RANK INCOMPETENCE LTDA calls on TFL to act on Uber's proposed 'pick up points' in Soho - Taxi Newspaper
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association
TAXIS SAFEST FORM OF PUBLIC
TRANSPORT Page 3
SUBURBAN SECTOR UPDATES
Pages 16 -17
AL FRESCO ON GETTING BACK
IN THE CAB Page 20 www.ltda.co.uk
18th May 2021#492
1
RANK
INCOMPETENCE
LTDA calls on TFL to act on Uber's
www.ltda.co.uk
proposed ‘pick up points’ in Soho @TheLTDA
2
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
Contents & News
OLA MAKES EV PLEDGE IN BID TO
Inside... RECOVER LONDON LICENCE
18:05:21
OLA has announced a series of measures
to encourage the use of EVs, as it fights to
regain its licence to operate in London. The
3 | News HAVERING GRANTS FOR TAXI DRIVERS ridesharing firm will now offer incentives for
its London drivers to switch to electric vehicles,
WHO MISSED CUT-OFF including waiving its commission fees until
5 | Steve McNamara The London Borough of Havering is offering
August 13 for
grants for black cab drivers who missed the cut-
those with EVs.
6 | Paul Brennan off date to apply for funding through its previous
Ola users in
rounds of discretionary grant schemes. The
8 | Lloyd Baldwin the capital will
Havering Taxi (Black Cab) Drivers Grant provides
also be able to
up to £6000 for licensed London taxi drivers
11 | Sam Houston opt to travel by
living in Havering, if they meet the eligibility
EV by selecting
criteria. The deadline to apply is 5pm on 28
12 | Kanize Cozens the newly added “Ola EV” category, which
May 2021 and applications can be made via the
only allows drivers with electric vehicles to
Council’s website: https://sjvlola8h0s.typeform.
15 | Wim Faber com/to/Nx1gQ3PY
accept rides. Ola is currently appealing TfL’s
decision not to renew its Private Hire Vehicle
Drivers who previously received the Additional
16 | Steve Howard Operator licence in October 2020, over “historic
Restrictions Grant will not qualify for further
breaches” of licensing regulations, which
18 | Steve Kenton funding through this new scheme. To be
allowed unlicensed drivers and vehicles to
eligible, applicants must have been trading
undertake more than 1000 passenger trips.
20 | Al Fresco on the 17 October 2020, be registered as living
at an address within Havering and be able to
22 | Cab You Drive demonstrate ongoing costs associated with
finance or rental of a vehicle throughout periods
24 | Chris Ackrill of restrictions.
27 | Puzzler
MORE EVS REGISTERED IN 2020 THAN IN
29 | Exclusive: Taxi Charity ALL PREVIOUS YEARS
Vehicle licensing statistics published by the
30 | Musher Meg Department for Transport show that more fully
Puzzler answers electric cars were registered in 2020 than in all
previous years combined. The Annual Vehicle
Licensing Statistics for 2020 also revealed the
impact of the Coronavirus crisis on new car sales, 3
with over 800,000 fewer vehicles registered in the
LTDA
Taxi House 133 Great Suffolk Street, UK in 2020. Unsurprisingly, the most affected
LONDONERS CONSIDER TAXIS SAFEST
SE1 2PP
T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk periods for new registrations were the two FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
@TheLTDA national lockdowns from March to June and the A YouGov poll commissioned by the Evening
Editor month of November. July was the only month to Standard has found that taxis are widely
Katie Combes
E: editor@ltda.co.uk show a year-on-year increase when registrations regarded as the safest form of public transport,
Commissioning Editor increased, of 12% compared to 2019 figures. with three in five Londoners (62%) saying
Nick Hartop they’d feel comfortable travelling in a cab,
E: TaxiEditor@centuryone.uk
while a third (32%) would not. In contrast, 53
Produced by
Century One Publishing Ltd
per cent of Londoners say they are worried
Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road about using the tube again, with older people
St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG.
T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 particularly concerned about returning to
E: hello@centuryone.uk the daily commute. 60 per cent of over-65s
www.centuryone.uk
said they were uncomfortable using the tube,
Advertising Sales Executive
Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 compared to just 34 per cent of the same age
E: jack@centuryone.uk group who had concerns over using taxis.
Creative Director
Peter Davies
Designer & Advert Coordinator
Caitlyn Hobbs NEW TRANSPORT RULES FROM 17 MAY
Printed by TfL has announced that in line with the easing
Manson Group, St Albans of restrictions yesterday, bus capacity has been
Published on behalf of the LTDA by doubled, to allow more people to travel. Most
seats on buses are now available for use, with
the capacity of double-decker buses having
increased to around 60. TfL has acknowledged
that as capacity increases and more people
return to the network, social distancing will
Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, not always be possible, but TfL Commissioner,
Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG
Andy Byford has assured people that services
are “cleaner than ever”.
All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted
by any means electronic,
mechanical or by photocopy-
ing without prior permission
of the publishers. The views
and opinions expressed in
this publication may not
necessarily be those of the publishers. Please note that the last day for
inclusion of Classified lineage advertisements is five working days prior to
publication. No liability is accepted by the publisher should advertisements
not appear in the requested issue(s). While the publisher will take every
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
A Rank By Any
Other Name…
“I explained in no uncertain terms that if they refused to act, we would be forced to take
matters into our own hands, gathering evidence to undertake private prosecutions…”
this that ranks are a fundamental
Steve’s comment Licensed Taxi Drivers
’ Association part of the licensed taxi trade and
The newspaper of the our exclusive right to ply for hire.
PUBLIC So, when Uber began sending out
TAXIS SAFEST FORM OF
TRANSPORT Page 3 emails, text messages and push
O
ATES notifications to their customers
SUBURBAN SECTOR UPD
ver the last couple of Pages 16 -17 informing them of their plans,
weeks, it’s been great BACK I immediately contacted senior
AL FRESCO ON GETTING www.ltda.co.uk
to see London coming IN THE CAB Page 20
18th May 2021#492
licensing officials at TfL making
back to life, albeit very them aware, raise our concerns
slowly. Most importantly there and asking that they took
are more cabs on the street with immediate enforcement action if
passengers in them. Hopefully, Uber went ahead.
following Monday’s further Since then, TfL have failed to act
easing of restrictions, things will decisively, claiming that it is “not
only get better, with hospitality that simple”. They say that they are
finally allowed to let people “looking into this issue” and "have
inside out of the never-ending 1
deployed officers to monitor specific
rain and more venues opening locations to ensure that no vehicles
back up. As we finally dare to are causing an obstruction to the
start believing things will pick highway." Uber’s actions once
up, it has been good to talk about again highlight the problems and
things other than Covid for a illegalities of their business model
change and turn our attention to which clearly constitutes plying for
other issues impacting the trade. hire. It also further demonstrates
Unfortunately, there is always
some “bad” news that some will RANK their belief that they can do as they
want, whenever and wherever 5
choose to focus on.
It’s no secret that social media
has been a challenge for our INLTCDAOcallsMonPTFLEtoTactEonN
Ub
C
er 's
E they wanton London’s streets,
with no real consequences. Sadly,
this belief has been reinforced by
trade, or more specifically it’s repeated failures by the regulator
ts’ in Soho
become a challenge thanks to a proposed ‘pick up poin @TheLTDA
and enforcement officers to act
small few within our ranks, who www.ltda.co.uk
when they fail to play by the rules.
on some occasions have turned
it into a nightmare. Just recently harder than ever. Failure to act
the extreme, frankly disgusting, “With the important Currently, there are around 700 On a call with TfL officials and
messages directed at the Deputy caveat that our ‘Gold candidates on appearances, back other trade reps last week, it
Mayor for Transport on her in 2018 and before then, it used to became apparent that they have
birthday, managed to tick just Standard’ must not average over 2000. There is a plethora no immediate plans to condemn
about every box on the abuse list, be watered down, of reasons that numbers are down. Uber’s actions and make it clear
reinforcing all the stereotypes our Again, ironically, one of them is the to the company that the use of
enemies label us with. This does
we should consider negativity surrounding the trade these points will not be tolerated
us no favours. every option to keep and our poor image on social media! and will be subject to enforcement
It’s not just abuse; in fact, their it relevant and valued Whatever the reasons, we need to action. I decided enough was
greatest skill is either making a look at how to make the KOL more enough and took the opportunity
story up totally or twisting a real in the 21st Century.” appealing to a younger generation, to make our feelings crystal clear.
news item to such an extent that possibly ways to secure funding for I said that TfL was failing in its
any accuracies in their posts are those on appearances, in the same duty as regulator and that they
purely by mistake. way funding is available for every had an obligation to act to uphold
system when it was 25 runs and other vocational trading course. the law and prevent Uber from
Proposed KOL changes when you got your ‘Rec’ on a Monday With the important caveat that our establishing, what are tantamount
The latest news to get the twisted and the examiner said, “come back ‘Gold Standard’ must not be watered to illegal ranks. I explained in no
treatment concerns a possible on Friday for your suburbs.” But, down, we should not be scared to uncertain terms that if they refused
change to the suburban runs according to them everybody else shine a light into the darkest corners to act, we would be forced to
undertaken at the end of the should have to waste four months of the Knowledge and consider every take matters into our own hands,
Knowledge. According to the doing 120 plus suburban runs – option to keep it relevant and valued gathering evidence to undertake
Twitterati, it’s all a clever plot learning streets and places that they in the 21st Century. private prosecutions of individual
to scrap the Knowledge, reduce will never go to in 50 years of driving Uber drivers, as we have done on
standards and sell us down the a cab! A good example of “don’t do as Uber ranks numerous occasions in the past.
river. What they don’t tell you I do, do as I tell you.” At the end of April, we became We wait to see whether they will
is that the proposed ‘changes’ The Knowledge was last altered aware of Uber’s plans to create act and will be keeping a close eye
simply take the number of about 20 years ago, when the blue what they are describing as, “pick on the situation. In the meantime,
suburban runs back to what we book went from 468 runs to 400 and up points” in and around Soho due we have contacted the newly
had 15 years ago. The irony is then shortly after to the current 320. to the road closures. What they call (re)installed London Assembly
that those who are screaming the None of these changes affected the “pick up points” we call “ranks”. I members asking them to hold TfL
loudest all did it under the old standard and if anything, it's now do not have to tell anyone reading to account on this issue. n LTDA
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk
Chairman | Paul Brennan
A Warning
for 2022?
“This was a much closer race than many (if not all) had
predicted and if I were Mayor Khan, I would not be
feeling too comfortable right now.”
showing. He did after all narrow
Top rank Mayor Khan’s winning margin from
13.6% over the previous golden boy
O
Tory candidate Zac Goldsmith to
n Thursday 6th May, 10.4% this time around. There must
Londoners went to be many on the blue side of London
the polls to elect a left wondering, what if?
Mayor and London
Assembly Members. As expected, Business as usual
Sadiq Khan won the race over In the London Assembly, it’s pretty
his nearest rival, Conservative much business as usual. Not too
candidate Shaun Bailey, with much has changed, Labour is down
1,206,034 votes to 977,601. This a seat and the Tories, Lib Dems and
was a much closer race than many Greens all gained one seat. We have
(if not all) had predicted and if I lost some supportive and vocal
were Mayor Khan, I would not be voices from within the Assembly
feeling too comfortable right now. and work will now be ongoing to
The Tories must also be kicking meet the new members and seek
themselves, if they had shown a their support going forward. in Bexley and Bromley or an that feeling would be justified.
little more confidence in their man Islington or Tower Hamlets If, however you are a Labour
and given him a bit more support Sign of things to come? Labour councillor, you are councillor in Camden you might
(and funding), who knows? Maybe Based on the way the votes played probably feeling relatively want to take a step back and
he would have made an even better out, if you are a Tory councillor untouchable right now and reflect. In Barnet and Camden,
although victorious, Labour won
the Assembly seat by 75,000 votes,
6 Further lockdown easing though, and not just for those who work the to the Tories 62,000. In the London
As you read this, further restrictions will have airport or Eurotunnel, is the meagre list of wide vote the result was even closer,
been lifted in London and across England and ‘green’ countries that people will be able to with Labour only winning by 64,000
the following rules now apply. travel to and from the UK easily. If you are not against 61,000 to the Tories. If you
l Restaurants, pubs, and bars will be allowed to aware of what they are then feast your eyes on compare that result to North East,
welcome customers indoors. these destination hotspots: which covers Hackney, Islington
l A group of six people or two households will l Australia and Waltham Forest where Labour
be allowed to meet indoors at pubs, bars, and l Brunei won just short of 113,000 votes,
restaurants. l Faroe Islands while their closest rivals the Greens
l Customers will be required to stay seated l Falkland Islands received just 44,000 votes, you
to order, eat and drink, but there will be no l Gibraltar can perhaps draw the conclusion
curfew, and no one will one be required to l Iceland that Camden councillors should
have a “substantial meal” with alcohol. l Israel put themselves on a warning for
l People will be permitted to meet in groups l New Zealand next year’s local council elections.
of up to 30 in beer gardens or at venues that l Portugal including Madeira and Azores It seems the damage that (in my
have outdoor dining. l Singapore view and many others), the current
l Museums and cinemas will be allowed to group of Camden councillors have
reopen to customers but will need to maintain Unfortunately for UK travellers, Australia, inflicted, not only our trade, but on
social distancing. New Zealand, and Singapore are not many other businesses, which are
l A number of trials relating to indoor and reciprocating and currently their borders suffering the consequences of their
outdoor events have already taken place to are closed to UK tourists. The list therefore idealistic attempts to create their
show how they operate safely. goes from bad to worse. As nice as I am version of utopia, has not gone
l Some larger theatre, music and sporting sure the Faroe & Falkland Islands are (much unnoticed.
events indoors will be allowed to have a like Wales I am told), I cannot see too many For now though, life continues
capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever people wanting to travel to or from them. much as it was, with what feels like
is a lower number). Whilst it is expected that other popular a never-ending convoy of one bad
l Furthermore, outdoor venues can open to a holiday destinations such as Spain, France and scheme after another – all failing
maximum capacity of 4,000 people or half-full, mainland Greece could make the list by the to recognise the realities of life in a
whichever is lower. end of June, it is yet another month of waiting. normally busy, living and breathing
l Larger outdoor venues, which can allow for What we really want to know is when will all city like London. Although it isn’t
greater social distancing, can host 10,000 our friends from the Middle East and USA be all doom and gloom. We must
people or quarter-full, whichever is lower. able to return? Both tend to be good cab users recognise the many councils (of
l Hotels and B&Bs will be allowed to admit and we need them back in London sooner all political persuasions) across the
guests travelling for leisure purposes. rather than later, as do the restaurants, hotels, city, which are now including taxis
museums, and the wider hospitality industry. within their traffic management
A blow for travel As I keep telling people, we are all in this orders as permitted vehicles. And
All of the above will of course be welcome together and the quicker we can all get if TfL fail to win at the Court of
news for the trade and should help put more back to work and resume our normal lives, Appeal in June, I expect to see
bums on seats. What is very disappointing the better. many more schemes go (as they
should) in our favour. n LTDA
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
1%
Our Best Ever Offer!
Transaction Fee
Extended till 1st July
Now Until 1st July
Pay-As-You-Go Payment Device
Only £9.99inc VAT* 7
Fully Approved Payment System
Only £169.99 inc VAT*
Next Day Payments 7 Days a Week*
UK Phone Support 24/7
Money Bag Expense Tracker
Download from App Store Now!
www.cabpay.co.uk 020 7655 6970
* 7 day payments until 1st July
* Terms & Conditions Apply
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk
Executive S.O | Lloyd Baldwin
Beware of the Bilker
“This man probably assumes that most cabbies will ultimately just take it on the
chin and make sure he does not catch them out again.”
but he never answered the door
On point and ignored letters asking him
to contact the Police. Upon
hearing this, Ray called me and
asked that I inform members
T
to be careful and under no
here cannot be too circumstances pick the man up.
many more sickening A couple of days later Ray
feelings for a cabbie was waiting for job in Marloes
than when you realise Road, when low and behold, who
you are about to be or have been comes down the street but his
bilked. It is so frustrating that bilker. Being the gentleman he
someone would be so low as to is, and taking the man’s age into
purposefully lie and deceive you. account, Ray approached him
I have on many occasions been calmly and asked for his £34. The
very suspicious of members of man just laughed and said, “I
the public who have got in the have got no money so go away”.
cab and asked me to take them Ray told him that the Police were
to multiple locations. Nine times onto him and he would come
out of ten, the fare comes back unstuck if he kept bilking cab
when they say they will, and they drivers. His answer was, “I am
pay up ok, sometimes leaving an old man with lots of health
me questioning myself and issues who lives on benefits, what
wondering if maybe I should have are they going to do to me?”
a little bit more faith in people. The thing is that he is probably
The challenge is that we must right. The Police have too much
8 place our trust in someone we probably have thought the same and told him they would come on their plate and by the time
have never met and in the present and been less suspicious of him out to him but couldn’t do so they arrive to investigate he is
climate being bilked is something as a result too. immediately. The next morning always long gone. Plus, this man
we just cannot take (we cannot He very politely asked to be Ray received a call from the probably assumes that most
take it at the best of times). taken to the Halifax Bank in Police informing him that they cabbies will ultimately just take
Kensington High Street, where he knew all about this bilker and it on the chin and make sure he
asked Ray to wait whilst he did there were complaints about does not catch them out again. It
his banking. On his return to the him spanning back over the is down to anyone reading this to
cab, he then asked to go up to last nine years! They had made pass this info on to other fellow
Boots on Notting Hill Gate. Ray several attempts to contact him cabbies and spread the word,
told me that when he got out, including attending his block, this way we can put a stop to it.
he asked him if he would like a
coffee or a sandwich – no doubt a
ploy designed to make the cabbie Camden PCN errors
let their guard down. He then Camden continue to issue PCNs
asked to be returned to Cromwell to members driving LEVC TXs on
Road, where he said he needed certain streets, despite signage
to pick up his carer, who would clearly stating that electric
then escort him to Chelsea and vehicles are permitted. The issue
Westminster Hospital. This is seems to be that Camden officers
when he did a disappearing act, don’t understand their own rules.
leaving Ray with a huge £34 loss. The traffic management orders
Serial bilker clearly state that zero emission
Generally, you end up being Happened before capable taxis and electric
turned over by the people you It turns out, this whole routine vehicles are exempt. But when
least expect. The story below is is a well-rehearsed, common the cameras show a TX entering
a perfect example. Long-time occurrence. On realisation the area, they either fail to recognise it as a ZEC taxi or assume the
LTDA member Ray called me last that he had been knocked, Ray vehicles are not exempt because they are technically hybrids, not
week to report a terrible bilk, by parked up his cab and had a walk fully electric.
a man who has turned out to be a down Collingham Gardens to Most appeals to these PCNs are accepted, but we know of a few
serial bilker from the Collingham see if he could find him. As he that have not been, for no apparent reason, and Camden are
Gardens area. This man is in his did this, another cabbie pulled demanding payment. We have made several attempts to discuss
mid-70s with a strong foreign up and having seen Ray’s badge this with Council, but they ignore our requests. We are also working
accent and walks with the aid around his neck, asked him if he with LEVC to try to put an end to this. If any member gets one,
of a stick. He walked from his was looking for an old man with please call us immediately. We will help with the appeal and worst-
house out onto Cromwell Road a walking stick. He told Ray how case scenario guide you through the tribunal process. The rules for
and waited by the Marriott Hotel. the same man had done him a driving in these streets are quite clear and we are equally clear that
As Ray came down the Cromwell couple of weeks previously. Ray Camden are wrong in sending them in the first place, and so will do
Road, he assumed he had walked therefore called the Police to everything we can to overturn them. n LTDA
out from the hotel, I would report it. They took his details
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA
MINIMUM 3 YE AR COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY,
INCLUDING BATTERY
INCLUDES A COMPLIMENTARY ANNUAL
HE ALTH CHECK
TAILORED 100 POINT CHECK CARRIED OUT
BY A MANUFACTURER TRAINED EV TECHNICIAN
USED ELECTRIC TAXI,
FROM THE EQUIVALENT OF
£92 per week
FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS PLUS DEPOSIT
9
AND FINAL PAYMENT.*
Visit our showroom at: LEVC London Central, 39-41 Brewery Road, London,N79QHorcall0203 657 0732
Search our stock at levc.com/recharged | LEVC London @LEVCNorth LEVC London
Representative example based on a TX recharged vehicle on a 60 month HP finance plan.
First 6 monthly payment £400.00 Representative APR 10.6%
Second 6 monthly payment £600.00 Interest rate (fixed) 7.1%
Remaining 48 monthly payments £820.18 Guaranteed future value £15,500.00
Number of repayments 60 Total amount of credit £16,818.64
Cash price £47,000.00 Total amount payable £63,818.64
Customer deposit £2,350.00 Optional final repayment £15,500.00
Total deposit £2,350.00 Agreement duration 60 months
Download the LEVC app to discover our full product guides, including operator handbooks, quick start guides and much more.
*BusinessUsersonlybasedonHirePurchaseillustrationwithfinalballoonpayment.AvailableexclusivelythroughLEVCBreweryRoad,London,N79QH,subjecttoavailability.TXFinanceillustrationreferstoHirePurchase7.5%APR
Representative;figuresbasedonausedTXat£47,000.00OTRandincludingacustomerdepositof£2,350.00,followedby£400.00permonthpaymentsforthefirst6months,£600.00permonthforthesecond6monthsincreasing
to£820.18fortheremaining48months(equivalentweeklypaymentsof£92.30forthefirst6months–itisnotpossibletopaybyweek,balanceispaidmonthlyviadirectdebit),plusafinalpaymentof£15,500.00.Anadditional
documentationfeeof£300.00onthefirstpaymentandoptiontopurchasefeeof£300.00onthefinalpayment.AllpricesinclusiveofVAT.LEVCisacreditbrokerandnotalenderandcreditissubjecttostatusandisonlyavailableto
UKresidentsaged18andover.Nottobeusedinconjunctionwithanyotheroffer.Offerexpires30thJune2021orwhilststockslast.
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.uk
Ce
Taxi Hire N EW TAXI R
ENTAL
LTD
BONANZA!
We have just placed the
10
BIGGEST
ever order in the history of LEVC
for 250 brandnew
TX Electric Taxis
E U R O5
O T X 4 A B LE
A L S A VA I L
O 6
Electric cabs & EUR
available
First
For details and to add yourself to the waiting list please get in touch come first
Office: 020 7613 4442 Mobile: 07714821482
served!
Email: cs.taxis@yahoo.co.uk
Unit 22, Redburn Industrial Estate, Woodall Road, Enfield, EN3 4LE
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDASenior Rep | Sam Houston
Let’s Get Back to
Normal
“This last month has reminded me a bit of last summer, when there was a period
of a few weeks with the virus at very low levels, but things did not open up.”
M4 musings
A
important time for us will be the
nd so, the grand London council elections in 2022,
reopening shuffles and the campaign for those has
imperceptibly onwards, already begun. There have been
day by grindingly demonstrations and bitter social
frustrating day, our liberties are media battles for months now
restored, but only grudgingly it over traffic restrictions in various
seems. I drove down Oxford Street boroughs. It’s taken a while, but
one day recently and thought wow this stuff has really cut through.
this is as busy as I’ve seen it for People I talk to from all walks of
months. Then I realised that half life recognise the fundamentally
the people on the pavement were undemocratic and cynical
in a queue because they were way these policies have been
limiting the numbers going into implemented.
the shops… We’ve all had to put up with a
Hospitality venues can now lot during this unprecedented
finally serve customers inside and pandemic, and for the most
we are told we can hug friends part people have acquiesced
and relatives and have them in to extraordinary limits on our
our homes, amongst other things, freedom, because they recognised
but life is nowhere near normal. that it was a national emergency.
Reading through the media It’s not just the lockdowns, we
you can find plenty of people are now prepared to wait longer 11
advocating a faster release from the virus at very low levels, but that’s the cab trade. Nationwide for things, accepting that almost
restrictions, but you’ll also see things did not open up. Back then, the election results were every organisation has suffered
some scientists calling for social you could understand it, as the disappointing, embarrassing and a disruption of one sort or another.
distancing to go on, well forever, government was shell-shocked threat to Keir Starmer’s position as Contrast that with the lightning
essentially. and unsure of how to proceed. leader. Usually, opposition parties speed at which money has been
Things are so different now. The do better than incumbents in local poured into traffic restrictions
Return to normal biggest single factor is the hugely elections, and Labour activists will and how quickly they have been
We have to get back to normal successful vaccine programme, be particularly disappointed to thrown in and you might feel just a
sometime, and in my view that but there’s also a massive pent- have done so poorly against a party little bit mugged off!
time is now. So many people have up demand to get going again. that’s now been in government for If I were being super-cynical, I
been vaccinated in this country Everyone wants to have a great 11 years. might think certain Tories see this
that it’s hard to believe there is summer, to go on holiday, go Interestingly, Sadiq’s margin as a win-win. Firstly, they have
any danger the NHS can be under shopping, see friends and family, of victory was narrower than to get serious about this stuff –
pressure again from Covid-19. This and go out to eat and drink. expected, and Shaun Bailey did some of them probably believe in
doesn’t mean it will disappear, but So, I’m proposing a new slogan, quite well in the end; he will be left it – but more importantly they’ve
it should mean that the number of instead of the asinine “Build Back wondering what might have been made various commitments to
people getting seriously ill won’t Better", I suggest “Let’s get back if he had a more coherent policy end the sale of diesel and petrol
ever be anything like as high as it to normal". platform and better support from cars and achieve net-zero, which
was last March or this January. Conservative central office. Khan they will now be held accountable
So, for now, and hopefully for Election results was more vulnerable than people on. Plus, if they can get the mostly
good, the Covid-19 epidemic in Labour have had a drubbing. thought, and I think opposition to Labour councils in urban areas to
the UK is largely over. This last There’s no getting away from it, some of his less popular policies take the blame for the hemming
month, since the first restrictions they should have done better. I will grow. residents into their local areas
were lifted, has reminded me a only know one cab driver who was While this doesn’t change the while their backs are turned, then
bit of last summer, when there prepared to admit he voted for fact that he will be our mayor for maybe they can flip a few seats
was a period of a few weeks with Sadiq Khan, but that’s London and the next three years, the more in 2022. n LTDA
Cryptocurrency, worth a punt? to have been in early have made fortunes. Desperate people might even
Odds are, someone has asked you if you’ve heard of consider borrowing a few quid in the hopes of doubling it or more.
cryptocurrencies recently. It’s happened to me several times, a But that sort of volatility can cut both ways, and it doesn’t go on
family member, another driver, and an old mate all contacted me forever. In normal times anything above 5% per year is a very decent
within a month to ask what I think. I told them all the same thing: return on savings or investments, especially with interest rates so
it’s a punt, don’t invest any money you can’t afford to lose! low. History is littered with asset bubbles, from tulip bulbs to Sub-
I haven’t invested anything because I don’t have any disposable Prime mortgages; buyer beware, or "caveat emptor", as I believe
income at the moment, for obvious reasons, but you can see why people Del-Boy used to say.
are tempted. The returns on Bitcoin were huge and those lucky enough Good luck out there.
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukMembership S.O | Kanize Cozens
50 Years in the Trade
Kanize Cozens from the LTDA memberships team talks to an LTDA member of 50 years
about his time and experiences in the trade.
eighties and some of the older
Membership matters members will remember this as
an LTDA venture.
W
here were you 50 Memorable runs
years ago? They During his time in the cab, he
said the trade was had some good runs including
dead, even then. out to Southampton Docks,
Mungo Jerry, T. Rex, Diana Ross, Birmingham Exhibition Centre
and Benny Hill topped the charts W&R and some strange ones
and Arsenal won the League. like Hampshire W&R to pick up
Box office hits in 1971 were The a bag of mangle wurzels (cattle
Aristocrats, On the Buses and feed) for a photo shoot. He
Soldier Blue, the long-awaited also encountered a fair number
Frazier Vs Ali fight took place in of inebriated passengers who
New York and cab driver David forgot where they lived, sleepers
(Davie) Turner joined the LTDA. and snorers for whom he had to
Last month, after being apply the ‘foot on brake sharply
with us for 50 years, David trick’, but as David said “that’s
reluctantly decided it was time all just part and parcel of being
to retire. I rang to thank him a cabby.”
for his support and arranged
to visit him to present him What will you miss most?
with a small gift from the When I asked David what he
LTDA, the famous crystal taxi, would miss most after hanging
in recognition of his loyalty up his cab keys, he said he loved
12 and longevity. When I visited the flexibility, camaraderie,
his home, I was very warmly heritage, and sense of belonging
greeted by his wife Anastasia in the ‘trade’, plus the earning
and over coffee and biscuits potential, particularly in the early
David shared some of his days. He enjoyed never knowing
stories as a licensed cab driver. whose face would appear at the
that was always entertaining. window or what event he would
Life in the cab “He enjoyed never
David wrote the match reports witness that day. Although, he
David started his career as for TAXI for a few years then also remembers some bad times.
a Marine Engineer. He had knowing whose face handed over to Alf Townsend, During his stint in the trade,
extensive periods of leave in the would appear at when he took over managing he witnessed shocking events
job, during which he needed the football team. in London. He told me he was
to stay occupied. Initially, he the window or what Alf and many other drivers “much too close for comfort” to
thought cabbing would be a event he would were already members of the the IRA Baltic Exchange and the
good short-term way to fill time witness that day.” LTDA and advised David to sign High Holborn Oasis explosion
and earn some extra cash. Little up. Throughout his time in the and of course was around for
did he know it would be the start trade, he passed this sound more recent atrocities and acts
of a long, rewarding career. advice on to other new drivers of terrorism. Fortunately, these
A friend was already doing the as having sought help from the were few and far between and
Knowledge, so he and another LTDA a number of times, he were balanced with the many
pal signed up. Encouraging clutch, manual gears, heavy found it very reassuring to have much happier events and times
each other, David, Jim, and duty steering and having to the LTDA in his corner, “as a in our great city.
Frank did their call-overs reach across the windows to welcome safety net”, whilst he Then there are the passengers,
together and 18 months later, open them, gave drivers a full was driving the cab. David says the vast majority
David had passed out and work out for pretty much every were “as good as gold”, and he
rented his first cab from Darcars muscle in the body. As David Celebrity punters will miss the many interesting
in West End Lane. said, “today’s drivers with LEVC David had his fair share of conversations he had over
Eventually, he went on to cabs have it easy, so easy, in celebrity faces in his cab. Names the years.
buy a cab for just £400! He told comparison!” that sprang to mind included Sadly, Covid knocked it on
me it “sounded like a tank”, so His work pattern was a Bobby Charlton, Dennis Law, the head for David and a lot of
using his engineering skills, mixture of days and nights. George Best, Gazza, Kojak, other drivers. It was an absolute
he purchased some insulating Nights would often see him at Peter O’Toole, Kenny Everitt, pleasure to meet such a charming
material from a hardware shop the Pont Street Shelter, where he Lauren Bacall, Victoria Wood gentleman who is an absolute
and managed to reduce the met some great characters and and Nigella Lawson. In the old credit to this trade. I wish him
noise. It all came out for the the big cab faces of the time. He days, he told me you would ask and his lovely wife, a very healthy
annual overhaul, but it went also joined MOCATRA (Motor them to sign a £1 note, which and happy future ahead, I won’t
straight back in afterwards. Cab Trade Football Section) would then be raffled off for say in retirement, because they
He also described how and the chat there was a mix of taxi childrens' charities. This both come across as being far too
physically demanding it was to team affairs plus philosophical was just when the note was energetic to use that word. I wish
drive the cab. Using the shift discussions and general banter being phased out in the mid- them all the best. n LTDA
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDAGRAB A GREAT DEAL ON
AN APPROVED USED TAXI
Our Approved Used
diesel range includes:
1 year warranty*
100 point vehicle inspection USED
by an LEVC technician EURO 6
Full service and MOT AVAILABLE
Search the stock at levc.com/approvedtx or call us on 0203 912 6197 LEVC London @LEVCNorth LEVC London
Visit our showroom: LEVC London Central, 39-41 Brewery Road, London, N7 9QH
*
For full LEVC Approved Used warranty conditions please download the handbook at www.levc.com/ownership/extended-warranty/ or contact LEVC London Central for the Approved Used promise warranty booklet.
13
GBTS Coachworks
GB Taxi Services Ltd Londons first BS10125 Insurance Approved London Taxi Repair centre & rental co.
Services:
Vehicle repairs: All body work undertaken with
replacement vehicles available.
Mercedes Vito rear wheel steer repair & overhaul prep. Yo
ur
TX4 Overhaul prep. sho 1sto
eve p fo p
MOT Centre. r r
you ythin
Tyre Service Centre - TX4 Maxis Tyres £60 Fitted nee g
d
Taxi Rentals: TX-E
New TX-Es
TX-4s
Vitos
Full breakdown support & replacement Taxis available
020 8912 2351
www.gbts.limited
Unit 22 Woodall Road, Enfield, EN3 4LE
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukWEST LONDON
EXCLUSIVELY AT
LEVC WEST LONDON
Up to 7 months payments
or £6,000 cashback on us
£6,000 5 years 5 years 5 years
From the equivalent of just
UP
TO
Cashback
£199* Warranty Servicing Paint Protection
per week
TX VISTA COMFORT PLUS
Delivering substantial savings in operating costs while reducing harmful emissions, the TX looks
after the environment and your pocket with our exclusive offer!
14
Benefit from a payment of the equivalent of just £199* per week and enjoy the added peace of
mind with our extended warranty offering.
Representative finance example based on LEVC TX VISTA COMFORT PLUS
Monthly Repayments £865.31 Interest Rate (Fixed) 7.3%
Cash Price £68,580.00 Total Amount of Credit £71,160.60
Customer Deposit £4,000.00 Total Amount Payable £82,660.60
Government OLEV Grant £7,500.00 Total Charge for Credit £14,080.60
Representative APR 7.3% Optional Final Payment £19,242.00
Number of Repayments 60 Agreement Duration 61 Months
Guaranteed Future Value £19,232.00 Purchase Fee £10
Contact us on the number below to find out more
LEVC WEST LONDON, 110 POWER ROAD, LONDON, W4 5PY
020 897 3722 | ENQUIRIES@LEVCWESTLONDON.CO.UK
*BUSINESS USERS ONLY BASED ON PERSONAL CONTRACT PURCHASE. THE MONTHLY PAYMENT CONTRIBUTION WILL BE ADMINISTERED IN THE FORM OF AN UPFRONT
CASHBACK OF £6000, PAID IN THE FORM OF A BANK TRANSFER TO CUSTOMER’S NAMED ACCOUNT. THE CUSTOMER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THEIR REGULAR
MONTHLY PAYMENTS. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PAY BY WEEK, BALANCE IS PAID MONTHLY BY DIRECT DEBIT) AVAILABLE AT ENDEAVOUR AUTOMOTIVE T/A LEVC WEST LONDON
ON MODELS ORDERED AND REGISTERED BEFORE 30.06.2021 AND FINANCED WITH BLACK HORSE TAXI FINANCE. BLACK HORSE TAXI FINANCE IS TRADING STYLE OF BLACK
HORSE LTD, ST WILLIAM HOUSE, TRESILLIAN TERRACE, CARDIFF, CF10 5BH. CREDIT SUBJECT TO STATUS AND IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO UK RESIDENTS AGED 18 AND OVER. LEVE
RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE OFFER AT ANY TIME. NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. OFFER VALID ON SELECTED STOCK UNITS ONLY.
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDAColumnist | Wim Faber
Who Clogs Up
Our City Centres?
“In Brussels we have a special taxi department, which looks after licensing and training and
safeguards the interests of the taxi trade. As soon as there are redevelopment plans, this
office gets involved and the trade’s views are taken into account…” – Ed: “Hmm, London could do
with one of them…”
built – many of them of the pop-up
International variety. Before corona, Brussels
correspondent had hardly any decent and safe
cycling spaces.
A
The clear goal in this car-
re ‘Streetscape’ dominated city is to redevelop
and ‘Bishopsgate’ space in favour of cycles and
becoming the bywords pedestrians. But Brussels Mobility
for limiting the underlines that the local taxi trade
traditional taxi trade’s service is not suffering, even if the different
to passengers? And in doing so, road users are increasingly going
excluding all public transport head-to-head: “In Brussels taxi
providers? Corona saw cycle drivers are not treated the same
lanes and pedestrianised areas way as other car drivers,” says a
mushroom – and not just in Some Berlin bus lanes were widened, so that buses could spokeswoman for Brussels Mobility.
London… safely overtake cyclists. Photo Axel Rühle. “We have a special taxi department,
which looks after licensing and
On yer bike – or not? Apparently, these feet can be cyclists have reserved a special training and safeguards the interests
If the appeal by TfL is successful, recharged everywhere. vocabulary of colourful expletives of the taxi trade. As soon as there are
the terms ‘Streetscape’ and for taxi drivers. Fortunately, local redevelopment plans, this office gets
‘Bishopsgate’ may well become A quick look abroad cab drivers can use an extensive involved and the trade’s views are
‘shorthand’ for referencing plans Cycling and walking are to stay. network of tram and bus lanes. taken into account.”
in many cities to curb car (and Promoted as healthy mobility
taxi) road space in favour of cycle options (true) and facilitated ‘Cycling safer than Which cars stifle 15
lanes and pedestrianised areas. by new dedicated cycling and taking bus or tram’ city centres?
Since the start of the corona walking areas. That’s fine, as In 2016, the Greens came to power Stark rises in the numbers of
pandemic, when nobody was long as these measures include in Berlin and took the reins of the PHV’s circling around in city
really looking, these and other input by stakeholders like public traffic department, starting a green centres exacerbate the mobility
ill-advised street schemes have transport and the taxi trade. wave aimed at diminishing car (car) problem. Are licensed PHV’s
‘popped up’ at an alarming rate. Let’s have a quick look abroad. use. Yet, the taxi trade didn’t suffer to be treated the same way as
Despite the term ‘pop up’ and the Together with Copenhagen, too much, says journalist Axel licensed taxis when it comes to
air of being temporary, many of Amsterdam is the leading city Rühle, who is also a taxi driver. access? The reason I’m mentioning
these road ‘improvements’ are when it comes to bike ownership Taxis can still use 90 to 95% of PHV’s in relation to bicycle and
here to stay. In my quick (virtual) and riders. The 800,000 locals all bus lanes. The various traffic pedestrian areas, is the increasing
look around Amsterdam, Berlin own 881,000 bicycles – four measures have only slowed the pressure of traffic in city centres.
and Brussels, I learned that this times as many as cars, and in taxis slightly: “Suddenly, at the start A recent international scientific
is becoming a truly international the Danish capital, the 520,000 of the Covid-19 crisis, lots of pop- study carried out by universities
approach. A week ago, the Brussels locals own 675,000 bikes – five up bike lanes were created. Biking in the USA, Singapore and Japan
mobility people launched ‘Feet©’ times as many cycles as cars. In for a reasonable distance was seen proved (again) that ridehailing
as preferred mode of transport. both cities, most of the cycling as safer than taking bus, tram or does not reduce car traffic in cities
infrastructure hasn’t happened metro.” But the legal people saw (as its backers often claim) but
overnight. It was extensive, well- some of these ‘pop-ups’ as illegal increases road congestion by 1%
planned and well-built years ago, and wanted them gone. The traffic and the duration of traffic jams
keeping pace with mounting people promptly appealed and by 8.9% The research group also
traffic numbers. the impromptu lanes are still found an 8.9% decrease in public
there. “Some bus lanes were even transport use linked to TNC’s
Special, colourful widened, so that buses could safely and an “insignificant decrease of
expletives overtake cyclists,” says Rühle. He only one percent in private vehicle
In numbers, Amsterdam cyclists adds that ‘corona’ was a welcome ownership.” Based on US data
vastly outnumber local cabs opportunity for the Greens to the researchers found that “the
and (even) Uber & Co. And boost their new traffic future. substantial deadheading miles
the defensively aggressive way (miles traveled without a passenger)
Amsterdam cyclists ride around 'Build more bike lanes by TNCs (Transport Network
in their city, means that there’s and the cyclists will Companies) could contribute to
definitely no love lost between come' the TNC’s negative impact on road
cab drivers and cyclists. The Brussels recipe for change congestion. According to some other
Years ago, when I published a is quite simple, as Elke Van studies, approximately 40.8% of
local taxi mag in the Dutch capital, den Brandt, Brussels Region’s TNC miles are deadheading miles.”
cab drivers would often regale minister for mobility, recently told Now make the link between
me with hair-raising stories about a German cycling conference: creating space for bikes and
aggressive cyclist behaviours, near- “Build more bike lanes and the pedestrians and the stifling
On your feet, recommends the Brussels
Region. Photo Brussels Mobility.
misses and accidents in the city’s cyclists will come.” Since the start pressure of…. cars in the city centre.
many narrow streets. Many local of corona 40 km of bike lanes were Which cars? n TAXI
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukSuburban Rep | Steve Howard
News From the Suburbs
Steve Howard provides updates from each of the LTDA’s suburban sectors to keep drivers in the know.
SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE many tragic stories to be told and Throughout the last year, in
1 Frank Okolie everyone1 has been affected in some the face of all these challenges,
2 Andy Kavanagh way.
9
To each and every one of you, LTDA reps have been working
2
3 Vic Moore/ Tony Ellis I extend my sincerest sympathies. hard to support our members
4 Tony Manzi Many of us have struggled to and address issues impacting
5 Ronnie Ward make ends meet and other have both individual drivers and their
6 Kieran Brady had to leave the trade altogether. sectors. A lot has happened, so
7/6 Steve Howard
3 I bought a new cab in September below I have provided key updates
8 Gary Scannell and I count my blessings that my from each of the suburban sectors
9 Kevin Annand wife carried on working and kept to make sure drivers have all the
7
(and is keeping)
5 our household information they need to get back
for over 29 years, I can safely say afloat. Covid has touched my on their feet and recover.
6
A
that it has never been as bad as family, but we have got through it As we look to the future, I
fter a year of over the last 18 months. Work thank God. Now vaccinations are hope we can move forward
unprecedented has been at an all-time low, we’ve turning the tables in our favour as a united trade and get
problems, it seems that lost a huge number of cabs from and things are looking up. Dare back to where we were before
life is slowly coming the fleet and drivers have moved we hope for an increase in trade the pandemic. Stay safe and
back. Having worked in the trade on to other jobs. There are so over the next few months? keep well.
you only stay for a short time. Corporation of London’s new site
Sector 2 The Westfield rank in for their famous markets (meat,
Montfichet Road will now be fish and vegetable).
Representative: Andy Kavanagh moved to the bus lane at the start
of the crossing to accommodate Redbridge
Newham works vehicles Sunday to Redbridge removed their LTN
S
ector 2 has fared better Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Thursday at night, whilst a new schemes after many protests,
than others in terms Dagenham and Tower Hamlets) electronic hoarding is put up. proving that people power can
16 of the implementation to try to get a consensus in terms Also in the Westfield area, a new work. They are also bringing
of atrocious low traffic of approach to taxi access across rank is in place at Celebration in a few School Street schemes
neighbourhood schemes, east London. Avenue and plans are in hand to for which they have agreed to
with only London Borough of They seem to have been install a rank at the Velodrome, recognise taxis as approved
Newham (at the time of writing) emboldened by the Court of Abercrombie Way. vehicles, but for access only, so be
forging ahead with their plans. Appeal’s decision to allow TfL to Some time ago, we asked for a careful!
The plans for these schemes appeal the High Court’s ruling rank at the joint Crossrail/DLR Redbridge have also recently
can be viewed on the council’s in our favour, which found Custom House station and will consulted on EV charging
website and are still open to the Streetspace Plan and A10 be chasing this up now the new points and we have responded
objections, I urge you all to object Bishopsgate Corridor scheme to bus station works are almost emphasising that only rapid
to plans to exclude taxis ASAP. be unlawful. Once the appeal is complete. charge points are suitable for
heard in June, and if it goes our We also prepared a briefing taxi use.
We have also made strong way, we’ll have a much stronger note for the Joint Ranks Crossrail ranks are also now in
representations asking Newham hand to play and believe they may Committee ahead of the GLA HQ place at:
to allow taxis access to the be more willing to listen. move to the Crystal building at n Seven Kings – Cameron Road
camera-controlled streets using The ranks at the Crossrail the Royal Victoria Dock and the and Seven Kings Road
the Bishopsgate decision to stations in Newham have now new Beckton Park development n Goodmayes – Goodmayes Road.
support our argument. We been appointed and marked at Royal Albert Dock.
spoke with officers there to out, although they still await TfL Havering
discuss our concerns. They have plates. These are: Barking and Dagenham We had a video call just before
since informed us that they do n Maryland – Leytonstone Road The Barking Riverside area is Christmas with Havering’s
not currently plan to amend n Forest Gate – Woodgrange Road being developed including Councillor Dervish, the Cabinet
the schemes, however they n Manor Park – Manor Park Road a new rail extension from Member for Environment to
are planning to meet with the Please start using them and Barking, which will include a establish a political contact in the
neighbouring boroughs (Waltham establish a taxi presence even if taxi rank. Also in this area is the Borough. Cllr Dervish previously
Sector 4 Sector 5
Representative: Vic Moore/ Tony Ellis Representative: Ronnie Ward
Orpington station perpetrators and shortly after East Croydon 5am during the works. We are
I D
n the last few weeks, the rank this, we found nails scattered on emolition of the post hoping that the railway car park
has been being abused by local the rank. Our rep used his local office has begun, with where the bikes go will be empty,
PHV drivers, our rep has been contacts within BTP and railway work on the scaffolding allowing us to use the car park
down to the rank several times to staff to view the CCTV, but they starting at the beginning of June as a temporary rank. All being
try to address this, unfortunately could not find any footage of the and due run for about thirteen well, there will be traffic lights so
their efforts met with the usual act, so we are now keeping an weeks. East Croydon rank will we can come in and back out of
illogical response from the extra close eye on the rank. be closed between 10pm and Billington Hill. There should also
www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDASector 6 Sector 7
Representative: Kieran Brady Representative:
Steve Howard
Wimbledon
W
fed from a line outside gate 5 to
Richmond
I
e have now been the usual point, all these points
given an operational will be marshalled and controlled have received several calls
outline for this year’s in numbers by traffic control from drivers about the Hill
tournament, there operatives with support from Street rank. Firstly, the rank
will be several major changes that compliance officers. is still available, but as it has
will impact taxis. The major change is that there always been, it’s still a night rank
Firstly, the ranks will work will be 'no cab share' at this time, only from 7pm to 7am and at other
around the road closures, so it will be 'first cab, first job'. times it is a loading bay.
Church Road will be closed operate as per usual, except when At this time, we have been
from gate 5 main gate to gate setting down at the event cabs told that there will only be Kingston
4, with exception of emergency will enter via gate 8, set down as 25% attendance allowed at the Soon Thames Street will be made
vehicles and cycles, but ranking directed and then leave on an Tournament, but of course with into a pedestrian
has been arranged to ensure we internal track road in the park ever changing Covid rules this area, making over
can operate around this block. along to gate 10 Wimbledon Park may change. It is important to ranking no longer
Traffic will be directed by both and return via Albert Drive as per remember that there will be possible. We also
taxi marshals and traffic control usual. other road closures that may understand that this
operatives. AM Wimbledon station will make it awkward to operate as we area will be under
AM Southfields rank will operate as usual, except the only usually do but try your best and camera control.
set down point at the event will remember there will be no other It seems we were
be in Marryatt Road. traffic in Church Road. unfortunately “sold a pup” by the
worked with Andrew Rosindell PM Rank in Somerset Road We are also happy to see the council regarding the Kingston
MP, who is known to be pro taxis (at gate 13) will operate as usual, but Centre Court rank back in use – station rank. We were told there
and a keen supporter of the trade. entry will only be by Newstead Way. someone in Merton Council has was no space available outside the
We discussed the importance PM Church Road, this is where clearly seen sense. station, on the station side, but
of taxi access to any new School the major change comes in. There Should there be any more there is now clearly space for two
Street schemes, the need for rapid will be a dog leg rank in two parts, changes between now and cabs outside the rather unused
charging EV points, illegal parking the point of the rank will be in the then, we will do our best to and expensive bike shed for 150
on taxi ranks in Gidea Park and park opposite gate 4, this will be keep you updated. bikes. It is unclear why they are
Harold Wood and the need for saving this space, perhaps one 17
greater enforcement by the day it will be used or turned into
Borough and other matters. another office block?
Sector 9 We have received information
that a new rank outside the
Representative: Kevin Annand Brasseria in the Chiswick High
Upcoming events Road, will be provided around
There are several large events September 2021.
planned to take place in the
sector over the coming months,
as listed below. Please look
out for more information and Wembley
support them where you can,
as they are set up to give taxis Fixture Dates:
priority access and should be a n FA Cup Final Sat 15th May
great source of work. n Non League Finals Sat 22nd
May
n All Points East Festival, n EFL Championship Play-Off
Victoria Park- 20/21, 27-31 Final Sat 29th May
August n League One Play-Off Final
Harrow
H
n Tobacco Dock- 28-29 August Sun 30th May
n We Are FSTVL – Central arrow Council have finally seen sense and agreed to remove n League Two Play-Off Final
Park Dagenham, 11-12 experimental cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhood Mon 31st May
September schemes which were causing havoc all over the Borough.
Thank you to all sector nine drivers for their help in getting Euros 2021 Fixtures:
these schemes overturned. Taxis are also now allowed to use the bus
gate lane in both directions at Christchurch Avenue in Wealdstone. n Sun 13th June @1400
Wealdstone Town Centre is currently being revamped and new bus n Fri 18th June @ 2000
and taxi lanes are due to be introduced as part of this. n Tues 22nd June @ 2000
n Sat 26th June @ 2000
Brent n 29th June @ 1700
The new taxi rank at Queen's Park station seems to be popular with n Tues 6th July @ 2000
our drivers. Brent Council have removed the Kilburn station taxi n Wed 7th July @ 2000
rank without consulting us or TfL and we are working to hopefully n Sun 11th July @ 2000
get it reinstated soon.
be two members of railway staff We have just agreed a new taxi rank for the Wembley Arena in
pointing people down towards Engineers Way on arena days and will let you know as soon as it's After two years and many
the temporary rank. We will put open. The Wembley event day taxi rank should also be busy in the meetings Wembley Park taxi
a notice on the notice board as next couple of months with Euro football games due to take place on feeder park rank monitor is now
soon as we have the final details. the following dates: renewed and working. n LTDA
@TheLTDA www.ltda.co.ukYou can also read
