Uber Safety Complaints Exposed - Appeal Dealt Hammer Blow by Devastating Letters p5
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LTDA
The newspaper
of the Licensed
Taxi Drivers’
Association
www.ltda.co.uk
@TheLTDA
LETTERS: p07
#460
28 January 2020 ELECTRIC CAB
DEMAND SOARING
28,000
Uber Safety Complaints Exposed
Appeal Dealt Hammer Blow
by Devastating Letters
p5
2 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Runway Faces Three Year Delay NEWS IN BRIEF
HEATHROW “We will now review the detail to ensure
“Palace Jihadist”
it will unlock the initial £1.5-2bn of Denies Terror Plot
Controversial plans to expand Heathrow private investment over the next two A former Uber driver and alleged jihadist
have been set back at least three years years at no cost to the taxpayer.” told an undercover police officer he was free
following a dispute by the airport and Willie Walsh, the chief executive to attack one million unbelievers if he was
the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). of IAG – parent company of British fighting for “the pleasure of Allah”, a court
The completion of the extra runway Airways, said: “We need a fresh look at heard.
may not now happen until 2029, despite the environmental viability and total cost
Mohiussunnath Chowdhury was unwittingly
being promised for 2026. of expanding Heathrow.
recorded stressing the importance of an
The plans, which have caused fury in “The airport has a history of spending
“ambush”, claiming “they shouldn’t know
the taxi trade for including damaging recklessly to gold-plate projects
what’s hit them, “ Woolwich Crown Court
proposals to charge £15 to drop-off and Heathrow will benefit air passengers and paying guaranteed dividends
jurors were told.
set down, are still not guaranteed. and cargo owners. Its timely delivery is to shareholders while minimising
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps required to prevent future consumers the environmental significance of They also heard he felt “so much peace”
has said that they still might not be experiencing higher airfares, reduced expansion.” before slashing police with a sword outside
financially viable and could yet be choice and lower service quality. John Stewart, chair of the anti- Buckingham Palace because he was
abandoned. “The sooner a new runway comes into Heathrow expansion group, Hacan, “guaranteed paradise.”
But Heathrow Airport Limited says operation, the sooner these benefits can said: “This continuing battle between Prosecutors allege Chowdhury plotted
that, following a ruling by the CAA be realised. Heathrow and the CAA is in nobody’s to kill members of the public at tourist
on development costs, the additional “However, we have also been clear interest. attractions including London’s Madame
runway won’t be ready until sometime that timeliness is not the only factor “The government needs to step in to Tussauds and the Gay Pride parade last year.
between early 2028 and late 2029. that is important to consumers. sort out this on-going battle about costs” He is said to have bragged about deceiving
To deliver the controversial third Passengers cannot be expected to bear Heathrow did not appear a jury which cleared him over the sword
runway by 2026, Heathrow outlined a the risk of Heathrow Airport Limited Queen’s Speech setting out the new attack.
need to spend £2.9bn (at 2014 prices) spending too much in the early phases Government’s plans. Two unarmed officers suffered injuries while
ahead of planning permission even being of development, should planning The prime minister, whose disarming Chowdhury near Buckingham
granted. permission not be granted.” constituency is next to the airport, Palace in August 2017. He claimed at trial
But the CAA described the 2026 target Heathrow responded by saying: “The has long opposed a third runway and that he wanted to be killed by police and had
as an “aggressive schedule,” adding that CAA has delayed the project timetable once said he would lie down in front of no intention of hurting anyone but himself.
planning permission not granted, airport by at least 12 months. diggers to stop it going ahead. He denies engaging in conduct in
charges and passenger fares could rise “We now expect to complete the third The Conservative manifesto said of the preparation of terrorist acts, collecting
because of the expenditure. runway between early 2028 and late third runway plan: “It is for Heathrow information likely to be useful to a person
Paul Smith, of the CAA, said: “We 2029.”. to demonstrate that it can meet its air committing or preparing an act of terrorism,
believe that more runway capacity at The Heathrow spokesperson added: quality and noise obligations.” and disseminating terrorist publications.
LEVC
BERKSHIRE
NOW OPEN!
Experience the TX Electric Taxi today
48 HOUR
TEST DRIVES
Exclusive to LEVC Berkshire
Offer ends 24th December 2019
Reading Hackney Carriage Licence Required
• New TX Electric Taxi Showroom
• Demonstrator available for Test Drives
• Taxi Servicing & Bodyshop
• Rapid 22kW Charging Points available
• Meter & CC Payment Machine fitting on-site
• TX4 Part Exchanges welcome
• Full After Sales Facilities available
LEVC Berkshire 392
Pop in and we’d be delighted to show you round Bath Road, Slough,
Berkshire SL1 6JA
our new premises and talk you through some of the 01753 523031
ground-breaking features of the new TX Electric Taxi.
@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 3
Uber maybe going out of its way to pretend it cares about safety, but the facts speak for themselves
‘SAFETY SUMMIT’ SHAM
STEVE MCNAMARA FOOLED NOBODY
TOP TRADE STORY
W
e have now learned the full reasons for Uber’s
most recent licence refusal and coincidentally,
also saw Uber’s farcical and insulting
attempts to whitewash its appalling safety record hit
a new low. It’s “Tech for Safety Summit”, hosted in
Westminster, was nothing but a sham, and Londoners
won’t be fooled by this transparent ploy. In the spirit of
open-mindedness, I asked if I could attend to hear what
they had to say but was told it was full up – despite
there then being empty seats at the event! Clearly, Uber
is not interested in having a proper discussion about
safety.
Instead, LTDA members turned out in force outside
the event to tell Uber and attendees what they thought
of their safety record. There’s a reason we bang on about
it and given how Uber has failed at every turn to reform
how it operates, it’s worth reminding everyone why they
were refused a licence.
Insurance failings include allowing drivers to operate
without checking the start dates of policies, or with
forged, tampered with and fake policies.
Allowing drivers and vehicles to operate with
fraudulent or faked driver and vehicle PH licences. Officer, or disappointingly, Transport Minister George
Failing to prevent a Phishing scam which rips off Freeman MP who also spoke at the event. At the end
customers. TfL says this “HIGHLIGHTS THE EASE of the day, Uber is not a fit and proper operator, has no
WITH WHICH FRAUDSTERS APPEAR TO BE right to preach about safety, and doesn’t have a leg to
ABLE TO MANIPULATE THE UBER APP” stand on. London deserves better.
The company (Cognizant) called in by TfL to review
Uber’s systems found serious weaknesses. Uber rather More Focus Required
than rectifying the weaknesses argued that Cognizant I was delighted to attend the Annual General Meeting
were wrong! of the APPG on Taxis in the Houses of Parliament in
In a six-month period between Dec 2018 and May mid-January. It was great to be able to welcome new
2019, Uber received 27,799 safety related complaints MPs from the 2019 intake to the defence of the trade,
and a total of 597,881 complaints, Uber says this is an as well as reconnecting with long-time supporters.
acceptable level. Uber’s Chief Legal Officer claimed at Chair of the APPG, Wes Streeting MP, rightly called
the ‘summit’ that they had fixed the issue and verified for the key focus of the next year to be persuading
that all their drivers in London are who they say they Government to finally deliver the primary legislation
are, but how can Londoners trust them given their that has been long-promised, while the group will also City Hall, this is always a deeply moving event and it
record? seek an extension to the plug-in taxi grant to support was a privilege to be able to attend and represent our
If Uber truly cared about passenger safety, it would those cabbies wishing to make the switch. trade. u
have addressed one of the real issues of the day: cross
border hiring. Instead, this didn’t warrant a mention Holocaust Memorial Day Steve McNamara is the
in speeches by either the aforementioned Chief Legal I also attended the Holocaust Memorial Day event at LTDA’s General Secretary
See your
advertisement here
TAXI is the membership magazine for the
Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA). It
is circulated to 15,000 taxi drivers in London
every fortnight.
The LTDA is the definitive voice of and for
London cab drivers and is responsible for
ensuring best practise in the trade, making
sure its members’ voices are heard and
serving members with the back up and
support they need.
Get in touch
To see your advertisement in the
leading magazine for black cab
drivers in London contact us today:
Jack Green
Jack@centuryonepublishing.uk
01727 739 196
4 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
LTDA
DA Beat the back to work blues with
plus these deals from LTDA Plus
Welcome in 2020 with a smile as you save on all those things you love most.
Take a look at what’s on offer for LTDA members.
Escape the back to work blues and Beat the back to work blues by
save money with a feel-good film satisfying your tech cravings
Get up to 40% off next time you visit the cinema with fantastic discounts available at Save between 2%-10% on Apple products including MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple
over 300 nationwide venues. Whether you are seeking action, romance, comedy or Watch, AirPods and iPod as well as Apple accessories (inc Beats by Dre). There’s no
thriller, enjoy a great saving every time at local cinemas and nationwide chains such as need to wait for delivery, instead, you can order online and collect from your nearest
ODEON, Vue and Cineworld*. Apple store within one hour*.
Escape the back to work blues with a Take full advantage of the January
CottageStayUK getaway! sales with MyCashbackCards
Save up to 10% on cottage and short break holidays in the UK and Europe with MyCashbackCards helps you to get discounts and cashback, saving money with a
CottageStayUK. They work with over 18,000 cottages and villas in the UK and variety of retailers*. Every time you load your Reloadable Shopping Card you will earn
Europe to give LTDA members maximum choice. So whether it’s a romantic break or instant cashback between 3% and 8%. You can even access their Shop Online offers
a getaway with your friends, CottageStayUK can help you find the right property for and receive cashback from over 2,000 retailers from the comfort of your home.
your holiday at a great price*. Do what you already do but do it for less
Great savings for golf lovers
LTDA members can enjoy an 18-month subscription to Open Fairways for only £22.50! Usually cost £89, LTDA members and their
family will pay just £22.50 for 12 months (and receive an extra 6 months free*!)
The Open Fairways card gives golf lovers up to 50% off green fees at over 1000 golf courses in the UK, Ireland and overseas including
Royal Dublin, Fairmont St Andrews, Celtic Manor, Hever Castle and Burhill. For a full list of courses visit www.openfairways.com
LTDA members can save an average of £589.52 annually, using LTDA Plus. Login today via www.LTDA.co.uk
Find even more fantastic deals visit the LTDA Plus Special Offers page today!
*Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice. The Cinema Society - Discounts vary between cinema venues. Please check when purchasing vouchers, registration to The Cinema Society
required to access discount. Apple - Annual purchase limits apply. Discounts are subject to availability. For the latest offers visit the Apple EPP store LTDA Plus is managed and run on behalf of LTDA by Parliament Hill Ltd.
@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 5
28,000 Uber Safety Complaints Laid Bare
TRADE
Devastating new information
about Uber’s licence reveals nearly
28,000 safety complaints and its
vulnerability to a global phishing scam
were part of the reason for the refusal.
Letters sent by Transport for London
to Uber reveal why it refused its license
to operate contain explosive allegations
around the company’s conduct in
the capital.
It throws the company’s attempt to
appeal the decision in November into
serious jeopardy.
The newly-released letters outline a
string of failings which left passengers others to pick up passengers using and again this unscrupulous company off the streets.”
and other road users in danger: their log-in details; has failed to protect passengers. On November 25, 2019, TfL rejected
u A global phishing scam, involving u Drivers using online videos which “Uber has let unlicensed and Uber’s application for a new operator’s
manipulation of GPS signals to demonstrated how to fake their uninsured drivers with fake certificates licence in the capital.
create fictitious journeys for which locations at airports, to allow onto our streets, allowed fraudsters TfL had said it had identified a
passengers are charged; drivers to jump queues or find out to charge innocent Londoners for pattern of failures by the company and
u The use of fake insurance destinations before beginning trips. fictitious journeys, and let drivers fake its drivers including several breaches
certificates, and Uber’s failure It confirms that Uber received their own locations. TfL highlighted that placed passengers and their safety
to check start and end dates for 27,799 safety-related complaints the enormous number of instances at risk.
insurance; between December 1, 2018, and May in which drivers had manipulated Despite addressing some of these
u Drivers with fraudulent private hire 31, 2019. the app, causing huge risks to public issues, TfL did not have confidence
licences using the app to transport It follows attempts by the company safety. “It is damning that in just one that similar issues will not reoccur in
passengers; to whitewash its image by staging a six-month period last year, there were the future. This led it to conclude that
u Unlicensed vehicles used to safety conference in London this year. nearly 28,000 safety related complaints the company is not fit and proper at
transport passengers; LTDA General Secretary Steve on the Uber app. This shows a this time.
u Drivers fraudulently replacing McNamara said: “This letter shows pattern of failure and incompetence Company CEO Dara Khosrowshahi
account profile pictures with photos Uber’s disgraceful conduct was worse from Uber. It is vital for the safety of was furious about the decision which
of a different individual, to allow than we could have imagined. Time Londoners that the courts keep Uber he claimed was “wrong.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Having trouble getting a Mortgage?
Uber driver cheated blind We’ve got the knowledge.
Equity Release • Mortgage Advice • Protection
singer of £20 Court
Oruwari he could not end the trip on his
app and asked if he could do so
on hers.
She said: “I thought it was a little odd,
but there was nothing in his behaviour to
make me think I wasn’t safe.
“I did not think anything fishy was
going on, but I was handing him a lot
of trust because of the information on
Fraudster Cornel Mihai the phone.”
Ms Oruwari, who has been blind
An Uber driver who conned blind singer since she was six-years-old, only
by using her phone to give himself a became aware of the fare hike once she At Allan Reece Associates LLP, we work with the country’s
£20 tip and five-star rating has been was home.
leading mortgage lenders to find the right solution for you.
convicted of fraud. The soprano singer said: “It has
Cornel Mihai tricked Victoria Oruwari, reiterated the fact I am vulnerable and
39, who has performed at the likes of more susceptible to crime and being For over 25 years we have arranged mortgages
the Royal Opera House and BBC’s All taken advantage of, but to lead a full for licensed London taxi drivers. Call today
Together, into handing over her phone. life I have to trust people.” to speak to one of our specialist team
He 32-year-old, from Barking, was Mihai denied the charge, but
convicted of fraud by false representation magistrate Pat Heslop said “We accept and find out how we can help you.
at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and will the evidence of the complainant, who Call now to arrange a FREE consultation
be sentenced on February 4.
Ms Oruwari was forced to order a
gave a credible account of the events.
“Nothing has been suggested as to 0203 935 7999
BMW Uber when London Bridge Station how this happened otherwise and we
Capital House, Appleton Way, Hornchurch RM12 4XY • info@arallp.co.uk • www.arallp.co.uk
cancelled its trains travelling to East find it difficult to accept Mr Mihai
Croydon at around 10pm on June 29. wouldn’t have known Ms Oruwari had YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.
Allan Reece Associates LLP is Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Number: 798177.
Mihai, a father of two, told Ms issues with her sight.”
6 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
TfL has urged councils to look favourably on bus lane and taxi rank requests which should be good news
NEW BUS LANE
RICHARD MASSETT
ACCESS GRANTED
THE MASSETT FILE I wonder how this news will sit with the doom and
gloom merchants on social media who want everyone to
T
believe the authorities are all out to get rid of us. They
fL has announced that it will give us access to will of no doubt pointed to Bank Junction and Tottenham
some of the bus lanes that the trade Court Road to press their narrative, but even those issues
asked to be include in. The routes going are not dead. In particular, we are in dialogue with the
ahead are Shorter Street; Byward Street; Tunnel Avenue, City over the future of Bank Junction. I am not trying
Greenwich; Greenwich Bus Pilot Way; and Terminus to say that the trade is not facing some serious issues and
Place. some of them may be impossible to win but negative
In the case of Shorter Street, it is hoped that the comments on Twitter don’t get us anywhere.
revision will be in place by March. Tunnel Avenue is People on social media need to be a lot more careful
a Greenwich bus lane, where the council has accepted is a Westminster road and the City council is currently about what they say. Do they really think that hurling
TfL’s request to amend access. Hopefully this can be considering the request. A request to include Taxis in the vile abuse at individuals in positions of power helps the
implemented by February, along with the bus pilot- London Road bus lane north of Elephant trade? They seem to think that there are no consequences
way, which will enable taxis to leave the O2 after events and Castle was rejected due to lack of capacity at St for the things that they say, but in the real-world certain
without getting caught up with all the traffic leaving George’s Circus. people do take offence and sometimes turn against the
the car parks. Byward Street/Great Tower Street is Usually, bus lanes issues are initially raised with TfL at trade. It is little wonder that they are then not so helpful
the bus gate into the city, which is a City of London the Cab Ranks Committee. They get passed up the chain as they might have been. I recently met a senior local
measure where TfL has sought the agreement of the at TfL and are then resolved at the senior trade reps’ authority politician, who seemed to be very aware of taxi
City. Terminus Place, this should have re-opened when meetings. I understand that TfL has also written to all the driver comments on social media, and insisted that we
the Victoria station rank reverted to the forecourt. The boroughs requesting that they review any bus lanes that do something about social media and what he termed as
situation has been that it is a Westminster Road and do not currently provide access to taxis. It has also urged “those ridiculous demonstrations.” So please think before
the City council has been insisting on a full safety audit them to take a positive view on the implementation you hit the button. u
because of concerns over pedestrian safety. TfL has now of new ranks. There are several other outstanding bus
agreed to carry out the audit through its LUL subsidiary. lane issues that we are looking to take forward, but it is Richard Massett, LTDA Chairman,
TfL has also supported extending the operational not a simple process and there may be insurmountable and Chairman of the London
hours of the Piccadilly bus lane to 24hrs. Again, this obstacles in the way in some cases. Cab Ranks Committee
CHECKLIST
RELICENSING AT NSL?
Save yourself time and loss of work
Vehicle registration certificate, logbook or new Valid MoT certificate (issued 13 days or less
keeper’s supplement (complete with bill of sale/ before inspection)
receipt) where vehicle is newly purchased prior If vehicle is less than one year old an MoT
to inspection is not required
Current vehicle licence (for renewal inspections) Taximeter installation and calibration certificate,
From October 1, 2014, vehicles no longer require issued within 30 days of inspection
a tax disc to be displayed. Vehicles can be taxed Exemption certificate (where applicable)
online or at a post office. If a vehicle is not recorded
as taxed, NSL will accept an online application/ Modification approval (where applicable)
post office receipt. (information at www.gov.co.uk/ Tool to release ramps
dvla nomoretaxdisc) Tyres – must conform to manufacturer’s
Insurance certificate (not a copy) – properly affixed specification
in the luggage compartment (see table below)
VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL TYRE SIZE
Mercedes Vito Euro 4 195/65 R 16 100/915T or 104/102T
Mercedes Vito Euro 5 195/65 R 16 100/915T or 104/102T
Fairway (declared max speed of 130 km/h) 175 R 16 N
TX1 (declared speed of 130 km/h) 175 R 16 N
TXII (declared speed of 147 km/h) 175 R 16 Q
TXII (declared speed of 147 km/h) 175 R 16 Q
TX4 (declared speed of 147 km/h) 175 R 16 Q
@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 7
Electric Cab Demand Soaring NEWS IN BRIEF
Wireless Charging
TECHNOLOGY Trials to Begin
Passenger requests for greener taxis A wireless technology trial that
has leapt 12 times, according to taxi could revolutionise the way electric
app FREE NOW. taxis are charged is about to get
The company formerly known as underway in Nottingham.
mytaxi says the number of customers Ten Nissan and LEVC electric
specifically requesting ZEC cabs has taxis in Nottingham will be fitted
risen by a dozen since it launched the with wireless charging hardware for
eco only option in December 2016. six months to trial taxi rank based
There are now 500% more zero charging.
emission capable vehicles vailable on The project, which is supported
the app compared to this time last by £3.4 million of Government
year. investment, could provide
FREE NOW, has also responded an alternative to plugs and
to the Government’s consultation on chargepoints, meaning multiple taxis
introducing green number plates for could recharge at once and clutter
zero emission capable vehicles. would be removed from the streets.
It wants the Government to Drivers to charge up more easily and
introduce green number plates for reducing clutter on our streets.
zero emission capable vehicles. The project, a collaboration
Vandana Prashar, Head of iconic electric cabs on London’s streets switching to electric vehicles - they are between organisations including
Operations at FREE NOW said: “We over the last year and we are pleased providing valuable insight that will Cenex, Sprint Power, Shell, Parking
are keen to show that black cab drivers that there are now five times the help all car drivers that are going to Energy, Nottingham City Council,
are leading the way when it comes to number of eco drivers on our app. make the switch in the next few years.” Transport for London and Coventry
making the switch to zero emission The cab trade has been working hard FREE NOW operates in 100 University could speed up charging
capable vehicles - and changing the to make London’s air cleaner and we cities across Europe, with 14 million and help reduce congestion in
zero emission capable cab’s number have also seen a positive response from passengers and more than 100,000 city centres. Nottingham City
plates to green is another great way passengers - with 12 times the amount drivers. Council will own the vehicles and
to raise awareness of the concerted of requests for the eco taxis through In the UK, the app is available in provide them to drivers rent free.
efforts that are being made to improve the app. London, Manchester, Nottingham, If successful, this technology could
air quality across the country. “We are working with cab drivers Edinburgh, Brighton, Reading, also be rolled out more broadly for
“You will have seen more of the to understand the pain points of Oxford, Derby and Leicester. public use.
No ck C
Bl
a
bo ab
dy Be
Kn �e
ow r T
s Y han
ou U
r s
CRICKLEWOOD
CARRIERS CAB
C O M P A N Y L T D.
Rear Wheel Steer Repair VITO
SERVICE
IMAGEHERE
VITO
TYRES
IMAGEHERE
Inc. valves + balance
BRAKE
PADS
IMAGE
IMAGEHERE
+ original sensors
Repair and Maintenance Available
£ 99 £ 6 5 £ 6 5
+ VAT
OVERHAUL/NSL London‘s finest, oldest established black cab rental and repair garage
Prep & Body Repair w w w . c r i c k l e w o o d c a r r i e r s . c o . u k.
0208 452 5461 Midland Arches, Edgware Road, London, NW2 6NJ.
8 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
The scheme is still open, and some drivers are missing out on an extra £1,000
DON’T MISS OUT ON
ANTHONY STREET DELICENSING TOP UP
STREETS AHEAD emergency stop button pressed and was reset and
tested and all OK.
T
u 103 Southwark Street – This unit had dropped
housands of drivers have taken advantage out of comms as it had tripped at the feeder pillar,
of the mayor’s delicensing scheme since all reset and tested and all working
it launched in December 2018, but some Please avoid hitting the button to stop the charge.
drivers are missing out on a £1,000 top up. That said, any drivers that find a charge-point that
TfL has been contacting drivers who accessed is not working are asked to take a photo, make note
the scheme, to help them switch from a diesel cab of the location and serial number and email me at
to electric, to say that they are entitled to an extra anthony@ltda.co.uk and I will try to get it fixed.
£1,000, but some have failed to respond and could
Drivers queuing to access Victoria station
miss out. PCNS
Following adjustments and analysis, TfL has No one likes to see a dreaded PCN flop on
calculated it is able to send out 32 more top-up Charge-point Charlies “If you their mat – but it is one of the biggest issues we
letters for applicants who were originally given
£9,000 and are now entitled to £10,000.
I have received a few calls from drivers pointing
out that some of the charge-points are not working.
saw the currently have to deal with. We get dozens of calls
from drivers caught out over-ranking in Harrow
These are applicants that originally applied in However, Chargemaster has pointed out that part of email but Road for access to Paddington station. There is a
the first week of March. TfL has emailed all these the problem is that some drivers appear to be using thought camera trained on the area. You will get a ticket
applicants but have only had one payment form the emergency stop button to stop charging the and they are almost impossible to challenge, so
returned so far. I am sure no-one wants to turn cab, thereby causing the machine to malfunction. it was a avoid stopping there. Victoria station and Victoria
down £1,000! If you saw the email but thought it An engineer has had to attend several charge- scam, it’s Palace Theatre are also blackspots to avoid
was a scam, it’s not. And if you think it could be points to reset them and get them working where large swathes of drivers are being caught
you, but you haven’t seen an email, try checking again at - not” over-ranking. u
your junk box or get in touch with TfL. u 49 Southwark Street – This unit had a red cross
If you have yet to take advantage of the fund as the emergency stop button had been pressed.
you can still apply. I’m told that drivers can still get He reset the unit, tested and all back in comms. Anthony Street is an LTDA
£8,000 from the scheme. u 48 Southwark Street – This unit also had the Executive Support Officer
See your
advertisement here
TAXI is the membership magazine for the
Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA). It
is circulated to 15,000 taxi drivers in London
every fortnight.
The LTDA is the definitive voice of and for
London cab drivers and is responsible for
ensuring best practise in the trade, making
sure its members’ voices are heard and
serving members with the back up and
support they need.
Get in touch
To see your advertisement in the
leading magazine for black cab
drivers in London contact us today:
Jack Green
Jack@centuryonepublishing.uk
01727 739 196
@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 9
10 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Children Enjoy “Magical” Charity Bash
ENTERTAINMENT
Hundreds of children were once again
treated to one of the year’s biggest
parties thanks to a host of kind-hearted
volunteers.
Almost 600 people enjoyed the
colourful and boisterous extravaganza
at the Grosvenor Hotel organised by the
London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has
been staged every year for 48 years and
is supported by an incredible array of
helpers from the taxi trade, the London
Fire brigade, Barking & Dagenham and
Westminster Volunteer Police Cadets and
many more.
Bradley Winfield, Chairman of
the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity
for Children said: “The London Taxi
Drivers’ Charity for Children’s Mad
Hatters Tea Party is such a special day
for everyone involved. The charity is
always overwhelmed by the generosity
of those who support this party with
donations of their money, their time or
their services. It is a real privilege to be
part of this annual event and to see so Tail Folk and Pearly Kings and Queens. and the Crystal Palace Cheerleaders. The for special needs and disadvantaged children
many deserving children, their parents, Entertainment included live music from children also enjoyed meeting characters and provides funding to support children
guardians or carers, enjoying this Britain’s Got Talent’s Donchez Dacres, including Elsa and Anna from Frozen, who need recreational, technology and
magical afternoon.” tribute acts Elvis Shmelvis and Ray “Elton” Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Little mobility equipment.
The excited guests were welcomed Johnson, Dance 21, beat-boxer Dana Mermaid, the Queens Park Rangers football Anyone interested in finding out more,
to the event by a colourful parade of McKeon, Action Amanda (who’s passion mascots, and characters from Star Wars. donating or volunteering should visit the
costumed characters, including the Furry is to keep children healthy and happy) The charity arranges days out in the UK, website at www.ltcfc.org.uk.
Veteran’s Art Oils Charity’s Wheels
CHARITY his foot and he spent the next three
years in hospital, having numerous
LTDA
D Day Veteran Bill Gladden is helping operations before being pensioned out
to support the work of the Taxi of the army in 1947.
Charity through his lifelong love Bill continued: “I work from
of painting. photographs and ask that anyone who
Bill Gladden, from Welling in Kent, commissions me, donates what they
donates funds he raises from his feel is appropriate to the Taxi Charity
commissions to the charity to help it for Military Veterans, so that veterans
continue to ferry his fellow veterans to can continue to enjoy the various trips
remembrance events in the UK and and excursions that we are invited to
around Europe. throughout the year.”
The 96-year-old travels to Bill loves receiving pictures from the
Normandy and Holland every year many volunteer London taxi drivers
with the Taxi Charity for Military who give up so much of their time to
Veterans. support the charity, his friends and
This trip, amongst many others, charity supporters.
is provided without charge to the To find out more about the work
veterans, and to cover the costs the of the Taxi Charity, make a donation
charity is reliant on donations or volunteer visit the website www.
or grants. taxicharity.org
Bill developed what was to be a
Have you got an opinion or a view on taking the taxi
lifelong love of painting as a child. He trade forward? We have been holding a
said: “I have always loved painting, my series of members’ workshops over the past few
favourite subjects are horses and dogs, months to share ideas and views in small groups.
but I will happily paint anything that I The next one will take place on Wednesday, April 22,
am asked to.”
Bill was in the 6th Airborne, 2020, at 10-11.30am, in Woburn House.
Armoured Recce Regiment and landed
in Ranville on D Day in landing Zone
N – he was 20 years old.
He was wounded and initially
thought he had lost his foot.
The medical team managed to save@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 11
WHY SETTLE FOR LESS
WHEN YOU
CAN AFFORD THE BEST
From signif icant fuel savings and reduced ser vice, maintenance
and repair cost s to an array of f lexible f inance packages,
government funding and subsidies, there are many reasons why
the world- cl ass T X electric ta xi is exceptionally affordable.
T X VISTA from £183 per week*
Weekly equivalent based on 5 year PCP paid monthly via direct debit.
LEVC London North
39-41 Brewery Road London N7 9QH Enquire today at levc.com/taxioffer
0203 912 6214
*Business users only. Finance illustration refers to Personal Contract Purchase. 7.3% APR Representative; figures based on TX Vista at £57,099 OTR (OTR figure is net of OLEV Plug in Taxi Grant which is up to £7,500 and is subject
to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and European Commission state aid notification) with a customer deposit of £3,750, followed by 60 monthly payments of £791.09 (equivalent weekly payments of £182.56 – it is not
possible to pay by week, balance is paid monthly via direct debit) plus an optional final payment of £19,258 and £10 Purchase Fee. Based upon an annual contracted mileage of 30,000. You have the option at the end of the
agreement to 1. return the vehicle and not pay the optional final payment. If the vehicle has exceeded the maximum agreed mileage a charge per excess mile will apply. In this example, 6p plus VAT per excess mile. If the
vehicle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded the maximum agreed mileage you will have nothing further to pay. 2. Pay the optional final payment and keep the vehicle. Or 3. Part exchange
the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status. All prices inclusive of VAT. Two, three or four year plans are also available. Finance is provided by Black
Horse Taxi Finance a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. All prices and promotions are valid
for vehicles ordered and delivered before 31 March 2020.12 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
Greedy parking firms picking the pockets of customers but will anybody hear your appeal for clemency?
BP’S NOT SO SLICK
LLOYD BALDWIN
PUBLIC RELATIONS
ON POINT course of his visit, the driver’s young son, who the LTDA and I took up the case on his behalf altogether. I will leave it up to you to consider
has autism, became extremely upset and our and the heartless, unfeeling response I have what you think best.
T
member had to spend a long time calming had is beyond belief. The upshot of this, is that it’s completely
here’s been a massive surge in the him down. This meant Despite the fact there is huge pointless complaining to these people,
number of private parking tickets he stayed past the BP sign hanging over everything is split up into franchises and
being sent out in recent years - with 30-minute allowance in the garage in Stoke nobody can be bothered or wants to take
6.8million issued in the past year alone. This a disabled parking Newington Road, responsibility for their actions.
is down to the growth in the use of private bay. the oil giant gave You have to be extremely careful out there
parking firms, who are ruthless and care not Our member me the brush off, and double check all the signs anywhere that
one bit for you, the reasons why you might knew nothing claiming that you stop.
have unwittingly been caught out, or the about the the issue was the If you don’t want to pay up, the one
hardship you might endure thanks to their penalty he responsibility chink of light is that the number of people
overzealous, aggressive and greedy behaviour. attracted of a third party, successfully appealing their parking tickets is
What’s worse, is that the companies that until the fine which runs on the rise, according to new figures.
employ these ruthless bullies aren’t interested flopped on his the garage, According to the official Parking on Private
either and often claim that they are powerless mat. Thinking but “thank you Land Appeals body, there were 89,609 appeals
to help. Their response is the same Pontius that the company for raising the in the past year, up 33% on 2018, with drivers
Pilate’s, to wash their hands of these issues, concerned would issue with them.” winning 40% of the time, meaning 32,012
despite the fact the firm is operating on their listen to his case and see Essentially, they tickets were cancelled.
land by consent. sense, especially as he was weren’t interested. It is a gamble though, but if you feel you
A recent case brought home to me the a paying customer, he decided I wrote back to express my have strong case it can be worth it. Just make
hopelessness of these situations. One of our to write to them to explain what happened. frustration, to say that I thought for British sure you provide as much information and
members was recently caught out at BP Sadly, he was misguided in every way. Neither Petroleum to state that it has no control over evidence as possible to help your case. u
garage where he had the temerity to buy fuel BP nor the parking company cared one iota the companies that they partner with is at best
but overstayed his welcome while dealing about him and his son. disingenuous, and that I would urge drivers Lloyd Baldwin is an LTDA Executive
with an issue with his young child. In the After getting a knock back he contacted to avoid that garage in the future, if not BP Support Officer@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 13
CR ICK LEW OOD
CAR R IER S CAB
COM P ANY LTD .
Rent The Electric
Vista Comfort Plus
F OR R ENT
0 8 4 5 2 5 46 1
Ca ll 02
02 08 45 2 5 46 1
In f o@ cr icklew oodca r r ier s.co.uk
w w w .electr icbla ckca bs.co.uk14 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
TX4 TAXI DRIVERS
Terms & Conditions apply TRUSTED TO DO RIGHT BY DRIVERS@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 15
Business has improved but the new year always provides a challenge especially with yet more road closures
ROAD CLOSURES ARE
PAUL BRENNAN KILLING LONDON
TOP RANK
S
o how was 2019 for you in the
cab? I know I had many more
good days than bad, and it seems
that it was the same for most drivers
I’ve spoken to. Of course, that doesn’t
mean that everything is rosy in the
cab trade. No doubt as you read this in
what I always believe is historically the
real kipper season i.e. last two weeks of
January and first two weeks of February,
I will forgive you for calling me all
sorts of names and telling me to shove
my work level opinions where the sun
doesn’t shine. with the Task and Finish Group on Taxi London. In 1903, Jimmy became the I realise as I write this we are now at
There is no doubt in my mind that the and private hire vehicle licensing set up first London cabbie to pick up passengers the end of January, it may even be that
number one issue for our trade currently by the Department for Transport (DfT) in a petrol-powered cab, a French-built its early February when you are reading
is the shocking number of road closures and independently chaired by Professor Prunel and that was when the current it, but as I missed writing something for
or restrictions being implemented or Mohammed Abdel-Haq. run of badge’s began, when taxis became the first edition of taxi in 2020, I would
considered. Unfortunately, the local The Task & Finish group suggested fuel powered. A more in-depth account of like to take this opportunity to wish
greengrocer is no longer the local and published 34 recommendations that London’s No1 badge driver can be found you all a happy, healthy and prosperous
councillor and town halls have become government should introduce in the on the Londonist website, follow this link year. u
overrun with councillors and officials interest of public safety. Last year, the https://londonist.com/london/history/
with their own vested interests or an Conservative government changed its london-s-first-taxi-driver-james- Paul Brennan,
ideology that in their narrow mindset mind from “we won’t be introducing any michael-howe LTDA Executive
supersedes that of residents, businesses legislation” to “actually we will be,” then
and well just about anyone else. We are once again having no mention of it in the
just seeing some small signs of the worm Queen’s speech just before Christmas.
Quotax
turning, but it’s not quick enough and That doesn’t mean it’s not going to
those with vested interests are well and happen, and we will now continue to do
truly imbedded in position. all we can to make sure that it does.
Hopefully, in other areas this coming
year will see life and work levels for Q&S
the average cabby continue to improve. When discussing my articles with drivers
At least the constant ‘to Brexit or not
to Brexit’ debate looks to have finally
been resolved, which should mean the
they often ask two things:
1) When will I do more Q&As with
people and companies connected to
London’s leading
Insurance broker.
reluctance of big business to do any the trade?
deals without knowing what, when, 2) Can I bring back the Did You Know?
where and how we will depart the block section at the end. Well as far as number
will hopefully subside. The outrageous one goes, yes, and I’ve lined up John
behaviour of some of our MPs in delaying Heath from Dynamo, which is the
what the public voted for has had an company bringing the electric Nissan taxi
impact on many UK businesses, the trade to the streets of the UK, and also Anand
included, not just because Nandha who is the head of compliance
deals haven’t been done, but because at Transport for London. So, if you have
other parliamentary business has not a question you would like me to put to
been conducted. either of these gentlemen send them to
The LTDA has worked extremely hard info@ltda.co.uk using the subject line
to get the powers that be to recognise Q&A. The dozen or so most popular
that current taxi and private hire questions received will be put to them
legislation is no longer fit for purpose and printed in taxi.
and, quite frankly, hasn’t been for a long
time. We’ve helped form an All Party And as far as number 2?
Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Taxis Well you may be aware that we are now
to fight our corner in the ‘gas works’ and seeing new taxi drivers on the streets
along with the APPG we were involved of London with badge numbers that
begin with 80***. Now, you might be
Give us a call to see how much you can save.
“Unfortunately, the thinking, how can we only be at 80,000
when we’ve been around for over 350 020 8127 8419
local greengrocer is years? Well ‘did you know’ the driver
no longer the local with badge number 1 was James Michael
Howe. ‘Jimmy’ entered the trade in 1884,
quotax.net
councillor “ driving horse-drawn carriages around16 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
CAN’T WORK?
up kl ec
Cl £ en
W Pr
ai 45 efi
ee ot
to y B tion
m 0* t
NO PAY!
“I visited my GP for the routine medical. I then
“You don’t expect to be off work for a
discovered that I was suffering from Thyroid
long time, but when it happens you’re
cancer. Thankfully I had the LTDA payments to
glad you joined the LTDA”
back me up during my treatment”
Gold Premium Platinum Premium
Up to £250 weekly benefit if you were Up to £450 weekly benefit if you were
unable to work due to Sickness or Accident unable to work due to Sickness or Accident
£51.20 per month £59.90 per month
(includes LTDA basic membership) (includes LTDA basic membership)
Both schemes include:
Accidental Death Benefit of £60,000 and hospital benefit of up to £400 per week (max 30 nights)
To join, call Paula today on 020 7286 1046 or email paula@ltda.co.uk
Alternatively, call in at Taxi House and pick up an application form
or download it from: www.ltda.co.uk
POLICY CONDITIONS: Claims for Back/Depression related illnesses have a reduced benefit of £90 per week. 14 day deferment
period before claim payments start. Maximum period for which weekly benefit is payable to 26 weeks. The age limit for joining
Platinum is 49 years and for the Gold is 54 years. You are covered up to your 65th Birthday. (subject to terms & conditions).@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 17
LETTERS him again, so why put yourself out? It was as I
was departing London, my hotel took a call from
Mustapha who informed me he managed to speak
THE KINDNESS OF STAR LETTER to the Uber driver and had got his number for
MUSTAPHA
me to call and arrange a pickup. It does not end
there. Mustapha was so helpful, he then even
I
offered to coordinate the pickup and deliver the
wanted to email you personally with a Now, this is where Mustapha comes in. phone to me personally, which was well above
recommendation for one of your London Mustapha picked my daughter and I up from his call of duty, outstanding! This short story
cabbies, Mustapha Bell. To cut a long story short, the hotel I was staying in for one night, Marriott has instilled a new pride into black cabbies over
I left my mobile phone in an Uber in December, Maida Vale to Hyde Park, and I mentioned my Uber. Black cabs are typically more expensive
while travelling from Heathrow with my young lost phone and the dilemma that I was leaving in my experience, but what you get is so much
daughter. After realising I left the phone on the for Bristol that same afternoon and to my better and worth the additional pound. If you are
back seat, I was struggling to get in touch with overwhelming surprise, Mustapha suggested he reading this Mustapha; thank you once again. Best
the Uber driver through the platform and was would ring my phone and continue to do so until wishes for 2020. u
not sure I would ever see my phone again, even the Uber driver picked up. Bearing in mind he David Greenwood, Head of Retail & Consumer,
though I knew where it was! was working all day and I would likely not see Leisure & Hospitality Practice MENA
MY HOSPITAL home in Rainham, Essex, will read this and know
EMERGENCY
that his generosity has touched me deeply. I have
I
made a donation to the Taxi Drivers’ Charity for
hope through the pages of TAXI I can record Children as a small gesture of appreciation, and
my heartfelt thanks to Ben the driver who took I wish him and his family a peaceful and happy
me from Aldwych, where I had fallen and hit my 2020.
head, to accident and emergency at St Thomas’ Toby Harding
hospital on Friday, January 3. Ben was so kind
UNSEEN ACTS
and reassuring and took my arm into the hospital
and stayed until he knew I was safe. I am sure he
OF GENEROSITY
is a person who does kind things without needing
T
thanks, but I needed to thank him regardless and
send him every good wish. hank you to the driver who picked me up
Hilary Lane near the junction of Wyndham Road and
Camberwell New Road on Tuesday, January,
STOP BROOMING
around 6.15 pm. I was struggling to walk and was
very shaken up after threatening behaviour by two
JOBS
they’ve all heard about, “Uber.” Come on, wake members of the public towards me. The driver
“Stop
A
up mate! Your badge number started with a 6, took me to Oval Station and refused payment. I
s a cab driver for over 30 years, I fully so you’re no butter boy; come February you’ll be know this is one of probably many unseen acts of
understand why another driver would upsetting riding around with rest of us for the best part of kindness by cab drivers in London – thank you
swerve away from drunks, groups of rowdy our an hour looking for any job going anywhere. Stop from Eileen, a very grateful member of the public.
youths, and people who generally appear a bit upsetting our punters and giving our work away to Eileen Ollieuz, Headteacher, Highshores
dodgy. However, why does a driver sitting on the punters the opposition. School, SE5
point on Debenhams rank in Oxford Street at and giving Geoff Crane
CHEATS STILL
2pm, who’s invested in a TXE, broom off a polite
respectable 20-year-old couple wanting to go to our work
away
TOUCHED PROSPERING
Winter Wonderland? Okay, it was only a £6.80
J
to the
job but what would you expect off of Debenhams
BY CABBIE’S
rank in December, “Kempton Park?” If they can’t ust spotted this in front of me on A40, POB
get a black cab off the rank, what are their options? opposition” into London. Look closely at the Reg No - still
They’ll be pretty annoyed and unlikely to start
GENEROSITY cheating the system. Disgusting!
I
searching their phone for a black cab app. Even if G Hinchcliffe
they do, one way or another the driver who gets was reminded recently how kind and generous
the job off an app will effectively be buying back people can be. I had injured my knee while out
street work, but more likely they’ll turn to the one running and having received treatment from
the wonderful people at St Thomas’s Hospital
and I was discharged shortly after midnight. The
hospital contact could not get anybody to me for
over two hours, so I set off on foot to find a taxi
rank. I don’t live in London and had gone out
with no money, cards or any means of paying, all
of which were in my hotel room. As I hobbled
EASY RUN HARD RUN down the road, a London taxi driver who had
recently finished his shift saw me, and pulled over.
I explained that I would need to ask him to wait at
u Shakespeare’s Globe u Highgate Golf Club my hotel so I could fetch my wallet from the room.
to to
Business Design Centre Blakemore Hotel When we got there, he refused to take a fare. So,
this wonderful man had, when off duty, taken
me to my hotel for free. I was too wrapped up in
Do you have a gripe or praise? Contact us at my own problems to take his details but I hope
that the driver who took me from St Thomas’s
0207 121 0523 or email editor@ltda.co.uk to Travelodge Farringdon, before heading for his18 TAXI |||| 28 January 2020 www.ltda.co.uk |||| @TheLTDA
The scandal of private hire drivers buying test results shows that TfL went to sleep on the job
TFL MUST BRING
CHRIS ACKRILL
IT’S A-GAME TO 2020
ON THE ROAD licensed driver working in Brighton
be adequately insured? Don’t ask TfL,
O
that’s for another body to work
ne of the big scandals of 2019 was out. Cross-border
the fake English language tests LTDA
The news
of the
Assoc
Licen
paper
Taxi Drive sed
rs’
iation
hiring will
for private hire drivers. English surely continue
@TheLTDA
#456
12 Nove
mber BUM P:
HED pxx
2019
HED21
p 3
proficiency was rightly being tested by to be a talking
Transport for London at designated centres. point this year,
Test certificates could also be obtained but our licensing
through equivalent qualifications gained at authority will
BBC E
X
private colleges. Journalists investigating PHV F POSES wring their hands
this weak spot found they could simply RAUD and hope it all blows
pay a sum of money and be awarded a over. In fairness, the
certificate without sitting a test. A BBC “TfL W
ill Ne
ver S
Government needs
top L
journalist paid £500 to buy a qualification. p 2
icence
Scam
”
to get involved here,
When the resulting television expose was private hire legislation. The regulator has licences, and it involves itself in tighten legislation
aired TfL had questions to answer. Officials the responsibility to those working within everything imaginable that happens on and create a national
thanked the journos for all their good work the trade, and to passengers, to ensure London’s streets; including closing roads database.
and promised to investigate the matter. everything is above board. It shouldn’t at will and telling us how to conduct Taxi complaints are handled directly
Would there be a Christmas knock on the be left to the media to investigate our business. If TfL is the police, who is by TfL. Complaints are taken seriously,
door for minicab drivers who had bought suspicious practices. TfL said it was “deeply policing the police? I’m not sure where though not as seriously as they were
certificates from a Mickey Mouse college? concerned” and “will support the relevant the mayor is on this issue either. This under the Public Carriage Office when
TfL appeared to act decisively, but authorities with any wider investigations is happening on his watch, in his city. the police ran the show. Private hire
the issue should have been at the top of into these organisations.” I thought TfL Where is the geezer? complaints are handled in-house by
the agenda from the outset. Transport was the relevant authority: they are the TfL refused Uber a new licence towards individual operators. We only get to hear
for London is the gatekeeper of taxi and authority who issue taxi and private hire the end of the year. I don’t know whether of incidents if they are serious enough
the ban will hold this time, but TfL is to interest the media. Uber never took
evidently aware of suspicious goings-on complaints seriously and that’s part of the
in the murky world of private hire. Since reason why it was denied a new London
minicab licensing rocketed with the licence, and why it is sure to go through
coming of Uber there have been insurance another very long and expensive court
scandals, serious customer data breaches, appeal.
and a huge crime rate amongst drivers TfL drags its feet looking at complaints
that Uber wanted to keep quiet. There are but moves like greased lightning to
many people driving minicabs who aren’t bank the licence money from around
who they say they are. Those in the know 113,000 minicab drivers (outnumbering
in private hire circles can put you in touch by at least five times the number of taxi
with a tame doctor who can provide a licences). When I worked as a Knowledge
guaranteed trouble-free medical without examiner a couple of my colleagues
having access to your medical records. would photograph suspicious activity
When I renewed my taxi licence I had to by out of town minicab drivers and
make an appointment with an optician, report it. The camera footage would be
but I understand that even this isn’t sent upstairs, but we’d rarely hear back.
necessary in the weird and frightening They were undoubtedly too busy selling
world of private hire. Private colleges licences to act on evidence of illegal
should have been scrutinised along with activity that was handed to them on a
all the other possible loopholes in minicab plate. The fact is, handling complaints
licensing. doesn’t bring in any money, issuing
Has the insurance matter been licences does. I’ll be hoping for a lot more
resolved? Are Uber drivers telling their from our licensing authority this year.
insurance companies that they are
working in areas they are not licensed Website: pubcat.co u
for? Wolverhampton and Brighton
come up a lot in discussions on cross Chris Ackrill is a taxi driver and former
border hiring: would a Wolverhampton- Knowledge examiner
“TfL refused Uber a new licence towards the
end of the year. I don’t know whether the ban
will hold this time, but TfL is evidently aware
of suspicious goings – on in the murky world of
private hire. Since minicab licensing rocketed
with the coming of Uber...“@TheLTDA |||| www.ltda.co.uk 28 January 2020 |||| TAXI 19
LEVC
WEST LONDON
THE ENDEAVOUR NOW OPEN!
HIGH 5!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
5 YEARS SERVICING
5 YEARS WARRANTY
5 YEARS PAINT PROTECTION
LIMITED TIME ONLY
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
But hurry, taxis MUST be ordered and delivered by 14th February 2020 to qualify for this fantastic offer!
• New TX Electric Taxi Showroom • Rapid 22kW Charging Points available Pop in and we’d be delighted to
show you round our new premises
• Demonstrator available for Test Drives • Meter & CC Payment Machine fitting on-site and talk you through some of the
groundbreaking features of the new
• Taxi Servicing & Bodyshop • TX4 Part Exchanges welcome TX Electric Taxi.
AFTERSALES @ LEVC WEST LONDON
• Factory trained LEVC technicians & recently extended workshop • Free vehicle health check
• While you wait appointments - subject to availability • Free software update
• Plated loan vehicles available - subject to availability • Great coffee and a warm welcome!
• Free vehicle wash & vacuum
LEVC West London 110 Power Road, Chiswick W4 5PY
020 3897 3722 www.levcwestlondon.co.ukYou can also read
