is every chance that we will neverthe slow-motion punch slipped under the inevitable slaughter. There is bold talk of find out.radar of 67-fight veteran Marco AntonioRubio and he dropped willingly to thecanvas for a tiny snooze.Golovkin is from Kazakhstan and so farhe has fought and won 13 world title fightsby stoppage or sophisticated knockout insix different countries, and it is justpossible that he is the best worldchampion you have never heard of. It isalso just possible that, in addition to beingPower days in and out of the ringOCTOBER ENDED on raised in two years by announcing 6 annual, Powerday, financed bursaries ofa high with England £500 each. 6 boxers, male or female, who arecontinuing to carry, registered with and who box for London ABA and who are aged between 12 yrs toever increasing, 18 yrs, with winning records, who do not receive funding from GB or England Boxingpunch power, in the and who are deemed to have the potential to box at international level will be selectedring, winning, gold, to receive £500 each to help pay for equipment, travel and training expenses.silver and bronze in Mick Crossan, Chairman of Powerday, the innovative recycling specialists, once again,the European Junior The Boddyman with the assistance of the London ABA, hasChampionships in come through with yet another programme - BOXNATION to continue building a 2012 Olympic boxingZagreb and our legacy. London ABA has been using the money itwomen winning 4 has raised to support, secure and to develop several of London’s boxing clubs.golds and a silver in In no particular order, Croydon ABC, Repton, Dale Youth, Dagenham PC club,Germany. Earlsfield, East London Academy, West Ham and Fitzroy Lodge are boxing clubsBradford’s, that have all had their leases renewed,Muhammad Ali, whoboxes for Amir Khan’sold alma mater, Bury ABC, winning gold onthe back of silver medals in both the JuniorWorld’s and Junior Olympics.London ABA go from strength to strength, extended, or have had new premises found to 12 per annum, but more officials are for them and have received, or are in the required, so why not apply to London ABA,the wide awake team of Keith Walters OBE, process of receiving, substantial 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, London investment, a remarkable turnaround and a SE5 0LD if you are interested in becomingPresident of England Boxing and Paul King, massive boost for boxing in the capital in an amateur boxing judge or referee? just over two years. Training coaching Until next time, drive carefully, cheerfully,a scouser who’s taking Southwark elocution courses are being increased from 4 a year safely and profitably – Ron Boddylessons and who was the former, chiefexecutive, of amateur boxing in England,have added to the £4.5 million they’vewww.lcdcorg.wordpress.com



24 Issue 224 - November 2014 Adam D. Elliott PAYTON’S SOLICITORS Vincent House, 99a Station Road, London, E4 7BU 9 – 13 CURSITOR STREET LONDON, EC4A 1LL SPECIALIST ACCOUNTANT TO THE We at the LCDC don’t often bang our own LICENSED TAXI TRADE drum when it comes to helping our members with their legal troubles. A lot of the cases Tel: 020 8281 0500 which come our way with members are quite email: [email protected] / SKYPE: taxitax sensitive and we respect their wishes to keep things in house and out of the paper which I can fully appreciate. However, not only do Payton’s Solicitors offer our members a 24 Hour Duty Solicitor 365 days a year, but since getting involved with the Club, our solicitor Keima Payton has the distinction of having a 100% success rate in all her cases which she has handled on behalf of the Club’s members. Keima Payton has a fearsome reputation in court and should ever the need arise you will find no one better able to fight your corner and save your Badge than Keima. - Grant Davis, LCDC Chairman Tel: 0207 405 1999 FAX: 0207 405 1991www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com



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