Cab Trade News Spring 2017

INSIDE: Uber cross-border • Labour transport team • ITF meeting

Spring 2017 The magazine for taxi drivers

K O BO R U O Y H S I L ENG SE

R U O C A report on the Deregulation NOW

ly Pre-booked on

PRIVATE HIRE

Act 2015 p.12

Judge rules with Mayor

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Spring 2017 The magazine for taxi drivers

Contents 3

National Officer’s Introduction.

Dear Colleagues

4

Acting General Secretary Intro.

5

The fightback against deregualtion

8

Cross-border hirings: Unite meet TfL

Unite Cab Section is unique in having an Annual National Taxi Conference comprised of working taxi drivers from every corner of the country coming together to discuss the issues that they are facing day in - day out. They have an understanding of the issues that can only be gleaned by actually experiencing and seeing the effects of cross border hiring, the lack of enforcement, standards being eroded and the licensing abuses and illegal activities that are growing by the day. The coming together of our local representatives with this knowledge allows Unite to formulate policies and campaigns that strike at the heart of the problem with real, evidence-based , workable solutions to change the law and regulations to make them fit for the 21st Century. That is why Unite is the only union that can deliver the changes for taxi drivers stop the race to the bottom and raise standards for all.

10 Sussex coast update 12 Unite meet with Labour ministers 14 @Labourwhips Uber tweet 16 Internation Transport Federation – Brussels 18 New mayor New Rules 21 Postcard from Southend 23 London Taxi fares 25 Glasgow report 26 South coast report 29 Unite meet with the urban transport group

Bobby Morton National Officer, Passenger Services

31 Salon du Taxis 32 Mark’s missive XVIII – Cycle Vietnam

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-Cab Trade News Published quartely by Unite the union, 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN. Phone 0207 611 2500.

Editor – Peter Rose peterjrose@cabtradenews.org Phone 07903 525 520.

Magazine enquiries and letters to the editor, by post, phone, or email www.cabtradenews.org Distribution enquiries contact your regional office

Spring 2017

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CAB TRADE NEWS Comment

The campaign to maintain high standards in the licensed cab trade against the unregulated culture that benefits the likes of Uber will continue for many years.

Uber and the ‘gig’ economy are not going away anytime soon – the job for Unite is to fight vigorously to raise standards for the benefit of cab drivers and their passengers, and not to collaborate in a wretched ‘race to the bottom’.

That’s why the recent high court case when the judge ruled that drivers applying for a minicab licence in London will have to pass a written English exam, including a 120-word essay is to be welcomed. Uber has said that it will appeal against the ruling in favour of Transport for London (Tfl).

From a young age, I have valued licensed cabs, which as taxi aficionados will know, started when a Captain John Baily put four coaches to work by the Maypole in the Strand in 1634 and set up what was London’s first cab rank.

Licensed cabs represent a long and honourable craft that has adapted as the world and technology changes. While no longer legally required to carry a spare bale of hay there is no substitute for the ‘knowledge’ which goes far beyond following an on- screen road map.

We are blessed with cabs driven by literally ‘knowledgeable’ drivers of safe vehicles, with no criminal convictions significantly reducing risks to passengers and a transparent visible fares system. This is a most reliable and safe form of transport. So it was with this in mind on weekend nights out as teenagers with we kept a ‘cab kitty purse’, not to be spent on one last round of vodka and lime, but saved for safe transport home.

A lot is said about the ‘gig’ economy; however there is a difference between genuinely self-employed qualified and regulated licensed cabs and other models of false selfemployment. A diminution of standards only serves corporate interests and as the profit pie expands the workers slice is put on rations. Across the UK economy, there are a record number of so called self-employed workers denied basic employment benefits. Add to this the explosion of people being pushed into zero hours contracts which has reached a record high and it is easy to see why so many working families are struggling to make ends meet.

We have urged the government to follow the lead of New Zealand’s Conservative administration and outlaw zero hours contracts as official UK figures showed their use had risen sharply to 910,000 in 2016.

The fight against the lowering of standards and doing things ‘on the cheap’ is a battle that does not just have resonance for cab drivers, but for a whole swathe of workers across the UK economy.

The figh

DERE Unite leads the fightback against deregulation hiring is a growing problem. With Uber and other operators hiding behind the Deregulation Act as a cover for the use of out of area licensed private hire drivers and vehicles, it is time that the government faced up to the chaos it has created through its inability to listen to the growing call for action.

Unite has been leading the fight against cross-border hiring for many years. In July 2011, Parliament's Transport Select Committee took evidence from Unite when we argued for controls on cross-border hiring. The committee concluded: "We recommend that it should be permissible for taxi and PHV licences to include a condition that the vehicle must principally be operated in the licensing district. A similar provision should also be permitted in relation to driver licences. This would enable licensing authorities to take action against drivers or operators who principally operate out-of-town. In addition, new legislation should permit local authorities to issue fixed penalty notices to out-of-town drivers where there is evidence, for example, that they have worked, or sought to work, for a specified period of time in that district. Local authorities should also be enabled to prosecute operators in other districts which are routinely sending cars to work in their area."

As can be seen not a lot has changed since then except that due to the governments inaction the problem has magnified many times. One of the other recommendations of the Select Committee was that the Government should have an immediate root and branch reform of taxi and private hire legislation to deal with the growing cross-border hiring problem. Instead the government brought in the Law

Gail Cartmail, Acting General Secretary

4

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Spring 2017

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BY JIM KELLY CHAIR, LONDON & EASTERN REGIONAL COMMITTEE

tback against

GULATION Commission (which Unite defeated) and then the Deregulation Act in 2015, to muddy the waters even further. The upshot is that we are left with the illegal, dangerous and abusive practises that are taking place on the streets every day up and down the country.

We urgently need a thorough review and change in the law.

As the Select Committee said in 2011 this should be kept simple and kept local.

Unite has always been clear. The way to end cross-border hiring is for all private hire bookings to begin or end in the vehicles licensing area. This is simple to check and would stop the blatant abuses taking place at the moment, such as a London licensed vehicle doing all of its work in Brighton with a London licensed Brighton driver.

The Deregulation Act should be scrapped immediately. This gives operators another way to undertake cross-border bookings.

A cap on private hire numbers.

5

One standard of driver, vehicle and operator. The worst hit areas with cross-border hiring are those with the highest standards.

London is tackling its problems by the Mayor raising standards in English, driving test, topographical testing and disability training. But more needs to be done to ensure that every licensing authority has robust minimum standards.

Increased enforcement powers for licensing /enforcement officers to be able to inspect out of town vehicles A standardised DBS to stop drivers and operators moving around licensing authorities These are just some of the measures that Unite Cab Section will be pushing forward with at our National Taxi Conference. We build alliances and use Unite's unique strength in Parliament, local government and with leading stakeholders to leave no stone unturned in our fight to stop the scourge of cross-border hiring.

Only Unite has the capacity to force this government into action, so the join us in the fight to save our taxi trade. As the Select Committee said Keep it Simple Keep it Local.

Spring 2017

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Cross-bord The problem of Transport for London (TfL) licensed vehicles and drivers working outside of London is an ever increasing problem around the country.

London vehicles are being seen in many diverse parts of the country, from Southend, Brighton, Bristol, Liverpool, York, Leeds and the Home Counties as well as at all of the Major airports around London. The reason these vehicles and drivers are being used is because Uber cannot get drivers from these areas because their standards are currently far higher than London's.

Against this backround Unite Cab Section recently invited TfL to attend a National Taxi Sub-committee meeting to enable our national delegates to highlight the illegal practises taking place by London licensed Uber drivers outside of London and to explain the effect it is having on the local trades.

Unite Cab Section representatives from London, Liverpool and the North-West, Leeds and the North-East, Essex, Brighton and Southampton and the South-East attended the meeting. TfL were represented by the Head of Stakeholder relations, Head of Policy and Head of Compliance. Unite believes that this shows the seriousness with which TfL are treating this that they should send such a strong representation.

It was felt that each area should explain the problems of London licensed vehicles operating in their area. It should be noted that in every one of these licensing areas Uber is a licensed operator and the council has often changed its licensing conditions to allow Uber

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to operate, such as removing the requirement for vehicles to display the operator telephone number.

Uniteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leeds representatives explained that all licensed drivers in Leeds must pass a topographical test, driving test and undergo Safeguarding (child protection) training.

Obviously no London licensed drivers have done any of this, completely undermining the local councils decisions made for the safety of Leeds passengers. They also made the point that the Leeds enforcement officers have no powers to check on the London drivers, such as insurance, vehicle fitness, identity or anything else they would normally check on a Leeds vehicle.

BY MIKE HEDGES

BY JIM KELLY

HEADER Goeshere

er hirings: Unite meet TfL Unite's Brighton representative explained the way Uber drivers are behaving in Brighton which is dumbfounding and completely illegal. When Uber launched in Brighton they tried to recruit local Brighton drivers but only one driver signed up for Uber so Uber sent Brighton residents to get licensed in London so they could return to drive in Brighton for Uber.

Many of these drivers had previously failed to meet the standards that Brighton imposes on drivers, they failed the topographical test, the driving test or one of the other criteria. It is a disgrace that drivers that have failed to satisfy standards that the local authority, Brighton, decides are the minimum safety standards that are acceptable for its residents and visitors are allowed to be over-ridden like this. Unite's representative showed photographic evidence of the abuses taking place by Uber in Brighton culminating in demonstrating how London drivers are removing their licensing roundel from the rear of their vehicles to stop Brighton licensed drivers from identifying them This is completely illegal and dangerous. It is incredible that they can get away with doing this.

The situation in the South-East was explained and similar experiences with Uber licensed London vehicles was outlined. The recent joint enforcement operation in Runnymede

between Runnymede and TfL was highlighted to TfL and suggests a way in which TfL could start to engage with other authorities.

Liverpool told how two London licensed vehicles were escorted out of Liverpool by local drivers who are not going to allow their hard fought standards to be undermined. It was also explained to TfL how London Uber drivers breaking the law could incur big points penalties on their driving licence. It was also explained how licensing authorities could have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;concord agreementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which allows each respective council to inspect the other councils vehicles, something which TfL could investigate.

Finally our Southend representative told how three drivers who lost their Southend licensed went to TfL and received a private hire licence and are back working in Southend completely although Southend Council decided these drivers were not fit and safe to drive in Southend. Its make a complete mockery of the law.

In response TfL explained the Mayor's taxi and private hire action plan and how that will raise driver standards within the London private hire trade. They spoke about how the Mayor was committed to raise standards and to stop the abuses that are

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taking place. He wants to work with other authorities and with Unite to push for tougher common standards to stop the cross-border hiring exploitation that are taking place. He is also pushing for the ability to cap private hire numbers and to obtain a change in the law that compels private hire drivers to only accept bookings that begin or end in their licensed area. TfL also said they would be looking at engaging more with other councils. This is very welcome.

Overall the meeting was a resounding success. The Unite representatives have a much better understanding of TfL's position and will provide further evidence of licensing abuses and illegal activities to TfL as well as being a conduit to allow better communication between their own licensing authority and TfL. The TfL representatives spoke about the need for further engagement and for Unite highlighting many of the illegal practises of Uber drivers such as removing the licensing roundels. The only way we can stop crossborder hiring is to work together and to build a coalition to put pressure on the government to change the law and stop the dangerous practises taking place. Licensing must remain local and accountable. Keep it Local Keep it Safe.

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Uber continues to 'operate' locally in Brighton & Hove on a fairly precarious basis. The majority of the controversy surrounds their use of vehicles and drivers licensed many, many miles away. The City is saturated and littered with a flood of TfL 'minicabs' being 'operated' by Uber. This together with a "liquorice allsorts" style mixture of Uber vehicles from all over the Country. The most distant being vehicles and drivers from South Cambridgeshire having been witnessed by the trade constantly working in Brighton & Hove.

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This rather disturbingly at the same time of the breaking of a news story in the local 'Cambridge News' newspaper regarding the seizure of fake drivers' badges and plates. By far the most worrying issue here is passenger safety, given the fact that Brighton & Hove City Council has no licensing or regulatory control over the majority of Uber's fleet 'operating' locally!

All this despite an agreement with the local (Licensing) authority (Brighton & Hove City Council) through a clear understanding from Uber at a previous Council Licensing Panel Meeting on October 19th 2015 where Uber stated that they would only use Brighton & Hove licensed vehicles and drivers to

service bookings in Brighton & Hove. In effect, a firm commitment from Uber to comply with the provisions of the Council's ‘Blue Book’ bible of licensing conditions designed to protect the cab using public locally. Words that must seem now to ring rather hollow from Brighton & Hove City Council's perspective.

Following a gap of almost a year between Uber being granted an operator's licence and their launch.

Within hours of their launch, Brighton & Hove was saturated with out of area private hire vehicles, predominantly licensed by Transport for London (TfL) and this situation has persisted and increased in number to date.

Adur licensing handbook Adur District Council (nestled between Brighton & Worthing on the South Coast), resolved some time ago to 'share' their Licensing office and associated officers with Worthing Borough Council. The two areas however, remain separate ‘controlled districts’ for the purposes of taxi & private hire Licensing.

representations from interested parties.

This was followed by a ‘trade meeting’, where the officers surprised the trade by stating that the only purpose of that meeting was merely to show the trade how to complete the consultation form that had been sent to them by the council – all very odd!

The Licensing Office decided recently to draft a ‘proposed handbook’ for taxi licensing in each area. Both drafts were identical at the outset of draft release.

As Local Taxi Companies (Operators) had not been invited to that meeting and following pressure from Unite, a further meeting was arranged to discuss and consult upon the draft handbook. At the further meeting, the trade got approximately a third of the way through discussing the book to be told by officers that, they had run out of time.

Adur District Council embarked upon what they called a consultation exercise, where they say they placed a passive ‘advert’ on the Council's website inviting

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No further consultation meetings were held, with the trade merely told that they would have to supply any objections and or representations to the Council in writing.

The proposed ‘handbook’ was finally placed before the Council's Licensing Committee on January 16th 2017.

Rather disturbingly, not only was an unedited draft of the handbook placed before the Committee for consideration but there was no documentation of any comments, objections or observations originating from the trade via the second trade meeting. So not only was there an absence of 'consultation at the local level' but there was no consultation with

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groups representing disabled people, Chambers of Commerce or organisations with a wider transport interest (eg the Campaign for Better Transport and other transport providers), Womens’ groups... in any way pursuant to the, Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing: Best Practice Guidance, from the Department for Transport.

The meeting of the Adur Licensing Committee on January 16th set about considering a document of provisions spanning some sixty five pages. It came as no surprise to Unite that the said meeting lasted some four hours, finally ending at around 11pm. During this time it was an impossible feat for councillors to correctly and carefully consider all provisions included in the handbook in the time available on the night.

Both what we would have expected and have observed from other authorities is for the 'draft handbook' to have been properly discussed and agreed previously with the trade via a comprehensive trade meeting structure.

With an ‘amended handbook’ placed before committee together with only the individual elements for consideration that could not be agreed upon between officers and the trade.

Amongst a number of items not properly addressed or considered by the committee, vehicle tinting has been left to 'the discretion of the officers', rather than giving a clear specification as

advised by the Department for Transport. Ever tried purchasing a vehicle with no tint whatsoever?

And finally if any further evidence of the ‘unusual’ way in which the shared Adur Licensing Office chooses to execute its ‘duty of taxi licensing’ locally As a result of a request from officers, Adur have seen fit to ban the wearing of the Unite lanyard in conjunction with drivers' badges due to the fact that apparently, 'Unite is a political party' Are we?

Answers on a postcard please to Adur Council.

Regardless of what Adur District Council and its Officers feel about Unite the union, we will continue to lobby hard, defend and represent the best interests of our members and the local trade at large. In Solidarity!

Returning to Worthing, their ‘draft handbook’ was agreed with amendments at a Worthing Borough Council Licensing Committee meeting previous to the Adur meeting. It has now come to the attention of the Worthing trade that the published (by the same Licensing Office - shared with Adur) and

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BY SEAN RIDLEY

presumably resolved handbook includes rules and regulations that were either not in the draft, not discussed at meetings or agreed by committee and were not put out to consultation. This is currently being challenged by the Worthing trade.

Unite of course waits to inspect the Adur handbook when it is published to ensure its integrity and factual relationship to what was actually agreed and resolved.

BY MIKE HEDGES HEADER Goeshere

BY JIM KELLY

Unite meet with Labour ministers Unite Cab Section meet with Labour Shadow Transport Ministers As part of Unite Cab Section's continuing campaign to raise standards in the private hire industry and to stop the cross-border hiring abuses that are taking place across the country we recently met with Andy McDonald MP, Labour's Shadow Transport Minister and MP for Middlesbrough, and Daniel Zeichner MP. Labour's Shadow Transport Minister with responsibility for Taxis and MP for Cambridge. Andy and Daniel are both good friends of Unite, are big supporters of the taxi trade and have an excellent understanding of the issues confronting the taxi and private hire industries.

Mike Hedges (London), Tommy McIntyre and Dave McCloud (Liverpool) and John Neal (Unit's Transport Researcher) had an excellent meeting with Andy McDonald and Daniel Zeichner in which we explained about the problems of cross-border hirings, which are making a mockery of local licensing laws. We explained how Uber and other operators are using loopholes in the law to license vehicles and drivers in one area and then to use these vehicles and drivers in a different area, completely against the wishes of these local authorities. Also that these local authorities are powerless to stop these abuses taking place. Andy and Daniel have experience of this within their own constituencies and fully understand the problems.

In Daniel's constituency, Cambridge, Uber have recently been licensed and

are aggressively targeting the taxi trade and undermining the excellent service that has been developed there. In particular, we highlighted the abuse of Uber using TfL licensed London drivers and vehicles all over the country, completely undermining local licensing conditions that many councils have spent years developing with the local taxi trade for the needs of their residents. We explained how TfL licensed Uber cars are working in Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, Portsmouth, York and Hemel Hempstead to name but a few.

One of the common features of most of these licensing areas is that they have high standards, colour coding and strict regulations. So in many places private hire and taxi drivers need to pass a topographical test, driving test, and other courses, such as a Safeguarding (child protection) course

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From leFt to right: John Neal (Unit's transport researcher), Daniel Zeichner mP, Dave mcCloud (liverpool), Andy mcDonald mP, mike hedges (london) and tommy mcintyre

in Leeds. Uber local drivers licensed in London do not need to have done any of these local requirements. These high standards ensure the safety of the local population and ensure drivers earn a decent wage, unlike the many Uber drivers that often earn below the minimum wage. We also explained the Taxi Action Plan recently launched by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to start tackling the abuses of Uber, that were allowed by his predecessor, Boris Johnson.

The meeting concluded with Andy and David fully committing the Labour Party to ending the current abuses that are taking place and revamping the taxi and private hire licensing regulations to be fit for purpose in the 21st Century and to work with Unite to raise standards in both the taxi and private hire trades.

They agree with Unite that we need to Keep It Local and Keep It Safe.

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Who are Plane Saver?

Plane Saver Credit Union have been working closely with Unite the Union to develop a low cost secured Taxi Loan product, aimed at helping our members purchase a brand new Taxi.

Plane Saver Credit Union are not-for-profit financial co-operative for the airline and transportation sector.

With the product now developed they are actively seeking example cases before an official launch, looking for individuals who are serious about buying a brand new Black Taxi.

If you are interested and would like to be contacted as to taking part and learning more about the product please send your details to: robertlovesey@planesaver.co.uk

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Founded in 1993, Plane Saver is currently one of the largest Credit Unions in the UK, now serving over 10,000 members and having lent over ÂŁ100 million to date.

Offering a range of ethical savings and loan products, it is one of the success stories of the credit union movement.

As a Taxi Driver you can join today for free at www.planesavercu.co.uk

Spring 2017

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BY PETER ROSE

@LABOURWHIPS UBER TWEET Shadow Transport Secretary writes to CTN from @Labourwhips Uber tweet There was much anger in the taxi trade when what an official Labour Party twitter account was used to contact Uber regarding ‘hacked’ account details. Many drivers were upset that the Labour Party would seem to be using such a controversial company like Uber as a transport provider. Especially given Labour’s stance on so called ‘gig’ economy employers, which was highlighted by Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell’s recent article in the Guardian newspaper.

The newspaper reports John as saying, companies such as Uber posed an “ageold threat” to workers’ rights. Uber has also been criticised in recent years by Labour MPs Margaret Hodge and Frank Field amongst others.

Andy’s letter is reproduced below…

If you have read page twelve of this issue of CTN you’ll have seen that Unite Cab Section has recently met with Labour’s transport team, Andy McDonald MP, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary and Daniel Zeichner MP. Labour's Shadow Transport Minister with responsibility for Taxis. From that report you see that Labour is fully behind the need for better regulation of the private hire and taxi trades. And is especially aware of the current cross-border issues caused by the Government's Deregulation Act. To avoid confusion and in response to questions from Unite Cab Section, Andy MacDonald, the Shadow Secretary has written to CTN to clarify the situation regarding the Labour ‘Uber’ tweet and Labour’s position on Uber as a company and transport provider.

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Spring 2017

Unite4 Heathrow

Working people need a 3rd runway

Unite backs Heathrow expansion for

• JOBS • A STRONGER ECONOMY • A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL

Join us Support the campaign – go to www.unitetheunion.org/Unite4Heathrow to pledge your support @Unite4Heathrow

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Spring 2017

International Transport Federation – Brussels

www.cabtradenews.org HEADER Goeshere

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BYBYDAVE McCLOUD JIM KELLY

From leFt to right: John Neal (Unit's transpo researcher), Daniel Zeic Dave mcCloud (liverpoo mcDonald mP, mike hedg and tommy mcintyre

At the recent International Transport Federation (ITF) meeting in Brussels, Uber and the problems that they bring, it was no wonder that we had serious discussions. Delegates from many countries spoke of the hardship the conditions that they impose and the flippant disregard for the Law.

With New York Uber drivers earning less than $300 per week, demonstrations are a regular theme. Drivers have been granted employment status, and the opinion in France is that they will go bust.

Australia, Japan and many more countries throughout the world are experiencing the problems that Uber bring. How can a company that is valued at Billions of dollars but doesn't make a profit exist? Do they pay the right taxes who knows.

We have severe situations with Uber they will go to a council that does not have a Knowledge test, licence their vehicle and get a private hire license then go and work ‘anywhere but’ that licensing area.

TFL have allowed this on a massive scale, TfL drivers are now working in Southampton, Leeds, Southend, Brighton, Bristol, to name just a few. One council revoked two drivers, they then applied to another council and they are again working in the area that banned them.

Another licensing council is Knowsley.

They have scrapped the Knowledge test and their vehicles and drivers from all

over the Northwest and further afield are working in Liverpool.

After pressure and a rethink, Knowsley Council have inserted a clause into the licensing conditions to state that Knowsley drivers must ensure that a percentage of their work is within the Knowsley boundary. The driver must sign an intended use policy. Failure to adhere to these conditions will mean Unite’s Dave McCloud with Jimmy Hoffa Jr. that their license may at the ITF conference in Brussels be revoked. One Uber driver has surrendered opportunities for lobbying national his license after being found to be governments. A pilot organising working outside of these conditions. programme – based around a union Many more are under investigation. alternative app – will build union power.

Joint working with the International As there is a distinct lack of Road Transport Union will also continue. enforcement in certain areas drivers are reverting to a self policing tactics Coordination with the ETF will also take to remove the problem. place. The campaign will be important as part of wider discussion on the future of A global campaign on Uber will support work, the digital economy that is taking efforts by ITF unions to lobby national place. governments and local authorities for a level playing field in the taxi industry and We feel the only way to get to the root of decent work for taxi workers. Research this problem is to resurrect the Cross and analysis on different aspects relating Boarder Hiring law. After recent to Uber and the wider ‘sharing economy’ meetings with Minister’s and MP’s there will support union campaigns and help is a strong feeling that this issue should to develop strategy. Discussion at be prominent on the Labour Party’s International Labour Organisation level manifesto. will reinforce the campaign and create

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Spring 2017

Take action for fair transport

ort hner mP, l), Andy ges (london)

Stop the race to the bottom in transport in the UK by backing the campaign and signing the Fair Transport Europe

Fight for a fairer deal Sign the petition at

unitetheunion.org/fairtransport Take action for fair transport â&#x20AC;˘ Follow @FairTransport on Twitter â&#x20AC;˘ Send message of support using #FairTransport

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NEW MAYOR SADIQ KHAN wins right to introdu Minicab operator Uber had appealed to the High Court after Transport for London (TfL) introduced a requirement that all private hire drivers should prove their ability to communicate in English if they wished to work in London. This and other new measures, which are supported by Unite, were outlined in the Mayor of London’s Taxi & Private Hire Action Plan. Measures include: The requirement for full time hire and reward insurance to be in place while private hire vehicles are licensed. This will help ensure that all vehicles and drivers have passengers properly covered should an accident occur. This is already a requirement for all London licensed taxis.

Private hire operators to ensure that passengers can speak to someone at the operating centre in the event of a problem with their journey.

An advanced driving test for private hire drivers which will raise the standard of driving across the minicab trade, improving passenger safety and service standards. Again, his is already a requirement for licensed taxi drivers.

It’s thought that Sadiq Khan’s new measures could see private hire numbers fall back to pre ‘Boris’ levels. The former Mayor of London Boris Johnson granted Uber a private hire operators license in 2012. A year after David Cameron’s Tory led Coalition Government launched the Law Commission’s review of taxi and private hire services in England and Wales. (See pages 4-5).

Sadiq INSIDE: Unite and

s p16 • Uber p4 • Val Shawcros

p32

understand information from passengers and licensing requirements is a vital part of ensuring passengers get the high standard of service they need and deserve.

taxi drivers The magazine for Summer 2016

NEW MAYOR

NEW RULES

This could include discussing a better route, talking about a medical condition, or ensuring every driver is fully up to date with new regulations.

Picture by Mark Thomas

Uber has lost its attempt to stop private hire drivers being required to take Transport for London English language tests.

In court Uber claimed that the standard of English required by the test was too high, saying, the it was "unfair and disproportionate” and would have a disproportionate impact on drivers from countries where English is not the first language. Uber also implied that the requirement could lead to “indirect discrimination on grounds of race and nationality”.

TfL said that the requirement was to raise standards and ensure passenger safety.

Judge John Mitting rejected Uber’s assertions saying: "TfL are entitled to require private hire drivers to demonstrate English language compliance," Following the judgement Sadiq Khan issued a press release, saying: “I’m delighted that the courts have today backed my plans to drive up standards and improve passenger safety in London.

Drivers being able to speak English and

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“From my first day at City Hall I have been determined to drive up standards and improve safety for every taxi and private hire passenger travelling in London.

“TfL will of course look at the High Court judgement in detail to ensure all our policies fully comply, as we continue to work to improve standards and passenger safety across London’s private hire and taxi services.”

TfL’s director of service operations, Peter Blake said: “The judgement today means that we can ensure that all licensed drivers have the right level of English, which is vital for customer safety.

“The court also recognised the need for passengers to be able to contact the private hire company they’re using should an emergency arise.

“We will reflect on today’s judgement and consider how best to deliver the further improvements we want to see to passenger safety and to standards across the industry.”

While Uber lost over English language requirement, it won on two other disputes regarding drivers insurance and the

BY PETER ROSE

NEW RULES

ce english test for minicab drivers requirement for passengers to speak to be able someone by telephone at any time.

On these two Judge Mitting sided with Uber, which argued that its app based system meant there was no need for it to operate a full time London based call centre to answer customer complaints.

However, the judge said TfL was entitled to force Uber to set up a twenty four hour telephone hotline in case of emergency.

Uber also successfully argued that its drivers should not be required to hold hire and reward insurance when they are not working.

Odd decision The decision on insurance is odd and hard to see the Judges reasoning on this. Why wouldn’t you want to have full time hire and reward insurance on a licensed vehicle? TfL do not issue private hire vehicles or drivers with ‘part time’ licenses.

London’s taxi drivers will no doubt be asking if the same rule will apply to their own insurance requirements.

Outside London, licensed vehicles, taxi and private, can only be driven by licensed drivers and full time hire and reward insurance is required for the duration of the licence.

In making the ruling , Judge Mitting seems to be relying on Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), or the ‘insurers insurer’ to cover any passenger claims should the vehicle be uninsured while being used as a private hire vehicle. If this is case, then what is the need for any licensed vehicle to have specific ‘hire and reward’ insurance, when all would appear to be covered by domestic policies?

This part of the judgement would seem to be just plain daft to say the least and should be revisited.

"undesirables" out of its cars, and it was used in numerous cities and nations around the world.

Toxicity levels rise Recent months have not been good for Uber, even the press seem to be turning their back the ‘tech’ juggernaut. Leaving investors worried that the company is becoming ‘toxic’

When a possible customer requested a ride from Uber, the program would seek to determine if the ride-seeker was a police agent by using a number of methods:

In October last year two drivers won an industrial tribunal case against Uber after judges ruled they were not self-employed and should have worker status. Which will entitle them to the minimum wage and other worker benefits. The ruling also opened up the possibility of claims from all of its forty thousand ‘worker-drivers’ in the UK. It may also force other GIG (Greed Is Good) economy companies to review how people are employed.

Other controversies seem to be coming thick and fast for Uber. From claims of sexual harassment by female employees, industrial espionage over driver-less technology, to in car arguments between Travis Kalanick and disgruntled Uber drivers and the #DeleteUber campaign following links to Donald Trump to name just a few. The latest (at the time of writing) exposed by the New York Times, is Greyball!

Greyball news is so ‘hot’ that almost simultaneously it generated its own Wikipedia page. Wikipedia describes Greyball as: a computer program used by the computerized ride-hailing service Uber to identify government authorities and reroute Uber drivers away from them. It was part of a strategy to keep

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Eyeballing. Greyball would see if a potential rider had been opening and closing the app numerous times without calling for a ride, which it suspected was a government agent.

Geofencing. If a potential rider was calling near a government building.

Mining credit card databases. It would try to determine if a credit card was linked to a government agency or police union, for example.

Dubious cell phone numbers. Since government agencies would often buy up cheap cellphones, Uber employees would visit cellphone stores to find out such numbers, and input them into their system.

Searches of social media. If Greyball flagged a user as being suspicious, Uber employees could do searches of social media to try to confirm or deny whether a possible user was a government agent.

This is only an extract from the Greyball Wikipedia page; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyball Again at the time of writing, it’s not clear what the Greyball revelation will have on Uber. Or even if Greyball is being used here in Britain. But US authorities usually don’t take very kindly to being messed with, by anyone.

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As you may have perceived by my article in the last issue of Cab Trade News, I am and have always been passionate that we take our livelihood seriously and participate in our own day-to-day working conditions. Over the years as a member of Unite’s Cab Trade Advisory Committee and an officer of the Unite Thames Axis Branch, I have been on demonstrations and meetings across our region, including talking to councils and representing drivers.

It is a sad fact that whether it is Hertfordshire, Suffolk or Essex all drivers on all ranks speak with one head and feel that as self employed drivers that they wish to carry on and do their own thing and let the world go by on its merry way. Unfortunately because, as we all know, working outside London under the Miscellaneous Act, all councils who control our living decide

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in what direction we should go. I would ask, do drivers in other districts, close to yours have certain conditions that are different to you?

Price structure, i.e. fares; do they have an age span on vehicles' which is vastly different, medical checks and even if vehicles are colour coded. We all know that councils cherish their own independence in issuing these conditions on the trade in their own district. Is it not time, without leadership from government, that we should go to our brethren in neighbouring areas and try to take the good parts of other areas and put them to our councils. As I have said before in CTN, before you think my ramblings are like ground hog day, as del boy would say, "You know it makes sense".

Talking and sharing through the union and the cab section is the way forward.

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BY BEN FUENTE

Please, please, please as you read this and put the magazine down and carry on with your work, don't think that all will be well in the end and we are unable to do to do anything about these things because we can.

I do not encourage that we drive up and down our towns to get our voices heard because on most occasions we not only hurt ourselves and the people we want on our side. We must talk and listen to each other.

I would lastly ask you think that whether you are on a circuit or an independent, try and cover all work you are offered, do not say "I do not pick up there, I don’t go there or I don’t like that passenger" because as we know there is somebody out there that is only too willing to sweep up these jobs and put your livelihood at stake.

Goeshere Charter TheHEADER Drivers’

BY JIM KELLY www.unitetheunion.org

UNITE DRIVERCARE – Protect Your Livelihood!

For all taxi drivers an accident, illness or injury could mean the permanent loss of their licence. And no licence means no job.

Additional Benefits

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The Unite DCPC Course – only £39.99 per day

This is why Unite has developed DriverCare. It provides cover for drivers whose livelihood is affected by the permanent loss of their professional licence. It also provides other valuable benefits.

Drivers and their families can benefit from the following: £7,250 cover following Loss of Licence due to injury, disability or illness.

Up to an additional £15,000 if you join the Supplementary Loss of Licence (TopUp) scheme.

Up to £30,000 for death or permanent disability following an accident at work.

Up to £3,000 following an assault at work.

£50 for hospitalisation following an accident/assault whilst at work.

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Provided by Fitness First, members get a reduction of £4 per month on standard club rates membership fee and the normal joining fee is waived. Visit www.fitnessfirst.co.uk to find your nearest gym.

Remember to show your Unite membership card when you register.

Unite runs courses at training centres all around the country so there will be one that is convenient for you. Each course is run by a professional trainer and is built around recognised industry standards. As a Unite member, you can take advantage of our special discounted rate of only £39.99 per day which includes all course materials.

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Drivercare members can get big savings on glasses and eye tests from Vision Express. You can download vouchers from the Unite web site to obtain: Free Eye Tests

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Unitetheunion1 22

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Join today

To take out Drivercare Cover, please contact your local Unite Office.

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Spring 2017

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BY MIKE HEDGES

LONDON TAXI FARES Before the 2016 tariff increase in London the Transport for London (TfL) Board met to discuss the proposals. At this meeting a number of millionaires decided that taxi fares in London were too expensive and called for a review.

This review has recently been carried out by SYSTRA on behalf of TfL.

inaccurate, lacks empirical data and does not have sufficient data from which to draw any of the conclusions that lead to the substantial changes that are being suggested.

The report made a number of recommendations that amounted to a cut in fares with no overall tangible benefits to the taxi trade. A race to the bottom in fares is going to solve nothing and will only help to destroy the taxi trade in London. Private hire standards need to be raised not taxi standards lowered.

In addition, the trade is facing major changes in the coming year with the advent of the ULEZ. From 1st January 2018, all newly licensed taxis in London will be required to be Zero Emission Capable (ZEC), this will have profound implications on the whole cost basis and economics of running a taxi in London. This includes the cost of the vehicle, fuel costs, running costs and other factors such as road tax and insurance (all still unknown).

The SYSTRA proposals have been fully rejected by Unite Cab Section and the rest of the trade. Below is the response to TfL's Fares consolation from Unite Cab Section and the other drivers’ representative groups. It is excellent news that the trade has unanimously rejected the SYSTRA and TfL proposals.

We suggest that, taking these two factors into account, this year’s tariff review is not the correct opportunity to make major alterations to the tariff structure in London. It is our view that TfL, alongside the taxi trade, should wait until next year, when more will be known about the ZEC vehicles available.

This response to the Taxi Fare and Tariff Review Consultation is on behalf of Unite the Union, LTDA, LCDC, RMT, UCG and HATDU who are all in agreement with this response.

It is important to emphasise that we are not opposed to changes, but this tariff review is the wrong time to be doing this.

It is our view that the proposals in the consultation regarding the suggested changes to the tariff should be rejected.

In our opinion the SYSTRA report is

The above drivers' representatives groups have submitted an alternative proposal for the implementation of the 2.8 per cent increase to the tariff determined from the Cost Index.

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No Change to the minimum fare (this should remain at £2.60) tAriFF 1: increase by 3.7% tAriFF 2: increase by 3.9% tAriFF 3: no change tAriFF 4 (journey's over six0 miles): no change to rate or distance, so this would still start at miles All week’ average fare to increase by 2.8% Fixed fares: increase euston shared taxi scheme by 50 pence in each zone

We agree that the Cost Index remains the best method to calculate taxi fares in London and should be retained.

The Social Costs element of the Cost Index should be retained for this year.

The Fuel Surcharge should be retained.

We agree with increasing the soiling charge to £60.

We agree with updating the taximeter specification.

Any proposal for fixed/capped fares from Heathrow Airport should be subjected to a ballot amongst Airport Tag Holders.

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BY MIKE HEDGES

William Watson (Willie) Chairman Unite the union Glasgow Cab Section.

When will we see your like again.

Tragically died on Monday 7th November 2016 Willie was a lifelong trade union man and spent most of his adult life in the trade union movement initially in transport (Buses) and for the last thirty years was active in the taxi trade. Fighting against anything that he thought was detrimental to drivers and operators.

Willie came from a family that were all active shop stewards including his mother, father and brothers and was a founder member of the Cab Section.

Willie will be remembered for his warmth and humour and we extend our condolences to his beloved son, Andrew, his Wife, Father and brothers.

He spent several years as Branch treasurer before stepping up to Chairman and was ever willing to pitch in, in any way that he could.

It was a measure of the respect that he was held that at his funeral the chapel was packed by hundreds of his friends and colleagues.

THE COUNTDOWN TO ZERO

theelectrictaxi.co.uk

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Glasgow report www.cabtradenews.org

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By George Kelly, Glasgow Cab Section

There has been quite a bit of activity up here and although the council announced in a news release the start of a ‘Mystery shopper initiative’, we still await it to start. Was this just a knee jerk reaction to pressure on them or a genuine attempt to stem the activities of hundreds perhaps thousands of ‘pirates’ that infest Glasgow, notably at the weekends.

Uber started in Glasgow about eighteen months ago and now have a three year booking office license.

The local private hire companies are trying to fight against this menace but until a cap is put on plates there appears to no stopping them.

The councils now have the right to impose topographical and better educational requirements on them (Started November 2016) but no news so far of when they will roll this out. We await a report from the Scottish Office on how local councils can put this cap in place (Due May 2017), which is around

the time of the local council elections and we may be confronted by a different administration.

Back to Uber, again! They attempted to get Glasgow City Council to allow them to put an illuminated sign in the front window to make it easier for passengers to identify their vehicles. Existing private hire companies have managed to connect with fares for over thirty five years without a sign. (An aid to pirates perhaps?).

Initially the licensing committee was split 50/50 and Chairman Frank Docherty used his casting vote to postpone a decision until they had more information. He was informed by Unite that it was against section 14 (1) Civic Government Act 1982 (Scotland) 14: Signs on vehicles other than taxis: (1) Subject to subsection (2) below, there shall not be displayed on or in a private hire car any sign, notice, mark, illumination or other feature which may

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suggest that the vehicle is available for hire as a taxi.

(2) Subsection (1) above does not apply in relation to any licence plate or other thing issued by the licensing authority for the purpose of indicating that the vehicle to which it relates is a private hire car or in any relation to any sign required by law i.e. Tax Disc (No longer applicable) Finally, Uber have complained to Glasgow City Council about the time it takes to process applications for private hire plates.

Which is a bloody cheek in our view because Glasgow dutifully goes through all the necessary checks unlike TfL? Perhaps they want to flood the city with private hire before any proposed cap on plates.

STOP PRESS: It we go to press its been announced that Uber has withdrawn their application for illuminated signs showing that Unite's well organised campaign can defeat Uber.

South c

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Eastleigh Borough Council Licensed transport forum reps update Report back of the recent meeting from Unite the union Hackney Carriage Reps, Simon Cornwall, Steve Lucas & Alan Lloyd.

Depot Vehicle Testing A working group has been formed, including hackney & private hire reps to look at various options and proposals for vehicle testing. It is hoped a position will be agreed by the end of March.

New Administration Arrangements Southampton City Council (SCC) have now formally taken over the administration of all Eastleigh Borough Council licensing matters, for which we have given a warm welcome. Kim Scully was the last Licensing Officer in post and she has transferred to the Southampton team and the vacant posts will be filled in the next few weeks. However, as we have written previously, for normal

matters, drivers should not notice any difference.

Once all the staff are in post and conversant with Southampton’s software, it will hopefully allow time to review the conditions handbook and the various forms we have to fill in, and bring them all up to date and to a good standard.

Plating a new vehicle We raised the case of a driver who put a new car on the road in January, which was also the anniversary of his annual renewal. At his appointment the paperwork was received and he paid a £60 Transfer Fee. However, he was also told that he would need another appointment, with the same paperwork, in order to go through the annual plate renewal process.

Bizarre though it clearly is, it is apparently a legal requirement to

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make the plating of a new vehicle a separate issue from renewal. However, SCC have agreed to look at the process to see if it is possible, at the very least, to have back to back appointments when these two matters occur in the same month, Uber We mentioned the Uber drivers “ranking” at the airport and asked for a statement about how SCC will try to tackle this menace. Phil Bates (SCC Licensing Manager) advised that Uber were acting lawfully. His colleagues had checked eleven cars and all were compliant and had Transport for London (TfL) badges.

He added that he had attended a Local Government Association (LGA) conference recently where a dozen or so other local authorities had looked at the legislation. The Mayor of London had also raised cross border issues with regards to taxis. TfL and

t r o oast Rep the LGA were pushing the Government to look into it. Writing to TfL from Portsmouth and Brighton etc was as much as they are empowered to do at the moment to keep the pressure on the Government.

When asked why New Forest District Council (NFDC) was not adhering to Government guidelines. Phil Bates responded that he had been in a meeting the previous week with NFDC, Hampshire and Isle of White.

Southampton was applying pressure that they all look at the Intended Use Policy. (This is the question on our renewal forms where we are asked if we intend to work “predominantly” in Eastleigh.)

There is a serious lesson here for all drivers, especially those who may think that ‘politics’ has nothing to do with them. Cross border hiring (which allows Uber to act as they do) was forced through Parliament as part of the Deregulation Act by the Tories and Liberal Democrats, against the

opposition of Labour and the Unite led trade unions. We need a repeal of this clause to allow Councils to take back control of what happens within their boundaries.

Plate Holders There will be further discussions about the need for a plate holder, and officers fitting and sealing new plates within them each time. If this came in there would be a decent lead in time – as there was with the top lights.

Personal Paperwork It was reported that people were not aware that they had to keep their original DBS Certificate when they first applied, as it was not renewed at renewal. It was also queried why people had to produce their passport if they had originally produced it, and what if it had expired. Phil Bates advised that other documents were listed to be produced in order that the DBS could check that the person had the ‘right to work’. Not only is it important to ensure you do not allow your passport and driving license to

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expire before renewal, but if you were not born in the UK you MUST ensure you have proof of being allowed to work here – never mind how many decades you have lived and paid your taxes here.

Councillor Airey reported that he had attended a conference in November 2016 on Safeguarding. The Government were looking at having compulsory CCTV and Audio in licensed vehicles, especially where children were involved. They were also looking at DBS checking for those who take bookings and despatch vehicles.

Ageas Bowl Taxi Arrangements We would like to offer our thanks, once again, to those drivers who responded to our pleas to service the Ageas Bowl for the fireworks event. It is not often we ask drivers to put themselves out a bit (and earn some money) and we wish a few more would make the effort – as we always do on your behalf.

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New contactless Unite prepaid plus cashback card Contactless payments are a fast and fuss-free way to pay for your everyday shopping items of 30 and less per transaction – in seconds.

Simply touch your card against the reader wherever you see the contactless logo. You’ll have complete peace of mind knowing that contactless payments are very secure. They have the same protection as chip & PIN transactions, making them safer than cash.

We are currently working on launching the new Unite Prepaid Plus Cashback card for Unite members so if you’re not a current Unite Prepaid Plus cardholder and want to be the first to know when the new card is available, please register your interest at uniteprepaid.com/new-card and we’ll keep you informed.

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Unite meet with the urban transport group www.cabtradenews.org

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BY MIKE HEDGES

investment and on devolution of the powers our members need We are Britain's premier professional network on urban transport issues which works together to learn from each other and do more for less through collaborative working and procurement We provide thought leadership on urban transport which looks beyond the day-to-day to explore and propose innovative approaches to medium and long term challenges.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Tommy McIntyre, Dave McCloud (Liverpool), Clare Linton and Mike Hedges (London)

Unite has worked closely with the Urban Transport Group on a number of occasions most recently regarding working jointly on the Governments Bus Services Bill as well as a number of other Bus related issues.

But now the Urban Transport Group has decided to take more of an interest in looking at the Taxi and Private Hire Market. This interest has largely been driven by the members of the group that have been overwhelmed by private hire cross border hiring, and in particular, with the growth in Uber.

Unite Cab Section recently met with Clare Linton, who is Policy Researcher for the Urban Transport Group, to discuss Unite's concerns with the growth of cross-border hiring. Clare started off by explaining about the Urban Transport Group.

The Urban Transport Group brings together and promotes the interests of Britain's largest urban areas on transport.

Our full members are Transport for West Midlands, Merseytravel (Merseyside), North East Combined Authority, South Yorkshire PTE (Sheffield City Region), Transport for Greater Manchester, Transport for London and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

We also have associate members which are Bristol and the West of England Partnership, Nottingham City Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Between them our members serve over 24 million people.

As a network we do three things: We make the case for urban transport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in particular on

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Policy and oversight of the Urban Transport Group is determined by our Board which is made up of a Director from each of our seven full members.

The Urban Transport Group has a small team of staff based in Leeds which work with our network of specialist groups (made up of representatives from our full and associate member organisations) to deliver an annual business plan. Urban Transport Group staff also act as a central point of contact and expertise.

We explained to Clare the issue of TfL licensed private hire drivers and vehicles working all over the country for Uber, undermining the local licensing regulations. We also spoke about a solution of a simple change in the law compelling private hire bookings to begin or finish in their licensing area as well as scrapping the sub-contracting clause in the Deregulation Act. It was an excellent meeting and we intend to continue working with the Urban Transport Group to further our campaign end the abuses that are taking place by Uber and other licensed private hire operators. Keep it Local Keep it Safe.

UNITE TAXI www.cabtradenews.org

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Unite Taxi Education has been delivering both the VRQ in the Introduction to Taxi and Private Hire Industry (QCF) and the Road Passenger Vehicle Driving Taxi and Private Hire (QCF) qualifications for the past nine years. Originally it was a three month trial but we are still going as strong as ever almost ten years later. The delivery of these courses has benefited drivers throughout the country.

In this period we have completed over 9,000 VRQ, NVQ’s (QCF’s) and our course delivers all the information a driver needs to protect themselves and their passengers. The course structure is set out so it bests suits the driver by trying not to impact on his daily routine. The course covers health and safety, road safety,

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customer services, vehicle maintenance, routes and fares, transporting parcels and luggage, transporting children including safeguarding, transporting passengers who need assistance including wheelchair accessibility and finally regulations which covers all the do’s and don’ts for the Hackney or private hire driver / operator.

The project has evolved from a basic delivery model to an enhanced delivery model that has earned us the accreditation of Pearson EDI’s top centre in this field. By using our purpose built Training Cab for assistance and CCTV cameras for observation as well as many other assessment methods we can get the best out of the candidates and at the same

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time achieve the highest possible level of Education.

Our Education Centre at Bute Street, Liverpool has three computer suites / classrooms and a classroom for delivery only. We also have the main office and a Library where we can conduct Guided Discussions in private.

All our assessors have A1 awards in Assessing Candidates and PTTLE’s. We have 5 Onsite IQA’s and all our policies and procedures are in place.

As part of the education structure of Unite the union we strive to deliver the best education package as possible so that everyone who learns with us leave with the ability to competently carry out their duties in whatever field they are employed in.

Salon du Taxis www.cabtradenews.org

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The latter part of January saw a dedicated team of Unite Cab Section representatives from Heathrow attend the Paris, Salon du Taxis exhibition show and preluding conference.

The meeting was a chance to talk to other taxi groups from other countries and their city representatives. Paris, Brussels, Madrid, Lisbon, Berlin, Amsterdam and of course our dear old London Town. Elite brought the invitation to our table and Unite were eager to accept, led by the Unite Heathrow European Rep, Kamel.

Elite Taxis are a Union which encompasses many other countries including South America and Canada.

They are gathering momentum and are mirroring Unite in the way they are fighting against the multi-millions spent on lobbying, by refusing to succumb to a race to the bottom.

The team kicked off early doors Friday 27th and arrived in Paris in the afternoon. Weary but tuned-in, the team made their respective contacts and carried on through dinner, late into the evening. Only the 2am bell ceased any further discussion surrounding the various problems, that seem rife in our trade at this present moment.

Undoubtedly the one subject that reared its ugly head, time after time, was the unqualified, unprofessional, life sucking, shameful action of a certain company.

Good to know we all have the same problems then…isn`t it? There was discussion about a worldwide app that was not only user friendly but would see every driver become an ambassador for the trade.

Talk about a linking of unions and trades to implement a truly global, fighting

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BY STUART HOPE

front. A drive to make all those in a prominent position, accountable for accepting money as a lobbying tool. Anything and everything that was being used as unfair competition was an option on the table to be fought.

Saturday 7am soon came and the team were up early to grab a quick breakfast (and I mean quick), to go to the exhibition which was huge. Any time spent lingering would mean less to see. The team split up to cover more ground and gather more information from all corners.

From leFt to right KAmel AbDellAoUi (Vice - Chairman Unite london heathrow) rAChiD boUDJemA (UNt national general secretary) UNt member from marseille south of France StUArt hoPe (branch Secretary Unite london heathrow ) KAmel AbDellAoUi Vice – Chairman & european rep Unite le/300

Unite were looking at the new technology included in meters, apps and vehicle enhancements. Meters and read outs about traffic in the rear-view mirror. A credit card app giving work and charging just 0.5%. The opportunity to enhance the trade through major tech advertising. Every trade exhibitor knew his tools and the limits they could be pushed to. Every trade exhibitor was an expert in his field and could answer every question with a welcome zest and vigour. It was a pleasure to be in amongst professionals who feel as passionate about the taxi trade as we do.

After the exhibition came personal talks and lectures from several senior reps from the various countries to an observant crowd. Late into the Saturday

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evening the team made a move to thoughts of home. It was a tired but resolute Unite team that were proud to be part of the movement. Friends and alliances were well and truly made.

These will be used in a positive way for us all to work together, to make those gains that have been a long time coming. It needs a sustained cohesive effort and cannot be achieved by one man or one unit alone.

The most resounding fact that will stay with us was the fact that the trade will continue to carry the fight forward and not in retreat.

“There is no failure except in no longer trying.” - Elbert Hubbard

CYCLE V www.cabtradenews.org

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HEADER Goeshere

BY JIM KELLY

Mark’s Mis

Early in 2017 I had the very good fortune to forgo the kipper season and take a two week cycling vacation in Vietnam… ..phew….what an experience! Vietnam is probably the most bonkers country I have ever visited. It is engaging, friendly and very alien to occidentals. I had never been to the Far East before; the furthest east I had travelled had been a very nice fare to Southend-on-Sea…. Well, that is not quite true. I have been to India a couple of times and that is pretty crazy, but Vietnam has things to make your jaw drop, rub your eyes and wonder, what is that all about?

So, don your Lycra, reach for your bicycle helmet and pedal forth as we Cycle Vietnam….

I travelled to Ho Chi Minh City with my very good friend Martin. He’s not a cab driver, but can do a very good impression of one. We were booked onto an Exodus Travel fourteen day adventure with fifteen total cycling strangers and a Vietnamese crew of four. By the time we finished, strangers were friends and crew were still crew but they were our crew and I think we had done our bit for Vietnamese international relations. The task in hand was to cycle around 480 kilometres in eight days with some rest and travel days in-between. First observations are, traffic mayhem.

There are thirty million motor bikes in Vietnam. One for every three people, and three people on one motor bike is not uncommon to see. The rules of the road appear to be, set a course and stick to it while maintaining plenty of eye contact. I really think the experience of being on Vietnamese roads may have improved my driving skills.

Our first cycling leg saw the team tour the area around the Cu Chi tunnels a little way outside Ho Chi Minh City which some folk may know under the colonial name of Saigon. The tunnels were a contributing factor in defeating the US army. The Viet Cong forces had miles and miles of tunnels under US bases from which they could pick off combatants and generally scare the living daylights out of the enemy. We ventured into these tunnels which for an average to smallish fellow like me are just

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about manageable, clearly they are incredibly claustrophobic, but they were dug for the Vietnamese build. Most Vietnamese are smaller than Europeans and able to squeeze into small spaces.

Just walking around the shops and markets the locals exist within minimal dimensions often squatting on the floor or sitting on tiny plastic stools.

The Vietnam conflicts ran from the late 1950’s to 1975. United States foreign policy was trying to stamp out communism wherever it raised its head. Prior to the Americans being there, Vietnam was under French colonial influence as part of Indochina, along with neighbouring countries of Cambodia and Laos. The struggle to become an independent country ran up until 1990 as they had a border dispute with the mighty powerful China to the north and skirmishes with Cambodia to the west. Ho Chi Minh, who died in 1969, was the unifying figure and leader of the people, affectionately known as “Uncle”. Ho Chi spent time working in London before World War One. Like many other left leaning thinkers including Marx, Lenin and Engels. London was a city to develop ideas and try to seek a better world.

Being thrown together with fifteen other cyclists whom you don’t know is, I guess, like taking part in a TV reality show. The dynamics could have the possibility to go very wrong.

Thankfully, cycling trips manage to find riders with a common bond. It’s about the bikes, and cycling is a great way to see any country, that is something we all share. The group was “mature” with the youngest (Lorraine) at 42 years of age and the most senior rider (Vivian) being 70. Both completed the whole route with ease, never boarding the bus, with less than half the group ever taking up that option. At 56, almost 57, I was slap bang in the middle age wise. The Vietnamese guide called, Long was an excellent cyclist and was accompanied by his mechanic colleague named Y. Not X or Z. Simply Y. They cycled the whole thing. I reckon they were the best. The trip was a piece of cake for them.

One day saw us climb the Hai Van Pass, gradient 5% to 9% over 9km. Long re-rode up and down a few times to encourage those bringing up the rear. After our climb he arranged a 10km time

Spring 2017

VIETNAM

BY MARK EDWARD TAYLOR

ssive XVIII

vines to make wine. French influence extends through many spheres, like wonderful bread all the time, a European character alphabet with lots of accents, tildes and cedillas on the letters as opposed to Chinese characters and some mimicry of Gaullist architecture. There’s a mini Eiffel Tower in Dalat and an Eiffel designed bridge in Hanoi plus a Catholic cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. The houses are often very narrow and deep. This is because tax is levied upon the size of the frontage onto the street or: la rue, si vous préférez, mon amie.

trial awarded with a prize to Helen, an academic from Birmingham, as the best rider. Helen is around my age and none of us could quibble with her nomination. Matt, a pipe fitter from Oxford powered up the 9km climb in a mere 42mins, very impressive. The riders had an international feel with four Scots; Carole, Will, Diane and Ashan, two Antipodeans; Jeremy and Ron, G’day Possums and the rest from England. Sarah and Stephen, retirees from Marlow on a round the world trip, going back in Blighty by April, Simon, Helen’s partner, Josephine from Sheffield, Dean, a Reading FC fan with an encyclopaedic knowledge of pop music and of course, Martin. He shared the stage with me on our final night in Hanoi when we destroyed The Temptations song, “Ain’t too Proud to Beg,”….Hanoi Rocks at the Doors bar.

Guide, Long’s, great knowledge getting us to the right bar at the right time with the wrong amount of alcohol inside us!

Sand Settlements and shrines We spent one night in the luxury resort of the Sea Links Beach Hotel. A golfing centre allegedly designed by Greg Norman in the costal city of Mui Ne . It was as though we had come into another country for an afternoon and night. Much of the cycling was through a landscape totally alien to me. There was sand, settlements and shrines. Although like many communist countries religion is not encouraged, the Vietnamese worship ancestry with the deceased having grandiose graves and elaborate expensive looking memorials across the landscape. It could be a bit eerie if you found yourself separated from other members of the peloton. When in the long villages you would witness bizarre sights of locals entertaining themselves, sometimes alone, with a karaoke machine at incredible volume. Or teenagers huddled under a canopy from the rain appearing to having an impromptu disco, or the best sight, my favourite, a wedding reception party in full swing at half past ten in the morning on a Monday!

Endless paddy fields and damp Long and Y were very competent riders. Y belonged to a cycling club and was the proud owner of a racing bike. We did see evidence of Vietnamese sports cycling as a training peloton passed by a couple of times. Long said the biggest sports interest is the European Champion’s League and the shirts of competing teams are ubiquitous.

Vietnam had great cause to celebrate this summer by winning their first ever Olympic gold medal at Rio. Hoang Xuan Vinh, a 41 year old army colonel, took gold

The weather threw everything at us cyclists from torrential rain and high winds, thirty degrees in the south of the country to less than fifteen degrees around Hanoi in the north. We ventured up in the mountains around the delightful resort city of Dalat. It is almost Alpine. The French colonialist would come here to escape the heat, enjoy the air and cultivate

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in the 10 metre air pistol event, beating host nation Brazil and China to the top spot. Upon returning to Vietnam he was named as Vietnam Person of the Year 2016 and collected a prize from the state of $100,000. Quite some prize huh, in a country where the national average income is $2,100 per annum.

Hoi An was a beautifully preserved city where we stayed for two nights. It is a UNESCO world heritage site whose centrepiece is the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge. The city sits on the Thu Bon River with plenty of great restaurants and shops. It is a must visit place for any tourist. I spread some of my hard earned cash around by visiting the barbers.

Possibly one of my best ever haircuts with precision cut throat razor skills around the neck and ears plus a massage of the shoulders, and all for the equivalent of £6.

Hue was another gem of a city. This is where our cycling concluded. Hue is Vietnam’s former capital. It houses the three walled citadel with the Imperial City inside. It is the former home of the Nguyen dynasty who ruled the country until 1945. The city sits on the wonderfully named Perfume River and has a highbrow bohemian reputation. As the bikes were now packed away we had an overnight cocktail party on the sleeper train to Hanoi, and then boarded a coach for a night at sea in Ha Long Bay...

South Sea, South China Sea or China Sea? Ha Long Bay is another of the world’s special places. It is about as near as I have physically got to the computer film generated set of Avatar. Breathtaking, although Martin suggests the Yellow Mountains in China run it close. 2,000 islands majestically rising from the sea. Tourists stay on the 500 hotel ships working the bay. Ours was called the Halong Pearly Sea Cruise. At night the ships all stayed fairly close together. I questioned this; apparently pirates operate in the area, easy pickings with ships full of wealthy holidaymakers and taxi drivers with millions of folding Dong. Thankfully we did not encounter any swashbuckling. Next and finally we were off to Hanoi. A three and half hour road trip. Looking out of the coach window, one of the more common sites in Vietnam that I have never seen in Europe was women working on the roads laying the tarmac. Hot black stuff, steamrollers and spades wearing flip flops and socks without a hard hat in sight.

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Hanoi is much smaller than Ho Chi Minh City; it is also cooler both in temperature and overall “hipness”. It houses Ho’s mausoleum although he would not wanted something so grand, apparently preferring to have his ashes scattered across a unified nation. We walked around the city and tried the traditional one day only beer. A brew that is made and drunk in a day as it holds no preservatives and tastes jolly good. Beer is available everywhere and all very quaffable. I understand the Chinese were the first people to brew beer some four thousand years ago, so it is unsurprising the Vietnamese are competent brewers. On a more sober note, we spent a little time banged up in chokey, the famous Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison) where many US pilots served time in the sixties and seventies until 1974 when it was closed down. It was also notorious for holding Vietnamese subversives during colonial French rule. Our’s was a short sentence. One hour. Time off for good behaviour…

Returning back to London, I was accosted by beggars three or four times, in twenty four hours, something that never happened in Vietnam. My knowledge of education, health and housing in Vietnam is nil, but I saw kids going to school, no one sleeping on the street, or sick folk wandering aimlessly.

In Vietnam I encountered street traders offering everything from a woman selling goods you would see in a pound store carried in a huge basket on the back of a bicycle, to street vendors pleading with you to purchase handmade pop-up greeting cards.

The other extreme had pimps offering of a night of happy endings with pillion transport thrown in as part of “the sexual offer”. Occidentals love to consume, but I succumbed to none of this oriental entrepreneurial promise.

Vietnam has a degree of enterprise to be applauded, but is this really the kind of communism Uncle Ho had in mind?….. I kind of get the feeling some of the Brexit Brigade, the right of the Tory Party and Ukippers would like a society where people have to haggle, hassle and prostitute themselves to survive and eek out an existence. I like a society that protects and values its citizens. We have to work towards something better for all the people of Planet Earth…. www.taylortaxitours.london

Spring 2017

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