Taxi #455

LTDA The newspaper of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA #455 29 October 2019

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Dynamo Launches at Last

FOI enquiry reveals p3 TfL’s Uber Concerns

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TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

Uber Driver Molested Sick Woman Passenger court An Uber driver preyed on a female passenger while she was being sick under the guise of pretending to help her.

Temur Shah [pictured, left] attacked the 27-year-old woman in the early hours of January 15, 2018, after picking her up in the West End. The woman complained of feeling unwell and during the journey, the 45-year-old stopped the vehicle and insisted she sat in the front. After driving for a bit longer, the passenger said she was going to be sick. Shah stopped the cab and leaned over her to open the front passenger door.

While doing this he sexually touched her and continued to sexually assault her even as she leant out of the vehicle being ill.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cox [pictured, right], from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Shah despicably took advantage of his position as a trusted licensed driver and sexually assaulted a passenger in a vulnerable state. His

conviction was down to a meticulous investigation which left the jury in no doubt as to his guilt.

The passenger stayed in the minicab after the assault as she had no battery left on her phone and could not call for assistance. She also did not have any money. She also told Shah not to touch her again.

Afterwards, Shah dropped the passenger off near her home in north London and the matter was reported to the police. Police also collected

an extensive amount of CCTV and viewed GPS data from Uber.

Shah was found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, 14 October after a one-week trial. He has been bailed ahead of sentencing at the same court on November 12. Mandy McGregor, Head of Transport Policing and Community Safety at TfL, said: “This attack on a vulnerable passenger was predatory and disgusting, and we are pleased to see that Shah has been convicted.”

@TheLTDA

NEWS IN BRIEF Low Emission Taxi Scheme for Reading A new emissions policy designed to drive the most polluting taxis off the road is to be introduced by Reading Council.

A vehicle age policy of 20 years for 100% electric vehicles and between 12-15 years for other vehicles, is included in the proposal.

A staged reduction in the most polluting Hackney Carriage vehicles (Euro standard 3,4 and 5a), will be implemented, leaving only Euro 5b and 6b or cleaner vehicles in Reading by 2024. There will be a 25% reduction in the vehicle fee for all ULEVs (emitting a maximum of 50g/km of CO2) from April 2020 and a 50% reduction for electric vehicles.

No vehicle licence fee will be charged for October 2021 to October 2022 for ULEVs and 100% electric vehicles. Diesel drivers currently pay £346.

All replacement vehicles must be ULEV by 2025 and Euro 5b and Euro 6b vehicles removed altogether by 2028. All replacement vehicles now need to be a minimum of Euro 5b.

The council wants to be carbon neutral by 2030.

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@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

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Additional conditions on Uber’s licence show why Uber isn’t trusted with Londoners’ safety

STEVE MCNAMARA

FOI REVEALS TFL’S UBER CONCERNS

TOP TRADE STORY

A

s the next decision for Mayor Sadiq Khan on relicensing Uber edges closer, our recent Freedom of Information request to TfL has revealed the additional conditions that were added to Uber’s licence, and they show exactly why Uber can’t be trusted to keep Londoners safe.

It is obvious from these that TfL has major concerns over Uber’s online insurance checker, and we know that this has been proved to be inadequate before. It was only a few months ago that Westminster Magistrates’ Court fined Uber for allowing two drivers to pick up passengers in uninsured vehicles in London. The extra conditions also show how concerned TfL is about non-licensed drivers accessing Uber, as well as drivers letting friends and family use their login details.

It really is quite astounding that TfL feels it necessary to insist on ‘special measures’ simply to get Uber to do what every other private hire company does as standard practice. Uber’s flagrant disregard over these issues have, and will continue to have real consequences for vulnerable passengers.

Uber’s disregard for regulators, courts and the law in Germany has to be relevant to TfL’s licensing decision here in London.

Our lawyers have again written to TfL highlighting the situation in Cologne asking, how, if Uber London’s parent company Uber BV (Netherlands) is not ‘fit and proper’, and a company that ignores court rulings cannot be, then how can its subsidiary be deemed ‘fit and proper’?

Westminster, Highs and Lows

Highs and lows just about sums up the trade’s experiences in Westminster over the past few weeks. Initially, we were devastated when the recent Queen’s Speech did not include urgently

needed primary legislation on the Task and Finish Group’s recommendations on national minimum standards. The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP, then confirmed this blow when in front of the Transport Select Committee, he stated he would not bring forward any primary legislation, and instead will only issue new statutory guidance on standardised local licensing requirements.

Then last week, at the launch of the new Nissan cab at City Hall, I questioned the Future of Transport Minister, George Freeman MP. He was the minister who had previously indicated that we would get the legislation a few weeks earlier. He told me that the Government was looking at legislation, possibly introducing it via a Private Member’s Bill (PMB).

The following day responding to questions in the house, again from our supporters, Daniel Zeichner MP and Sir John Hayes MP, indicated that he was working on legislation and told the house that he had met the Chair of the Taxi Task and Finish Group, Professor Mohammed Abdel Haq, and even

pointed out that he was in the public gallery.

So, what now? We have encouraged every member of our APPG to put their names into the draw for a PMB and once we know which MPs are in the running, we will approach them all and ask them to bring one forward on the Task and Finish Group’s recommendations.

I and so many others have said time and time again that we cannot afford a delay on legislation. For the Government to keep delaying is downright irresponsible, as it’s nigh on impossible to keep dangerous firms like Uber in check on issues such as cross border hiring without mandatory national standards being set in law. Without the primary legislation on this issue, we won’t be able to lobby the Government to legislate on the whole package of reforms recommended in the Task and Finish Group report, including a definition of plying for hire and powers for cities to cap PHVs. I will keep you updated. u

Elizabeth II

Steve McNamara is the LTDA’s General Secretary

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TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

LTDA

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@TheLTDA

Don’t miss a trick and treat yourself with all the best Halloween deals From Halloween parties and experiences to stocking up on sweet treats for trick or treaters, LTDA Plus has you covered.

Take a look at these spine-tingling offers and deals for LTDA members.

Save up to 57% on spooky days out*

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LTDA members can save on Halloween events throughout October at Merlin Entertainment’s Resort Theme Parks.

Celebrate the spookiest time of the year with LTDA Plus and get cashback on costumes, decorations, food and drinks*.

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Treats and tricks at English Heritage events

Save 20% off spooky adventures

Kids and families will have a frighteningly good time at the historic places this Halloween, with terrifying trails, spooky storytelling and creepy crafts at English Heritage castles, abbeys and houses. What’s more, with LTDA Plus you can get 25% off English Heritage annual memberships*.

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From ghost hunting experiences to Zombie filled days’ out, Virgin Experience Days have you covered. Get your heart racing and 20% off with LTDA Plus*.

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To take advantage of these and other fantastic deals visit the LTDA Plus Special Offers page today!

Save up to 40% on Cinema tickets* Looking for a serious scare this Halloween?

LTDA members can save money on cinema tickets at nationwide cinemas including ODEON, Vue, Cineworld and much more.

View more information online at LTDA Plus

*Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice. Merlin Entertainments - © 2019 DreamWorks Animation LLC. LEGO, the LEGO logo, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2019 The LEGO Group. Saving based on individual walk up admission price. The offers are not available on the day, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, is subject to availability and tickets must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of visit. All prices are dependent on the date of visit, prices and opening dates are subject to change without notice. Please check the attraction website for open and closed dates before you visit. Where available, 2 day tickets must be used on consecutive days. Proof of company, employment/membership may be requested on arrival. English Heritage - Offers not in conjunction with any other offer. The Cinema Society - Discounts vary between cinema venues. Please check when purchasing vouchers, registration to The Cinema Society required to access discount. Virgin Experience Days - Discount code cannot be used against their Excluded Range. LTDA Plus is managed and run on behalf of LTDA by Parliament Hill Ltd.

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

5

Simply Electric! Dynamo Launches at Last trade The long-awaited launch of the first allelectric taxi took place at City Hall with the announcement of bold plans to be shifting more than 1,500 cabs by 2021.

The taxi, which is based on a Nissan e NV 200 Evalia MPV, was unveiled by Mayor Sadiq Khan [pictured, right bottom] to coincide with the International Clean Air Conference.

It is the first 100% electric, zero emission taxi officially approved by Transport for London and the only competition to LEVC’s TXe available to cab drivers.

Dynamo Managing Director Brendan O’Toole said he was delighted to finally be able get the cab to market after overcoming numerous challenges.

It is expected that 40 Dynamos will take to London’s roads this year, with sales expected to top 500 next year.

Mr O’Toole said: “It’s been a massive challenge, but we are really busy now and I’m really pleased. You want people to like the cab and it appears that they do. We can just concentrate on selling it now.

“We get a lot of drivers who come to the factory, or to Colindale, who say, ‘I’m coming here to rule it out.’ But I would say that more than 50%, maybe even 70%, of those people come away saying they want one. I think they don’t realise

the specification until they see it – but it’s the highest spec that Nissan do. We have designed each department with its use in mind. “The driver department is all about them, there’s extra room; it’s really designed for comfort, with the idea that a driver is going to be in it for hours at an end; if you want to sell more electric vehicles, give the driver something to want.”

The cab costs £55,495 and is eligible for a £7,500 government plug-in grant.

The Dynamo is also said to lower costs for drivers and that using a home charger will cost around £6 to travel

LTDA LOTTERY

174 miles, as opposed to around £35-£40 in current diesel taxis.

It includes contactless payment solutions, a built-in infotainment system, heated seats and steering wheel, wheelchair accessibility and an enlarged glass roof for extra lighting. The cab is based on the Nissan e-NV200, Europe’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle, and will be built in Coventry.

George Freeman [pictured, right top], the new minister for the future of transport, said the Government is supporting the growing uptake of electric vehicles by investing nearly £1.5bn through its Road

to Zero programme, and £400m through a joint government and industry Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund for electric charging.

More local zero emissions zones are expected to be introduced over the next few years, on top of the Ultra-low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). The London zone is also scheduled to expand, from its current size within the Congestion Charge zone, to cover the North and South Circular roads from October 25, 2021.

The mayor’s office says its figures show the ULEZ has cut roadside NOx pollution by a third since its introduction in April.

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100-102 DUNBRIDGE STREET LONDON E2 6JG Stephen collects his cheque at Taxi House

What a Lotto Dough! membership LTDA member Stephen Ismail was over the moon when he was told he had scooped £5,000 in our monthly lottery.

A cash windfall can go a long way, especially if you fancy jetting off on holiday or doing up your home.

All you have to do to join this month’s lucky winner is pick up the phone and ask to sign up – it costs just £5 each month.

Stephen, of Croydon, who collected his cheque from Richard Massett at Taxi House, said: “It was a total shock, I couldn’t believe it - I thought it was someone playing a prank.”

One lucky LTDA member’s name is pulled out of the hat every month and scoops the jackpot.

To join, telephone 0207 286 1046 and ask for Kanize.

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www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

Councils want to drive motorists out of town but how is the exchequer going to plug its black hole?

RICHARD MASSETT

THE CASE OF THE MISSING £40BN

THE MASSETT FILE

W

ith petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles set to be phased out over the next 10 to 20 years and the Government committed to a target of reaching zero emissions by 2050, you have to wonder where the £40 billion cash take the exchequer makes from motoring will come from in the future. The £40bn is largely raised from fuel duty and VAT. As things stand, this will reduce to nil and with no duty presently being levied on the electricity used by motorists the Government would be left with a massive black hole in its finances. So, obviously things must change and the tax receipts must come from somewhere else.

No doubt much of it will still be raised from motorists. The two ways this can be done would be to either add tax to the electricity costs of motorists, so that the power used would become at least as expensive as the fuel currently used.

The other alternative, and the most likely, would be to introduce road pricing whereby motorists will be charged for using roads. The idea of road pricing has, of course, been around for years and has been avoided by politicians, who feared the anger it could bring upon themselves if they were to be held responsible for its

introduction. Now, faced with a looming black hole, it seems highly likely that road pricing will be the way to go. It would probably be applied nationwide, not just confined to the big cities, with drivers having to pay various rates according to where and when they drive.

As well as the loss in fuel duties, it should also be considered that the motor manufacturing industry makes a massive contribution to the nation’s economy, with close on 200,000 people directly employed and hundreds of thousands more across the wider industry. So, with many local councils currently waging war against the motorist, what will happen to the economy if they are successful in removing cars from our streets? Where would the tax receipts come from which are paid by all the workers in the industry and where are the alternative jobs? Where would all the foreign exchange come from that we currently earn from selling vehicles abroad?

We all want to see improvements in our air quality and to make our towns and cities safer and more pleasant for pedestrians, but we can’t afford to ignore the likely consequences for the economy of some of the policies that are currently being pursued. I totally buy into schemes that bring about major improvements for pedestrians in London, and other crowded towns, and I do think that cycling should be made as safe as possible, but I have

doubts about all the focus and massive expenditure on cycle schemes. I feel that some of that expenditure could be better spent on perhaps widening the pavements in some areas rather than putting in more infrastructure for cyclists that frequently only benefits comparatively few people. After all, we all walk to a certain extent in our daily journeys, while cycling is undertaken by a relatively small minority. In fact, when the Mayor of London started investing large sums of public money into cycling facilities, it was a transport mode used by only 2% of London commuters and the target was to increase that figure to 4%. I haven’t heard much recently about the numbers now commuting by cycle, so while the numbers may have gone up, even if they have increased by 100%, they would still only stand at 4%. The vast majority of people in London, maybe 96%, have never cycled and are never likely to, however much is spent on infrastructure.

But are the priorities right? For example, why shouldn’t walking and public transport be placed above cycling in the pecking order? The is even more pertinent now that we are seeing electric bikes scattered around. The use of these would seem to significantly reduce the often-quoted health benefits associated with cycling. u

Richard Massett, LTDA Chairman, and Chairman of the London Cab Ranks Committee

CHECKLIST RELICENSING AT NSL?

Save yourself time and loss of work  Vehicle registration certificate, logbook or new keeper’s supplement (complete with bill of sale/ receipt) where vehicle is newly purchased prior to inspection 

Current vehicle licence (for renewal inspections)

 From October 1, 2014, vehicles no longer require a tax disc to be displayed. Vehicles can be taxed online or at a post office. If a vehicle is not recorded as taxed, NSL will accept an online application/ post office receipt. (information at www.gov.co.uk/ dvla nomoretaxdisc)  Insurance certificate (not a copy) – properly affixed in the luggage compartment

VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL

 Valid MoT certificate (issued 13 days or less before inspection)  If vehicle is less than one year old an MoT is not required  Taximeter installation and calibration certificate, issued within 30 days of inspection  Exemption certificate (where applicable)  Modification approval (where applicable)  Tool to release ramps  Tyres – must conform to manufacturer’s specification (see table below)

TYRE SIZE

Mercedes Vito Euro 4

195/65 R 16 100/915T or 104/102T

Mercedes Vito Euro 5

195/65 R 16 100/915T or 104/102T

Fairway (declared max speed of 130 km/h)

175 R 16 N

TX1 (declared speed of 130 km/h)

175 R 16 N

TXII (declared speed of 147 km/h)

175 R 16 Q

TXII (declared speed of 147 km/h)

175 R 16 Q

TX4 (declared speed of 147 km/h)

175 R 16 Q

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

7

Pollution Makes Mapping London Harder science

Safe Cycling Route Opens A 2.5-mile segregated cycling route has opened along Lea Bridge Road in Waltham Forest.

The changes include the creation of a “Whipps Cross interchange,” where a roundabout has been replaced by segregated bike lanes.

Around 1,800 sq m of former road space has also been returned to Epping Forest.

The borough has injected millions of pounds into cycling projects and was one of the first to import “mini-Holland” road layouts to improve safety in key areas.

Cycling has said to have doubled across the borough while car use is down 7%.

Heavy Pollution can have a detrimental affect on memory and make it harder to learn the Knowledge, a study has revealed.

Living in polluted areas for long periods of time can have a detrimental affect on the growth of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that expands when studying to become a taxi driver.

A study of 34,000 people across England found a significant difference in memory retention between those who breathed the dirtiest and cleanest air.

Andrew Oswald, of the University of Warwick, said: “The effect was strong and worrying. When it comes to remembering a string of words, a 50-year-old in polluted Chelsea performs like a 60-year-old who lives in relatively unpolluted Plymouth.”

The study looked at levels of nitrogen dioxide and a type of particulate pollution called PM10, caused mainly by exhaust fumes.

The link to memory became noticeable once people reached their 30s.

The work was observational at this stage and would need more studies to prove a direct link that pollution affected memory.

However, the orchestrators did take steps to rule out the influence of other factors such as age, health and education of the subjects, and their economic, family and employment status.

Research from a university in the US has, however, highlighted a link to stunted development of the hippocampus.

Previous studies have also shown that people who live in dirtier air have higher risks of dementia, respiratory disease and depression.

The latest study is the largest of its kind and included the 34,000 people, randomly sampled from across more than 300 local authority districts.

Volunteers were asked to memorise a set of 10 words read out by computer, one every two seconds. After a couple of minutes, during which they were asked

to answer simple mental arithmetic questions, they were asked to recall the words.

Researchers calculated that the difference in memory quality between England’s cleanest and most-polluted areas was equivalent to the loss of memory that would typically be expected from 10 extra years of ageing when a person is in their 50s.

It was the equivalent to the average number of words that are recalled diminishing by about 10%.

London had the dirtiest air, with the cleanest being found on the west coast, in Devon and West Somerset.

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www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

The latest home charging technology from Ohme could save drivers hundreds of pounds each year

ANTHONY STREET

TAXI CHARGING FOR JUST £1-A-DAY

STREETS AHEAD

T

echnology is moving at quite a pace. When you think of all the ways the drivers have adapted to keep pace, and sometimes keep ahead, it’s hard to fathom that Boris Johnson once had the brass neck to call taxi drivers luddites; suggesting that we were opposed to change.

While some businesses refuse to take cards or make unacceptable charges for spending too little, the trade has adapted and is now being rightly praised for offering card payments across the board.

And, not only does the trade now have more than 2,000 electric cabs on the road, we now have two cabs meeting that meet the ULEZ requirements.

The good news for drivers of those cabs is that the competition for your custom is hotting up, and technology will inevitably get more affordable as time goes on.

To help early adopters to electric and hybrid technology, a company called Ohme has developed a smart charging cable that can top up your taxi for less than £1/day – plus you get can home charging cost reports for your business expenses.

This means that drivers can save around £250 per year – if you sign up to a Octopus GO tariff instead of a standard flat tariff. Huge savings are not just available through Octopus either, but you need to look at your bills and shop around to work out what’s best for you.

Once you are set up you can tell your kit when you need to charge your taxi next, and it will work out the cheapest way to make sure it is charged.

The Ohme smartphone app allows you to set your charging schedules and view your charging costs.

There’s an Ohme charger for every type of connection… n w all charger: which is eligible for the £500 government grant bringing the cost of home installation down to around £350. n t ype 2 cable: if you have an existing untethered charge point at home, the Ohme cable will instantly upgrade your charging to be smart. For Octopus Energy customers, or if you’re willing to switch, the Ohme Type 2 cable is available for £199.

3-pin plug: you can charge your car using a standard 3-pin socket, taking about 10 hours to charge a LEVC TX. Also available through Octopus Energy for £199.

If you look at your energy costs and find they

are expensive it is as easy as pie to switch these days.

There are energy tariffs available that make it cheaper to charge your taxi overnight. The original tariff with cheaper overnight rates was Economy 7, and now smart meters have made different off-peak time periods available.

Ohme has separately partnered with Octopus Energy, who offer the GO tariff, which is good for electric vehicle drivers, giving a four-hour period with very cheap and green electricity. Charging the LEVC TX from empty to full can easily be done at home within four hours using one of Ohme’s charging units.

The other good news is that, just as you would use fuel receipts to reduce your tax bill down, you will want a way to account for the cost of energy supplied to your taxi.

Ohme provides you with access to cost reports that can be used on your tax submissions to your accountant. Find out more at www.ohme-ev.com or contact sales@ohme-ev.com for any enquiries. Otherwise watch this space for discounts and an upcoming giveaway.

Ohme’s figures are based on charging an LEVC TX with 15kWh energy (65% of battery capacity) using the GO tariff (5p/kWh), 150 times a year, compared to a standard tariff of 16p/kWh. The normal retail price is £400 inc. VAT. u

Anthony Street is an LTDA Executive Support Officer

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

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L E VC . C O M / TA X I O F F E R | 0 2 0 3 9 1 2 6 2 1 4 *Terrms and conditions apply. Free 5yrs warranty and 3yrs servicing offer applies only to new TX Comfort Plus vehicles ordered before 31st December 2019. The LEVC service promotion covers the parts and labour costs associated with scheduled routine maintenance items, including inspection and adjustment, fluid and filter renewal and replacement of service components based on mileage and time-based service intervals up to 75,000 miles or 3 years (whichever comes first), maintaining your TX for the duration of the plan. Please note this excludes wear and tear items. The warranty offer is an extension of the standard 3 year vehicle warranty, covering your 4th and 5th year motoring, up to 150,000 miles only.

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www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

LETTERS STAR LETTER

TAXI DRIVERS ARE THE BEST

M

y wife is taken to church in NW3 by black cab every Sunday and Thursday mornings and brought home again, by means of the Gett app.

She is picked up from the Barbican car park and this arrangement has been running for some time now.

Unfailingly, your drivers are prompt, helpful and kind and I would like to convey my appreciation for their service and give credit where it is undoubtedly due.

The black cab is an essential strand in the very fabric of London. u Geoff Tuffs, Barbican

GET UBER OUT NOW!

O

nce again, Uber has been given an extension and for what? Below are some points TfL needs to take into account before giving them a new license to operate in London: a) Uber drivers clog up the roads that TfL have designed to prevent more vehicles entering London. b) They carry out illegal manoeuvres on our roads (not understanding the highway code) c) Cause the police to spend more of their budget, time and resources due to Uber’s drivers carrying out all sorts of illegal and dangerous activities d) Uber doesn’t provide its drivers with worker rights, such as holiday, sick, maternity and paternity pay, knowing that they are not self-employed but employees. e) Uber not contributing its fair share of taxes while making million from Londoners f) Drivers parking in disabled and pay and display bays to wait for a job. g) Not providing enough information to TfL h) Drivers refuse to take disabled person and their dogs.

I could go on and on, giving many more reasons, but quite simply, TfL should NOT grant Uber a licence in the future, but in this world we live in, it’s not what you know it’s who you know and we all know why they got licensed in the first place, thanks to people in high places who may have some interest in their financial gains.

So, to the Mayor of London I ask? How many points can you give to let them to stay? a) Your health and safety should be first for Londoners and then look at b) The cost to our emergency services c) Workers rights Uber will fail all three, but are you or will you still give them a licence? You need to follow other counties/districts which have refused Uber a licence already. Get them out now!

M Stowell

“I see hundreds of new electric cabs on the streets every month driven by more and more cabbies with a positive and customer orientated attitude.

It’s beginning to be noticed out there”

HOTEL ACCESS KNOWLEDGE

I

ARE THE DINOSAURS FINALLY DYING OUT?

N

othing lasts forever and I am now beginning to fee l hopeful that the dinosaurs in the cab trade are soon to be extinct.

I get less passengers asking me if I take cards or if my card machine is working, “because it wasn’t in the last cab or he didn’t take cards.” On my occasional forays onto social media it seems as if even this bastion of the old guard is crumbling. Sensible cabbies are finally standing up to the “hanging’s too good for ‘em” brigade, and challenging the doom and gloom and the “why can’t we go back to the 1960s” mentality that once pervaded this media almost since its inception.

I see hundreds of new electric cabs on the streets every month driven by more and more cabbies with a positive and customer orientated attitude. It’s beginning to be noticed out there.

No longer do I hear tales of horrific cab journeys taken with moaning old cabbies who spent the whole journey lecturing them about their woes or the dangers of Uber. Quite how the irony of moaning to someone in your cab didn’t register to these imbeciles was a mystery to me anyway.

As a result of the above, I am watching with my own eyes the world turning back towards us and away from our competition. We have upped our game and are now proof that quality always triumphs, even if it takes a while. We are the best; we now have a quality vehicle to go with the quality driver and in a very short time we will be the best, greenest and cleanest cab service in the world. If we can avoid increasing our prices and keep our newfound competitive edge, we are home and dry.

Dave Longridge

’m writing to let cabbies aware that the best main entrance to the Biltmore Hotel in Adam’s Row. Yannick Rousseau, Assistant Head Concierge

POWIS SQUARE DRIVER APPEAL

A

fter suffering a day of feeling increasingly unwell, and knowing I could not manage the bus home, I hailed a cab near 94 Harley Street. It was about 4.40pm on Monday, July 29. I had my brightly coloured orange shopping trolley with me. I asked if the credit card machine was working and if I might be taken to Powis Square, Notting Hill and was told yes to both.

However, when we reached my house, feeling weaker now, I could not make the credit card fixture work. Neither could the driver. At last, with me hopelessly trying and failing to think of what to do next, the driver said I could pay with whatever change I had in my purse. The fare should have been around £15.00 plus a gratuity.

I tipped cash into my hand and passed it to the poor driver. I doubt there was even £6.00 there.

I should like to stop worrying about this lack of payment, find that driver to thank and pay him if possible. His taxi is a lovely pale blue with black writing on the side. It is not one of the newer, sliding door models. The driver is fortyish, fair, with a roundish face.

A Steel

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have launched a petition urging the Government to “require private hire companies to be responsible for insuring cars and drivers with hire and reward. All private hire companies, including app-based cab companies, MUST insure all their vehicles and drivers for hire and reward. At 10,000 signatures, Government will respond to the petition. Please sign it here petition.parliament. uk/petitions/276230.

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|||| www.ltda.co.uk

@TheLTDA

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

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TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

Drivers must now head to South Kensington for lost property, and the LPG deadline has been extended

LLOYD BALDWIN

LOST PROPERTY MOVE UPDATE

ON POINT

penalty. Drivers must ensure that they press the button by the roller shutter and inform the on-site security team of their ID and their reason for visiting For more information visit the TfL Lost Property website: https://tfl.gov. uk/help-and-contact/lost-property or email: lpo@tfl.gov.uk. TfL will be undertaking comms via Twitter and the weekly email to remind drivers about the change.

A

s reported in these pages, TfL’s Lost Property Office (LPO) is moving to a new home. As of Monday, October 28, the LPO will be located in Pelham Street, South Kensington. Pelham Street will be open from 8:30am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.

There will be no change in procedure for taxi drivers depositing items.

This means that: n Drivers should hand in items as soon as possible and certainly within 24 hours of them being left in their vehicle. n Upon drop-off, drivers will be issued a receipt for the item. n Drivers who wish to claim items that haven’t been collected can do so in the first two weeks of the month, four months after they deposited the item e.g. an item deposited in January can be reclaimed from 1-14 of May. There is off-street parking which is available for cabbies who are dropping-off or collecting lost property, but don’t abuse it, otherwise you are likely to get a

New LPG Deadline

Taxi drivers now have until November 1 to qualify for the 20-year LPG taxi age limit exemption.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced in December 2018 that he would make a limited number of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) conversion grants available to drivers of Euro 5 taxis to support the shift to cleaner vehicles. It was agreed that taxis converted to LPG before 1 November would be handed a maximum operating age of 20 years. LPG taxis registered after that date will only be able to operate for 15 years. Transport for London (TfL), have recognised that there have been delays with LPG conversions being completed prior to the

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November in part due to the limited number of spaces available.

Drivers who can provide evidence that they made a booking and paid a deposit for an LPG conversion before November 1, will now qualify for a 20 year age limit exemption, providing the work is completed within a three month period following the November 1 deadline. According to Autogas Limited, a UK wide company that specialises in turning diesel taxis into LPG green machines, the fuel helps reduce Particulate Matter by 99% and cut NOx by 80%. Whilst LPG offers less drastic changes to CO2 emissions, a reduction of 7% respectively, the taxis converted to LPG would meet Euro 6 vehicle standards. This would mean all taxis would meet the current strict emission rulings despite their age. Even taking into account the £10,000 cost of conversion, it is an option that is worth investigating in the longer term. It means you can keep their existing vehicle, lower maintenance costs compared to the diesel, and also substantially lower – between 20-30% – fuel costs. Autogas also claim that transition from diesel to LPG is made easier by a robust existing refuelling infrastructure. u

Lloyd Baldwin is an LTDA Executive Support Officer

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

13

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TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

Advertorial

Q&A Plan Insurance Brokers’ Head of Sales Daniel Severin CII Ghost Broking: why is it important to Driving in Europe after Brexit: am buy insurance from a trusted broker? I covered?

A deal that looks too good to be true often is. This applies to insurance policies, too. In recent years, there’s been an increase in “ghost-broking”, a scam than can have catastrophic consequences, as the victim is left out of pocket and uninsured.

Following the planned UK’s exit from the European Union, there will be changes made to the regulations allowing drivers to take their vehicles to Europe. Going forward, anyone wanting to drive their vehicle there will need a Green Card.

Ghost Brokers usually carry out the fraud by one of three ways: FORGERY: The fraudster creates fake insurance documents, that look like they come from a reputable insurance company.

FALSIFICATION: The scammer purchases a real policy, but falsifies your details to bring the price down and arrange a cover with the details of a “low-risk” driver.

CANCELLATION: The ghost broker takes out a genuine policy, from a real insurance company, and then cancels it soon after you have paid them, claiming the refund.

UK motor insurance providers will continue to provide the legal minimum cover for travel within Europe, without the need to purchase an additional policy. However, some might not automatically extend fully comprehensive cover abroad.

Typically, you may not be covered for theft or damage outside the UK. Please ensure that you read your policy documents carefully.

Buying from a fraudster could result in you getting points on your driving licence, having your vehicle seized and even possibly destroyed, being issued a PCN and being liable for claims costs if involved in an accident.

“If you have purchased a policy from a ghost broker, you are most likely NOT legally insured.”

In the eyes of the law, purchasing a fake policy unknowingly is the same as having no policy. So, you could be prosecuted for driving without insurance, and that could cost you your livelihood. Be wary of “brokers” trading only via mobile phone, email or messaging apps: authorised companies will always offer the option of a landline, have a postal address and appear on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register.

The safest way to purchase your insurance via a broker is to check that the provider is a reputable company. Do your research first!

Either way, you will need a Motor Insurance Green Card, an international insurance certificate which proves that your vehicle is insured outside the UK. You will need to carry it with you whenever you are driving in the European Economic Area (EEA) and other countries like Andorra and Switzerland. Make sure you contact your insurer or broker at least a month before you plan to travel, to allow enough time for the request to be processed.

It is worth noting that you will need a Green Card for each vehicle you take abroad - for example, one for a car and one for a trailer.

You will also need one for each insurance policy you hold: if your renewal falls when you are away, you will need one Green Card for the current policy and one for the new policy.

Some of the above information is subject to change depending on the agreement reached for Brexit, but it is advisable to contact your broker if you think that you may need a Green Card.

For more info, tweet us your questions @PlanInsurance.

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@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

15

What does life on the road look like once you have that shiny new badge in your grasp?

ALF TOWNSEND

TAXI TALK

AFTER THE KNOWLEDGE...

It still makes me chuckle when I think about the story, I was told many moons ago, about the very young butterboy who was flagged down by the linkman at the river entrance to The Savoy. He was told to turn the cab around at the end of the road and the linkman opened the door. He then gave a signal and a guy wearing a trilby hat and with his coat collar pulled up, ran out and leapt into the cab. He told ‘the butter’ his destination in an American accent, then said, “do you mind if I sit on the floor buddy, because I don’t want to be seen by the autograph hunters?”

“No problem,” replied the cabbie, who then asked the question that could arguably deflate the ego of the most famous entertainer of the decade. “So, who are you then mate?”

It was of course a regular at The Savoy, the late, great Frank Sinatra!

I

t was a ritual – and almost sacrosanct – to visit Marcantonio’s Café, just a stone’s throw away from the old PCO in Lambeth Road, clutching your shiny-new badge! This really was ‘the Knowledge boys’ café’ and we all spent many hours there, listening to all the runs and points that had been asked, after parking our scooters outside.

Now it was time for my moment of glory, with all the guys crowding around and looking enviously at my shiny-new badge.

I must confess to feeling rather sad when I finally left, after saying a fond farewell to my three mates who had done all the runs with me but were still struggling with the suburbs and probably wouldn’t get out until well into the New Year. But I finally left the cafe that had been almost like home for a year and crossed the road to MY cab!

I decided to drive up to Grey-Green Coaches at Stamford Hill and pick up my employment cards. Again, all the drivers were admiring my cab and calling me by my nickname of Manningtree! This unfortunate nickname came about while I was doing the night-run, or “the ghost train,” as it was called, going up to Felixstowe and back to the cab-garage in Ipswich. One of the guys had told me about a short cut through all the villages, but to make sure my sun roof was closed because of the low bridge at Manningtree. But I was tired and hungry and when I went under the low bridge, I heard the sound of breaking glass! I cleaned it up later and dumped it back in the garage the following day without telling anyone. But I was soon traced and informed that the big boss George.

Ewer wanted to see me! The outcome of my penalty is another story!

I eventually pulled out of the garage that had been my home for nearly a year, and turned into Stamford Hill heading for home. I was immediately hailed by a couple of orthodox Jews in their big black hats and beards. They asked me if I would take them all round north London for a few hours. When I said, “yes, jump in,” I noticed the look they gave each other, because they were used to haggling with cabbies about a fixed price or an hourly rate.

But what did I know about pricing a fare? This was my very first job as a cabbie and they knew that they had had a result!

They directed me to houses in Enfield, Edmonton, Chingford and Walthamstow and Stoke Newington, then back to where we began! I believe they were collecting rent.

When we eventually arrived back, after more than three hours, I had a massive amount on the meter, but they didn’t bat an eyelid and even gave me a couple of quid on top as well.

They were happy because they’d had a result with a new boy, and I was tickled pink. Okay, I realised that I’d have to pay some 40% of the

Being Frank!

The Piccalilli Kid

“No problem,” replied the cabbie, who then asked the question that could arguably deflate the ego of the most famous entertainer of the decade.

“So, who are you then mate?”

It was of course a regular at The Savoy, the late, great Frank Sinatra!... meter to my guvnor, but that still left me with just short of a week’s wages for driving a coach every night, after doing just one fare on the cab! After all the scrimping and saving for one year, I decided cabbing would suit me fine. I was old enough and wise enough to understand that it wouldn’t be sunshine every day, but I could always provide for my family!

That’s what my son calls me when he visits me once a week to cook his old dad a meal and sees me scoffing forkfuls of piccalilli, before spreading it on my ham sandwich!

My penchant for piccalilli goes way back to the end of WW2 in 1945 when the Townsend family arrived back from evacuation in Cornwall. We settled in our nan’s house in Offord Road, just past Hemingford Road and the parade of shops. I soon became mates with a couple of the local lads and our regular walk of a Saturday was up to Chapel Market. It wasn’t for the exercise, or to buy anything, because we were all skint. The whole object of the visit was to see what we could nick! The cockney guys on the fruit and veg stalls were red hot. They would look at us with steely eyes, then walk across and tell us to clear off.

We invariably finished up going into Woolies where the pickle counter was massive, with just a little old lady serving. One of the guys went to the far end of the counter and got the old lady talking and distracted. Then the other two would swipe a huge jar of piccalilli, put it into a bag and scarper.

We gathered around in the deserted grounds of the local council flats and opened the jar. Then out came our Swiss army knives, with the spoon and fork attachment and we passed the jar around after taking a huge spoonful. The massive jar of pickle disappeared in a few minutes, so we headed for home.

This is not a pleasant story to relate to your offspring, but these were hard times with the tight rationing, not much food or money.

Those lucky enough to have a few quid could spend it on the rampant black market! That was life in those far-off days. u

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29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

17

Wild ideas that years ago would have been dismissed are being taken seriously, we must fight back!

PAUL BRENNAN

CAR FREE PLAN WEEK IS MADNESS

TOP RANK

T

he lunatics have taken over the asylum is a phrase I find myself saying ever more frequently of late. On the most recent occasion, I found myself reading an article in the Camden New Journal which highlighted the council’s intention to expand its car free day to a car free week, not on an annual basis but, astonishingly, on a monthly basis. Yep, you read it correctly. One week in every single month of the year fuel powered cars, lorries and vans should be banned from the town. It is a serious suggestion which has been put to Camden and one that it is genuinely considering.

It would mean Camden’s roads being shut to vehicles for three months out of the year. Not just a few back streets either, but all streets. And before you ask, yes that includes major thoroughfares like the Euston Road.

They say they won’t be closed to all vehicles; electric ones and green public transport will still be allowed. Liz

Liz Wheatley

Extinction Rebellion in London, October 2019

Wheatley, branch convenor at Unison, who put forward the proposal stated, “there are going to be people who need a vehicle,” but tough, she essentially said, adding, “what’s wrong with an electric vehicle (EV)?” Well Liz, I would suggest that the high purchase price is one thing that’s wrong with an EV. Also, the lack of

infrastructure to charge them is another important reason, one that is also shown to be off-putting in numerous surveys.

Currently, there are only 50 Source London charging points in the entire borough of Camden. Where are all these additional EVs going to charge?

You would think it very strange that a union official and an overwhelmingly Labour council would give zero thought to the poorest people in their borough. The vast majority of people within Camden can’t afford to purchase an EV. No doubt they will be told to use the Tube and yes, they could, but it’s already been proven that the underground has significantly higher pollution levels than a main road.

They could also take a bus and again, that is true but if it’s truly only ‘green’ public transport that will be acceptable then that’s that option gone.

How will all the public service vehicles, such as plumbers, electricians and gas engineers get around the borough? How about the goods for all the shops? How will the visitors to our city get to the many hotels in Camden? The problem with ideas like this is they take a very narrow view, no one can deny our air is too polluted and you’d have to be a fool to say we can simply do nothing. We do have a problem, and it needs addressing, but it won’t be if we (and by we, I mean us, the general public) continue to leave it to the lunatics.

In the piece I read, it went on to say that Camden invited members of its citizens’ assembly, representatives of local green campaign group and activists from Extinction Rebellion to take part in the meeting. Where were the local businesses?

Where were those who have experience in

STAY IN THE KNOW 15 year reminder

The London taxi 15 year age limit refers to the cab’s ‘birthday’ (in the log book) not its plate date.

For example: A cab passed when it is 14 years and 11 months old WILL be granted a further 12 months of life.

Cabs may be booked in for testing in the normal way when the plate has 28 days or less to run.

The cab can then work up to the test date. If the plates are taken off with more than 28 days to run, both the plates and the paper licence must be surrendered to one of the six NSL inspection centres in and around London.

The ‘unplated’ cab must then not be worked, and at least one week should be allowed before attempting to book the next NSL test, to allow the computerised booking system to recognise that the plates have been registered.

Lost/stolen identifier If your identifier is lost or stolen

you must notify LTPH immediately (0343 222 4444 / tph.enquiries @tfl.gov.uk) You may then continue working. A letter of confirmation will be sent out to you by Transport for London, prior to a replacement identifier being processed.

Shop a tout

Anyone who sees touting or any other form of illegal cab-related activity is urged to contact TfL with the details.

Take down the registration number and make a note of the date, time and location where incident took place.

Type “cab enforcement” into your internet search engine and follow the links to the ‘report illegal activity’ section of the TfL website.

DVLA reminder

The photo card part of the driving licence lasts for 10 years and must renewed after that period. The licence becomes invalid if it is not renewed with a current picture.

trying to move goods and people around Camden? I’m sorry if this offends people, but if the idiots from Extinction Rebellion I’ve seen on TV over the past two weeks, holding Londoners hostage, are an example of the calibre of people they have, then wire me up to some electrodes and turn the machine to full blast because I don’t want to be fully cognitive in a world were their not so bright ideas become reality.

We all need to get more involved, because right now the only people speaking out are those who want to portray us as the devil. The citizens panel previously mentioned is consists of 50 randomly selected Camden residents and their role is to help draw up an action plan and create possible ways to encourage people to give up their cars. But just how random is the selection? Was it a random selection from people who had expressed an interest, or was it a random selection from council taxpayers? The trade needs to have people on these assemblies and we all need to find out who our local councillor is and let them know the persecution of the motorised vehicle is not wanted or welcome.

This hairbrained scheme probably won’t come to pass – fingers-crossed – but the broad response of London boroughs to our age limit consultation, along with the general comments from them, suggests it will without question lead to more and more EV only streets. Whilst that might be fine with us in 10 years when the entire taxi fleet is ZEC, that won’t help the many next year, or the year after. u

Paul Brennan, LTDA Executive

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Road closures and 20mph zones are making driving a taxi for a living a test of endurance

CHRIS ACKRILL

ON THE ROAD

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION

Road before the closures. I assume the closures came and went; but a new sign went up the following week at the new he police have been criticised for closure caught me out. I like the way being slow to prosecute drivers they keep these signs up to warn exceeding London’s 20mph speed us off London completely. I suppose it’s limits – probably because they’ve more the modern equivalent of putting heads important work to do, like apprehending on spikes outside the Tower of London. fire engines crewed by Extinction As I write this, I’ve noticed a yellow sign Rebellion, and yachts on Oxford Street. in Brook Street just before Hanover The bad news is that more 20mph roads Square. Unless I’m the first cab at that are coming soon, and the authorities are junction I’ll probably not get to read calibrating cameras to catch speed freaks. that, so I’ll prepare myself for a nasty These 20mph limits are just another surprise if I need Hanover Square in money-making scheme dreamed up by the next few weeks.

The failed London Garden Bridge project cash-strapped councils. Besides, can you I don’t know if driving standards have promoted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson remember when you last exceeded 20mph got worse over the years. Possibly. during his time as Mayor of London on any road in Central London?

Driving conditions have certainly got horrors of the new system at Highbury Speed is reported to be a factor in exist in isolation either; they are just harder. Current road closures are the Corner, Liverpool Road proves to be a 5% of road accidents. Distraction is the added to the cluster of other signs that worst I’ve ever known – and this is before very bumpy and frustrating short cut to biggest cause. Mobile phone use gets a we feel compelled to read as we try to Extinction Rebellion’s October uprising.

Holloway. We all know that Islington like Bridge Street, New Bridge Street, Oxford lot of coverage, but there are many more concentrate on driving. While scanning their traffic cameras. distractions. I’d venture that some of the both sides of the road for red and white Street, Piccadilly Underpass, Brompton The yellow road closure signs are biggest of these are 20mph signs. As soon warning signs, and yellow diversion signs, Road and Hammersmith Bridge don’t the hardest to read. The closure details as you see them your eyes are involuntarily you’ll also be checking the road below as even get mentioned on the traffic reports are often crudely written in marker pan taken off the road and drawn down to you negotiate miles of speed bumps. If any more. There are too many closures your speedometer. The signs don’t usually you are in Islington and want to avoid the or contain so many words that you’re to report on, so only a selection of new never going to take in all the information ones make the bulletins. Hopefully, some in one go. of these are temporary; but you never We all have our favourites coming in know. I’m surprised they’re working and out of work. Driving in and out of to fix Hammersmith Bridge. It’s going London every workday my eyes are always to take three years, and I’m surprised drawn to the large yellow signs around Boris didn’t commandeer it to create the junction of Finchley Road and Hendon the garden bridge.

Way. The signs warn of pointless timeAnyway, those are just the closures bound closures of Briardale Gardens and for works. It’s the other closures that Pattison Road. There are a lot of words are more troubling. All too often we are on those signs: I thought about counting prevented from doing our job effectively them for the purposes of this article, but and providing a door to door service. Just that’s like giving in to madness. They’re recently, I’ve come across unexpected huge signs but, on a 40mph road like restrictions in Bute Street and Enford Hendon Way, I defy anyone to read every Street. Time-bound restrictions are the word as they fly past avoiding the buses most irritating of them all. Lloyd Baldwin and coaches pulling in to the middle listed many closures in TAXI 452. It lane as we merge into Finchley Road. made grim reading. As Lloyd pointed out, Further along towards Swiss Cottage I’ve the timings vary too. Many roads are now Equity Release • Mortgage Advice • Protection sometimes wanted to read the parking closed at certain times of the day around restrictions, but you can’t make sense schools. There were no road closures when of complex parking rules while you’re I was at school. We had to walk on the At Allan Reece Associates LLP, we work with the country’s moving, and Finchley Road isn’t a place to pavement. We could try driving on the leading mortgage lenders to find the right solution for you. stop and sightsee. pavements like the cyclists, but there’s The signs are often inaccurate: I noticed probably a law against that too. u September’s closure of Fetter Lane started For over 25 years we have arranged mortgages Chris Ackrill is a taxi driver and several days early. I never got to read the former Knowledge examiner signs at the southern end of Gray’s Inn for licensed London taxi drivers. Call today

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“Hopefully, some of these roadworks are temporary; but you never know...

I’m surprised they’re working to fix Hammersmith Bridge. It’s going to take three years...”

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

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29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

21

LTDA OFFERS

Skate for Free at Somerset House offer TAXI has once again teamed up with Somerset House to offer free ice-skating tickets ahead of the rink opening for the Christmas period.

Cabbies can snap up four tickets so that their friends and family members can enjoy a free session in the stunning Edmond J. Safra Fountain courtyard – the backdrop to London’s most beautiful ice rink.

Skate at Somerset House offers families the chance to hit the ice day or night from November 13 to January 12.

The two available 45-minute sessions for taxi drivers are: Sun 10 Nov: 13:30 – 14:15 Sun 10 Nov: 16:45 – 17:30 To make a booking: 1) Use the link https://

my.somersethouse.org.uk/ skate/taxi 2) Choose your time 3) Follow the sales prompts through to confirm up to four tickets for your chosen session. There is a £2.95 booking fee on all transactions Please see the Somerset House website for essential info. https:// www.somersethouse.org.uk/whatson/skate-somerset-house

night long.

One site-wide ticket for £8.00 gets you access to a timed skating slot, and entry to the exhibition before or after your moonlit moment on the ice.

London’s first all-night ice-skating event is sure to be an unforgettable experience, with drinks and nibbles available from Fortnum’s Lodge (open until 2am) and the Skate Lounge, home to the Baileys Treat Bar, open all night.

Ice skating is a sport with inherent risks. Patrons skate at their own risk.

Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

December 7 & 8, 2019 Skaters should arrive 20 minutes early 11pm – 8.00am to give enough time to leave any bags in Skate and the cloakroom and get their skates on.

Exhibition ticket: There is now also a skate and £8 + £2.95 fee per transaction exhibition all-nighter session. To skate 24/7, a timely exhibition examining our n See the Somerset House website for further details: https://www.somersethouse.org. non-stop culture, Somerset House is uk/whats-on/skate-exhibition-all-nighter keeping the ice rink and gallery open all

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@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

23

Chargepoint Numbers “Severely Lacking” technology Westminster is leading the way on the number of electric car chargers, according to the latest study which reveals the scale of the task government faces to create suitable infrastructure.

A review of London boroughs and 40 major towns and cities across the UK found the borough has the most, with 375, but that all are way off the numbers required to cope with future demand.

Bexley, Kingston Upon Hull, Mansfield, Northampton and Swansea are trailing far behind having installed none using their own funds.

The figures were revealed as part of a UK-wide freedom of information request by car selling comparison site, Motorway.co.uk.

It asked London boroughs, major towns and city councils how many public chargers they had installed by the end of August this year.

The data only covers authority-funded plug-in points and not those located on private land.

Westminster’s 375 charge points means it has 1.47 per 1,000 population and council says it plans to install another 93 chargers by the end of the year.

Three other affluent boroughs – Richmond upon Thames, Hammersmith & Fulham and Wandsworth – each have

CURRENT CRISIS? London Boroughs with the Most and Fewest Council-Installed Public Charge Points

# EV CHARGING EV CHARGING LONDON POINTS POINTS BOROUGH POPULATION CURRENT PER 1,000

MOST CHARGERS Westminster (City of) 255,324 375 265 Richmond upon Thames 196,904 216 Hammersmith & Fulham 185,426 326,474 250 Wandsworth 239,142 166 Islington

1.47 1.35 1.16 0.77 0.69

FEWEST CHARGERS Bexley Enfield Harrow Newham Redbridge

247,258 0 0 333,869 9 0.03 250,149 7 0.03 352,005 10 0.03 303,858 11 0.04

more than 200 public electric vehicle plug-in points.

Bexley hasn’t installed any public charging points to date – though the council claimed it plans to have 13 operational by the end of the year.

Alex Buttle, director of the comparison site, said the UK government has a “mammoth task” on its hands to create a

public charging infrastructure able to cope with growth in electric car ownership over the next 20 years, as the 2040 deadline for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel models looms.

He said: “Although we only looked at public, not private charging points (and home charging will make up a significant number of points), there will

still be a huge reliance on public charging infrastructure. And it’s severely lacking at present.”

Milton Keynes, with a population of 230,000, has the highest concentration of council-funded EV charging points outside of London, with 0.83 per 1,000 people.

There are 192 points across the town.

Nottingham with 215 charging points has more than any other major UK town or city.

Fortunately, the volume of councilinstalled chargers across the country should expand in the next five years.

The government recently announced a £400 million investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with half funded by private sector partners.

It hopes to have 5,000 rapid charging points operational by 2024, with 3,000 of these being new installations.

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TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

Uber Sheds Hundreds More Workers

@TheLTDA

NEWS IN BRIEF

employment Uber has laid off hundreds of employees in its third round of cuts this year.

Around 350 employees from Uber Eats, ATG, and product roles were shown the door, according to an email from CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

In July, the company laid off about a third of its marketing and communications team, around 400 people globally.

The firm has come under pressure from investors to cut costs and turn a profit as its stock price has plummeted since its flotation in May. Khosrowshahi brushed off concerns about the company after the stock price fall.

But in a letter to staff, he wrote: “As you know, over the past few months, our leaders have looked carefully at their teams to ensure our organisations are structured for success for the next few years,” the email said. “This has resulted in difficult but necessary changes to ensure we have the right people in the right roles in the right locations, and that we’re always holding ourselves accountable to top performance.”

Some employees said they felt betrayed by the latest round of layoffs.

Crunch Time for Addison Lee Sale

“This is outrageous,” one person wrote online, saying, “our leaders straight up lied to us about our jobs.

This is NOT doing the right thing.”

The controversial company has come under heavy fire in recent months, with legal battles piling up around the world.

Uber is being investigated by HMRC and could still face a £1.5bn VAT bill in the UK if it cannot prove that it is not a transport provider.

Medway Council and other towns and cities are also building a lawsuit against the company for allowing its drivers to operate in areas where they are not licensed.

Black Taxi

rentals

Shares of the company have plummeted 24% since going public.

“Days like today are tough for us all, and the ELT and I will do everything we can to make certain that we won’t need or have another day like this ahead of us,” Khosrowshahi said in the internal email.

“We all have to play a part by establishing a new normal in how we work: identifying and eliminating duplicate work, upholding high standards for performance, giving direct feedback and taking action when expectations aren’t being met, and eliminating the bureaucracy that tends to creep as companies grow.”

Carlyle is pushing to sell Addison Lee by early next year to avoid a debt restructuring or an extension.

Banks are currently evaluating the company’s “future capital structure,” with a focus on an “ongoing sales process.”

The private equity firm bought the minicab business for about £300m in 2013 from founder John Griffin [pictured, above] as Uber started to gain traction in London.

Addison Lee, which has a debt of around £230m, was put up for sale earlier this year and talks with potential buyers are said to be ongoing.

In its last set of accounts for the year to August 2018, the group generated revenues of £390m, which is an increase of almost 13%, but made a pre-tax loss of £38.9m, up from a loss of £20.8m the year before.

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@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

Pay to Drive Plan Revived motoring Ministers are to revive the debate around pay as you drive pricing to plug a predicted £40bn-a-year black hole of lost taxes and duties when electric vehicles become the norm.

Plans could include tolls, congestion charges and HGV levies as well as workplace parking fees and new low emission zones.

Fuel duty and VED are expected to generate £28.4bn and £6.5bn for the Treasury respectively this year.

But taxes on petrol and diesel vehicles will plummet as electric cars gain greater traction in the market.

An inquiry into road pricing, which would force motorists to pay per mile they drive, will be formally announced in early 2020.

A road pricing scheme was scrapped a decade ago following an opposing petition that attracted 1.8m signatures.

Lilian Greenwood [pictured, left], who chairs the Transport Committee, said: “We cannot ignore the looming fiscal black hole. We need to ask how we will pay for roads in the future and in answering that question we have an opportunity for a much wider debate about our use of road space, cutting carbon emissions, tackling congestion,

modal shift and how we prioritise active travel.

“Tackling the Climate Emergency is essential, but this is about more than what we must do to meet that challenge. It’s also about our health and the sort of towns and cities we want to live in.”

Ministers are desperate to find new ways to raise funds for the Treasury once fuel-powered vehicles vanish from the streets.

Currently, drivers pay 57.95p in tax for every litre they pump into their vehicles.

Edmund King, [pictured, right] president at the AA, wants the Government to modify the scheme to a Road Miles policy.

Under such a scheme, motorists

would receive at least 3,000 free road miles each year. Once above the allowance, they would be charged 1p per mile in the first year.

Mr King said: “We do need a national debate about how we pay for our road infrastructure to bridge the taxation gap between falling fuel duty revenue and the electric vehicle revolution,’ Mr King said in response to last week’s announcement.

“However, the British public will never vote for ‘national road pricing’ so we need greater imagination to sell the public something that they actually want – our answer is Road Miles.

“In Road Miles drivers pay less, more is spent on roads, tunnels, cycling, buses and the Government gets £2billion extra per year.”

25

NEWS IN BRIEF Transport Commissioner Moving On London’s Transport Commissioner Mike Brown MVO is stepping down to start a new post. Brown, who took up the post of Transport Commissioner in July 2015, is to become the Chair of the Delivery Authority for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament.

Since joining TfL, he has led delivery of the Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Transport Strategy and multi-billionpound investment programme.

He is credited with making the organisation more efficient, improving London’s air quality and “encouraging a shift to public transport, cycling and walking.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Mike deserves huge thanks for the exceptional service he has given.”

Brown first joined London Underground (LU) in 1989 and became Chief Operating Officer in 2003. He will lead on the restoration and renewal of the Houses of Parliament in his new post.

The commissioner said: “I’m proud of what has been achieved at TfL and I’m proud of having served and delivered for the mayor.”

26

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

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@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

27

The second part of an interview with author Mike Isaac whose new book exposes the real Uber

WIM FABER

SUPERPUMPED: MORE CAUTIONARY TALES

INTERNATIONAL

M

ike Isaac’s Super Pumped – The battle for Uber hit the bookshelves as the company faced reached another critical point in its existence. TAXI’s international journalist caught up with the fellow scribe on a whirlwind tour, where he visited London (‘I love your black cabs’), Brussels and Rotterdam to promote his new tome. If you missed the first part you can find it online at taxinewspaper.co.uk Uber boomed thanks to the iPhone, which had just come on to the market. But more important – to this day – were the investors. Throughout the 387-page book, venture capitalist Bill Gurley (Benchmark) plays an equally important part to Kalanick. He started the immense flow of money which cranked Uber’s starter motor. Gurley was also the man who assembled a number of investors to bring Kalanick down as CEO in June 2015.

Although Super Pumped is a riveting read, I’m missing a hell of a lot of Uber’s economic workings and its relationship to the transportation sector. “Doing a book means taking a bunch of decisions,” says Isaac.

“I wanted to tell the narrative of people at the top and the drama around this company.

To put that into the context of what’s happening in the taxi and ride-hailing industry would have added a whole other book. But there is a wealth of material. Perhaps something for you?

I would read that book!”

Backbone

Isaac’s many newspaper articles on Uber clearly provided the backbone for the story he wanted to tell.

“I stuck with people because of the compelling hubris of the founders and the culture and mentality they created inside Uber. This propelled Uber to a great height until it worked no longer and we all know the consequences.”

“It’s crazy how things have changed.

Everything was gutted. And it happened so fast. Taxis used to be in the centre, at the airport, everywhere. A good app and the iPhone destroyed that.”

An example of this change: in one of the biggest casino hotels in Las Vegas, Ceasar’s Palace, Uber’s logo is on every key card. And if you’re looking for a cab, at the exits you’ll only find signs for Uber.

Is Isaac an Uber-user? “I stopped for two years.

In part because sources will never meet you when you use Ubers, because Uber can see where you are going. Uber encouraged uploading your address book for sharing and splitting fees with friends. I never did that. For security reasons. I recently started using Uber again, because the alternatives in San Francisco, where I live, have been decimated: public transport and taxis. I use Flywheel taxis as well. They have been very good.

Don’t know about how their cabbies feel about

“Uber really is the poster child for everything rotten in tech...”

the industry as it is. But they’ve been pretty reliable.”

In London Isaac used black cabs all the time: “Those rides were really great. Nice drivers too.

A great experience.” Isaac was not aware of The Knowledge, though: “In the US anyone can become an Uber driver. I have had Uber drivers in my own city. They come from hours away. No local knowledge at all. One driver drove down a staircase. He thought it was the right route.”

US. Facebook bore the brunt, but Uber really is the poster child for every thing rotten that’s bad about technology. Uber is also about exploiting the working class, the gig workers.”

“The way that Uber is lobbying to get things done their way is awesome. They flooded the zone with drivers and lobbyists at the same time and mobilise users to send thousands of emails protesting any anti-Uber regulation.”

And in what way does diversification help Uber? “Uber Eats is a fascinating food delivery Lobbying was critical system. But there is fierce competition. People Are users in the US turning their backs on Uber? don’t stick to one brand. I’m not sold. Uber “Convenience, the tap of an app really influences is spending a lot on its trucks to gain market us. People are price-sensitive, but have no brand share. Supposedly it’s making a lot of money in loyalty. Kalanick tarnishing the brand hasn’t trucking. It’s now flirting with personal loans and done it much good. But the different view of tech leasing for drivers. You can also buy convenience companies did it even more harm. Not just in the things in an Uber. But is Uber Inc involved? The core riding business is topping out in terms of growth.”

Isaac mentions that Uber’s autonomous business was spun off as a separate entity. “It needs a lot of money, robotics engineers are very expensive. Besides, we are further out on autonomous than the industry has hyped. Level 5 automation? There’s no breakthrough yet. It’s expensive and far flung.”

Mental shift

On the regulatory side, Isaac sees a clear change.

“Mayor De Blasio’s measures were all about revenge, after Uber screwed him politically a few years back. One of the presidential candidates rallied for the AB5 bill in California. But part of it is posturing. I’m trying to find out why Mayor Khan opted for the two-month temporary option. Kicking the can down the road?”

“Uber’s mission in transport was to be as reliable as running water, they said. It’s not the case. They don’t serve everyone. And they come up against public transport as much as they say they want to work with it. We all rely on our iPhones. It’s not much more difficult to get a taxi via an app. And I’m sure Uber is not successful hailing cars everywhere. There will be a mental shift and a multi-mobility market. It will come.

Ride-hailing doesn’t always work.” u

28

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

THE BIG 40 ONE!

The membership of the LTDA is times greater than some other driver organisations!

CAUTION The LTDA legal service is the only trade scheme which defends members for ALL alleged offences (traffic, hackney or criminal), anytime, anywhere in the UK. Non members are advised to check carefully the exceptions and exclusions contained or imposed by other legal protection schemes circulating in our trade.

HERE’S WHY...

BADGESAFE SCHEME The LTDA retains experienced barristers with specialist knowledge of the London cab trade. Normally when drivers accumulate 12 points on their licence they receive an automatic 6 month ban, but in the case of LTDA members over 90% of those represented by our barristers receive a ban of just 1 month or in most cases no ban whatsoever.

EXPERTISE = SUCCESS The LTDA’s in-house lawyers are proud of their unrivalled record of court triumphs; in fact the rate of acquittals for members defended in court by the LTDA is 4 times higher than the national average. This unparalleled level of success is due entirely to the expertise acquired by the LTDA over many years of specialising in cab related legal matters.

YOUR FUTURE The LTDA remains the only trade body resolutely opposed to the computerisation of the Knowledge of London testing system.

(No to the quickie Knowledge campaign).

SICKNESS AND ACCIDENT PROTECTION When trouble strikes it’s comforting to know that you’ve got the strength of the LTDA around you. (Additional subscription payable).

LTDA HOLIDAY CLUB Many members have saved thousands of pounds by taking advantage of special offers and prices (members only).

WIN £5,000 EVERY MONTH IN THE LTDA LOTTERY 12 big prizes every year, but you have to be in it to win it (members only £5 per entry).

HEATHROW OFFICE AND REPRESENTATION Call in to the LTDA office at Heathrow, first door on the right in the canteen block. The LTDA’s representatives will give you a warm welcome. (Open to all).

WELFARE DEPARTMENT LTDA officers make home visits to members who are in severe distress or with special needs and authorise contingency payments where appropriate.

RANKS AND HIGHWAYS REPRESENTATION The LTDA has negotiated taxi access to most bus lanes and leads the way negotiating on issues that affect you, the licensed taxi driver.

GENERAL ADVICE If you are new to the trade and you don’t know your `roader’ from your `legal’, give us a call. We’re always here to help. (Tel: 020 7286 1046 - non members are welcome to call).

24 HOUR TOUT LINE Seen a tout in action? Take the details and phone them in, we will do the rest.

(Tel: 020 7266 4769).

VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS Continually representing members’ interests in disputes with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

AUTHORITIES AND MEDIA The LTDA is the largest and most respected driver organisation in the trade. We lead the way when negotiating with the Government, GLA, TfL, Police, Mayor’s Office, Heathrow, Rail Authorities, Local Councils and when dealing with all sections of the media.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Many cab drivers are discovering to their cost that their licences are at risk due to the TfL’s interpretation of the new DVLA Group 2 Medical Standards. The LTDA has successfully challenged many decisions by the TfL to revoke members’ licences on medical grounds.

FANTASTIC VALUE LTDA subscriptions have not increased for 20 years! It costs just 4 quid a week to join the trade’s biggest organisation and 3 quid of that is tax deductible!

(Payable monthly).

HEALTH AND SPORTS PROMOTION We regularly run promotions with leading health and sports companies resulting in big savings to members.

LEISURE DISCOUNTS Huge savings on weekend breaks at fine hotels and holiday centres. You will not believe these prices! (Members only).

To learn more about LTDA benefits and current joining offers

call: 020 7286 1046 or visit www.ltda.co.uk

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

29

LTDA OFFERS

Win a mini fire extinguisher offer A new lightweight fire extinguisher aerosol for tackling small fires has been approved and TAXI has two to give away.

Spray-Safe is a potentially cab saving canister which can be used on all classes of fire.

Every year more than 100,000 cars – nearly 300 a day – go up in flames for various reasons, including poor maintenance and vandalism.

However, some small fires are sparked by the growing number of electronic devices, adaptors and chargers which drivers rely on.

The product has passed a Di-Electric test to 35KVa, ensuring it is safe to be used on live electrical equipment/installations up to 1000v from one metre.

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initial fires in the taxi, car, home etc.

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4. Light weight (similar size to a Mars bar bottle drink) and is ideal for putting phone charger and laptop computer fires out in seconds.

5. C an be used upside down.

The aerosols cost £24.95 each but taxi drivers can get them at the special rate of £20 by contacting Taxi Contra 07788 421421.

To enter our prize draw to win one of two, email editor@ltda.co.uk with your name and address.

The fire service advises tackling

fires if and only if you believe it safe to do so. If the fire is in the engine compartment, do not open the bonnet, aim your extinguisher through the radiator grille or under the edge of the bonnet. Use with caution and if in doubt, don’t attempt to tackle the fire. Never use water on an engine fire.

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30

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

@TheLTDA

GET NOTICED WITH YOUR ADVERT HERE!

Get in touch To see your advertisement in the leading magazine for London taxi drivers, contact us today: Jack Green jack@centuryonepublishing.uk 01727 739 196

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

Uber Cabs Used to Deal Drugs crime An Uber driver was taken on a 215-mile drug trafficking trip it has emerged as the National Crime Agency admits it is tackling growing numbers of gangs using minicab apps to operate.

County Lines dealers used the Uber app to order a driver to take them on an eight-hour drug running trip.

The driver ferried three boys around east London, starting from Romford, and travelling as far as Clacton in Essex and back again.

He made 20 stops for the trio along the route, including in Dagenham, Ilford, Stratford and Basildon, before returning to Romford.

The driver became aware of credit cards being flashed and suspicious packages but was “too scared” to turf out his passengers.

Because the Uber account was set up using a false ID the driver was also left empty-handed at the end of the journey.

He said: “I thought there was going to be fight. Another gang member shone his motorbike lights into the car to see who was inside and they said: ‘Let’s go, let’s go.’”

“They are dangerous people. If they started fighting, I would get hurt.

31

NEWS IN BRIEF

Learn First Aid for Free health

I don’t want to witness this kind of behaviour.”

The gang ordered the Uber at 3pm, for a one-mile trip, but after arriving at their destination, they added additional stops.

The driver complained to Uber but did not get any response until more than a week later.

According to the National Crime Agency, County Lines drug dealers often use app-based minicab companies.

A spokesman said: “An emerging trend around the use of app-based taxi companies to transport both offenders and potential victims of exploitation to

supply areas has been identified.”

County Lines gangs traffic drugs from big cities, such as London, Birmingham and Manchester to rural areas to sell.

The term refers to gangs from big cities who expand their operations to smaller towns, often using violence to drive out local dealers while exploiting children and vulnerable people to sell drugs.

These dealers will use dedicated mobile phone lines, known as ‘deal lines’ to take orders.

Police estimate there are 1,000 branded County Lines phone numbers across the country.

There are still a few spaces on the LTDA’s popular free first aid skills course for members.

The association has teamed up with Paul Tippett and Abbey First Aid Solutions to offer the free course to our members at Taxi House. Paul, an Essex based London taxi driver and qualified first aid teacher, believes passionately that all drivers should learn first aid.

Paul said: “It could be the difference between someone living or dying.

“The first courses have all gone down well and everyone that took part learned a lot. I’m looking forward to the next sessions.”

Drivers learn how to administrate chest compressions to heart attack victims, use the correct recovery position and learn how to save a choking child or adult.

Participants are issued with a certification of Basic First Aid and an AFAS-LTDA window sticker to show their competence. If you are an LTDA member and can commit two hours of your time on Friday, January 17 call Taxi House on 0207 286 1046 to register your interest.

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32

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

@TheLTDA

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019

|||| TAXI

33

Having dinner with an old friend brings to mind one of Al’s most embarrassing jobs

AL FRESCO

SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES

TWO FINGERS

was a Woody Allen-esque frenetic agitator.

I rarely met him on the road, but when I did, I always enjoyed his company. So, it ince I lost my wife (it’s just over was a welcome shock to get a call from him 10 years now), I’ve become inviting me to a meal at his home. I was increasingly antisocial. So much pleasantly surprised and more than so, that I even gave up writing in the cab a little trepidatious. There trade press, where I‘ve been spinning my was to be Barry and cabbie yarns for over five decades. At home, his wife, three other I rarely entertain guests and I hardly get couples, and me. I any invites. Fortunately, I live with my duly turned up – oldest son and his family (and my second and had the best son, and his flock aren’t too far away), evening I’d had in so I do have access to other human beings years. We didn’t on a daily basis; but the real saving grace talk cabs (much), is my green badge. nor cruises, and Once I drop the lanyard with my we didn’t even talk faded badge clipped to it, over my head, Brexit. Being of a I become a different person. My mind similar age, we talked clears, my focus sharpens and the cloud about life experiences of despondency that usually follows me and how we’d all suffered the around gradually drifts away. If I’m lucky “slings and arrows of outrageous I bump into a friendly face from my early fortune.” Taxi talk involved telling tales years on the radio circuit. With a personal about our strangest customers and most call sign you couldn’t be antisocial on a embarrassing moments. My story, strangely radio circuit even if you wanted to. I was enough, involved a dinner party... nominally Fox Seven Zero, then I became Many years ago, I was flagged down Angel One Eight. You could chat with in Tottenham Court Road outside Heals, fellow drivers about their families, holidays, on the corner of Torrington Place. The family weddings and stop notes, you’d lady asked me to wait while someone only know them by their call sign. It was brought down a delivery to be made to only when you met them at a function, or, a block of mansions in Prince of Wales more recently, at the funeral of the departed Drive, Battersea. Another young woman unknown colleague, did you find out his eventually appeared carrying three plastic name was Stanley, and he’s been your trays, one inside the other, and put them uncle’s best friend for decades! And that’s on the passenger compartment floor. how I came to be invited to a dinner I drove slowly along Prince party for only the second time of Wales Drive looking for in over 10 years, by a the address. At Primrose fellow ex Mountview Mansions, I spotted an driver. Fortunately, I elderly lady hanging from did know his name. a window on the third I’d known Barry floor. She looked a for 40 years. He was likely candidate. always lively and The top tray was amicable. When we covered in transparent spoke, it was mainly cling film, under which about Radio Taxis and could be seen balancing the failures of its executives. I on a large dish, various stayed well away from politics, chunks of cheese; and but Barry was one of those another dish of crusty drivers who stood up at the baguettes and curled butter pats. circuit’s Annual General I had no idea what was Meeting (AGM) to take in the other two trays. the execs to task. He I climbed out of the

S

“[Barry had] a Woody Allen-esque frenetic agitato. I rarely met him on the road, but when I did, I always enjoyed his company. So, it was a shock to get a call from him inviting me to a meal...”

cab. The lady was still in the window gesticulating, but now I could actually hear what she was saying,” push the door and take the lift to the third floor, I’ll be waiting for you.”

Clutching the trays to my chest, I shoved the heavy door of Primrose Mansions open and sidled in. I was confronted by an Agatha Christie [left] 1920s scenario.

Scrolled carpets, masses of shiny brass fitments and an old-fashioned elevator. Balancing the trays, I slid back the first door, maneuvered myself inside and braced myself, trays tightly grasped, to negotiate the inner door. It slid open effortlessly and again, I sidled inside the sumptuous space and slid the lift gate shut behind me. With a spare finger, I pressed the button for floor three and turned to face frontwards.

As I did, my hand somehow caught on a protruding brass artefact, disturbing my grip on the bottom tray. The cheese tray and the tray beneath, stayed put, but the last tray slipped out of my grasp and slammed into the luxurious red and gold scrolled carpet. The tray, which was carrying a whole boiled salmon delicately arranged around the edge of a large platter, hit the floor. A tureen containing the rich lemon sauce, exploded on impact, deftly spraying lemon sauce across the lift’s mirrored interior.

As the lift reached the third floor, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. The female recipient, in a silk floral frock, stood waiting expectantly for the major components of her fancy dinner party – only to see them trickling down the mirrors, and spread out in a crumpled heap on the beautiful carpet.

Whilst the woman’s language was bluer than a royal periwinkle, my face was redder than the posh red axminster. I clearly remember her ripe, rude vocabulary following me down the fishy lift shaft and angrily out into south west London. ◆

34

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

Meet the LTDA legal team Driving a taxi for many hours of the day in one of the world’s most congested cities is a challenging task. Cabbies often fall victim to complaints and false accusations from police, passengers and other road users (especially cyclists and PHV drivers). When these events arise it’s comforting for LTDA members to know that they have the immediate support of the best specialist in-house legal team in the business. The success rate of the LTDA Legal Team is second to none. In fact, according to Criminal Justice Statistics, LTDA members defended by our team are FOUR times more likely than the national average to be acquitted of allegations made against them.

John Luckhurst Senior Partner

Charlotte Collet Solicitor Advocate

Tom Poulson

I joined the LTDA when I first got my badge and it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances I ended up getting my licence revoked by TfL. I turned to John Luckhurst, one of the LTDA’s legal eagles, for assistance. John went to great lengths to prepare a detailed appeal against TfL’s decision and briefed a brilliant barrister to represent me in court. The appeal was successful and saved my livelihood. LTDA subscriptions are only four quid a week, which is less than a pint, and three pounds can be claimed against tax. I can’t believe that every cabbie in town is not a member.

“FOUR times more likely than the NATIONAL average to get an acquittal” Ken Jackson The LTDA’s solicitors and support team, could not have been more helpful when I first informed them that an allegation had been made against me. The LTDA was quick to check all the CCTV cameras in the area and arrange for plans of the location to be drawn up.

Witness statements were also obtained and Mr Demidecki was successful in getting the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the case against me. Thanks LTDA - an all-round brilliant service!

Farouk Merdjane

I was involved in an accident whilst driving my cab in Shepherd’s Bush. I wasn’t too worried about it because I was confident that it wasn’t my fault and the insurance would sort it out.

A short while later I received a summons for driving without due care and attention. I had no witnesses to help me, but the other driver had produced “independent” witnesses out of thin air! I quickly contacted the LTDA’s legal department and they immediately visited the scene of the incident and arranged for professional photographs to be recorded. I later appeared before magistrates at Lavender Hill Court, where the LTDA barrister tied the witnesses up in knots and demonstrated they could not have seen what they said they had.

Thank you, LTDA legal department; you gave me an excellent service.

Paul Baxter I was filled with confidence the very first time I contacted the LTDA’s legal team and as it turned out, I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

They did a great job in sorting out my problem with TfL. They’ve got to be the best in the business!

“LTDA subscriptions cost less than four quid a week”

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019

|||| TAXI

35

The Megs plans to dance their way to fitness don’t exactly go according to plan

MUSHER MEG

“WE LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT”

LICENSED TO CHAT

M

r Meg and I are on a mission to get moving. Not by selling Meg Towers, I mean a different sort of moving.

And it’s not to do with going places in his 2007 Nissan Note (he says it’s a classic) or my TX4 – I’ve not yet taken the big step of switching to a TXe – but by shifting our backsides in some form of regular exercise. One that we can do together. The togetherness bit is nothing to do with being lovey-dovey – we just figured we are more likely to stick to a regime if we chivvy each other along.

The motivation for this sudden urge to body sculpt is that we have two mini Meg weddings coming up in the next few months.

This week, after a try on of Mr Meg’s recently purchased suits and my fancy dresses, it seems out that our outfits have shrunk in the wardrobe He nearly choked on his millionaire shortbreads and frothy coffee when I suggested we might have to go shopping again and buy two more outfits each that fit properly.

So, he took the initiative and googled exercise classes near us.

First stop was yoga. This came highly recommended by a vegan friend of his who drinks turmeric tea and stands on his head to chat. This chap is a devotee of tantric sex. Mr Meg compares tantric sex to waiting for British Gas and their annual visit to service the boiler, “you stay in all day and nobody comes”.

Mr Meg and I arrived at the hall where Yoga happens, and it cost £15 to get in. Mr Meg, predictably, shouted “£15?!” quickly followed by “Does this ruddy class last all day then?”

He stomped into the space that was full of zen people doing extremely tranquil things in lycra one pieces and declared, “it’s like a bloody sauna in here” and flung open all the windows and turned the radiator off.

The pair of us were slung out before we’d even attempted the lotus position.

The instructor, who looked like a broom handle in a curly wig, slammed all the windows shut and switched the heating back on. She told Mr Meg he had “harshed her mellow” and if he didn’t know what hot yoga was, why was he there? She finished off by shouting, “you are a very stupid man!”

I came over all Tammy Wynette and decided

TX4 10 plates to TX4 65 plates from £210 to £275 Euro 6 from £270 £275 17 plate vitos from

to stand by my man and worked up quite a sweat opening the windows again and flicking switches to close the heating. Then the instructor chased us out of the building and onto the street. It was all very good exercise.

Mr Meg had looked up dance classes because he knows I love Strictly Come Dancing and thought I would enjoy them. Which is how we arrived, the following evening, at a middle eastern belly dancing class in a college in Wembley Park. Mr Meg was perplexed and claimed that Google hadn’t mentioned the word belly anywhere.

We are both well equipped for this type of dancing as we have an abundance of belly but, once again, we were turned away.

Apparently, belly dancing is only for women.

I think they took one look at Mr Meg in his hiking shorts and boots and a George O’Mahony t-shirt (he’s very anti designer labels and thinks that t-shirt is a hoot) and decided he didn’t have sexual allure or mystique of your average belly dancer.

We’re still on the look-out for a class that suits, but in the meanwhile have started walking our way to weight loss. It’s free and not fattening. It’ll do. ◆

36

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

MASSETT'S CAMERA HOTSPOTS EXMOUTH MARKET Red zone BERKLEY STREET J/W PICCADILLY Yellow box cameras JOHN ISLIP STREET No right turn into Ponsonby Terrace FULHAM BROADWAY/BARCLAY ROAD Yellow box CAMDEN 20mph limit SELFRIDGES Over ranking LUDGATE HILL Zig-Zags ISLINGTON 20mph limit RED ROUTES TfL is actively enforcing yellow box restrictions TOWER BRIDGE 20 mph speed limit – average speed cameras LIMEHOUSE LINK 30mph speed limit SMITHFIELD Do not park in loading boxes, they are enforced by camera A13 Average speed cameras in operation THE CITY 20mph limit KILLICK STREET Pedestrian zone WESTMINSTER PARK PLAZA No right turn into Addington Street VERNON PLACE No left turn into Southampton Row

◆ HOTSPOT 1 Devonshire Place Mews

— no right turn

◆ HOTSPOT 2 Binfield Road

—24hr pedestrian zone

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|||| www.ltda.co.uk

@TheLTDA

29 October 2019

|||| TAXI

37

The world’s leading Taxi drivers deserve the best insurance partner.

London Taxi drivers have been voted the world’s leading taxi drivers by a survey of 2600 world travellers carried out by hotels.com

Visit Us:

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Quotax Insurance Services

Call Us: 0208 691 9691

Blackhorse Road

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London

Sat & Sun: Closed

SE8 5HY

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To see how much you could save call

020 8127 8419 www.quotax.net

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28/01/2019 22:31

38

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

@TheLTDA

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019

|||| TAXI

39

PUZZLER

C

PRIZE CROSSWORD omplete our crossword puzzle and be in with a chance to win £50! Send your entry to: Crossword 455, Taxi, Taxi House, 11 Woodfield Road, W9 2BA before December 3. The first name out of the proverbial hat wins the cash! ◆

ACROSS:

DOWN:

7 Spinning (6)

1 Booming (4)

8 In Utero (6)

2 Boggy (6)

9 Chances (4)

3 Typhoon (7)

10 Affable (8)

4 Throaty (5)

11 Nauseating (7)

5 Get (6)

13 Dagger (5)

6 Productive (8)

15 Tusk material (5)

12 Hover (8)

17 Ceremony (7)

14 Origin (7)

20 Point of view (8)

16 Destroyed (6)

21 Window or door base (4)

18 Subordinate state (6)

23 Reflexive pronoun (6)

19 Ends of sleeves (5)

24 Sloping typeface (6)

22 Set down (4)

PUZZLER SUDOKU Just for fun...

Puzzles © 2018 Puzzler Media Ltd.www.puzzler.com

Have a go at this medium level Sudoku puzzle.

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9 just once

CROSSWORD #455

WINNER: ISSUE 453 — Peter Kelly, Rickmansworth ACROSS: 7 Lament, 8 Renter, 9 Lily, 10 Hazelnut, 11 Methane, 13 Laser, 15 Grown, 17 Oarsman, 20 End-to-end, 21 Shun, 22 Sweets, 23 Unused

OVERHEARD

W

e’re all living longer. We have to, to pay off our debts. Every day in the post I get more bills. It’s no wonder there’s a paper shortage. Every day in the post I get more bills. I’ve got so many debt collectors, they come to my house in a carpool.

I wish the people who owe me money had as good a memory as the ones I owe money to. If I said I had money, that would be in the past tense. If I said I have money that would be a pretence. I’d be happy to pay as I go, as soon as I finish paying for where I’ve been. My ten pound notes go so fast they should have racing stripes on them. My wallet’s got an echo. If a pickpocket went through my pocket now, all he’d get is get is exercise. The only time I have surplus money is when I forget to pay a bill.

Trouble is, I’m on a low salary diet. My pay packet has more deductions than a Sherlock Holmes story, I’m just acting my wage. My credit rating is zero but it’s not my fault, I took a memory course and forgot to pay for it. They say money talks. In my case it goes

DOWN: 1 Facile, 2 Rely, 3 Etching, 4 Froze, 5 Uncloaks, 6 Peruse, 12 Howitzer, 14 Eardrum, 16 Renown, 18 Amulet, 19 Tense, 21 Sour

without saying. The newspapers used to tell us what’s going on. Now, it’s what’s going up.

Milk now costs so much I’m thinking of buying a cow and taking things in my own hands.

Property prices have risen to the point where I can no longer afford to play monopoly. I blame inflation. Yesterday I opened an electric bill and got a nasty shock. My motto is “DOWN. WITH EVERYTHING THAT’S UP.” I used to belong to the society that fights inflation but their fees went up. Banks are closing branches all over the country, but they’re insisting their level of service won’t change. It will still be as bad as always. I went to my bank manager to raise a loan. All I raised was a laugh. He said, “do you mind if my assistant turns you down, I want him to get experience.” We’re constantly being told that top bank executives are fat cats spending their ill-gotten gains on old masters and young mistresses. They’ve become a bonus of contention. Apparently, the expression “take the money and run,” doesn’t apply to bank bosses. They take the money and stay around to take a lot more. Summing up my financial position, I’d say that though money is the root of all evil, having none is even worse. ◆ –Brad Ashton

40

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

APPLICATION FORM Name Address Postcode Telephone

Mobile

Email

Twitter

Date of Birth

Badge No.

Badge colour (Please state whether green or yellow)

Year badge obtained

Suburban badge sector numbers Have you ever been a member of the LTDA before? (please tick)

Yes

No

Do you currently have points on your DVLA driving license? (please tick)

Yes

No

If Yes how many points do you have?

Please tick if you DO NOT wish to receive information from the LTDA and other related organisations in the future?  I understand that my application for membership of the Association must be approved by the Council of Management and that until this is confirmed I am not eligible to vote in relation to any form of Association matters. I agree that all benefits prior to approval of membership shall be at the discretion of the Council of Management.

Please note: We do not provide assistance for any matters that have occurred prior to you joining LTDA. Signed

Date

LTDA Basic Direct Debit Instructions Instructions to your Bank/Building Society to pay Direct Debits: Please complete parts 1 to 5 to instruct your branch to make direct payments from your account. Then return the form to the LTDA, FREEPOST, (PAM 2005), London W9 2BR

Originator’s Identification No. 9 1 4 4 2 8

For Office use only 1 Please write the name and full postal address of your branch in the box (left) 2 Name of account holder

To the Manager of

3 Account number 4 Bank Sort Code

Address

Banks/Building Societies may not accept instructions to pay Direct Debit from some types of account.

5 Signature(s) Date This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer

The Direct Debit Guarantee • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit LTDA will notify you (10 working days) in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request LTDA to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by LTDA, or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

- If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when LTDA asks you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019

|||| TAXI

41

OVERHAULS, SERVICING, BODYWORK AND NON FAULT SPECIALIST British KITEMARK Approved Body Shop

CABS AVAILABLE TO RENT NOW!

07534 125 454 0207 372 2222

CALL NOW

52 Iverson Road London NW6 2QX

42

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

LTDA

A selection of our numerous

Distribution Points

◆ A1 Taxis, Melody Lane, Highbury, N5 ◆ Abacus Accounts, Southbrook Road, Lee, SE12 ◆ Astral Café, Regency Place, SW1 ◆ Bubbles Car Wash, E2 ◆ C & S Taxis, Dunbridge Street, E2 ◆ Cabsurance, Seven Kings ◆ Camberfield Taxi Services ◆ Computer Cab, Mitre Way, W12 ◆ Coney Allen, Dunbridge Street, E1 ◆ CP Beehive Service Station, Beehive Lane, Gants Hill ◆ Cricklewood Carriers, Cricklewood ◆ Dial A Cab, City Road, N1 ◆ Edgware Station Rank ◆ Euston Station Rank ◆ G & L Taxis, Crayford Road, N7 ◆ Globe Transmissions, Cudworth Street, E1 ◆ The Ham, Brentford ◆ Heathrow Airport Canteen ◆ Hexagon Garage, Lukin Street, E1 ◆ Jet Garage, Clipstone Street, W1 ◆ Knowledge Centre, Caledonian Road ◆ KPM, Hemming Street, E1 ◆ London City Airport Canteen ◆ LP Motors, Dunbridge Street, E2 ◆ Martin Cordell, E3 and Stanmore ◆ Paddington Station Rank ◆ Putney Bridge Taxis, The Arches, Putney Bridge Station, SW6 ◆ Richmond Road Taxi Centre, E8 ◆ Safewise Supermarket, Harrow ◆ South Bank Service Station, Great Suffolk Street, SE1 ◆ TAXI HOUSE, W9 ◆ Taxi & Private Hire, Blackfriars Rd, SE1 ◆ Temple Place Shelter ◆ Tent Street Taxi Centre, E2 ◆ Turbo Accessories, Three Colts Lane, E2 ◆ Waterloo Station ◆ Wimbledon Station Rank ◆ WizAnn Knowledge School, Watts Grove, E3

Published by LTDA Taxi House 11 Woodfield Road, London W9 2BA T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA Managing Editor Steve Still T: 0207 121 0523 E: editor@ltda.co.uk The Massett File Richard Massett International News Wim Faber Two Fingers Al Fresco Taxi Talk Alf Townsend Overheard Brad Ashton Licensed to Chat Musher Meg Produced by Century One Publishing Ltd Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 E: enquiries@centuryonepublishing.uk www.centuryonepublishing.uk Advertising Sales Executive Jack Green T: 01727 739 196 E: jack@centuryonepublishing.uk Art Editor Alan Booth Advert Coordinator Caitlyn Hobbs Printed by Manson Group, St Albans

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 photocopying 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

Prostate Quarter Page 111mmx 141mm:Prostate A4 ad 15/10/2012 16:22 Page 1

TREATING PROSTATE CANCER QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

For a FREE copy of this booklet please contact us at the address below.

This booklet has two aims: • to help you become better informed about prostate cancer and its treatment. • to guide you in the decisions you will make about your care with your doctor.

g t ng atitin rea T Tre

e t te prosta r e c n ca nd and Questions an

s ers answer

It cannot replace talking to your GP or hospital doctor.

If you can help us by raising funds for our research or to make a donation please contact us at the address below.

Your support is vital!

Prostate Cancer Research Centre • 67 Riding House Street • London • W1W 7EJ Tel: 020 7679 9366 • email info@prostate-cancer-research.org.uk • www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

43

ARTWORK FOR YOUR APPROVAL 44

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

Century One Publishing Ltd. Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, St. Albans, AL3 4DG T. 01727 893 894 F. 01727 893 895 www.centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk

CLASSIFIED

ACCOUNTANTS

CABS FOR RENT

Please note that the image below is not necessarily actual size. The final press ready version will be emailed to you for your records and future use on approval of artwork.

Tax Returns • Qualified Accountants specialising in the taxi trade • Yearly accounts and tax returns • Online submission to Inland Revenue • Based in Kingston Upon Thames

@TheLTDA

07957 465423

e16-taxirentals.co.uk TX4s TO RENT

From

£216 From +vat

£199

Ascott's maintained.

Pay by cash/bank/online.

Mercs also available

Tel: 0208 5499 541 8A Endeavour House 2 Cambridge Road Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 3JU

G&H_Eighth_366.qxp_Layout 1 11/04/2016 15:02 Page 1 CABS FORNEWRENT

G&H TAXIS FLEET RENTAL Established 1993 Est

25

years

518 KING STREET, OFF BRUCE GROVE, TOTTENHAM N17 8AW

BEAT THE RECESSION! TX4's for HIRE Fuel-Saving LPG Taxis from £185 per week

OVERHAULS SERVICING BODYWORK PAY IN AT ANY BARCLAYS BANK 24 HOUR RAC BACKUP

CALL US NOW 07946 110815 / 020 8885 1844 WEB: www.gandhtaxis.comEMAIL: gandhtaxisfleet@aol.com

CABS FOR RENT Should you require any amendments to the artwork above please indicate them clearly on this page and return this form by email or fax (in the first instance) within 2 working days. Failure to return this form will signal acceptance.

You will receive a single round of amends and a further proof to sign off for print. If further changes are required this may incurr an additional production charge of £20 for each additional proof sent.

GAP INSURANCE

MAGAZINE: LTDA Taxi ISSUE: 231

PURCHASED A NEW TAXI?

SIZE: Sixteenth AVOID ANY POTENTIALpage SHORTFALL

IN YOUR FINANCE FOLLOWING ARTWORK CHARGE: n/a A TOTAL LOSS CLAIM

0208 597 2622 SECTION: Classified CABSURANCE

DESIGNER: Astington A & F Sarah C A UTHORISED

REGULATED BY THE

INANCIAL

ONDUCT

UTHORITY

TAXI

AD FREENAME:

TX4 & NEW TX4 SIGNATURE: EURO 6’S FOR RENT LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY?

WE WANT YOUR USED CAB Get up to £3,500 more on part ex values for certain TX4 models* Get your valuation at www.levc.com/valuemytaxi

cabs also wanted to buy with or without finance

CALL: 07738 162 518 DATE:

*Terms and conditions apply, please see levc.com for full details

EMAIL: copy@centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk

APPROVED FOR PRINT

PHONE: 01727 739 189

AMENDS TO BE MADE

Please tick one box thank you

To plan your ad campaign in Taxi magazine contact:

Jack Green

t: 01727 739 196 e: jack@centuryonepublishing.uk w: www.centuryonepublishing.uk

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019 |||| TAXI

45

CLASSIFIED

CABS TO BUY

CABS FOR RENT

Thinking of selling your TX4?

Brown’s Taxis

Want the best price? - Cash Waiting

Any Condition (no de-registered vehicles)

Ring 078 8937 8639 DRIVER APPS

HEALTH

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(Mitcham Based) 53 plate to 19 plate

24-Hour AA Recovery • Spare cab available • Electric Cabs Available

Call Danny on

0203 673 4819 or (M) 07956 463040

PAIN / DISCOMFORT? BACK ACHE? E14 Osteopath 10% off initial visit: Quote ‘TAXI’ Glenn Sontag MSc 07816 108812

SERVICES & REPAIRS

46

www.ltda.co.uk ||||

TAXI |||| 29 October 2019

@TheLTDA

LINAGE ACCOUNTANTS l CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS specialising in the taxi trade.

Accounts and tax returns £312inc VAT. Call 0208 360 1446

AIR CONDITIONING l MOBILE AUTO AIR conditioning service and repair for taxis, Telephone Nick on 07785 900006 7 days

CABS FOR RENT l ALL VITOS TO RENT. STARTING from £220pw. 07956 211478

l TX4s/TXEs EAST LONDON/ Essex Based From £200pw. 24hr Back-up. Own garage/bodyshop.

07715 512263 & 01708 347288 l TX4S FOR HIRE, NO ADS, FULL backup, RAC cover, 07980 288333 l VNK MOTORS -TXIIs, TX4s & TXEs for rent, from £185pw £340pw. Full back up, Caledonia Road, North London area, breakdown service, overhauls, running repairs & body work.

0207 700 1045 or 07951 661430 – Nick.

CABS WANTED

l CABS URGENTLY WANTED, Any condition, cash same day, sell l LATE TX4 FOR RENT. SPARE cabs available. RAC backup. Call for and rent back. Call Roy information 07956 293748 07305 160361

l ALL DE-COMMISSIONED good quality TX4s wanted.

Instant decision, cash paid. We come to you. 07973 335739 or 01253 407500 l ALL CABS WANTED. WE come to you. Any condition quick decision. Instant cash paid.

07763 699767. l GOOD TXIs, TXIIs AND TX4s wanted, top prices paid, quick viewing, North London based, Graham- 07435 562759 oldlondontaxis@yahoo.co.uk l ALL CABS WANTED, WE come to you, top prices paid, cash/ bank transfer, instant decision, finance settled, non-runners or sell & rent back, Taxi’s available to rent. call 07956 317300

l DE-COMMISSIONED EURO 5 and TX4s wanted. Top prices paid.

Cash or transfer. We collect. John 07702 554934 & Tony 07919 401622

CABS FOR SALE l E16 TAXI SALES. CONSIDERING selling your cab? Try us. Also cabs for sale. 07957 465423

MISCELLANEOUS l CABBIES MATE FOR SALE ALL points updated. £190ono. Contact John 07833 727576 l RECARO CHAIR FOR SALE, recently upholstered. Immaculate condition. Buyer collect. £200.

07949 191476

PLACE YOUR LINAGE BY WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 07TH FOR TAXI 456 UP TO 15 WORDS: £35

UP TO 25 WORDS: £45 UP TO 35 WORDS: £55

CALL JACK ON 01727 739 196

@TheLTDA

|||| www.ltda.co.uk

29 October 2019

|||| TAXI

47

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