TaxiPoint September 2019 Edition 5

The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication

Edition 5 | Sept 2019

Over 40,000 readers last month!

Assembly Speaks Interviews with Caroline Pidgeon and Keith Prince: Talking Uber, Age Limits, Boris, VEHICLES | APPS | LICENSING | CROSS Task Finishing Group and MORE -BORDER | POLITICS | AND MORE...

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Mercedes EQV

Electric taxis convert price and details

Full Interview

Cashback Taxi Would you offer it?

Content and Editorial

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3

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TaxiPoint Chief Editor:

Perry Richardson

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TaxiPoint Joint Editor: Steve Kenton TaxiPoint Joint Editor:

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Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager:

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Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk

Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk

p10 A busy month ahead for the UK taxi industry awaits. Whether it be high profile licensing decisions, new taxis hitting the road or the usual random story coming out of the blue!

Here at TaxiPoint we’ll continue to cover all the big stories from across the UK. Our responsible and trustworthy reporting appearing on mainstream platforms such as Google and Apple News means we’re continuing to grow fast. This month we passed some big milestones as a result. In the last 12 months TaxiPoint has amassed a whopping 100,000 returning readers! Thank you.

As always, we hope you enjoy the read!

Thank you and be lucky,

Perry Richardson

Advertising enquires at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2019. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 5

Caroline Pidgeon Exclusive interview with London’s Assembly Member and Deputy Chair of the Transport Committee

Image: Facebook

Uber’s probation period is coming to an end; given So outside of the technical legal framework, we think recent events, do you think they have done enough to that there should be some sort of kitemark that says secure an operator’s licence in the capital? you meet a specific criteria. This could mean that drivers reach a certain level of training, such as I do think it was right that Transport for London (TfL) revoked their licence, because I do think that there were disability awareness, as well as guaranteeing that many ways that they weren't ‘fit and proper’ to hold a drivers get paid at least the London living wage, licence. I have had concerns about Uber for many years, ensuring that they would only drive a set number of hours. not just in terms of passenger safety, but in terms of welfare of drivers actually, and the reputation that has on our city.

If we could have this charter mark that shows that any given PHV company is a decent company, instead of They've made changes supposedly and been given a 15 having this race to the bottom, we then start to raise standards and that can only be good for passengers, for month licence. You would expect them to be on their drivers’ welfare and the reputation of this city, as well best behaviour and beyond, but to have heard this as other road users. Ultimately if someone is unable to week that they have had a court case and been fined, that shows that there are still questions about how they meet those standards, then they shouldn't be driving a PHV. are practicing.

I think that when their licence comes up for renewal very shortly, TfL will have to think very carefully before renewing because clearly they are not operating in a proper way.

In terms of private hire, the work our committee did recommended that whilst the Mayor and TfL are limited as to what they can and can't licence because it is set out in statute, they should be able to raise the bar in London and set out a ‘London standard’.

The Mayor and TfL could actually do something there and have their own charter mark, which decent companies would want to sign up to.

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6

Do you think Boris Johnson and Grant Shapps will be more receptive to the Mayor's requests surrounding the taxi and private hire industry, especially given the fact that Boris Johnson was the previous London Mayor?

If we were in normal political times, putting Brexit aside, you would think that we have a PM who understands the issues, and who would be receptive to legislative changes, and bring in things that he may have wanted to do as Mayor but couldn't, and find the space to make those changes. Whether it be defining plying for hire or bringing in cross border hiring legislation.

But the reality is, with Brexit there is no space at any level in government or across Parliament for anything else. The reality is until there is some sort of conclusion in relation to Brexit, there is not going to be any space to create legislation, potentially for years in my view.

Do you think that the ‘Task and Finish’ report will end up on the back burner?

I'm afraid I think it will, and that is such a shame because there was a lot of work put into it. But that is how I see politics at the moment, there's just no space. I talk to people in Parliament, I talk to people in the Lords, there's just no space. There's been no legislation coming through whatsoever. Every government department is planning for a number of different scenarios because of the Brexit situation. There is just no parliamentary space.

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 7

Two high profile bus gates (Bow and Wapping) have been, or are set to be, trialled which restricts taxi access, do you agree with this?

I haven't seen either of these cases, but generally if you've got a bus lane then they should have taxis and motorcycles allowed as well.

It's important to make areas safe and create a much nicer environment, but where there are bus lanes I've always argued that motorcycles and taxis should also have access. Not all of my colleagues agree with me, but that is something that I have supported. I will try to keep an eye on this though.

I pushed the Mayor on LPG as an interim fuel as well, the answer I got given from the Mayor at Mayor’s Question Time was very negative about it. Afterwards his officers came to apologise to my office, saying that they had given the Mayor wrong information and now LPG is included.

What help is being given to fleet owners to help them switch to electric vehicles?

I'm not aware there is any specific help being given to fleet owners, I know that they are helping individual cabbies but I’m not aware of any help being given to fleet owners. Years ago it was suggested that TfL use their capital funding to bulk buy the new taxi to get the The LTDA is currently investigating potential price down with such a big order, to then sell on to technological solutions to retro-fit 4,600 Euro 5 diesel taxis to meet Euro 6 standards. The LTDA suggest that garages, drivers and so on. the retro-fit would deliver “better emissions savings We have on London’s roads hundreds of Boris' and avoid penalising drivers” if implemented, do you Routemaster buses. They were expensive to buy, support this opinion? expensive to run and they're not the cleanest vehicle, they are horrible to travel on and they're sweltering Yes, I was pleased. I asked a question back in June hot. They bought those rather than the bus companies, about this, which I still haven't had answered, about because they couldn't sell them on. But they should whether TfL has taken an evaluation of this idea. In a long press release from the Mayor's office they did say have bought taxis and brought the price down. that they were going to keep it under review. They did say if the retrofit is approved, they would look to incorporate this.

Do you think that TfL could eventually ban private car use from zones one and two in Central London, forcing people to use public transport?

There are ways you could do road user charging, it would be a Mayoral decision because it's a political decision. My committee recommended the Mayor looks at how you could bring in road user charging in London.

The congestion charge is clearly not fit for purpose. You need to bring in some form of road pricing to get people out of their vehicles, or they pay for the privilege.

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8

Given the considerable recent debate over taxi age limits, do you think the current age limit of 15 years should be reviewed for zero emission capable taxis?

reviewing his taxi action plan. I think that is disappointing because taxis and private hire are a part of the transport network in London, we need to make I think that you are right, I’ve not heard that suggestion sure that the infrastructure is there to support both before. I think it could be extended because you have to industries. go through your MOT in any case, if it's not roadworthy, I think taxis and private hire are not a priority for this it won't pass.

Mayor, I don't think that they have been a priority for Given the investment, and its cleaner technology, I think any Mayor to be honest. This Mayor is very keen to push public transport, walking and cycling . that's a very good suggestion.

What are your thoughts on how taxi and private hire vehicles were covered in the Mayor's transport strategy?

Do you think there will be a commitment to recognise the taxi industry as a fully integrated part of the public transport network?

We've recommended that the Mayor should review the taxi action plan and set clear targets. For example, accelerated provision for rapid charging infrastructure across London and ranks at all Crossrail stations.

I don't think that this Mayor is particularly interested in taxis or private hire, I don't think he sees it as a priority.

I think the taxi industry needs to come up with clear asks for next year's Mayoral candidates. That is a challenge for you to unite around and to ask for things that are achievable.

We had a response in July, but the Mayor isn't

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10

How does their taxi financing service work?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OCTOPUS DRIVERS TaxiPoint visited new taxi industry financers Octopus to learn more about their service and what makes them different to other finance firms available to drivers across the UK. Dan Saunders from Octopus ran through the pay as you

drive finance option, which is helping cabbies make the move to zero emission taxis.

Two drivers from London and Coventry respectively, gave their take on the Octopus deal they’ve taken out and why it might suit other cabbies.

Watch and learn all there is to know about Octopus Find TaxiPoint on social media

Charity

May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

Compliance

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12

Dundee taxi drivers ordered to adhere to dress code during compliance checks dubbed 'Operation Respectful' Tayside Division Licensing Team continued their compliance deployments, with over 60 taxi drivers spoken to and vehicles examined across Dundee.

The majority of drivers and vehicles complied with conditions and legislation, although a number of vehicles and drivers were instructed to immediately rectify identified issues, including poor vehicle cleanliness, defective lights, and not complying with the taxi drivers' dress code.

Sergeant Ryan MacDonald of the Divisional Licensing Team said: “It is encouraging to see so many taxi drivers complying with their conditions and relevant legislation.

"However unfortunately there are still some drivers who are failing to comply with even basic requirements such as ensuring their vehicle is in a clean and

roadworthy condition.

"We shall continue with licensing compliance checks across Tayside whether that be taxis, licensed premises, or second hand dealers throughout the year to ensure that licence conditions are being adhered to."

The driver of a taxi while plying for hire or carrying a passenger must comply with the undernoted minimum dress requirements:•

Dress type shirt or blouse with collar or polo shirt, dress type skirt or trousers and dress type shoes, boots or dress sandals.

•

Training shoes, baseball caps, shorts, tracksuits, denim shirt/jeans, casual Tee shirts and football attire are not permitted.

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UK

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31

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In my cab!

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14

Famous faces and on location this month...

Josh Widdicombe with cabbie Barry Garfield

Tom Jones with cabbie Dean Peaston

TaxiPoint want to see your very best photos!

With amazing photos taken each month of the famous faces you meet and great cities you are proud to work in, we want to share the best photos you take.

Please send them in to contact@taxi-point.co.uk and we may use them in our news stories.

Glasgow by @storripic (Instagram)

Sunset on Heathrow rank by @sirdanielofhowroyd (Instagram)

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From the readers

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15

Dave Allen Dave Allen, Editor of The Cab Driver, has sadly passed away on 21 August. His funeral was held at the Church of Mary Immaculate and St Peter, New Barnet, London on Monday 2 September.

Dave was held in high esteem within the industry and he and his paper were always very supportive of the charity work the trade conducted.

At the funeral no flowers were requested, but donations to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans were accepted if so desired.

Our condolences go to his family at this sad time.

London Taxi warm clothing appeal 2019 Greetings,

Well, the long hot summer of 2019 is starting to fade away and Autumn is fast approaching.

On Monday the 2nd of December at 7pm we will be handing out warm clothing and essential items to the homeless community who congregate on the pavement between the Strand and Charing Cross police station.

This will be after the Taxi sandwich run who give out rolls, sandwiches, baguettes, wraps, salads, tea, coffee and water to the homeless community. The Taxi sandwich run does this every Wednesday outside Charing Cross police station, Agar street, with the help of EAT and their lovely staff who do this in their own time.

Do you have any unwanted men’s and women's clothing such as coats, jumpers, jeans, trousers, socks, hats, gloves, scarfs, toiletries, bags, rucksacks, backpacks, camping equipment, duvets, blankets, sheets, pillows, laundry bags?

Alternatively, if you do not have any of the above but would like to contribute, ladies and gents underwear and socks can be purchased very cheaply from the likes of Primark, Asda, Sainsburys and Tesco.

If you have any of the above and would like to get involved, you can drop off these items to the LTDA at LTDA House, 11 Woodfield Road, London, W9 2BA between the hours of 9-5pm, Monday to Friday, or bring the items yourself on the night at 7pm.

Last year we had 17 taxis collect all the clothing from the LTDA ad van and then distribute the clothing to the homeless community outside Charing Cross police station, which was appreciated by all who queued up in the cold.

Many thanks,

Dean Thomas Find TaxiPoint on social media

Letter to Editor

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September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17

Dear Editor...

Regarding your Cross-Border article in the August 2019 issue. I am at a loss as to where there needs to be a change in the Law. Cllr Richard Overton claims that since the law was changed in 2015 drivers can lawfully operate anywhere in the country regardless of where they are licensed. His statement is untrue and misleading.

Deregulation Act 2015 section 55a. Sub-contracting by operators. (1) A person licensed under section 55 who has in a controlled district accepted a booking for a private hire vehicle may arrange for another person to provide a vehicle to carry out the booking if— (a) the other person is licensed under section 55 in respect of the same controlled district and the subcontracted booking is accepted in that district; (b) the other person is licensed under section 55 in respect of another controlled district and the subcontracted booking is accepted in that district; (c) the other person is a London PHV operator and the sub-contracted booking is accepted at an operating centre in London; or (d) the other person accepts the sub-contracted booking in Scotland.

controlled licensing district, he cannot allocate the hiring to one of his vehicles should they be in the controlled licensing district that the hirer is making the booking. The PHO must Sub-contracting it to an operator who has a vehicle in that controlled licensing district As to the situation regarding London. Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 section 6(6)(b) clearly states that if the vehicle is in use for the purposes of a hiring the booking for which was accepted outside London in a controlled district, a licence under section 48 of the 1976 Act needs to be issued by the council for that district.

Yours sincerely, Les Hoath (Chairman) London Suburban Taxi-drivers' Coalition

The easiest way to explain this is by watching the crossborder hiring process video, this explains that the private hire vehicle has to be in its controlled licensing district when the hiring is allocated to it. Should the hirer be in a different controlled licensing district to that of the licensed private hire operator (PHO), then if the PHO has no vehicles available in his

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Vehicle

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

Mercedes-Benz EQV: The future UK Black Taxi convert?

Images: Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz Vans first presented the Concept EQV as a study at the Geneva Motor Show back in March 2019.

Fast forward to August, the series version of the Mercedes-Benz EQV celebrated its debut. The next member of the Mercedes EQ family combines emissions-free capability and the highly impressive driving abilities, functionality and design as you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz.

The new Mercedes-Benz EQV, which is being tipped as the vehicle most likely to become Mercedes offering as a taxi in the UK market, has been shown to the public for the first time at this year's IAA. The most eye catching news surrounding its design is the massive 405 kilometres range, thats 252 miles to us in the UK, although it must be noted that these remain provisional figures from Mercedes.

Another impressive feature of the vehicle is the impressive rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than an hour.

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Vehicle

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19

The price of the vehicle as a nonmodified van is however expected to start at £60,000. Whether the EVQ can make the conversion to a wheelchair accessible black cab at a cost that drivers are willing to pay, remains the big question.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character."

It’s got the range.

It’s got the charging capability.

Has it got a competitive price for the taxi market?

Price before conversion

£60,000

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Vehicle

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

Swedish electric pedicab makers design new ‘black taxi’ mock-up

Swedish electric pedicab makers design new ‘London taxi’ mock-up.

The Quicab ‘cycletaxi’ is a taxi cabin attachment for Velove Armadillo, hailing from Gothenburg in Sweden.

Velove says its aim is to improve city logistics. Their electric cargo bike, the Armadillo, aims to satisfy all types of transportation needs with different trailers and cabins available based on the requirements needed.

Prices for the Velove start at roughly £7,000 excluding VAT. Lights and indicators cost a further £350 and an extra battery £500, all before VAT. The cost of the Quicab passenger cabin attachment and driver cover are also to be included.

A Quicab spokesperson said via Twitter: “We’re so happy for the interest from London that we've conjured up an image of what a Black Quicab might look like.”

The Quicab attachment turns the Velove into a electric The black cab mock-up design was created by assisted pedicab. The electric pedicabs currently used Lighthaus, but is highly unlikely to ever qualify as a in Europe are said to be able to achieve speeds of up to working Hackney Carriage Taxi in London.

15mph and can shift two passengers at a time.

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Vehicle

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22

LEVC showcases new TX ‘Shuttle’ model

Image: LEVC

London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) displayed the TX ‘Shuttle’ on the Department for International Trade stand at IAA New Mobility World area from 10 September to 15 September.

Duisenberg-Essen and the city of Cologne to determine the possibility of creating inductive charging for the TX fleet, meaning the LEVC products may not need to be plugged in.

Since 2014, GEELY has invested more than £500m into LEVC, allowing it to build an entirely new manufacturing facility in Ansty, Coventry and to develop the TX Taxi, a vehicle which has been a huge success with 2,500 examples sold in the UK and throughout Europe.

Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, commented: "The TX Taxi has been a huge success with 2500 vehicles sold in the UK – and across Europe. It has proved that taxi drivers have become converts of green logistics, with major benefits in terms of cost savings, The Midlands based firm are now ramping up plans to while for commercial vehicle operators the e-City range drive sales of its green mobility solutions across Europe. extender technology takes away range anxiety once and for all.

A new central European sales office is set to open in Frankfurt.

“The time is right for a new green mobility provider, The electric car manufacturer has achieved strong sales cities are faced with ever-growing populations and the challenge of air quality. With our zero emission TX Taxi, figures so far this year, with record sales month-onmonth since April. The all-electric TX has been officially TX Shuttle and LCV, we can change the way people and goods are moved around an urban area. selected as the vehicle for the new on-demand public transport service in Offenbach in Germany and recently “Our overall growth strategy is supported by export formed part of the VIP shuttle service at the AvD Oldsales into new markets together with a new range of timer Grand Prix held at the Nürburgring. products. Our goal is to be the leading European green commercial mobility solution provider and I have every LEVC is also currently working with University of confidence we will achieve that ambition."

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Card Payments

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23

Taxi drivers should NOT be expected to offer ‘cashback’ facility to passengers says London Mayor

Image: TaxiPoint

London taxi drivers should not be expected to offer a ‘cash-back’ facility whilst working, said the London Mayor.

Sadiq Khan has ruled out the service being offered to passengers due to the risks attached to carrying large sums of money.

The news comes following a question put forward by London Assembly Member Davis Kurten. He asked the Mayor who decides whether cashback is a facility that can be provided, and what mechanisms does TfL have to stop a taxi driver providing this.

Khan responded by saying: “Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the conditions of fitness for London cabs including that cabs must be fitted with an approved card payment device. The list of approved devices and their specifications is published on TfL’s website.

“Card payment devices do not currently provide for cashback and I would be concerned about taxi drivers needing to carry large sums of cash to facilitate this.”

What the readers say...

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25

Keith Prince London Assembly Member A recent court case involving Uber saw two drivers operating on the platform prosecuted for being uninsured. Given that Uber are on a probationary licence, do you think under the circumstances they should be re-licensed?

I wouldn't want to see a short-term licence, because in my opinion that would be another fudge.

Image: Twitter

overarching legislation to be devolved to regional authorities, giving them the power to react more quickly to innovation. The Secretary of State would retain the right to over-rule or ratify any proposals, but that would take away the need for the government to constantly have to pass primary legislation all the time.

There will always be something more important to the To me it's black and white. Uber either meet the criteria government than what maybe on any given authority's agenda, but this way it would remove the need for to hold a licence, in which case TFL should renew the primary legislation every time somebody comes up with licence... or they don't. If they don't meet the criteria, then they should not be issued a licence. The last thing I new innovation, meaning we can act quicker. want to see is Uber issued a temporary licence because that means the whole thing just rolls on and on and on.

Do you think that Grant Shapps is going to move anytime soon to initiate the Task and Finish report into taxis and private hire, and bring that into legislation?

I sincerely hope so. I’m hoping to meet with Grant Shapps in the not-too-distant future and that would be one of the questions I would ask him.

The other thing I want to ask him about is allowing

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26

What are your thoughts on how taxis and private hire were covered in the London Mayor’s Transport Strategy?

The Mayor no longer considers the taxi industry to be part of his transport strategy and he doesn't consider it to be part of the public transport system anymore. Previous Mayors have always considered taxis to be an integral part of the transport system in London, this man clearly doesn't believe that.

the black cab trade special privileges". However, when I challenged him about this on Mayor’s Question Time, he couldn't give me a single example of a special privilege that he has granted the trade.

I don't know why, but he is no friend of the cab trade.

He has forced the industry to purchase electric taxis and then has completely and utterly failed to provide enough charging points for you to be able to drive the things. Everybody knows within the industry that most of the new taxis are running on the range extenders, so they are just petrol vehicles really being driven around in London.

The Mayor promised 5 vehicles available to the taxi trade before the deadline date, we have one. And how can it be right that you are forced to buy a vehicle Image: LEVC from a monopoly supplier? I'm not saying LEVC are to If you were to look at the promises he made prior to blame here, but nonetheless they are a monopoly his election, he clearly said in his manifesto "I will give supplier and that can't be right.

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Interview

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27

The LTDA is currently investigating potential technological solutions to retro-fit 4,600 Euro 5 diesel taxis to meet Euro 6 standards. The LTDA suggest that the retro-fit would deliver “better emissions savings and avoid penalising drivers”, is there a reason why the Mayor seems to be reticent for this technology to be used?

lobby TfL to give drivers more support. TfL’s attitude is that they only issue a licence, they don't have a duty of care to the driver. But I think in a way they do.

There's a real dilemma at the moment because if you are suffering from depression or anxiety due to issues within the industry and you report that to your doctor, then the chances are that your licence will be Well, no there isn't and I’m quite annoyed about it. Two revoked. But surely that doesn't work, surely that is Mayor’s Question Time’s ago I asked the Mayor if he madness, surely there should be some sort of service to would be prepared to meet with me and the LTDA to catch these things early. If you can catch these things discuss their proposals rather than reducing the life expectancy, after all there is tremendous fallout among older drivers and the ability to retire. He flatly refused to have the meeting. He said " no, no, no, I am aware of their proposals", and within a week he made the introduction to reduce the life expectancy of taxis, which has decimated the market.

Do you think the Mayor should scrap the age limit on the new zero mission capable vehicles?

There could be an argument for extending the usable life of the vehicles to take into account the greater cost ratio and time it will take to pay for the cost of the vehicle.

early, there may be ways of reducing the impact on the individual.

What is your reaction to taxis being restricted or excluded from a number of roads across London?

You recently asked the London Mayor for more information about taxi drivers and depression, anxiety and any other mental health condition, what support do you think should be in place for drivers from Transport for London?

Myself and our Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey are very clear: where buses go, taxis go. Shaun and I believe taxis are an integral part of the public transport system. It’s black and white; if a bus can go there, taxis can go there.

I'm working with a couple of guys at the moment to

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Workers’ Rights

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28

Image: Pixabay

Regulators have no control over minicab drivers’ working rights says Khan Regulators have no control over minicab drivers’ working rights says the London Mayor.

Sadiq Khan did however acknowledge the “urgent action” needed to improve working conditions, which includes driver pay, health and hours worked.

Drivers’ rights have long been a hot topic within the private hire industry, not just in London, but across the world.

In the UK, Uber drivers represented by the GMB Union have scored multiple legal wins to be treated as workers by the ride-sharing company, but the legal appeals process continues.

In January, the Court of Appeal in London rejected Uber’s appeal against two previous court rulings that their drivers work for them and are not self-employed, contractors or ‘business partners’. Uber will attempt a fourth appeal, this time at the Supreme Court.

Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, asked the London Mayor what exploration he has carried out since he highlighted the issue over two years ago.

In Pidgeon’s question, she highlighted that Khan said in March 2017: “I am also exploring what more I can do to protect workers’ rights through the powers in my possession.”

Image: LEVC

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Workers’ Rights

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

Khan responded by saying workers’ rights are not within the control of the regulators or licensing authorities. The Mayor did suggest more information could be provided to drivers to help make a more educated choice, when it came to selecting an operator based around their lifestyle and needs.

“In the absence of Government action to address this issue by making changes on a national scale, I have tasked my team at City Hall with exploring options for promoting good work in the various industries within the gig economy in London, including private hire. This could create more transparency for people and, in a private hire context, provide drivers with information Khan said: “The contractual arrangements between on which operator is the best fit for their needs and private hire drivers and who they choose to work for, including their pay and working conditions, is not within lifestyle. At the same time, a scheme could incentivise the control of licensing authorities, including Transport private hire operators to improve conditions for their drivers, in order to remain competitive.” for London. However, I have been clear that I believe urgent action needs to be taken to improve working conditions, such as driver pay, health and hours worked.

Image: LEVC

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Technology

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

Why ‘The Knowledge’ still matters in the age of Google Maps

Image: Pixabay

Article written by: Gett To qualify to drive a private hire vehicle or a minicab in London isn’t all that difficult. However, in order to become a licensed London taxi driver, you still need to master ‘The Knowledge’.

introduction of The Knowledge, but one common theory is that it can be traced back to the Great Exhibition of 1851, which showcased technology, products and manufacturing prowess from across the British Empire. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert That means learning 320 routes, known as ‘runs’, presided over the grand opening and, by the time it along with all the street names and the order in came to a close, some six million people, including which they appear on the route, as well as all the important landmarks along the way. What’s more, all Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens, are thought to have attended. of the ‘runs’ need to be learned in each direction, doubling the number of sequences that must be But the crowds are also said to have attracted an committed to memory to an impressive 640. influx of cabmen (who drove horse-drawn vehicles in It’s little wonder that it takes an average of four years those days). Many of them drew complaints for their shoddy practices. to prepare for and pass the written and oral

examinations of the ‘All London Knowledge’. The reward for doing so is a coveted ‘Green Badge’ that entitles the holder to work as a taxi driver anywhere in Greater London.

But, in the age of Google Maps, and ride-hailing services why bother?

In the last few years, London has seen another influx of ‘cabmen’, thanks to the proliferation of a number of ride-hailing services.

The Gett approach to driver training

Gett is committed to extensive, best-in-class driver training and connects users of its consumer app with How did ‘The Knowledge’ originate? fully qualified London taxi drivers who have passed To understand that, it pays to take a trip back in time. The Knowledge, and who uphold the highest standards. However, several other firms have been There is no hard and fast explanation for the

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Technology

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31

criticised for the actions of some of the people that represent their brand, and for adopting what you might call a ‘laissez-faire’ approach to quality control.

lanes, which can cut journey times by up to 30%.

That’s not to say that technology isn’t important.

On occasion, poorly trained drivers who don’t know Applying it effectively is at the heart of what we do at the area in which they’re working can suffer the effects Gett. However, technology alone doesn’t provide a of over-reliance on technology. Anyone who complete solution. There are things that it’s still not remembers the viral picture of a Toyota Prius ‘parked’ able to do – and won’t be capable of for some time to on a set of stairs in San Francisco will know what we come. mean. But online forums abound with complaints and That’s why, when it comes to your journey, we are queries posted by drivers who have been failed by committed to connecting you with trained drivers who their navigation apps. It’s not uncommon. take pride in their work and have the level of

Man versus machine?

So, as useful as navigation apps such as Google Maps can be, they can’t fully replace genuine human expertise – and, unlike a London cabbie’s cherished Green Badge, they don’t grant the user access to bus

professionalism required to act, dress and drive appropriately. What’s more, if technology ever lets them down, they’ll still be able to get you where you need to go.

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Enforcement

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32

30 minutes in the life of a compliance officer With the UK's taxi and private hire enforcement teams having to be constantly vigilant, making sure that the the industry is complying with the myriad of regulations pertaining to the industry is a thankless task. We spoke to one of the team from the South West of England who gave us a snapshot of what a compliance officer encounters on a daily basis.

PC Quinton is the police Taxi Compliance Officer for Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Part of his job is to do random stop checks on licensed vehicles at various times of day and night. On Friday 6 September he checked 12 vehicles in 35 minutes at the A4 Bath Road in Bristol.

He explained that within that time period he found several drivers were failing to wear or display their badge. Two drivers were also reported to their licensing authority for not displaying their plates, and another two drivers did not have their badges with them at all.

PC Quinton and the team don't just deal with the taxi

and private hire industry.

Members of the public are also checked that they are "streetlegal”.

During the same 35 minute period, one member of the public was caught driving through a bus lane and was also found not to be wearing their seat-belt, and was subsequently fined.

PC Quinton said: “We have high standards in Bristol and South Glos, and it’s disappointing that on this occasion many drivers haven’t got the basics right, which is a shame because it detracts from the good service that our drivers give the public.”

Apps

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33

Former Uber driver launches new ridesharing app in London which shares all its profits with members

Image: Karjoin

A former Uber driver is aiming to shake off the industry's bad reputation of inflexible working hours and poor payment conditions for drivers across London.

The riders will share an 8% profit because the founder believes “the definition of loyalty has shifted to a common interest”.

“In today’s economic climate where margins are Karjoin is a neo-capitalist ride-hailing app which shares constantly being squeezed it is important to remember all its profits with its members to provide both that a business needs to be sustainable to grow.” sustainable and economic benefit to both its riders and David quotes UBER’s self driverless vehicle initiative as drivers. a way in which an entire workforce could be wiped out David Salem, founder, and CEO of the socio-economic overnight and questions how ethical its approach is ride-hailing app suggests that its USP is in its fairness as towards its drivers in the long term and in its well as equality in how it treats its drivers. dominance for an enhanced customer experience.

He said he saw first hand how minicab drivers and others would be paid just £4 an hour and have to work double hours to earn a minimum wage. This isn’t enough to live on let alone pay mortgage payments or household bills.

In comparison, registered drivers through Karjoin will receive a share of 40% profit and their working hours will be reduced by 50% by fighting monopoly in the industry.

To date, Karjoin has grown to be awarded the PCO operating license by TfL which enables Karjoin hailing app to operate across London.

The app launched in May 2018 and is available for IOS and Android. Karjoin aims to deliver a healthier, safer and more proactive work-life balance for its members.

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App

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

Mytaxio launches with promise to reshape the future of the UK taxi industry Image: Pixabay

The launch of a new taxi booking concept called Mytaxio, is looking to shake up the industry and empower drivers across the UK.

Mytaxio, the brainchild of Patrick Holm, offers what it claims to be a groundbreaking solution for drivers as they seek to level the playing field and significantly reduce operator fees by up to 50%. The hailing app hopes to make taxi driving a fairer and more profitable industry for those that provide transport services to customers.

The service offers drivers the ability to earn extra commission by adding customers to the Mytaxio system, a new feature that provides the driver with loyalty credits and driver ratings which puts a focus on service and fairness.

service users, we have been able to create a next generation distributed cloud base app that satisfies both parties and offers real rewards for both driver and passenger.

“We are urging anyone working in the taxi industry who is council registered to try the app for themselves with no risk or outlay for additional equipment and join the ranks of the drivers that are already seeing the benefit from our new, fairer system.”

Mytaxio say they offer cabbies a pay as you go commission based fee on rides with zero risks to drivers.

Mytaxio can be used by existing council registered Hackney Carriage drivers. It requires an Android phone to run the Mytaxio smart meter and from there, Some of the features for drivers include booking alerts, provides transparent fare data, distance in miles, trip upcoming ride details, a street pick up smart meter duration, waiting duration and total trip price with no with rates and smarter route management saving fuel additional set-up or equipment provided. and running costs with real-time notifications on which The new digital system is calibrated to local and pick up is the closest. regional council rate tariffs and can be easily tailored to Managing Director Patrick Holm says: “By only considering the wants and needs of council registered taxi drivers and pairing them with the expectations of

work in any location throughout the UK.

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Plying-for-hire

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 35

London Mayor urges government to “think again” over the need for taxi plying-for-hire definitions

Image: Greater London Assembly

The London Mayor has again urged Government to “clearly define” the difference between taxi and private hire services.

Sadiq Khan stated that a clear definition of ‘plying for hire’ and ‘pre-booked’ would remove any ambiguity and help provide enhanced clarity for drivers, operators, regulators and those using the vehicles.

any ambiguity and clearly define the difference between taxi and private hire services. A statutory definition would also provide greater clarity for licensees, regulators and users of those services.

“The Department for Transport-commissioned Taxi and Private Hire Task and Finish Group report, written by the Independent Chair Professor Mohammed Abdel -Haq also highlighted the need for statutory definitions.

Khan, responding to a question on the subject from Assembly Member David Kurten, also showed his disappointment in the Government for not taking “It is disappointing that the Government is not taking forward the need for statutory definitions within both this forward and I urge them to think again. I welcome industries and urged them to “think again”. the support of the Assembly in lobbying Government The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “Alongside TfL, I on this matter.”

have repeatedly called for a statutory definition of “plying for hire” and “pre-booked” services to remove

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Clean Air

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36

Image: Image: Source; Flickr Image: Author; Friends of the earth

Three more councils set to agree final plan to charge taxi and private hire vehicles a daily Clean Air Zone fee Three Tyneside councils are set to agree their final plan to improve air quality across the region in response to government’s legal direction.

level of resource committed from government to providing reliable alternatives.

Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside councils Cabinet meetings to be held this month will seek the developed the revised proposals following approval of councillors in Newcastle, North Tyneside consultation feedback, which highlighted concerns and Gateshead to consult on proposals for a Clean Air about the potential impact of charges in the first year Zone and a range of supporting measures to be on individuals, businesses and the local economy. implemented in 2021.

Councillors will be asked to agree the final package of Under the plans, private car drivers will not initially be measures, which includes: subject to the charge – though once public transport • A smaller charging Clean Air Zone covering only and mitigation measures have been agreed, the Newcastle City Centre affecting non-compliant councils will consider introducing charges for polluting buses, coaches, taxis (Hackney Carriages and private vehicles at a future date. private hire vehicles), heavy goods vehicles and Such a charge for private vehicles would be subject to vans from 2021. a separate consultation and is likely to depend on the

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Clean Air •

•

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37

Changes to the road layout on the Central Motorway, that will prevent traffic from merging on and off the slip lane between the New Bridge Street and Swan House junctions.

Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality, said: “Simply charging everyone for driving into Newcastle city centre or over our bridges isn’t going to clean up air quality on its own. That’s why Lane restrictions on the Tyne Bridge and Central we’ve developed a package of measures to address Motorway. These restrictions will be put in place many of the issues the public and businesses raised to support air quality work but the councils are with us during our first consultation. asking government for £40m funding to ensure “It’s a very uncertain time for the country’s economy essential maintenance works take place at the for a lot of reasons and we’re trying to avoid adding same time, minimising disruption by aligning disruption to our local economy just to satisfy a these much needed roadworks to update the narrow focus from government that we’ve ageing bridge with the need to implement lane consistently argued isn’t comprehensive in what it’s restrictions. trying to achieve.

•

Changes to the local road network in Newcastle and Gateshead to reflect the Tyne Bridge restrictions and ensure public transport can run reliably.

•

New delivery hubs for smaller goods vehicles outside of the charging zone, from where ‘lastmile’ deliveries can be made by electric vehicle or cargo bike.

Supporting measures, including grants and other help for people to upgrade vehicles, grace periods where some drivers would not be charged when measures are first introduced and exemptions for certain vehicles that would not be charged at all.

“Our proposals include targeting the heaviest single vehicle polluters first, such as old buses and large HGVs. Our proposals to government include mitigation and grant provision to upgrade or replace old dirty vehicles to more compliant models as well as ways of making bus services more affordable and practical for everyone.”

The charges which are proposed for vehicles that do not meet emissions standards are as follows: •

HGVs - £50 per day

•

Buses - £50 per day

•

Coaches - £50 per day

• The legal order the councils have been given by government means they had to identify measures that will bring pollution to within legal limits as quickly as • possible.

•

They believe this package of measures would achieve this aim while also taking into account the feedback from the first stage of consultation, which attracted over 19,000 responses, earlier this year.

Taxis (Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles) - £12.50 per day

Vans - £12.50 per day Cars - £0 per day

Any future charges after 2021 would be determined after further consultation once the other measures had been agreed and implemented.

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Feature

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

The Dreaded First Appearance Part Two: TaxiPoint’s Michael Murphy tells us about his journey to his Green Badge The day had finally arrived. Lying in bed staring at the ceiling, thinking what the hell have I got myself in to? I was a few hours away from sitting opposite an examiner who was going to test me on my knowledge of London. How was my knowledge? I honestly had no idea.

“Hi, my name’s Mr Murphy and I’m here for my first appearance,” I said with a nervous tremble in my voice.

The lady behind the screen looked up at me. “You’re here for an appearance?” she said, while shooting me a somewhat concerned look.

“I am Ma’am,” I replied. And just like that, a day I was I wasn’t able to sleep most of the night because of the already dreading was about to turn into a complete nerves and worry. How would I do? What if I let nightmare. As if by magic, a short, stern faced man everyone down? What if I embarrassed myself? It really appeared from behind the woman and stared me was the unknown. down. With grey hair spiked up with the finest hair I dragged myself out of bed and slowly began to dress. products money could buy and a suit to match, he Navy blue trousers, sky blue shirt, silver tie and a smart firmly said: “You are not here for an appearance V-neck navy jumper. I slipped a fresh pair of black shoes dressed like that!” on and gazed into the mirror - I scrubbed up pretty This was Mr Thomas, one of the notorious Knowledge decent if I did say so myself. of London examiners. Panic spewed over me as I began What may have looked cool, calm and collected on the to mumble my reply, “Sor...sorry Sir I don’t understand”. outside, was in fact a bumbling mess on the inside. So tired but couldn’t sleep. So hungry but couldn’t eat. And all because I wanted to join a fleet of iconic taxi drivers.

It was time to leave for the famous North London Public Carriage Office on Penton street, Islington. My girlfriend, now Mrs Murphy, gave me a big hug and a kiss and told me I’d be great. I wished I was feeling her confidence.

On arrival, I made my way to the reception area and waited for my turn to be called forward to sign in.

Image: David Holt (Flickr) CC2.0

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Feature

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 39

“Where’s your jacket? Why do you not have a jacket on?” Quick fire questions were fired at me like bullets from an automatic weapon. I could feel my stomach turning over. My heart pounding like the clappers. A young man who had only done the dirty jobs in a warehouse, had never worn anything other than durable hard-wearing garbs, and was dressed to the nines. What more could they want?

offices. On any given day there would be 4 to 8 different examiners on shift, and for students of The Knowledge, this was just an added stress because you never knew which one was going to be testing you until they popped their head into the room and called your name.

Mr Thomas looked to the lady and said: “Give it to him.” She shot him a look, then looked to the wall off to the side and then looked at me. There was a lot of looking going on.

“You sure?” she said to him. He nodded his approval before warning me: “If you turn up without a jacket again, you will not appear.”

The woman signed me in and then walked over to the side of the reception. A single hook with what could only be described as a brown tweed-like piece of fabric hanging from it, blended in with the dim dark lighting of the Public Carriage Office.

“Mr Murphy.” I looked up. I had Mr O’Keefe. 60’s, moody looking with glasses. I jumped out of my seat and followed behind down the tight corridor. We entered a tiny room, space only for a desk and two She lifted the fabric and opened it out. “Put this on,” she said, with a disturbing grin on her face. It was only chairs. I closed the door behind us and waited to be told that it was ok to sit down. It wasn’t long before he then that I realised it was possibly the oldest, most unfashionable blazer you’re ever likely to see. Not even offered me a seat, which was just as well because I felt like I was about to pass out.

Grandad from Only Fools and Horses would be seen wearing this piece of carnage down the Nags Head.

Mr O’Keefe opened my folder on his desk and took a I slipped my arms into the blazer, which was at least two sizes too big and stood there in front of her. Mr Thomas looked over - I had died and gone to fashion hell.

moment to read whatever was in it. During every appearance the examiners would look through this folder and add notes, none of which we as students would ever see.

I was sent to the waiting room which was filled with 810 other men, all looking over at me incredulously. I was wearing the jacket of shame and they all knew it. It wasn’t even 10:30am and I was already having the worst day of my life.

He looked up slowly at me and slid his glasses down the bridge of his nose. “Nice blazer,” he said. I was just about to apologise when I heard ‘Croatian embassy” holy crap! It had started.

My mind went blank from the stress. If he had asked me my name right then I wouldn’t have known the The waiting room was small, compact and smelt like a answer. The walls closed in. The sweat began to drip prison cell full of death row inmates waiting to meet from my brow. I was choking. Point after point after their makers. You could taste the nerves. point was blasted my way - all embassies. I couldn’t One by one, guys were being called in to the examiners’ remember any.

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Feature

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 40

The room fell silent. All I kept thinking was, “I wonder if I scraped a C”. Of course I’m kidding. It had possibly been the worst first appearance ever in the history of The Knowledge of London.

become the most unsociable bastard ever. It’s the only way. It’s in your own hands Mr Murphy. But if you don’t do those things then I suggest you walk out of here and consider another career.”

Mr O’Keefe closed my folder and began to tell me a story about a guy who had spent 19 (nineteen) years on The Knowledge. Yes that’s right, nineteen. So high that I had to put the number in letters just like football scores.

I left Penton street that morning completely drained, disheartened and embarrassed. But did I give up? Hell no! I wanted that green badge and the reality check of my first appearance was just what I needed. I wasn’t going to be that guy who quit.

He looked me dead in the eyes and said: “I think you might beat him Mr Murphy.” I think at this point he realised I had taken enough of a beating for one day and offered me some advice: “Start again. Study everyday. Make it your life. Get a call over partner and

Next edition I’ll take you through how I flipped my whole process on its back and started to finally make headway in my next few appearances. But I had some serious ground to make up. The question was... could I?

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Global

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 42

Uber launch first airport ride-booking kiosk

Will they come to the UK? Image: Uber

Ride-sharing giants Uber have rolled out a ride-booking kiosk at Toronto's Pearson International Airport which allows passengers to order a car without the need of a smartphone.

“This is a market full of people missing out on the opportunity to use our products, services, and driver partner programs. Kiosks can be a dependable resource for a number of people, including those who The company says the 'Arcade like' kiosks are designed may need a ride from point A to point B, without a to create greater access for travellers who might have smartphone or data connection. a difficult time using the app because of language or “Additionally, travellers in foreign countries with no tech issues. data plan could book rides from a kiosk, if we incorporate that capability.”

Uber said: “At this time, people are limited by phone, network availability, and limited data plans in using our Uber already have interactive kiosks placed in malls services. For instance, according to the Pew Research around the San Francisco Bay Area, focused on Center, 23 percent of American adults do not have recruiting new drivers to the platform and assisting smartphones. current drivers.

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Global

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 43

The kiosk instantly connects mall goers to a Uber representative who supports potential and current drivers with their questions and delivers a real-time onboarding experience.

The kiosk shows multiple advantages over phone-based support or a human-staffed booth.

Its large screen creates an interface that some users will find more comfortable, facilitating an easy-to -navigate registration process for new driver partners.

The kiosk format allows for flexible and broad-based deployment, giving driver partners more access points for support.

Image: Uber

The company are yet to reveal where they hope to launch the kiosks next, but if successful they are likely to target some of the world's busiest international airports.

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Licensing

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 44 Image: Pixabay

Non-conviction information – its relevance to taxi licensing Article written by: We are often asked about non-conviction information and whether licensing authorities can rely on this type of information to make decisions about the fitness of an applicant or licence holder to hold a taxi or private hire licence.

What is non-conviction information?

Non-conviction information is information that is not relevant to a conviction by a court of law. This could include a wide range of things such as: •

Allegations

•

Cases where the police decided to not take any further action

•

Cases where a conviction was quashed on appeal

•

Cases where prosecutions fail for whatever reason (i.e. lack of evidence or credible witnesses)

•

Complaints

•

Local intelligence or information

Is there a power for licensing authorities to act?

In relation to driver licensing, section 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 gives licensing authorities the power to refuse, revoke or suspend a driver’s licence for “…any other reasonable cause.”

It is this power that licensing authorities rely on in cases of non-conviction information.

Non-conviction information can be disclosed to licensing authorities as part of an enhanced criminal records check. Police forces have the discretion to disclose this type of information on DBS certificates as part of “Other Relevant Information”. The judgement as to whether to make such a disclosure will come down to the individual police force who will make a judgement whether such a disclosure is proportionate considering the role the criminal disclosure relates to.

AR v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police The ability for licensing authorities to rely on nonconviction information was confirmed in the case of AR v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.

The case concerned the legality of an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Chief Constable in respect of AR (Appellant) in connection with an application for a job as a lecturer. The certificate gave details of a rape charge for which AR had been tried and acquitted.

The main issue was whether the disclosure constituted a justified and proportionate interference with his right to respect for private and family life under article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

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Licensing The Supreme Court unanimously held that the disclosure of the information in question was proportionate, striking an appropriate balance between the potential risks to the vulnerable and the interference with AR’s rights under article 8.

Why can non-convictions be considered?

Licensing authorities make decisions based on the civil burden of proof (as opposed to the criminal burden required of criminal courts). The civil burden of proof is based on the balance of probabilities. This means that licensing authorities can consider a non-conviction information because, for example, a decision to take no further action does not necessarily mean that a person is innocent. A common example of this may be that a witness changed their mind or is deemed to be

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 45 unreliable. While this will not satisfy the criminal burden of proof, it may still be relevant to the civil burden of proof.

What can you do if your licence is at risk due to the disclosure of non-conviction information?

It is really important that you seek legal advice at a very early stage. Since the circumstances are relevant to both criminal and licensing law, it is important that your legal advice comes from someone who is qualified in both aspects of law.

Charity

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 46

Military Veterans to travel with The Taxi Charity to Arnhem for the 75th Anniversary This month a group of proud London licensed Taxi Drivers will volunteer their time to take a group of WWII veterans to Holland for the 75th Anniversary of Arnhem.

Rhine and made his way back to British lines.

Travelling to Arnhem with the charity, for the services of commemoration, will be 98-year-old Ron Johnson, 94-year-old Frank Ashleigh, and 100-year-old Ray Whitwell, who all participated in the Arnhem conflict in 1944. They will be joined by other WWII veterans and four Chelsea Pensioners.

British Ambassador to the Netherlands Peter Wilson comments: “Ron, Frank, and Ray are living examples of the bravery shown by our armed forces during the Second World War. I’m so pleased they are travelling to the Netherlands in London cabs thanks to the Taxi Charity, to mark this historic commemoration of Operation Market Garden with us. It is vital that we remember those who fought for our freedom; both to ensure we honour the sacrifices they made 75 years ago, as well as to remind future generations of the price of peace."

The Battle of Arnhem was a major battle of the Second World War at the vanguard of the Allied Operation Market Garden. It was fought in and around the Dutch towns of Arnhem, Oosterbeek, and Wolfheze, and the surrounding countryside from 17–26 September 1944.

Ron Johnson, Frank Ashleigh and Ray Whitwell landed in September 1944 for Operation Market Garden. They were part of the daring operation where more than 600 gliders were towed into battle in an attempt to secure the River Rhine crossings and advance into northern Germany.

Both Ron Johnson and Frank Ashleigh were not so lucky and were taken captive by the Germans and sent to Prisoner of War camps.

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts.

The charity offers international trips to Holland, Belgium and France, UK day trips to concerts or Ray Whitwell recalls: “We went nine days without museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as food during the Arnhem conflict and then snipers shot well as special days out to catch up with friends and holes in the bucket we were collecting water in.” One comrades. of the lucky ones, he evaded capture as he crossed the

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Classifieds

September 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 47

UK

Each single classified Place space your advert available Click for more details at ÂŁ40

Charity

May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20