LTDA CALLS ON TFL TO ACT ON CHARGING POINTS AND ADVANCED DRIVING TESTS
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The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association
COVER STORY: LTDA LOBBYING
ON KEY ISSUES Page 5
GREENWICH LTN EXEMPTION FOR
BLACK CABS Page 12
NAVIGATING HOLIDAY
UNCERTAINTY Page 23 www.ltda.co.uk
24th August 2021#499
1
LTDA calls on TfL to
act on charging points and
@TheLTDA
advanced driving tests www.ltda.co.uk
2
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
Contents & News
Inside... CAB:APP FOUNDER DEVELOPING ‘SUPER
APP’ TO SUPPORT CABBIES AND OTHER
24:08:21 SMALL BUSINESSES
The founder of cab:app, the nationwide booking app for
3 | News iconic black cabs and licensed taxis, Derek Stewart, has
5 | Steve McNamara now created Paysme – an app providing digital financial
services for sole traders and small and medium enterprises,
6 | Paul Brennan including self-employed taxi drivers. The app is designed
to enable such businesses to take payments, manage
8 | Steve Howard their finances and compete effectively in an increasingly
cashless, digital economy.
11 | Letters The Company has recently launched a funding round
seeking to raise £1 million to expand its offering, with
12 | News continued a broader range of financial services, all through one
‘Super App’. Paysme’s services are personalised for specific
15 | Steve Kenton
industries and the Company is already supporting a range
16 | Phil Brown of “traditional enterprises that are part of the history and
fabric of the UK’s local communities”, including the taxi
18 | Rob Lordan trade through Cab:app.
Paysme’s CEO, London taxi driver, Derek Stewart said:
20 | Al Fresco “The Paysme platform hosts everything a small business
SON FUNDRAISING IN HONOUR needs to run its business in the digital economy in an
22 | Cab you drive OF CAB DRIVER FATHER integrated, easy, and cost-effective way with one point of
23 | Emma Lunn ROBERT DEACON personal contact from a team with a deep understanding
of their industry. It eliminates the need to use a multitude
24 | Chris Ackrill Robert Deacon, a black cab driver of 26 years, of different unconnected suppliers for mobile payments,
very sadly passed away suddenly at home e-commerce, digital banking and administrative tools
27 | Puzzler following a heart attack on 14th April 2020. saving SMEs time, money and stress, and solving sector
Due to the pandemic his family were limited fragmentation and relationship marketing.”
29 | Exclusive: Taxi Charity in what they could do to memorialise him, so
his son Ben will now be running the London
30 | Musher Meg
Puzzler answers Marathon on 3rd October 2021 in his honour
and to raise money for the British Heart
Foundation (BHF). Ben hopes to raise £2600
to help the BHF to support those with heart 3
LTDA issues. Anyone interested in donating can do
Taxi House 133 Great Suffolk Street,
SE1 1PP so via the fundraising page below.
T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk
@TheLTDA
Robert was a long-standing member of
the LTDA, a regular at Heathrow Airport and
Editor
Katie Combes a Com Cab user. He was passionate about
E: editor@ltda.co.uk the cab trade and would regularly attend
Commissioning Editor
Nick Hartop
demonstrations up central in support of
E: TaxiEditor@centuryone.uk cabbies’ rights. He also supported other
Produced by cab drivers practically and emotionally at
Century One Publishing Ltd
Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road
Heathrow Airport when needed. Robert was a
St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. supportive, loving and generous man, who is
T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895
E: hello@centuryone.uk
greatly missed by his family. He is survived by
www.centuryone.uk his wife, Marian and three children, Ben, Luke
Advertising Sales Executive and Kelly. https://bit.ly/3g8FGun
Loren Wedderburn T: 01727 739184
E: loren@centuryone.uk
Creative Director
Peter Davies
LOTTO
Congratulations
Designer & Advert Coordinator
Caitlyn Hobbs
Mr Ian Grant!
WINNER!
Printed by
The latest winner
Manson Group, St Albans
Published on behalf of the LTDA by
was Ian Grant, who
has been a LTDA
You’ve probably heard of the LTDA Lottery. member for more
What you probably don’t know is that since it than 10 years and a
started in 1986, we’ve paid out more than cabbie since 2013.
Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road,
Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG
£2,110,000 million in prize money to more Ian takes part in the LTDA lottery every month
than 400 winners! and has a standing order set up. He said upon
All rights reserved. No part receiving his cheque for five grand, “I was very
of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a LTDA LOTTERY surprised by winning, but it’s a very welcome and
retrieval system or transmitted
by any means electronic, The first prize in our lottery is £5000 - every month! But timely surprise, particularly after a difficult few
mechanical or by photocopy-
ing without prior permission you won’t win it if you’re not in it. Tickets cost £5 each months for us all!” Discussing what he plans to
of the publishers. The views
and opinions expressed in per month. And even if you don’t win, you’ll know that do with his winnings Ian said, “The money will
this publication may not
necessarily be those of the publishers. Please note that the last day for proceeds from the lottery contribute towards the LTDA come in really handy for some home and garden
inclusion of Classified lineage advertisements is five working days prior to
publication. No liability is accepted by the publisher should advertisements advertising campaigns run on radio, posters and AdVan. improvements we’ve been hoping to do.”
not appear in the requested issue(s). While the publisher will take every
To be in it to win it, call 020 7286 1046 and ask about the LTDA Lottery.
care to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for loss or damage
resulting from errors.
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk
Did you drive a London Black Cab
between 2012 and 2018?
If so, you could have a legal claim
against Uber worth up to
£25,000
Register now:
www.bulit21.com
No Cost - No Commitment
RGL Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated claims management activity. Reg No: FRN 833132
4
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
General Secretary | Steve McNamara
No More Excuses
“Whilst we have been assured time and again that these
issues are being looked into, little progress has been made.”
The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association as a condition of licensing and
Steve’s comment the removal of the test was only
COVER STORY: LTDA LOBBYING ever meant to be temporary until
ON KEY ISSUES Page 5
TfL could find a new provider to
T
GREENWICH LTN EXEMPTION FOR deliver it after the DVSA stopped
he Coronavirus crisis BLACK CABS Page 12 offering it.
and devastating impact NAVIGATING HOLIDAY I’ve raised this issue repeatedly
of the pandemic on the UNCERTAINTY Page 23 www.ltda.co.uk
24th August 2021#499
with the Vision Zero leads at TfL
taxi trade, put many pointing out how this could be an
of the issues we had previously easy way to help make progress in
been working to try to fix and their efforts to end road deaths. Yet
support our members with, on here we are, nearly five years on.
the back burner. Members had Over the last month, I have been
bigger challenges to deal with meeting with various road safety
like simply paying their bills charities and campaign groups,
and keeping their cabs on the including members of the Vision
road. Meanwhile, policymakers 1 Zero Reference Group to discuss
didn’t want to listen, blaming this issue and most agree that this
their inability to do anything and is, or at least should be, a no-
everything on the pandemic. brainer! In September, we will be
In reality, the pandemic was working with them to step up our
just the latest excuse in a long lobbying of City HaIl, calling on
line of them. So, now that the them to act on this and a number
worst of it is hopefully behind of other issues. n LTDA
us, we want to see action from
TfL and others, on issues that
are holding the trade back and
creating problems for drivers. LTDA calls on TfL to A strong submission
5
In other news, the lawyers
Taxi-only charging
act on charging points and have now prepared our
Over the last few weeks, as more and @TheLTDA
advanced driving tests www.ltda.co.uk
submission to the Supreme
Court, seeking to appeal
more drivers have returned to work,
the Court of Appeal’s recent
one of these issues (which not only
decision on Bishopsgate
impacts drivers' day-to-day work technology. Instead, TfL send out
and Streetspace in TfL
but will also undermine the trade’s ‘reminders’ by email and on Twitter “In reality, the and the Mayor’s favour. As
longer-term recovery), is access to telling PHV drivers not to use them, pandemic was someone with absolutely
charging points. With more than as if that will make a difference! I
a third of the taxi fleet now zero have now contacted key people at just the latest no legal expertise, this is all
a bit above my pay grade,
emission capable, the shortage of TfL asking for an update on what excuse in a long so we have to be guided by
charging points is becoming more progress has been made on this
apparent. Too often drivers also issue, as well as on plans for the taxi
line of them.” our lawyers, who do this
every day. I can say that
can’t access dedicated taxi-only charging hub we were promised at
reading the submission, I
charging points as they find them Baynard House in the City.
was definitely convinced
being used by a van or more often a
and thought we put forward
PHV driver with total impunity, and Taking matters into a strong argument, which
probably end up in a row. our own hands Advanced driving tests showed just how drastic a
The LTDA has been calling for In the meantime, we are also Another issue that seems to be
reversal this was and how
more dedicated charging points trying to take matters into our own coming back to the fore is the need
strangely it was conducted.
since the TXE was launched – hands. I have been reaching out for an update of taxi and PHV
This should hopefully
pushing TfL on access to points that to a number of charging networks regulation. There are a number of
capture the Supreme Court’s
sit unused in bus garages during to see if we can work with them private members bills currently
attention and get them
the day, calling for the development to develop a taxi-only hub in before Parliament to try to achieve
interested in hearing our
of dedicated charging hubs with central London and to get our this, although I am told these are
appeal. All we can do now is
multiple charging points for taxis members a better deal. There is more about getting the issue back
wait and see.
and highlighting the need for appetite from them to work with on the agenda and are unlikely to
enforcement at existing e-taxi only us, but the biggest problem these make much difference in the short
points, which can easily be achieved companies face is getting access term. More interestingly, the Mayor
by introducing an RFID card system to land, which is either controlled has indicated that he will revisit
which would only allow taxi drivers by councils and TfL – who move some of the outstanding safety
to use these points. at a snail’s pace and seem to make issues around PHVs, including
Whilst we have been assured things as difficult as possible – or the need for advanced driving
time and again that these issues are big institutional investors and tests to be reinstated for taxis and
being looked into, little progress has landowners who are impossible to introduced for PHV drivers.
been made. Or like on enforcement, reach. We are looking to see how As I have written recently, taxi
we are told it’s “too difficult”, yet we might be able to help through drivers always had to take an
we are constantly hearing of other contacts in the London Chamber of additional test or undergo some
operators introducing the necessary Commerce and elsewhere. sort of assessment of their driving
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk
Chairman | Paul Brennan
Ups and Downs
“I hope this is not a false dawn and it truly
is the start of the road to recovery, not just
for our trade but for London as a whole.”
in and out of taxis.
Top rank I hope this is not a false dawn
and it truly is the start of the road
O
to recovery, not just for our trade
ver the last couple of but for London as a whole. I know
weeks, I've seen a real in just a couple of hours in the
change in London, once cab one afternoon, I saw multiple
again it seems to have a bit hands flying into the air and the
more hustle and bustle about it. The look of anticipation on the face
pavements seem a little bit busier; of a potential passenger, hoping I
the stations a little more crowded would pull over to the side and pick
and there just seems to be a bit more them up. In fact, that afternoon felt
of a buzz in the air. a little bit like the old days, when
it wasn't unusual to see hand after
Normal never hand go up.
felt so good No through road ‘their’ roads? Just as cycling activists
After what has felt like a lifetime, I On the right track Unfortunately, as I have said are right when they respond to
managed to see my football team play Now don't get me wrong, I’m not previously on these very pages car drivers, who moan “you don’t
in a full stadium, with real people all saying that once again the streets (apologies if I am repeating myself), even pay for the roads” with, “err
amassed together, rather than only are paved with gold for us, you only as more drivers dip their toes back in yes we do, that money comes from
seeing it on the TV with artificial have to look at the over ranking at the water, they will find the streets they central government using our taxes”,
crowd noise. Being amongst the crowd certain locations to know that that left many months ago very different the same applies here. The roads
having a pre-game pint with my son, is not the case. Things are still very and it will take time to get used to are not ‘theirs’, we all pay for them
friends and fellow supporters felt much up and down. the changes. Thankfully, some have so we should all get to use them.
6 great, it was something I had done a For those drivers who have had no already been and gone, but certain Secondly, what’s next, border check
thousand times before but never had it choice but to stay behind the wheel stubborn councils refuse to rethink points between each borough,
felt this good. of the cab in order to earn a living, it even the most ridiculous schemes. so only those wanting to access
Likewise, driving around London will be a welcome change to finally We now seem to be in the ludicrous somewhere within the borough
over the last 18 months it often felt have a few more busy hours in the situation where driving through an can enter and London becomes
like the aftermath of an apocalypse day. For those who have found other area to get to another is seen as wrong. basically impassable?
in a film and I had forgotten just how jobs to get through the lockdowns, Many of these schemes are designed It is often said London is a town
lively London can be. No doubt a lot be it in their old profession, making to prevent ‘rat running’, a term I made up of many little villages.
of the crowds currently in town are deliveries, laying bricks or erecting personally hate, with councillors and I think some have taken that
domestic visitors, who have decided scaffolding, I'm not saying now other supporters using the fact that thought a bit too far. It's time they
as they cannot go abroad, they will is the time to give up that job and the traffic on their roads doesn’t stop realised that whilst it may be a
visit London and see the sights of their come back to the cab. What I am in their Boroughs, as a reason to ban town of many villages, it is still
own capital instead. Whilst they are saying, is that if we stay on this road, vehicles. Firstly, when did it go from London Town, a single, living,
no substitute for our friends from the it shouldn't be too long before there the roads being their responsibility to breathing city, that works best
Middle East, they have been jumping is enough work to go around. manage and maintain, to just being when it works together. n LTDA
Yet more changes but as always theses schemes will make this much more difficult,
New schemes are still being announced or implemented. The City and in some places, will remove our ability to provide a truly
of Westminster’s changes to the Strand / Aldwych area have a accessible, door-to-door service. We will be continuing to try to
number of different phases, with works not due to be completed work with the Council to ensure that we have the rank space
until 2022. At the time of writing, the phase two works were and access we need to serve these areas effectively and are due
underway and assuming they went to plan, Aldwych will now to meet with officers in a few weeks once the Aldwych / Strand
have been made two-way for traffic, whilst a section of the Strand changes have been in place for a while to discuss this further.
between Lancaster Place and Surrey Street has become pedestrian
and cycle-only.
Big changes are also planned for Covent Garden. Westminster
and Camden Councils are implementing a Neighbourhood
Traffic Management scheme which will make lots of streets in
the area one way for motor vehicles and create several pedestrian
and cycle-only zones.
Drivers can fill in an online survey to give their views on the
proposals until 13 September here: https://www.smartsurvey.
co.uk/s/CGEngagement/. If the scheme is approved, it would be
introduced through yet another dreaded Experimental Traffic Order
(ETO) in autumn 2021.
We’ve met with Westminster Council to discuss both of these
schemes. They have constantly pointed out that access is still
possible to all areas within these zones just via alternative routes,
Covent Garden Scheme
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk
Suburban Rep | Steve Howard
News From the Suburbs
“I think I can categorise the last 18 months as a continual ‘kipper season’, but hopefully we are
now pushing forward to the new normal.”
H
ello to all in the
suburbs and
beyond. In the
suburban sectors,
we are still dealing with the
many changes, which just
like in central London, have
infested our roads – whether
its new bike lane's, width
restrictions or road closures
– in areas such as Chiswick,
Greenwich and Merton.
These seemingly never- Licence renewal delays
ending changes aside, life The pandemic also seems
still goes on and we are to have made it harder than
now moving forward to the ever (and slower) to get your
final quarter of the year and licence renewed. I know
Christmas comes nearer every many suburban drivers have
day! I think I can categorise struggled with this. Don’t
the last 18 months as a forget that if you are getting
continual ‘kipper season’, but close to your licence expiring
hopefully we are now pushing and struggling to get all the
forward to the new normal. documentation you need,
the LTDA can try to help you
Road changes overcome any delays.
under review A friend of mine was
8 Many of these so-called recently having a lot of trouble
Streetspace schemes are now getting his DBS through, it
being reviewed by TfL and the had been sitting at stage 5 sought out help from the LTDA Wimbledon boost
various London boroughs. ‘printing’ since June 10th, with when he did, he could have for the trade
his licence due to expire in been uninsured. We were delighted that
Most were temporary schemes
mid-July, and he was getting the Wimbledon AELTC
introduced as an emergency
response to the Coronavirus
worried it wouldn’t come Supporting local Championships were able
crisis and the powers that be
through in time. With a lot of charities to go ahead this year, even if
perseverance, we managed to Moving on to some more things were a little different!
must now decide whether to
push the authorities to release positive news, a few weeks ago There were lots of road
make them permanent. Where
a temporary note, which we myself and four other drivers changes for drivers to navigate
possible, the LTDA seeks to
forwarded directly to TfL and supported a charity function and various roads were
have a constructive influence
his licence eventually came for the Young Onset Dementia actually blocked, with a very
on these decisions and to try through. It’s a good job it Activists (YODA) in Bromley, specific system of movement
to ensure that the outcomes did, as several days later he taking them up for tea to the put in place for taxis. As usual
benefit our members. was involved in a non-fault Langham Hotel W1 and back. there was some confusion
Although, in some instances, accident and when contacting All in all it was a great day and a few errors on the first
it feels like someone has his insurance, the first thing enjoyed by everybody involved, day, but those happen every
simply stuck a pin in a map – they wanted was a copy of including the drivers, who gave year and for the rest of the
that’s about as much thought his new licence. Had he not up their time to support it. Tournament things seemed
as seems to go into these to run reasonably smoothly,
schemes. As a result, in my barring one or two mishaps,
view, the Mayor and his crew which were soon sorted.
really make what appear to be There was one great item
some diabolical decisions! missing in the usual 'cab
Don’t get me wrong, out share' offer, but it appeared
in the Suburbs some of the to give drivers more jobs
local councils have taken overall, so may have worked
a more sensible approach, to our advantage in the end. I
particularly when it comes would like to thank Anthony
to giving taxis the access and Russel at Southfields,
that they need to continue along with Gary and his men
to provide a door-to-door at Wimbledon Station, and
service. Unfortunately, not forgetting the official Taxi
every council seems to have marshals at the courts end.
different rules and a different Well done to all!
way of doing things which can Next year should see the
actually make it more difficult return of the full 14 days,
for drivers to know what they let’s hope nothing gets in
Volunteer drivers in Bromley
can and can’t do. the way! n LTDA
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDATaxi | Letters
in g to
TAXI and LTDA Get writ I
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Member Mail
ea u r fu
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We r wel emails ess, b o:
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We recently published ‘Dynamo Dan’s’ first article
for TAXI and a number of interested readers got
in touch with questions for Dan about his Nissan
Dynamo and his experience of working it.
Subject: Questions for Dynamo Dan
Hi Dan,
Hope this finds you well.
I was really pleased to see your article in TAXI regarding the
Dynamo, I have been giving it real thought about purchasing one.
A couple of queries I have are:
Have you had any issues with the step and do you know if
there are any plans to redesign it?
I asked another driver about the mileage on a charge in winter
conditions as he said he got 100 miles from an overnight charge,
I wasn't sure if this was a starting mileage or what he achieved
from the day’s work i.e. including using his wipers, lights and
heater? Does your overnight charge seem to vary?
Thanks very much and good luck with ongoing articles.
Kind regards,
Keith
Dynamo Dan’s reply:
Keith,
Thanks for the email. My cab has had the new steps fitted and
since then I have had no problems, my only comment is that the Subject: Knight of the road cabbie res- didn’t know how to get out of the situation and
step up from the step into the cab is still quite high. cues desperate pensioner he told me to follow him and he would get me 11
Cold weather charging etc. I have never had any less than 130 to the Rotherhithe Tunnel. On our journey, he
miles on a full charge even in the coldest spell with the heater Dear Taxi, discovered by his radio that the Rotherhithe
on, I would estimate that the air conditioning on full in summer I would like to thank a black cab driver who Tunnel was also closed and he then got me onto
or heater in winter take a maximum of 25 miles off the range. helped me out of a sweltering gridlocked road. the A13 so that I could continue my journey.
Hope this helps. I had set out to visit my son in Hastings but I am so grateful for the help this kind man
got stuck in gridlock due to the closure of the gave me: I did not know the area at all and was
Best regards, Blackwall tunnel during the recent heatwave. It completely lost, it really was a desperate time.
Dan was a nightmare, the road was crammed with This very kind man is a credit to the black cab
vehicles and those of us in the right hand lanes trade and a true knight of the road; I really hope
couldn’t exit. the Taxi newspaper can pass on my best wishes
I found myself getting more and more to him.
Subject: Dynamo Question desperate because I have a health problem
and the stifling heat was starting to make me Tom Benfield,
Dear Taxi feel unwell. I told the cabbie next to me that I Essex
Could you please ask Dynamo Dan if he knows how long it
will take to fully charge a Dynamo using a 3-pin socket from
home? Subject: Thank you driver Subject: LTDA to the rescue again
Thanks Hello, Dear Taxi,
Nick I would like to express my gratitude to a taxi I have had to have a medical for firstly the Met
driver called Joe. I was wondering if you would Police and now TfL every year from first being
Dynamo Dan’s reply: be able to pass my message to him through licensed. This year, after my medical TfL wanted
your newspaper. I had one of the most a ‘driver assessment.’ This was to check I could
Nick unpleasant situations in London, on 28th July still drive safely at 73. Glad to say no problem and
Thanks for the email. I have never charged my cab on a just before 3pm near Vauxhall Bridge. all good to go. Now, that sounded easy enough
domestic socket, as part of the deal when buying the cab I was walking down the street, when out but, emails, questions, letters from doctors,
I had a wall box installed at home that puts out just over of nowhere, an aggressive stranger in front of hospital consultants, physios etc, it became a real
3kW and from absolute empty it takes about 7 hours to a me turned back and started insulting me and nightmare. So another call to Anthony Street at the
full battery. behaving aggressively. I was pretty scared to L.T.D.A. and the Red Sea parted.
I would guess a domestic socket would take at least twice be honest, until I was rescued by Joe, who saw I have been a member of the L.T.D.A. from day
as long? the situation and stopped his taxi offering me one of driving a cab and don't regret a penny of the
Also with the wall box, I now have a night tariff on my a ride. Without being asked, he took me where subscription. Any problem and they are there, not
electricity meter and set the cab to start charging as the cheap I was going and didn't charge me a penny. My behind you with a problem but in front solving it.
electricity meter kicks in (midnight) when I come out in the short trip to London was saved by Joe, a real The L.T.D.A is always there working for us. You may
morning the cab is fully charged and it's costing me far less. gentleman, who is not just doing his job, but never need their help, but one day, even if it's just
also keeping Londoners and its visitors safe. for advice on keeping your licence, you might. Join!
Best Regards
Dan Can't thank you enough Joe! Keep safe.
Karolina FRED THE LEG
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukTaxi | News Continued
UPCOMING PRINTWORKS BLACK CABS GRANTED ACCESS TO WEST GREENWICH LTN
EVENTS
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has announced changes to the West Greenwich Low Traffic
The Printworks venue in Rotherhithe has Neighbourhood. The Council closed various roads in West Greenwich to all through traffic
announced its 2021 Autumn / Winter with an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) last September. It has now modified the scheme in
calendar of events. The huge venue is response to comments and feedback from local residents and road users, which showed that it
back with capacity crowds of up to 5,800 was displacing traffic and creating congestion on the east side of Greenwich Park and on the A2
people expected. Drivers are encouraged around Blackheath Hill.
to head down and make use of the Under the changes, refuse trucks and black cabs can now pass through the filters on Crooms
40-space rank, which will be in operation Hill, Hyde Vale and Winforton Street at all times. The Hyde Vale filter will also be open to all
during the following events. Printworks is vehicles between 7am and 9am, from Monday to Friday, in an effort to alleviate traffic. The
on Surrey Quays Rd, Rotherhithe, SE16 7PJ. Council will now have until 25 February 2022 to make a final decision on the future of the
LTN and will be gathering further feedback to understand the impact of these changes. The
consultation can be found on Greenwich Council’s website here: https://greenersafergreenwich.
DAY DATE SHOW TIMES commonplace.is/proposals/west-greenwich-low-traffic-neighbourhood
Friday 17th Sept 7pm - 4am
Saturday 18th Sept Midday - 11pm West Greenwich Low Traffic
Neighbourhood (LTN)
Sunday 19th Sept Midday - 11pm
Key:
Thursday 23rd Sept 7pm - 11pm Modal filter
No access for motor vehicles.
Kemsing Rd
Access for walking and cycling
Annandale Rd
ing Rd
Cheven
Friday 24th Sept 8pm - 3am
Halstow
Colo
Primary School
Camera traffic filter
Vanb
Park Mews
Tyle
Halstow Rd
mb
Earls
rugh
Access for emergency services, bin
r St
St
rove
wood
dG
lorries, black cabs, walking and cycles
Hi
06 dla
n
A2 Calvert Rd on Rd
ll
Wo o Orminst
St
Saturday 25th Sept Midday - 11pm
a n Cres
Westcombe Park
Colom
Schools Tuskar St
d
dl
o
b St
Wo
Tyle
Gre
r St
enw
ber Rd
Wa
y Maze Hill Dinsdale Rd Hum
Railway Stations
Friday 1st Oct 8pm - 3am
ic
ge
Park
h Pa
e ll Cl
Coll Reste
Feat
rk St
Ruthin Rd
Row
Westcombe Hill
06 06
hers
A2 A2 sta
Greenwich Park Vi
Ma
Park
Vanbrugh Hill
Pl
ze
Through traffic not permitted
Saturday 2nd Oct Midday - 11pm
H
A2
Rd
ill
d
e Rd
nR ndi
Rd
06
lso Ulu Kirkside Rd
Ne
Kin
enae
Foyl
d
Rd
Letter distribution area
eR
gW
in
nsfield
Myc
illia
ra
le
m
Co
Friday 8th Oct 7pm - 4am
Sto
Wal
Beaco
ck
rt Rd
we
k
Hill
ll da St
all Pl St
Neva Westcombe Park Rd
Slebe
e Rd
y Rd
Rand
ombe
Ma
Glenluc
th
Hard
James Wolfe School
06
ou
Westc
Invicta Primary School
m
A2
ze
s
t
Saturday 9th Oct Midday - 11pm
ht
yS
ig
H
ne
ra
r
ill
Vanbrugh Fields
St
a Rd
Bu
Greenwich The John
Roan School
Invict
Westcombe Park Rd
Roy
Vanbrugh Park Rd W
s
Blackheath
rcu
High School
al H
Th
Beaconsfield Rd
r Ci
e
Sunday 10th Oct Midday - 11pm ste
Av
en
ill
G l o u ce ue
Combe Ave
Langdale Rd
St
6 James Wolfe
Croom s
A20
S
Royal Hill Campus
C i rc u s St
nwich
St
ge
Rd
or
Hill
igh
Gree
Ge
Ma
Friday 15th Oct 7pm - 2am
Prior St
hH Ashburnham Pl
g
Vanbrugh Park
Brand St
Kin
wic
ze
Egerton Dr
en Lu St Ursula's Convent
Gre
Secondary School
to
H
n
ill
Pl Heathway
Ashburnh
am Grov
e
l yd Park
St Johns
H
De
Hil e Vale
Saturday 16th Oct 8pm - 3am
vo l
Cr
ve
ya
n shir
We
oo
Gro
Ro
eD in
l
Dia gt
l
r
Bla
ms H
mo Hy on
ine
nd de Gro
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The Pointer School
ton St Terr Va ve
er
Winfor ace le
ill
Cath
eath
e Way
Grov Langton
Vanbrugh Terrace
ford
Po
St
ton
Ave
Guild
Rd
int
Dut
Friday 22nd Oct 7pm - 2am
We
y
H
les
stg
Wa
ill
rov
ton
Prince Char
e Ln
rl
Cha
Gen
d
eR
le
d
Va
Ca
eral
12
de
A2
Saturday 23rd Oct Midday - 11pm
Hy
h Hill
Blackheat
Wolf
A2
Hillsid Dar
ay
nW
e Av tm
e
d
outh
rR
rlto
Rd
Hill
Cha
ye
tT
A2
Wa
Friday 29th Oct 7pm - 2am Hyde Vale filter open Monday
to Friday, 7am to 9am only.
No through traffic at other times.
Saturday 30th Oct Midday - 11pm
Friday 5th Nov 7pm - 2am
Saturday 6th Nov Midday - 11pm
Sunday 7th Nov Midday - 11pm
Friday 12th Nov 8pm - 3am
Thursday 11th Nov 6pm - 11pm
Saturday 13th Nov Midday - 11pm
Friday 19th Nov 7pm - 2am
Saturday 20th Nov Midday - 11pm
Sunday 21st Nov Midday - 11pm
Friday 26th Nov 7pm - 2am
Saturday 27th Nov Midday - 11pm
Integrated Content Solutions
Sunday 28th Nov Midday - 11pm
Thursday 2nd Dec 7pm - 11pm
Friday 3rd Dec 7pm - 2am
Saturday 4th Dec Midday - 11pm
Thursday 9th Dec 7pm - 11pm
Friday 10th Dec 8pm - 3am
Saturday 11th Dec Midday - 11pm
Sunday 12th Dec Midday - 11pm
Friday 17th Dec 8pm - 3am
Saturday 18th Dec 4pm - 4am
Friday 31st Dec 7pm - 4am
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www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDAColumnist | Steve Kenton
Dung-heaps &
Carbuncles
Our man in black is building a man cave paid for in widget bitter. He fought to justify its creation and now Mrs
woman in black is even buying things to go in it… I’d think she’s waiting until last to have the bed delivered.
National Gallery extension as a
A man in black ‘monstrous carbuncle’. At
the time, the heir to the
throne was ridiculed
D
uring lockdown 3.0, I mercilessly by the
decided to undertake press, however
a building project – the Prince had
much to the chagrin a valid point.
of she who must be obeyed. If we destroy
I decided to turn a four by or distort
three-meter room at the back our history
of our garage into a music – we lose our
studio, games room and office. identity.
I explained to Mrs woman in London's
black that if she didn't want latest carbuncle,
to hear me murdering Black the mound at
Sabbath's Nativity in Black Marble Arch (or the
bassline, she would have to dung-heap as I've
capitulate – she decided that I dubbed it), opened at
was right. the beginning of August.
Now although I am reasonably The two-million-pound viewing
proficient in many aspects of platform was expected to bring
construction, anything which in favour of a car park being in thousands of visitors, before
involves bricklaying is firmly Save us from the of particular concern. That being taken down in January
off my radar, so I've employed ball and chain prophetic message could quite 2022. Quite frankly, standing
the help of my very good friend Chartbusters 82 came in two easily be attributed to London. on a lump of turf draped over
Stuart, who is a builder by trade. volumes and had everybody the top of some scaffolding in 15
He also accepts crates of John who was anybody in the music An uncommon beauty the middle of a gyratory system,
Smiths as payment which is a bit industry on there, however I Now don't get me wrong, peering down at the traffic and
of a result for me. was strangely drawn to track London is quite unique, it has paying for the privilege, sounds
number ten on volume one, an uncommon beauty that you about as much fun as having
Sonic ecstasy XTC's, Ball and Chain. XTC were don’t seem to find in many other your crown jewels grabbed
In what I consider a real coup, formed in Swindon in 1972 and cities across the globe. From the and twisted by Vinny Jones.
I've managed to persuade are now considered to be one of position of a taxi driver, sitting I'd rather go to Primrose Hill
the lovely wife to buy me an the early prototypes of Britpop, three feet up, who can fail to and view London's landscape
authentic, stacking Hi-Fi system primarily because they couldn't appreciate viewing Tower Bridge, from there.
for our anniversary, which will be pigeonholed into any given from the middle of London
be placed in the man-cave. I category during their heyday. Bridge, as the sun rises, igniting Ignore the past and
hate downloading music, I do Having always liked the song, the two-tiered structure into life, you ruin the future
feel that you lose some of the but never taking any notice of in all its majestic glory? It really London's planners need to step
beauty and craftsmanship that the lyrics, I decided to listen to is a sight to behold, and that’s back and take stock. England's
can only be found on vinyl. The it on YouTube. Upon hearing the merely a single example of some once great capital city is fast
incredible artwork attributed track, it dawned on me that the of the architectural riches which losing its lustre. Many people
to some albums can only be lyrics could be describing some have been bestowed on London. no longer want to come to the
admired when covering a of the more unsavoury aspects However, when looking at capital, and the pandemic has
circular, 80 gramme platter of of architectural London: London's landscape from afar, changed the way many people
sonic ecstasy. it is peppered with over-sized, work. When you combine the
A few days into the build, Save us from the ball and chain, Pseudo-Babylonian monoliths, seemingly endless building work
Stuart had to do some under- Save us from the ball and chain, seemingly vying for position as around the capital along with
pinning – which meant that I Save us from the ball and chain, the first tower to reach God. At the inexplicable and borderline
had to stop what I was doing The diggers and the tower cranes night, London's skyline becomes insane road restrictions, which
and get out of his way. So off I a sea of red lights staining the stifle movement across the
went into the garage and started Don't want demolition, darkness, like tiny splatters capital, why would anybody
flicking through my record Don't want your compensation, of blood on a dark sheet. It want to come to London?
collection – and let me tell It's not just bricks and mortar, seems as though those who are I fear for London's future as
you, it takes an awful long time We are lambs to slaughter responsible for shaping London's an attractive business location
to flick through. Everything landscape are forgetting about and as a tourism hub. If we
is there from Cream to The The lyrics, when spewed out by the capital's history and heritage, continue this obsession of
Beastie Boys, Depeche Mode to Andy Partridge and co, sounded buoyed by the misplaced hiding or destroying our past,
Deep Purple, Iron Maiden (that like a poetic prophecy of doom. assumption that everything rather than celebrating and
collection could take up an In fact, Colin Moulding of XTC, modern or new must be better. cherishing it then we won't
entire wall) to Van Halen. And who wrote that song, stated that have a future as a world leading
then I saw it, in all its blue on he was relaying his dismay at the Prince Charles' city. All we will be left with is
white stripey glory (interspersed redevelopment of Swindon Town carbuncle a lot of gridlocked roads and a
with pink and yellow wedges)… Centre, with the demolition of In 1984, Prince Charles lot of very tall buildings that we
Chartbusters 82. the Baptist Tabernacle Church famously described a proposed cannot fill. n TAXI
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukColumnist | Phil Brown
A Passage Through Time
Phil’s new series of articles takes drivers on a ‘London heritage’ Knowledge journey – designed
to hopefully make your driving day and workplace surroundings, a little more interesting…
Footprints & foundations
T
he expertise of a
London cab driver is
world renowned. His/
her topographical
Knowledge of the city is
exemplary. A working day will
encompass many different
locations around the great
metropolis. Driving along the
thoroughfares of London, you
may not be always aware that
two thousand years of history,
traditions and customs surround
you. The very street names evoke
the presence of a historical
figure, an event or detail about The Roman Wall, Tower Hill
the landscape.
The ghosts of renowned writers, you can guarantee your assets will be river runs under the aptly named fruition in AD 200. This fortification
William Shakespeare and Charles invested in this location by financial roadway named Walbrook. An enclosed 330 acres, its structure was
Dickens still lurk in the sunken institutions. The City is the leading exhibition with the temple remains twenty feet high and eight feet thick.
shadows of the capital. When you financial centre in the world. This is and relics is located in the nearby A ditch was built along the base of the
are journeying down Curtain Road not a new phenomenon, two thousand Bloomberg building, which is a wall, parts were filled with water from
16 EC1, there is a heritage plaque years ago when the Romans invaded captivating visit. Ironically, a Temple the tributaries of the Walbrook and
that indicates the Curtain Theatre, Britain, they developed this area and to Diana was found beneath the site Fleet rivers. The thoroughfare named
where Shakespeare first performed called it Londinium. The Romans’ of the first St Paul's Cathedral. So, a Houndsditch formed the eastern
as an actor in the capital. For those enterprise brought modern civilisation place of contemplation has always section of the wall. The eponymous
who work at night, the ghost of to Britain. existed in Ludgate Hill – one shrine name was derived from dead animals
Dickens can be seen on every street A system of government, lost in the mists of time replaced – dogs and cats that were thrown into
corner where he perambulated, architecture, road and bridge by another. It was not until the 4th the ditch over the centuries.
researching the characters that building transformed a bucolic Century that Constantine the Great An adjoining wall along the River
appeared in his tales. setting by the River Thames into became the first Christian Roman Thames was also constructed. The
an urban city. The new metropolis Emperor. This brought gradual materials used in the edifice were
In search of London was the fifth largest city built change across the Roman Empire as Kentish Ragstone conveyed from
The following series of articles outside Rome. Close to where Catholicism replaced Paganism. the river Medway in Kent. Gates
will focus on a different type of Leadenhall Market is located there were installed into the wall with
unique to London knowledge, was a Basilica (a place used as law Cosmopolitan city towers on either side, manned by
designed to hopefully make your courts and for public assemblies). By AD 122, London was important guards for security. The locations
driving day and the workplace a A ‘forum’ was built nearby (a enough to merit a visit from Emperor of the exit and entry points are now
little more interesting. Learning marketplace where citizens could Hadrian, who would have been well-known road names leading
and understanding the heritage also debate their grievances with greeted by a cosmopolitan population into the City, providing evidence of
of London is a monumental task. officials – similar to Speakers' composed of not only Romanised where the gates once stood. Aldgate,
I will simplify the format, so that Corner). An amphitheatre was Britain’s and a few senior appointees Bishopsgate, Moorgate, Aldersgate,
you can enjoy making your own excavated in front of the Guildhall, from Italy but a substantial proportion Newgate, Ludgate, Crosswall and
discoveries. Hopefully gaining an where gladiators once fought to the from Gaul (France), Rhineland London Wall are familiar street
insight into the foundations of the death in front of excited citizens. (Germany) and merchants from the names that recall the fortified
London landscape will help make Effectively, Londinium was built to ports around the Mediterranean. structure. Remnants of London
your working day more enjoyable. I replicate an authentic Roman city. An honour guard would likely have Wall can still be seen in Tower Hill,
encourage you to take a walk through Most importantly, trade played a key included men from as far away as Coppers Row, London Wall and
the ancient cobblestone streets, for it role in the life of the new township. Africa. London has always been a Noble Street. At the location of Noble
is here you will uncover the mysteries For the past two thousand years the place of many differing cultures. It is a Street in the north-western section of
behind the facades in the capital. Let city has been a trading centre. This narrative which is embedded into the the wall, a fort was constructed. The
me take you on a journey through is the fundamental reason for the soul of the city. purpose of the garrison inside the
the centuries of how and why the continuity of the Square Mile. fort was to keep law and order inside
London landscape was developed. The stones the City. The nearby Wood Street
The capital is a storehouse of secrets Religion The Roman conquerors were police station replicates the former
waiting to be discovered… Religion also played an important expert engineers, who were not Roman fort. Remarkably, the Roman
role for the Romanised-British disillusioned by any building project wall was not taken out of existence
Londinium population. They worshipped gods that was undertaken. After a period until 1750. These symbolic stones
The City of London is known as the named Isis, Diana and Mithras. The of stability with the warring tribes may have aged with time, however
commercial centre of London. if Temple of Mithras was unearthed in across Britain, a mammoth task of they testify a Roman presence,
you have bank accounts, pensions, the Walbrook Stream in the 1950s, building a defensive wall around the whose ingenuity laid the foundations
insurance and stocks and shares, one of the lost rivers of London. The perimeter of Londinium came to of the City of London. n TAXI
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@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukColumnist | Robert Lordan
The Elephant Man
– Part Two
Learn Rob’s stories of famous London residents to increase your tips!
this period is unknown, although
Rob’s history tips one can only hope the kindness
of strangers played a role. After
docking in Essex, Joseph took a
O
direct train to Liverpool Street. It
ver the centuries, was 24th June 1886, and what was
London has been home about to transpire would prove
to some remarkable to be one of the most distressing
people. Here’s the incidents of his life.
continuing story of one of It was morning rush hour, and
them – ‘The Elephant Man’, aka Liverpool Street was packed. As
Joseph Merrick… Following his Joseph exited the carriage, his
examination at the Royal London oversized cloak and sack-like
Hospital by Dr Treves, Joseph mask quickly drew attention,
Merrick agreed to be presented leading an ever-growing crowd to
as a ‘living specimen’ before an swarm around him. This event is
audience of medical experts at dramatically captured in David
the Pathological Society. This took Lynch’s 1980 film, The Elephant
place on December 2nd, 1884, at Man which starred John Hurt;
the Society’s HQ, which then stood the scene was shot on location at
at 53 Berners Street. Today, the site Liverpool Street itself. Fortunately,
is covered by the Sanderson Hotel. Joseph was rescued from the mob
by two Bobbies who barricaded
‘Like cattle’ themselves alongside him in a
According to Joseph’s friend third-class waiting room. Penniless
and business partner, Tom and suffering from exhaustion, David Lynch’s 1980 film starred John
18 Norman, Joseph found this Joseph collapsed in the corner. Hurt as Merrick and Anthony Hopkins
event deeply uncomfortable, as Dr. Treves
later telling Tom he felt like he’d Permanent home
been treated like cattle. This may After being cruelly robbed, he had Royal London arranged for him to
sound odd considering Joseph just two items in his possession be taken to the Theatre Royal, Drury
made his living as a 'freak', – the tiny portrait of his beloved Lane (by cab, of course) to watch a
but at the Whitechapel ‘penny mother, and Dr Treves’ business performance of Puss in Boots.
gaff’ Joseph was in control and, card which listed the Royal London For this, Joseph – who was
despite understandable modern Hospital as the contact address. accompanied by Dr Treves and
objections to such work, he was in On seeing this, the two constables a group of nurses – was granted
fact making decent money. procured a Hackney Carriage for access to a private box belonging
However, the authorities in Joseph, and he was promptly taken to Baroness Burdett Coutts; one of
Britain had begun a crackdown back to Whitechapel. Once at the Britain’s richest women. At Drury
on ‘freak shows’, meaning Joseph hospital, Dr Treves gave Joseph a A replica of the skeleton of Joseph Lane that night, Joseph was able
and Tom Norman’s hustle on full examination. It had been two Merrick, known as the Elephant Man, to lose himself in the darkness and
Whitechapel Road was forced years since they last met, and he whilst on display at the Royal London spectacle for a few special hours, and
to close. Consequently, the now came to the sad conclusion Museum in 2012. it’s said the occasion was one of the
consortium backing Joseph that Joseph, despite being only happiest of his life.
arranged for him to be sent to in his mid 20s, had developed became an avid reader, amassing
Europe, where he was partnered bronchitis and a heart condition, a substantial library. ‘Like a normal person’
with a mysterious figure known both of which were worsened by Sadly, Joseph’s health was fast
only as Mr. Ferrari. the strain of his deformities. Better times deteriorating and, on 11th April
Initially, the Royal London were His intelligence and kind nature 1890, shortly after attending an
Survival not equipped to deal with such shone through, and he received Easter service, he was found dead,
Unfortunately, it transpired that a case. However, when Joseph numerous VIP visitors, including lying flat on his bed at the Royal
freak shows were losing favour on was also refused a place at the the future King Edward VII. He London. He was 27 years old. Due
the Continent too, meaning Ferrari Royal Hospital of Incurables (now also wrote letters and constructed to the size and weight of his head,
began to see Joseph as a burden. the Royal Hospital for Neuro- delicate models – examples of Joseph was unable to safely lie in
The pair ended up in Brussels and disability) in Putney, a public which can be seen in the Royal such a position – he used pillows to
it was here, one night, that Ferrari appeal to help him was launched. London’s small museum (along prop him up – and it’s believed in
abandoned his protege. Worse still, Fortunately, this raised more than with his iconic cap and hood). doing so he’d dislocated his neck. It
he stole Joseph’s entire savings enough money to provide him Joseph was also invited to spend was Dr Treves’ belief that Joseph had
which had amounted to £50 – with a comfortable, permanent an evening at Dr Treves’ home at attempted to ‘sleep like a normal
about £6,500 in today’s money. home within the Royal London. A 6 Wimpole Street, which is now person’, although it was just as likely
Alone and unable to speak small suite of private rooms was marked by a blue plaque. Alongside to have been a tragic accident.
clearly – let alone in a foreign provided, overlooking an area literature, Joseph was passionate Today, Joseph’s skeleton is
language – Joseph managed to then known as ‘Bedstead Square’ about the theatre – despite never held by Queen Mary University,
find his way to Antwerp where which stood on the hospital’s having had the opportunity to although only those with a
he boarded a boat bound for eastern side. In his new quarters, attend. During the Christmas of medical background are permitted
Harwich. How he survived during Joseph gained confidence and 1887 therefore, his friends at the private viewings. n TAXI
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDAYou can also read
