The Badge - February 2024

INSIDE

More trade stories than all the others put together MAYOR CANCELS SERU TESTING

Issue 292 February 2024

DRIVER CHARITY HOSTS 50TH TEA PARTY

BOXING ROUND-UP AND APOLLO TRIBUTE

DRIVER POLICY CHAOS:

TIME TO LISTEN TO THE TRADE

TAXI A DRIVER?

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Issue 292 February 2024

SO MUCH FOR SADIQ KHAN’S RENAISSANCE OF THE TRADE

Published by The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. Unit A202, Tower Bridge Business Complex Tower Point, 100 Clements Road Southwark, London SE16 4DG Telephone: 020 7394 5553 E-mail for membership enquiries: E-mail: thelcdc@gmail.com Web: www.lcdc.cab Editor: Grant Davis The Badge is distributed free to the Licensed London Cab Trade.

For advertising enquiries please contact the office on 020 7394 5553 or E-mail: thelcdc@gmail.com All advertising in The Badge is accepted under our terms and conditions. These are available at the LCDC office.

Before entering into any commitment, financial or otherwise, always remember to seek professional advice.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarity those of the Editor or of the Management Committee of the London Cab Driver’s Club.

Contributions for publication are welcomed and should be sent to the Editor at the above address.

The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. Printed by Iliffe Print. T: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

As you can see from pages 4 and 5 our Mayor has suspended the SERU tests for PH drivers... well, well well, anyone surprised?

£100k to buy - anyone who thinks we have had a renaissance under Khan is delusional.

Since the announcement was made, both social media and calls I have taken at the office have all suggested that maybe this was a deliberate ploy to guarantee the PH drivers’ votes at the upcoming Mayoral election. It is my opinion that the licensed taxi trade is being played for fools. When this Mayor was elected, he promised a "renaissance" for the taxi trade really? Was this some sick joke at our expense?

With the introduction of 20 mph zones making taxi drivers unemployed for going 24mph in a 20mph zone, tell me, where is the renaissance?

As Chairman of the LCDC at times I feel like King Kanute trying to hold back the ridiculous and malicious actions taken against my members with this New Driver Policy. TfL has the power to The word "renaissance" is a French bring in a more sensible word meaning "Rebirth" and if anyone approach with drivers and their thinks the taxi trade has experienced points, they just choose not to. a rebirth, then I’m a Dutchman. The number of taxi drivers has been In January alone I received decimated, the number of vehicles over 20 calls from non member have been slashed, the number of taxi drivers who are now KOL candidates are woeful and having to try and navigate this presently we have over 106k PH minefield and keep their badge. drivers who have now been told that they don’t need to worry about having Do not think it won't happen to a grasp of English (even if they you, because it could. Join the interact with the public).

LCDC and get all the assistance you need if the letter We now are seeing a scenario with from TfL drops on your 100k PH drivers and our taxi is over doormat.

PAYTON’S SOLICITORS Suite 12, Temple Chambers, 3, Temple Avenue, London EC4Y 0HP

We at the LCDC don’t often bang our own drum when it comes to helping our members with their legal troubles. A lot of the cases which come our way with members are quite sensitive and we respect their wishes to keep things in house and out of the paper which I can fully appreciate.

However, not only do Payton’s Solicitors offer our members a 24 Hour Duty Solicitor 365 days a year, but since getting involved with the Club, our solicitor Keima Payton has the distinction of having a 100% success rate in all her cases which she has handled on behalf of the Club’s members.

Keima Payton has a fearsome reputation in court and should ever the need arise you will find no one better able to fight your corner and save your Badge than Keima.

- Grant Davis, LCDC Chairman

Tel: 0207 405 1999 FAX: 0207 405 1991

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Issue 292 February 2024

WILL TFL LISTEN TO THE TRADE OVER THEIR DISASTROUS DRIVER POLICY?

As many readers of the Badge are aware, the trade has been facing a torrid time with TfL in recent months regarding the implementation of their new Driver Policy.

Social media recently have posted stories highlighting some very desperate drivers who are now receiving letters from

TfL and facing suspension/revocation of their licences, and I know at the Club, our phones are always ringing with drivers facing this situation.

The trade associations collectively have voiced their anger and concern to TfL at all Senior Rep meetings, meetings with the new Commissioner,

Andy Lord, and also the Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance.

The main points are the lack of communication before implementation and the very draconian punishment handed out to drivers, where drivers can keep their DVLA licence but lose their taxi licence for, say, six months, with

no warnings handed out beforehand.

along with other Trade groups will be attending to try and hopefully get some changes or procedures put in place that make the new policy fairer and more transparent.

The LCDC has been in dialogue for months with City Hall and asking questions to the Mayor, and I am very glad to say that after the Mayor's taxi I hope that once we have met & PH investigation last with TFL, I can report back to week, we received an my members and trade. email from Helen Chapman (see below) and the LCDC Grant Davis

I hope you are well.

I wanted to get in contact with you to set up a further discussion around the TPH Driver Policy. We have spoken with a few of you on an individual basis about some of the situations your drivers are currently facing and we are also aware of the news articles / social media posts and letters about the same topic.

My team and I have been reviewing some of the cases coming through recently and feel that there are some changes we can apply to the policy to ensure it strikes an appropriate balance between ensuring professional driver standards are being met for public safety reasons while also ensuring that our policy position remains fair and proportionate. I’d like to discuss this with you before we make any final changes so that we can make sure we capture as many circumstances as possible.

Given the short notice, and I know how busy your diaries are, I’ve asked the team to find us a slot for a Teams call next week. As this impacts taxi and PHV drivers equally it would be preferable to meet as a wider group which will help us with diary availability.

In the meantime, for an interim period and until such time as we have finalised the policy amendments, we have put in place some immediate process changes to ensure that any cases where a driver has incurred three points on their licence for a driving offence are escalated to a senior manager for further review before a licensing decision is made. You will hopefully see this short term process filtering through into our licensing decisions with immediate effect.

Trupti will be in touch with some slots for next week. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible but if you have any questions in the meantime please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards Helen Helen Chapman Director of Licensing & Regulation

L.C.D.C LEADERS NOT FOLLOWERS

Stop talking about it and JOIN!

4

Issue 292 February 2024

SERU TESTING CANCELLED BY MAYOR WHO Dear Mr McDonnell, Last week, the Mayor cancelled the SERU tests for Private Hire Drivers - tests that, eventually, all Taxi & PH Drivers will have to pass.

TfL’s website explains the tests as: Safety, equality and regulatory understanding requirement It is essential that London PHV drivers have an appropriate understanding of safety, equality and regulatory requirements that apply to them. This helps ensure public safety and will enhance levels of customer service.

Safety, equality and regulatory understanding requirement tfl.gov.uk In 2016, Sadiq Khan did an interview with the BBC’s Norman Smith for the Victoria Derbyshire show.

As it happened: Updates from London on Monday 4 April 2016 - BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-london-35674698 By cancelling the SERU tests, Sadiq Khan has performed a U-turn that I could not better in my taxi even though I have 40 years experience of taxi driving and a 25 foot turning circle.

Why should I vote Labour?

Why should I, or my family, trust any politician, let alone a Labour one?

Could you please write to the Mayor and ask him why he hasn’t implemented any of the recommendations in his own Taxi & PH Plan despite his own comments to both Norman Smith, City Hall & the General Public?

The London Assembly also recommended that PH standards be raised in their report from March 2019.

Why has Khan failed to implement their recommendations and those in his own plan?

How can you possibly hope to have a Vision Zero strategy when it comes to Road Safety when there are no Driving Tests and PH Drivers do not have to speak English and/or understand regulations?

This is a cynical attempt to win votes from PH Drivers that just leads to one conclusion - a Labour Mayor/Politician cannot be trusted!

Regards, Mark White

Question London Black Taxis What future do you see for black taxis in London?

Answer Date: Monday 15 January 2024 Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): Thanks for your question. The taxi trade has a rich history in London, and I am confident it will continue to play an important role in the city’s future. London taxis and their drivers are the envy of the world, with their instantly recognisable vehicles and their drivers’ unparalleled ability to navigate our complex city. We are rightly proud of the black taxis heritage, but this is also a trade that innovates. Black cabs are early adopters of zero emission capable technology. Over half of all taxis are now zero emission capable, helping to clean up the air in the capital. Along with Transport for London (TfL), I have provided £50 million of funding to encourage continued uptake.

As I set out in my Transport Strategy, taxis provide an accessible door-to-door service for Londoners and visitors alike. They have vital role to play in London’s transport mix, catering for some of those trips that cannot be taken on foot, by cycle, or using public transport. That is why we have done so much to support the trade in London.

On top of the £50 million zero emission cable transition fund, we have given black cabs access to 95 per cent of bus lanes on TfL roads, which now operate 24/7, exempted them from the congestion charge and the ULEZ, increased the number of taxi ranks in London by around 100 to a total of over 600, and added taxi information, such as nearby ranks, to the TfL journey planner.

I am proud that the entire fleet are designated wheelchair accessible vehicles and have a range of accessibility features. All taxis accept card and contactless payment. Following recent conversations my Deputy Mayor and TfL have had with taxi stakeholders, I have asked TfL to work with the industry to create a new vision for taxis that will clearly set out the role taxis will play in London’s future. I am aware that there has been a reduction in people applying to become taxi drivers, which was exacerbated during the pandemic. In collaboration with taxi driver representatives, TfL has been making changes to the Knowledge of London to modernise and speed up the training process without diluting the gold standard attained by London’s taxi drivers.

Even before these changes have been introduced, we have seen an increase in the number of people applying to become taxi drivers this year. I understand that following a very challenging time during the pandemic, demand for taxi services is now on the rise again.

Issue 292 February 2024

5

O SAID PH STANDARDS SHOULD BE RAISED Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: Lovely, thank you very much. As you mention in your press release of 6 December [2023], you celebrate that over 50 per cent of black taxis are now zero emission capable, and at face value that is really good news. But the cost of these new taxis is over £70,000 with finance offered at a staggering 9 per cent interest rate, making them cost nearer £100,000. With only one vehicle that is currently licenced, there is no competition. Therefore, these new back taxis are increasingly becoming unaffordable. If you add to that the plug-in vehicle grant from central Government, which has provided £7,500 towards a new taxi, is about to end next year, what are you doing to make new taxis affordable for black taxi drivers and fleet owners in the capital? Are you considering adding your own grant into this?

Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): Thanks for your question and thanks for your assiduous championing of this really important industry. As part of the work around the new vision we want to create for this industry, we are looking at what more we can do. You mentioned the fact that only one manufacturer is making new taxis, there used to be three. For understandable reasons, the number of vehicles sold is limited, so you can understand why no new manufacturer would invest. It is the same challenge we have with double-decker buses, there is a limited market and so it is difficult to get new people in there. But we are looking at what more we can do to reduce costs. You mentioned the consequence of finance, even if you are saving fuel bills, that is a big monthly outgoing in relation to your payments.

Therefore, the Commissioner, the Deputy Mayor, are seized of this and they are working with industry representatives to see what they can do and, by the way, manufacturers, and that includes those who retrofit as well.

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: Good. That is really important.

Also looking at that plug-in vehicle grant, which is only guaranteed until the end of March. That really helps try to plug some of this financial gap. I am really pleased you have mentioned you are looking at a new vision and I met with the Deputy Mayor and others recently, but your last plan was 2016, and that was aimed at driving up standards, boosting the quality of service and protecting the future of our iconic black cabs. A lot has happened in those seven years and you read it, it feels like a historic document to be honest. Are we going to expect from this vision a new detailed action plan?

Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): Yes. Also, not just the pandemic, but we have looked around the globe and, if you look around the globe, I am afraid a lot of the global cities are seeing a reduction in taxi usage and we can both hypothesise why that is. Therefore, it is learning from those cities that have not seen a reduction. New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Dubai, and other cities, have all seen a big decline in taxi trips. We are going to learn what happened there to see if we can avoid those. The app is an issue with private hire vehicles. But also see, where you have not seen a reduction, see what we can do to try and increase this. But you are right, we have either got to make it attractive or you are going to see the progress we have made in last year with an increase go down very, very quickly. The good news, by the way, is we have seen a big increase in Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) drivers doing the Knowledge, which if you remember back Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: Which is really good, yes.

Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): -- when we first began this journey few years ago we were not seeing that. Therefore, there are some areas for hope, but you are right, unless we support this in industry, the worry is going to be it will go the way of the telephone box.

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: Yes, thank you. Obviously, demand is up, we hear that, but number of drivers are down, increasing cost pressures, people are sort of debating can the black cab industry survive. Will you, as part of this new vision, look to host a roundtable with the taxi industry, including the various taxi apps and fleet owners, to help shape this new vision, this new strategy and action plan to help our iconic black taxi service continue to serve London?

Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): That will have to be forgive the pun - in the cab in relation to the work we do in relation to the new vision. We will also be speaking to the manufacturers, speaking to those in finance, speak to colleagues across the globe, speak to those different ages.

You will be aware also of the big challenge we have is a number of our black cab drivers are getting older and the worry is, when they retire, who is going to replace them?

Therefore, it is really important we do not have a big exodus in relation to them retiring as well.

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: Lovely, thank you very much. I look forward to being part of that work as well, thank you.

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Issue 292 February 2024

Walker on the March...

Failure of Mayor Khan’s taxi and PH plan In December 2014 the GLA Transport Committee published the ‘FUTURE PROOF’ REPORT. The report produced 19 recommendations required to safeguard the future of the Taxi and PH industries.

MOST HAVE BEEN IGNORED. The taxi industry has declined since TFL took over the regulation of the industry and rapidly so since ‘Future Proof’.

REASONS: On The Demand Side The London PH Act 1998 was intended to maintain taxis & PH as separate industries, largely by barring PH from providing an “on demand” service.

TFL undermined this by first introducing lines of cars outside venues akin to PH ranks as a result of allowing “PH satellite booking desks” inside venues. This led to an increase in touting outside venues etc by licensed and unlicensed PH drivers.

Then, TfL allowed PH to operate an “on demand” service similar to a taxi service via the use of ‘on demand’ taxi dispatching software on smartphone Apps.

The decline of the London taxi industry

by 19% from Dec 14 to April 20 (22,597 to 18,249).

compete with a PH driver with a £23,000 vehicle. There is too much unfair competition.

After the number of PH drivers increased by 295% 2/ Taxi driver earnings are (24,000 to 70,928), it has being squeezed at both ends. grown by a further 48% since They are eroded by a FUTURE PROOF (to 104,647 combination of skewed drivers) by Mid-May 2021. regulatory costs imposed by TFL in favour of PH. For RESULTS By ‘Future Proof’ 2014, There is currently 1 PH example, every London taxi there were 70,928 PH An ageing driver population DRIVERS - a 296% increase driver for every 90 residents must be wheelchair On The Cost Side accessible, whilst (according - and 25,546 TAXI DRIVERS. of greater London – affects Since the mid - 80s, the Taxi not being replaced by new pollution, congestion, etc. to the Mayor) only 0.7% of Since ‘Future Proof’, PH Cost Index has been used to drivers. The latest TFL PHV’s - mainly specialist accounts indicate a 50% fall have steadily grown while the determine fare increases THE FUTURE school buses - are. in KOL receipts.

Taxi industry has rapidly every April. declined 1/ The taxi industry is being 3/ Tariff increases being But, from 2015, annual fares It is more informative to use forced to compete in an “on applied consistently late and CURRENT SITUATION have been increased late (by fleet figures for the taxi demand market” with PH, below cost increases. industry and driver figures for as much as up to 10 who have approx half the the PH industry.

As of 16 MAY 2021 months), applied at a lesser regulatory costs of operation CONCLUSION: Since Futureproof, the taxi amount than the index precisely because they were Reason: A taxi driver will be fleet has declined by 40% indicated (nil since the 2019 The taxi trade will not be more likely to retain a from 22,597 to 13,725 in just not intended to compete in Index review), or both. this area with Taxis. Private able to compete in the future licence, even if not working 6.5yrs!

Hire Vehicles do not have to unless the regulator either: Additionally, extra regulatory as a driver; A PH driver is meet the same requirements The Pandemic has costs have been imposed on more likely to retain the to operate an ‘on demand’ A/ creates a level playing vehicle, even if no longer obviously affected trade. the industry - credit cards, service, such as Wheelchair field by regulating the costs working as a driver.

However, even during this Electric vehicles, and the age Accessibility, fixed partitions of both trades equally, or; period, cost of vehicle and limit was reduced. This was and/or a 25’ turning circle.

PH became fully licensed in age limit reduction had a done whilst, at the same B/ recreates the two distinct 2003 with 24,000 PH drivers large effect. However, time, dictating to the trade A driver with a £65,000 markets that the 1998 and approximately 25,000 factoring out these effects, that it must be more legislation intended. taxi drivers. the taxi fleet has still reduced vehicle cannot reasonably competitive.

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Issue 292 February 2024

Sherbet CEO Asher Moses calls on Sadiq Khan and TfL to help London taxi drivers adopt electric taxis after prices of LEVC vehicles rise 40% and government support dries up The price rises could result in up to 12,000 licensed drivers being priced out of work by 2030, and significantly delays the adoption of electric taxis The owner of London’s largest fleet of electric black cabs has said he’ll stop investing in new vehicles to help the city’s quest to go green and cut pollution, unless London Mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL help with the exorbitant costs of buying the new £100,000+ taxis and improve charging infrastructure.

Asher Moses, founder and CEO of Sherbet The Electric Taxi Company, made the ultimatum last week (23 Jan) to TfL representatives at a London Assembly Transport Committee meeting at City Hall chaired by Caroline Pidgeon, about the decline in numbers of the iconic London black cab.

with my fleet owner colleagues and licensed black cab drivers, we’ve invested over £600 million. A few months ago, there was an article where the Mayor said if cab drivers can’t afford to buy a vehicle, they

“The licensed electric black cab industry have done an amazing thing by investing so much so far. But we’ve had zero support other than the £7,500 grant. We want to continue to invest in an

Speaking to Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, and Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Asher said despite having the capital’s largest electric taxi fleet, he could no longer afford to buy them, with the cost having risen 40% in just a few years.

Currently, central government and TfL have been giving plug-in taxi grants of up to £7,500 for drivers and businesses buying or leasing electric cabs, to encourage cab industry uptake of the accessible vehicles, which cost tens of thousands of pounds more than diesel taxis.

But grants stop in April this year.

Asher, who has 530 electric black taxis in his fleet, said: “As a small family business, we’ve invested over £30 million of our own personal money in line with the Mayor’s strategy to go green. Together

currently 5,000 qualified and licenced London black cab drivers not currently working because they don’t have a taxi. He added that another 7,000 diesel drivers will also need to switch to electric before 2030, when new diesel vehicles will be banned in the quest towards net zero.

Asher continued: “It’s a bit too late to be planning a vision for taxis and private hire. The last meeting on this here was in 2016. Do we continue to invest in an industry we love without the support of the government, without the support of TfL? The answer is clearly no.”

can rent one. But they can’t afford it and even I can’t afford to buy them any longer. I’m seriously considering whether I should continue to invest in vehicles that are over £100,000 that cab drivers can’t afford to rent.

industry that we love. But we need both the government and TfL to do far more.”

Asher also pointed out that because of the huge cost of electric black cabs and difficulty with charging infrastructure, there are

Asher also said that allowing the licensed London taxi trade onto the Uber platform would “destroy” the industry, because as licenced cabs in the capital are meter regulated, there’s no surge pricing, they guaranteed arrival for bookings (not the 30% of Uber cancellations) and they were properly regulated and licensed. He added: “I truly feel that Uber’s attempt to get into the market is just a farce. I think they’re just a tech disruptor which wants to destroy our iconic London black cab taxi industry.

And there isn’t a city in the world that wouldn’t give its right arm for our licenced

London taxi service.”

Grant Davis, Chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club said after watching the committee meeting: ‘’Having watched Asher Moses describe to City Hall just how threatened the state of the taxi trade has become, I hope the Mayor and TfL take on board his informative and passionate speech.

Asher raised the concerns of many self-employed taxi drivers now made “unemployed“ by TfL’s neglect of the sector and the imposition of a monopoly on vehicles.

The Mayor, when elected, promised there was to be a “renaissance“ of the taxi industry in the capital.

Unfortunately, the reverse is true and he has overseen great damage to the sector.’’

At the meeting, Christina Calderato said TfL recognised the cost barrier of electric black cabs and the importance of the plug-in grant and continued funding to support the industry to uptake cleaner vehicles beyond April, and they were talking to the Department For Transport to continue the grants, but she could make no promises.

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Issue 292 February 2024

Minicab drivers won’t have to prove they can speak English under plans backed by Khan Drivers of black London taxis have warned capital’s Mayor that move ‘compromises passenger safety’ against private hire drivers in London who have not yet met the Seru or the English language requirement.

Drivers who have been struggling to meet the requirement now won’t face licensing enforcement action while the trial is under way.”

Rules saying drivers must pass language proficiency exams proving they can read, write and speak English are A spokesman said: “The being temporarily suspended Mayor has listened to and

by Transport for London raised private hire drivers’ (TfL). concerns about the Seru requirements and whether Some drivers had they are being implemented complained that licensing fairly.”

On Wednesday, TfL said it tests, which also cover rules was moving towards an about reporting suspected Some minicab drivers had “open book” format for the criminal activity, were too complained that the Seru difficult to pass. exams were a test of memory Seru exams following feedback from drivers, rather than the rules adding: “While we are But drivers of black London themselves, according to a taxis have warned Mr Khan TfL industry notice published trialling the open book Seru assessments… we will not that the move “compromises on Wednesday. take licensing enforcement passenger safety”. The action.” exams include English Taxi industry sources said language modules as well the rules, which were first Drivers who have not as minicab drivers’ safety, introduced in 2016, were passed Seru exams will be equality and regulatory partly brought in to tackle understanding (Seru) crime. Private hire drivers are contacted in the coming weeks to take the new open duties. expected to know how to book tests. In the meantime, report suspicions about In a statement on X, human trafficking and county they can continue to drive their cabs. formerly known as Twitter, lines activity. the London Mayor wrote: “TfL Drivers who do not respond is pausing enforcement ‘Open book’ format

to TfL’s invitation to sit the Assembly transport new open book tests risk spokesman, said: “Private having their licences hire drivers need to be able revoked, the authority said. It to speak English, but they urged drivers to comply “as don’t need to sit a written soon as possible”, saying any exam. Don’t be fooled – whose licences expire will not these tests will be back if he have them renewed until they [Mr Khan] wins another pass the exams. Licences term.” last for up to three years.

TfL confirmed that while Mr The suspension of language Khan had called for Seru test rules will also apply to enforcement to be halted, Uber, one of London’s largest the decision was made by its private hire operators with regulators. The M|ayor is around 45,000 TfL-licensed also chairman of the drivers. transport authority.

Keith Prince, the Conservatives’ London

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Merry Christmas to all cabbies from The Badge Issue 279 March 2021

More trade stories than all the others put together

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More trade stories than all the others put together

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Courtesy of The Daily Telegraph

ULEZ TO EXTEND ACROSS LONDON

LONDON CABBIES TO ROW THE ATLANTIC

Issue 282 December 2022 / January 2023 FIVE FIGHTS WE’D LIKE TO SEE IN 2023

More trade stories than all the others put together

INSIDE

London minicab drivers will not have to prove that they can speak English under new plans backed by Sadiq Khan, the capital’s Mayor.

Issue 283 February 2023

BEECH STREET TO GO ELECTRIC

THE SOARING COST OF TAXIS

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Issue 292 February 2024

13

2024: The year of the Black Cab New year, new driver benefits Last year was a busy one at FREENOW. We forged many exciting partnerships including those with Luton Town FC, Movember, and the Mercury Prize. These partnerships helped to grow awareness of FREENOW and encourage people to use Black Cabs to get them from A to B. As our plans for the new year kick into gear, we’re excited to share that in 2024, there will be an even bigger focus on the Black Cab trade and taxi growth in the UK. FREENOW is launching several initiatives to help bring more work to Black Cab drivers and increase their earnings.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM FREENOW IN 2024 Improved on-car advertising benefits On-car advertising plays a vital role in making the FREENOW brand more visible across the city. The more people know about us, the more passengers we get in the app and the more FREENOW work we can send a driver’s way. Plus, with our upgraded on-car advertising program, drivers can unlock 12% commission (earning an extra £1.20 per trip)*. Interested? Call our office on 020 3935 2177 to join the program any time.

FREENOW Loyalty Great service deserves rewarding, so we’re launching our new FREENOW Loyalty program. There are three statuses: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Drivers collect 10 points for every trip they complete, and the more points, the higher the status. The higher the status, the better the rewards. Plus, if you’ve got FREENOW on-car advertising, you’ll get 2 extra points per trip so you can reach Gold status even quicker.

The rewards include first access to prebooked jobs so drivers can choose the jobs that suit them best.

As well as this, there’s job-offer priority. This means that the higher the status, the higher priority of getting sent job offers, and the more work comes your way.

High-demand bonuses We want to ensure that we offer our drivers and passengers the best experience with FREENOW. That’s why we’re launching high-demand bonuses. Drivers will be able to get up to £7 extra per trip* during times when there’s a lot of passenger demand. If a job is eligible for a high demand bonus, this will be easily visible on your offer card.

Areas with high demand are shown to drivers via heat maps on the app, which are updated every minute. High-demand bonuses will allow drivers to boost their earnings while helping passengers get from A to B when they need it most. On top of that, there’s no commission on these bonuses.

MORE BENEFITS FOR FREENOW BLACK CAB DRIVERS These new benefits come on top of FREENOW’s existing incentives for drivers: Earn more with quests Every week, drivers can earn even more with quests. These limited-time challenges are different week-to-week and are exempt from any commission charge so drivers can regularly maximise their income.

Insurance coverage & more: FREENOW offer drivers various benefits, making life that little bit easier both inside and outside of work. They include: - Insurance coverage, so drivers are protected in case of accidents or sickness.

- Cover for parental leave to support drivers when they welcome a new child into the family.

- Deals & discounts on food, fuel, and more, to help drivers save over £200 a month.

Help buying a new cab Thanks to our partnership with Marshall, a registered LEVC dealer, drivers could save over £2,000 when they buy a new LEVC Vista Comfort Plus Taxi.

DCL insurance We know every little helps when it comes to cab insurance. So, as a FREENOW driver, you could get £50 off your new policy with DCL insurance using the code FREENOW50. Call them on 020 8669 4466.

Driver referral Refer a new driver to join FREENOW and you’ll get a cash bonus of £400 once they meet the trip requirement.

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15

Issue 292 February 2024

The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children Hosts 50th Successful Annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party London on Sunday 21st January 2024 The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children, a renowned nonprofit organization, is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of their annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

The event took place at the prestigious Great Room at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Sunday 21st January, creating a magical and unforgettable experience for over 600 children from various London schools, along with their parents and carers.

It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and non-stop entertainment. The children were treated to a delectable spread of party food, ensuring that no one left hungry. With numerous entertainers, energetic music, and boundless enthusiasm, the young attendees danced the day away, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

"The annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a highlight of our charity's calendar, providing a cherished opportunity for these incredible children to forget about their worries and just be children. We are overwhelmed by the

support and generosity of our incredible volunteers, donors, and partners who made this event an extraordinary success."

The success of the party is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children in making a positive impact on the lives of young children across

London. Through events like these, the charity continues to brighten the lives of deserving children, spreading happiness and hope.

For more information on the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children and their upcoming initiatives, please visit www.ltcfc.org.uk or contact us via email on

info@ltcfc.org.uk or by phone on 0300 365 4404.

About the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children: The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children is a registered charity that aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged and special needs children in London.

The charity endeavours to bring joy, support, and happiness to these children

by organizing a variety of events and experiences throughout the year. With the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children continues to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Antony Moore Honorary Chair LTCFC

Gett pays homage to iconic London black cabs with its new campaign ● ● ●

First campaign for the taxi app since the pandemic Ad agency 10 Days behind the creative Campaign highlights Gett’s unique positioning in the black cab space

Gett, a leading UK black cab app, has partnered with 10 Days to launch its first out of home campaign since the pandemic.

The tongue in cheek campaign aims to highlight Gett’s unique proposition in London’s iconic black cab space by leveraging an emotional connection with its niche demographic. The creative builds on reliability, convenience and the unique black cab experience as the brand’s core messages to produce a series of engaging, clear and memorable visuals.

To maximise return on investment, the campaign targets stations and roadside locations in boroughs where the key audience is most engaged. It will run for one month across more than 95 key high-traffic areas in London, as well as on social media.

Katie McPhee, Gett Interim UK Ma--rketing Director commented: “Over the past few months we’ve been fascinated to learn more about the value Gett delivers to different segments of Londoners on the go. This campaign seeks to connect with different audiences and showcase these different use cases along with our universal appreciation for the black cab - while bringing a smile to the faces of commuters.”

Jolyon White, 10 Days Co-founder: “The trick was to just keep it simple and show off iconic black cabs in all their glory. Then combine that with a provocative benefit-driven headline and you are in for a winner. Gett got that and trusted us from start to finish. Great project - they are going up on our wall for sure.”

18

Issue 292 February 2024

L.C.D.C Annual General Meeting 2024 The AGM took place at the White Hart pub in Gt Suffolk St. Attendance was disappointing but despite that, this was a lively affair.

The meeting has been a long time coming due to Covid and its aftermath.

The Chair had to report that the Club lost a large number of members during Covid.

This was not just due to Covid as this only assisted TPH in creating a “perfect storm”. A combination of the change to new cab price rising by 40% in 2018, allied to the age reduction to 12 years meant that many of the 23% of cab drivers over 60 years of age were virtually pushed into retirement when Covid came along.

Unluckily for The Club much of the membership were in this age group, having joined the original Metro Club. However, the Chair was able to report that old members were coming back and new members joining, providing the hope and expectation that membership numbers will recover.

The Chair and Danny O’Regan informed and

answered questions on the KOL. The trade is due to lose over 1000 drivers over the next three years.

Meanwhile, there are 500 KOL students on appearances and a further 700 at the Blue Book stage.

This should produce about 850 new drivers over the next four years. However, we have lost a net 1200 drivers last year and added to the 1000 over the next 3 years, our number will probably reduce by around 1400 drivers by 2028.

Grant D pointed out that while this means we’re busier now, this will have an adverse effect on our trade, long-term.

This is why the Club have been promoting the KOL in order to avoid a large contraction of the trade. There is a need to replace the number of drivers leaving the trade, at a minimum.

This has been misconstrued by some in the trade on social media who have mistakenly believed that the Club is encouraging an unsustainable growth in cab driver numbers.

This why we have been working with Comcab/AL’s K school. We currently have a fleet of 17,600 drivers and 14,600 cabs. This is a contraction of around 10% since 2019, coming on top of a previous 10% contraction over the five years before that. If this trend continues, the cab trade will cease to be a viable part of London’s transport network.

customer safety, rather than driver interests but if this were the case they would have brought in the English language and driving tests ten years ago when they promised to do so.

The only thing preventing a choice of vehicles is the “turning circle” requirement.

The Chair asked for a show of hands for removing the turning circle and the room unanimously supported this.

The Club not only lost membership as a result of Covid but also lost revenue from not issuing the Badge for a long period, with its attendant advertising.

Replacing it with LCDC TV did not draw the hoped for replacement advertising.

At the same time, PH driver numbers are back up to 106,000 and the Mayor’s reneging on the English Language Test is not going to stem the flow. As far as TPH are concerned, they “say” their interest is in

The Treasurer/General Secretary was not available due to a long illness which has forced him to give up the post and driving a cab.

We wished Darryl well for the future.

Mick W presented the report and apologised for the latest accounts not being available but would soon be emailed to the membership.

The club sailed close to the wind financially during and immediately after Covid, showing a small loss in the last audited year and anticipate another loss in the current year. However, we have been cutting costs further, reducing staff and other office costs significantly. With the membership growing and the Badge now back in full swing, current figures mean we expect to be back in the black in the forthcoming year.

None of the above has affected the Club’s legal scheme or its “fighting fund”.

The vice-chair gave the ranks and highway report.

Alan reported several new ranks but these have mostly been given in “swaps” rather than adding to the total number of ranks.

The main problem is that since the Mayor removed our trade from his “Transport Strategy” most councils no longer feel the need to deal with the cab trade.

The existing committee were re-elected without challenge.

No rule change or resolutions were offered.

DON’T PLAY RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH YOUR LICENCE JOIN THE LCDC 0207 394 5553

19

Issue 292 February 2024

AS AN L.C.D.C MEMBER YOU WILL RECEIVE: n 24 HOUR DUTY SOLICITOR EXCLUSIVE TO THE CAB TRADE Your 24 Hr duty solicitor hotline membership card.

Peace of mind 24 hrs of the day. n LEGAL COVER Our fantastic team of City Of London based solicitors and barristers, experts in Hackney Carriage and road traffic law. n COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS As a member of the LCDC, we will deal with any complaint that has been made against you by members of the public.

Also we will attend the LTPH with you on any personal appeals that would affect your licence. n HEATHROW AIRPORT REPRESENTATION With our reps at the airport working

hard on the trade’s behalf for a fairer, and more safer future at Heathrow. n RANKS AND HIGHWAYS The LCDC attend the Joint Ranks committee, working hard for more ranks and more access for the taxi trade in London. n CAB TRADE ADVICE All members can call the office for any information or up to the date news on any trade related subject. n TRADE’S FUTURE The Club worked tirelessly in bringing in the green & yellow identifiers to the taxi trade.

And are always working hard to protect our future. n CAB TRADE REPRESENTATION We are working hard to work with members of the GLA and also politicians to fight our corner against TFL and was a major influence in the recent “ future proof” document. n VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS The Club works alongside LTC and Mercedes to deliver a vehicle that meets

our standard as a London taxi driver.

Recently we have held meetings to work against the ULEZ strategy and the introduction of taxi age limits. n CLUB PROTECTA To help drivers who have acquired twelve points keep their licence.

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21

Issue 292 February 2024

Sadiq Khan's adverts promoting Ulez expansion made misleading claims on pollution levels, watchdog finds Adverts for the expansion of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) made misleading claims about pollution levels across the capital and inside cars, a watchdog found today.

'This shouldn't surprise anyone. Sadiq Khan's own report said the Ulez expansion would do little to tackle air pollution. Sadiq Khan has a history of making misleading and false claims.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said claims made by Transport for London (TfL), which runs Ulez, that levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) had reduced by almost half as a result of the scheme were not based on measurements of air quality taken before and after it was implemented, as listeners of the radio ad might expect.

'After all, he told us he wouldn't expand Ulez to outer London but then did exactly that. Sadiq Khan can't be trusted. He doesn't deserve another four years as mayor. Eight years is more than enough.'

And Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall tweeted: 'Well, well, well, looks like Sadiq Khan's been telling porkies. He's spent your money falsely advertising a new tax nobody wanted. After eight long painful years, it's time for him to go.'

Instead, TfL based its claim on calculating the difference between current air quality measurements and a 'non-Ulez scenario', but without qualifying this for listeners and likely misleading them, the ASA found.

The ASA also upheld complaints about claims in a second TfL ad that most deaths related to air pollution 'actually' occurred in outer London, when this was in fact based on modelled estimates.

The ASA said the ad was likely to mislead listeners because it did not explain the basis of the claim.

In a separate ruling, the ASA found a claim made in a radio ad by the Greater London Authority that 'according to research, one of the most polluted places in London is inside your car' was misleading. The ASA said evidence provided by the GLA did establish that

car users were exposed to air pollution when inside their vehicle and that it could be higher than when using other forms of transport.

stressed that it was not its role to rule on the validity of Ulez, but rather to assess whether claims made in the ads were presented alongside robust evidence.

However, the GLA had not directly compared pollution inside a car in London with other locations around the city, meaning it had not been adequately substantiated and was likely to mislead listeners.

The watchdog has told both TfL and the GLA to ensure that claims relate to relevant evidence more closely in future.

The ASA, which received a total of 504 complaints about six TfL ads for Ulez and 38 complaints about the GLA ad only some of which were upheld -

Commenting on the ASA decision, City Hall Conservatives environment spokesman Tony Devenish said: 'Sadiq Khan and TfL have been caught out making misleading and unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of Ulez to Londoners.

TfL said it was 'disappointed' with the ASA's ruling, adding that scientific analysis based on modelled scenarios and estimates was 'standard practice' in the scientific community and central government.

A spokeswoman said: 'The ASA did not challenge the science. Its ruling centres around a minor technical point in some ads. We will take this into account when drafting the wording and referencing in any future adverts. The science is absolutely clear about the significant harm of air pollution on people's health and that estimated premature deaths from air pollution are higher in outer London than in inner London.-Courtesy of The Daily Mail

Hyde Park road, once popular taxi shortcut, set to be permanently closed A road through Hyde Park is set to be closed to vehicles permanently as efforts continue to restrict traffic in London’s green spaces.

cyclists experience a safe and welcoming entrance to the park every day”.

A six-week online consultation opened on Monday on banning vehicles from South Carriage Drive seven days a week.

Prior to the pandemic, it was a favourite shortcut for taxi drivers seeking to avoid getting delayed at Knightsbridge when travelling between Kensington and Hyde Park Corner.

The road has traditionally been closed on Sundays. Since August 2020 it has also been closed on Saturdays and during the week on a temporary basis, mainly to prevent drivers coming into conflict with cyclists using the controversial Park Lane cycle lane.

Face-to-face surveys will also be conducted at key locations within Hyde Park. Transport for London’s flagship CS3 cycleway, which links Barking and Lancaster Gate via Parliament Square and Tower Hill, runs along South Carriage Drive.

The Royal Parks, the charity that oversees Hyde Park, is asking Londoners whether they want the weekday closure of South Carriage Drive to be made permanent.

When TfL introduced a “pop up” cycle lane along the length of Park Lane in 2020 to encourage cycling during the pandemic, the Royal Parks temporarily closed South Carriage Drive on a sevendays-a-week basis “to address safety concerns between cars and cyclists”.

This is to “ensure that pedestrians and

Darren Share, director of parks at the Royal Parks, said: “As custodians of Hyde Park, we have a duty of care to provide a safe space for all visitors.

“Following consultation on Saturday closures, we received significant feedback from consultees to request a permanent closure across all days of the week. Considering this, and the significant increase in cycle traffic now using the park, we felt it was only right to ask the community for their views.”

TfL decided last July to make the Park Lane cycle lane permanent, despite

objections from motorists who claim it causes congestion on Park Lane.

Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall has vowed to axe it if she is elected in May. In October 2022, the Royal Parks permanently adopted more road closures in parks including Richmond Park, Greenwich Park and Bushy Park.

However campaigners including the London Cycling Campaign believe that Richmond Park should have a total ban on vehicles.

Courtesy of The Evening Standard

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23

Issue 292 February 2024

Uber to deliver NHS prescriptions ‘within weeks’ as pharmacists given powers to dish out more medicines UBER drivers will deliver NHS prescriptions to patients' doors in just a few weeks.

From March, Brits will be able to use the Healthera app to order medicines for delivery, which can arrive in as little as one hour.

Customers using the service can also order medicine cupboard essentials, like paracetamol and plasters, from over 1,500 pharmacies across Britain.

When using the app, customers can then choose whether they want the “express delivery” or a one-hour delivery slot, which also runs evenings and weekends.

Users will be able to 'live track' their orders, from being dispensed, to its journey to their front doorsteps, with live updates and an estimated time of arrival.

Any prescriptions will still have to be written by a doctor following a consultation, while the GP will approve repeat prescriptions before they can be dispensed, according to the Telegraph.

Patients will still need to pay for medicine and prescriptions in the usual way, and an additional delivery charge is expected.

‘Making medicines more accessible’ It comes as pharmacists have been given powers to treat seven new conditions without needing a GP appointment under the Government’s Pharmacy First initiative.

"easier for everyone".

She said: "Today's update will mean ordering and collecting your prescriptions can be done with a few taps of your fingers.

transformation at NHS England, said: "Giving all patients in England direct access to prescription information through the app means they'll know when their prescription is issued and avoid delays in collection.

People with sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and some urinary tract infections will be able to walk into their pharmacy for care.

"This will not only benefit anyone getting a prescription, it will also ease pressures on our hard-working pharmacists and GPs – freeing up valuable time for patients and helping to cut waiting lists."

"The new feature will also mean people who haven't set a nominated pharmacy will be able to present the barcode in the app to a pharmacy of their choice without needing a paper version."

Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for

Courtesy of The Sun

Caroline Varga, head of Uber Direct UK and Ireland, said the delivery system would make “medicines more accessible for people across the length and breadth of the country”.

Quintus Liu, chief executive and founder of Healthera, said it would add “a best-of-class delivery infrastructure that will enable them to offer customers and patients greater delivery speed, reliability and convenience”.

The NHS app is also expanding its features so millions of Brits can now access and order repeat prescriptions, see when they have been issued, and collect them from any pharmacy using a digital barcode, after a successful trial period.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the update will make the access to care

EDDIE NESTOR:

I’m giving it 100 days to ‘fix myself up’

Greetings Cabbies.

Did you get through Dry January?

Clearly I am getting old because I can’t stop thinking about what difference can I make to the way I look.

I have decided to dedicate the 100 days to my next birthday to “fixing up” and I would love you to do it with me.

brandy?

Can we cut out the full English, beer, bread, fizzy, sweets biscuits and crisps?

That’s what I am trying to do.

someone can have just 1 professional fight, which they lose and then get a top ten ranking then something is badly wrong.

Where are we going to start?

This might sound like envy (and it might be) because nobody has offered me £50 million to fight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We have some really good heavyweights in this country at the moment and it should be a time of fascinating fights but if the Saudis carry on spending money like they have in football, the sport’s integrity will be dead.

Apparently lots of us think it’s only about getting in the gym.

75% of it is down to the food, or in my case drink.

Why don’t they do diet

But it feels like the Heavyweight division has lost its soul. We might soon have an “Undisputed” Champion but what happens after that?When

Having said that, I wonder if I could fight Grant in Riyadh. How much do you think they pay to see two roly polys like us go at it?

Wish me luck.

I will be posting the before and after pics 😜

24

Issue 292 February 2024

HAL Taxi Trade Liaison Meeting (By Brian Nayar)

Meeting location / Time: Compass Centre & Teams 14:00 – 15:30 Minutes from Wednesday 10th January 2024 Summary of Discussion Agenda was presented on Powerpoint.

Liaison Meeting presentations Going forward - we have agreed that any presentations from Sensor Dynamic regarding the TFP project will be separate from Liaison Meetings. (Meetings are arranged for February and March). Megan Young will send out invites shortly for a mid-February and mid-March update meeting with Sensor Dynamic and CapGemini. Please note – these will not be design meetings, but a forum for updates.

TAXI EXPERT SYSTEM It has been announced that we will be moving onto a new Taxi Expert System to replace the existing, and outdated, ‘tag’ system we currently use. Development is ongoing, and we will be having monthly meetings with the developers. It will be an app-based system. At this stage I can’t comment on how it will look and work, until we have further meetings. What we do know, is the new system will run alongside the existing one for many, many, months. It is not expected to go live until Q1/2 of 2025. There are lots of queries from the trade to the developers, to ensure it satisfies how we operate as a business at Heathrow.

Terminal Drop Off Charge Megan Young will pick up with Caroline Brace regarding the ‘workaround with the T3 exemptions camera’. PCNs are still being received. Sean Taylor of APCOA has confirmed this should be resolved by March 2024. HAL investigating camera issues with Atkins/APCOA Taxi and PH Strategy Simi Kullar to provide update for March meeting TAXI FEEDER PARK EV UPGRADE Firstly, we have some very welcome news regarding the upgrade of the EV chargers. For the last 5 years or so, I have been tirelessly challenging Heathrow (HAL) to upgrade the Taxi Feeder

Airport matters

by Mark White Park (TFP) with more EV chargers.

I have had companies cost the upgrade and design of what we need. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts all of these were brushed aside by HAL - that is until the Surface Access Team have positively come on board, and I have been working closely with them for the last year. One of their tasks is to look at reducing the emissions in and around the airport, which led them to look at the TFP. It is a big investment, and one that is very complicated.

The TFP is governed by HAL’s Other Regulated Charges(ORC). In simple terms, we pay the same for our running costs as the whole of HAL’s estate. Any expenditure is taken from a central fund, and has to be agreed by the airlines. These are made up of British Airways, Virgin and all others are represented by a single group. As I said, it’s very complicated and this is a very basic explanation of how it works. For the last year the Surface Access Team have been through many rounds of discussions to get an agreement on investing in the TFP. I have supplied many documents with facts and figures on all things EV Taxi, which have been incorporated within their presentations. It has been a real struggle, but a few weeks ago I received a phone call letting me know we have an agreement for funding, and in turn our focus will be planning the EV upgrade of the TFP. During this whole process, I have been in constant contact with all trade groups and informing them of our position every step of the way. To get to this point is a massive achievement for the trade.

The next big steps to take is the design process, and then there’s the cost per kWh…!!!

There is a TFP site visit to begin the design process with the Surface Access team very soon.

Regarding the 7 chargers we do have, many users will have noticed the price change. As I mentioned before, we are governed by the HAL ORC pricing. This is the same price the whole estate pay for their electricity. It is calculated annually, and can go up as well as down.

The is now set to £0.54 per kWh, with the first kWh at £0.74, which includes a £0.20 connection charge. I have questioned the £0.20 connection fee, and what happens if the EV unit stops working and you have to reconnect.

I am still awaiting a response.

We also have a big problem with maintenance of the EV units, and the reporting of any issues. The process we have in place is not fit for purpose, as we have had one EV unit out of action for over a year now, and one that has no power at all. This has been progressed up to Landside Operations for a resolution. Megan Young of HAL explained the SWARCO/HAL Engineering process – site visits are not always instantaneous. SLA between HAL Engineering and SWARCO – Megan Young to pick up with Estates Engineering.

TERMINAL ARRIVALS TAXI DESK We have been granted access by HAL to have a Taxi Desk on a 3 month trial one terminal. It is now up to the trade as a whole to form a

single entity to satisfy the needs of HAL. Mark White has already undertaken a lot of work on this. All Heathrow reps are in agreement to push forward with this, and we are already in discussions to put this in place. In addition to the single entity, there also needs to be a rigorous Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place in regards to what the role of the Taxi Desk will be, and how it will be staffed. There will no doubt be costs associated with this, and how it will be funded will of course be discussed and communicated to the trade. Taxi Trade Group to review and will update. To be kept on agenda.

Replacement/New Tags 330 issued to date (Sean Taylor APCOA) Taxi Wardens in Feeder Park You may not be aware, but I have been a TFP Warden for a number of years now. Wardens operate from 6am until 4pm every day now.

Our role is to ensure there is a constant supply of Taxis on the terminals. Any hold-ups in the TFP could leave the terminal ranks empty, and it also stops every other driver going to work. The worst thing that can happen to us as a trade at Heathrow, is we leave ranks empty and passengers seek alternative transport.

If you are late back to your vehicle, it can take a number of minutes manoeuvring cabs to ensure we get the park moving. Wardens can and do issue tickets to those drivers that are late back. These are just polite notices, reminding drivers of the by-laws of the TFP. In short, if

25

Issue 292 February 2024

you are in the TFP you must be ready to work as soon as your line moves.

We must remember the TFP is a 24/7 working taxi rank. When it is slow moving, we must fill in every available space in the north TFP. This is to ensure we squeeze as many taxis in as possible, and not queue on the road. If we are on the road and affecting local businesses, they will call the police.

Those on the road will then be denied entry into the TFP. There is no excuse, as HAL have placed signs on Newall Road to this effect.

If a warden politely asks you to move forward, even if it is only 1 foot, please do so. That small distance can be the difference of getting one more Taxi on the back of the group, and not queuing on the road. Just think, that driver being turned away could be you.

TFP PRAYER ROOM Funding to install a multi-faith prayer room has now been granted.

It is still at the design stage, and site visits have been undertaken recently. It is hoped it will be in place by the Summer of 2024.

Operations at TFP North Park

affected during sunset time and Friday lunchtime.

We also have many issues at sunset, and especially Friday lunchtime whereby drivers are leaving their vehicles dotted all over the north TFP. This causes issues for those drivers that are working. The TFP is a working Taxi rank, and HAL have said they will be making visits at these times over the next few weeks, to ensure no Heathrow Byelaws are being broken. Discussion had regarding when new TFP project is implemented, that APCOA take on Warden duties. • A request was made for Body-cams. HAL will check.

Police Update Police have issued a CBO to a taxi tout, and 5 notices given to drivers without insurance. Please ‘report as seen’ to APOC emergency number ENTRY FEE It has been announced the ‘gate fee’ will reduce from £3.60 to £3.00.

This is due to the record-breaking movements we have been having at Heathrow. Despite to wait times as expected, increasing this

January, we have still undertaken record movements. We have beaten last January’s record by 500+ journeys.

Hotel Drop-off Charges • Hotels are enforcing reduced drop-off grace periods before charging drivers. James Ashfield of HAL (Landside)following up with Hotels (Renaissance, Marriott, Sofitel).

AOB: • Pre-booked disabled assistance for picking up WC users: James Ashfield picking up with Commercial/APCOA/PRM Team, update to be shared at March meeting.

• PHVs picking up on Forecourts: More enforcement presence needed. HAL to look into enforcement, update to be shared at March meeting.

• Feeding wildlife, signage: HAL to organise site visit to review current signage and amount/placement of bins.

• Canteen opening hours/Vending machine: Taxi trade would like to request canteen to be open until 2300. HAL to contact Commercial/Eurest and will share update at March meeting.

• Homeless gentleman: This gentleman has been returning to TFP. Please encourage drivers to contact APCOA staff at TFP if he is seen again. Please also encourage drivers to refrain from buying this gentleman anything. HAL are trying to get him some long term help.

Megan Young to contact Travelcare again and provide update at March meeting.

• Longford Bridge/Hillingdon Council: We discussed the bus lane over the bridge at Longford into the Airport, and who decides on access (HAL or Hillingdon Council). James Ashfield of HAL to update at March meeting.

We did not cover every point on AOB – outstanding points will be added to the next meeting’s agenda.

L.C.D.C LEADERS NOT FOLLOWERS

Stop talking about it and JOIN!

26

Issue 292 February 2024

Steve Bunce’s boxing round-up FURY V USYK DELAY AFTER SPARRING CUT Tyson Fury's undisputed heavyweight championship fight with Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed after the Brit suffered a severe cut while sparring. Fury's camp revealed that the injury is serious enough to require stitches, ruling him out of action. The fight was scheduled to take place on February 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

WBC Champion Fury was set to square off in a unification fight against Usyk, holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO titles.

Fury suffered a cut while sparring that has required stitches, ruling him out of the bout which was scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 17.

The fight postponement was confirmed by Queensbury, Frank Warren's promotion company, with a spokesperson saying: "Whilst this is still breaking news it is clearly a massive disappointment, after the

work that has been done by so many people to finally deliver this historic event to the world.

"Once the doctors have

appraised Tyson's eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed.

"Once known we will work diligently with all the stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments."

Fury was also quoted in the statement: "I am absolutely devastated after preparing for this fight for so long and being in such superb condition.

"I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye has "I can only apologise to everyone affected including my own team, Team Usyk, the undercard fighters, partners, and fans as well as our hosts and my friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Fury also responded to the news on Instagram, saying: "Can't help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can.

2024 a massive year for team GK #undisputed #wbcking."

Warren told TalkSport that Fury's cut occurred in Riyadh "in sparring with a Croatian heavyweight who caught his eye with his elbow".

The winner of the fight between Fury and Usyk would have become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999, when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in Paradise, Nevada, with Lewis winning by unanimous decision.

Usyk has defeated Anthony Joshua twice on his road to facing Fury, and in his most recent bout.

JOSHUA SET TO FACE NGANNOU IN MARCH Great Britain's Anthony Joshua will face MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight contest on 8 March in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua, 34, had previously described a potential bout with Cameroon-born Ngannou as a "gimmick fight".

The 37-year-old former UFC

champion only made his professional boxing debut in October, when he knocked down Tyson Fury before losing a close decision.

Joseph Parker leads the undercard against China's Zhilei Zhang.

Also on the undercard is Briton Nick Ball, who faces Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title in his first world-title bout.

Former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou stunned the boxing world last year when he sent the undefeated Fury to the canvas with a left hook.

The 35-year-old Briton, who recovered to win the 10round bout by split decision, will fight Oleksandr Usyk on 17 February for the right to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.

Fury is the WBC champion, with Ukraine's Usyk, 36, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.

Saudi organisers were intent on hosting Joshua v Deontay Wilder on 9 March, but the American's points defeat by Parker on 23 December

27

Issue 292 February 2024 scuppered those plans.

Joshua stopped Otto Wallin on the same card and organisers were determined to find a bout for the Watford fighter on the same weekend the Wilder showdown had been pencilled in for.

keep Joshua ticking over while at the same time keeping the Saudi organisers happy as they get to close 'Riyadh Season' with another heavyweight event.

Saudi Arabia has ploughed millions of dollars into staging huge sporting events, with critics saying the unprecedented spending is being used to enhance the oil-producing kingdom's international reputation and deflect from its human rights record and environmental impact.

Joshua v Ngannou will take place on a Friday to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which is due to be held in Jeddah on Saturday, 9 March.

Why is Joshua fighting Ngannou?

Just a few weeks ago Joshua was downplaying the prospect of fighting boxing newcomer Ngannou, but Wilder's defeat by Parker forced him to rethink his plans.

As well as that, Joshua is keen to put himself in the mix to face the winner of Fury v Usyk or potentially fight for the IBF title should it become vacant following the undisputed bout.

Despite majorly troubling Fury, Ngannou will be a big underdog against Joshua, who has twice held world heavyweight titles.

The fight represents less risk for Joshua than might be anticipated against a seasoned heavyweight like Parker - who many might

have considered an obvious choice after his victory over Wilder.

Fighting Ngannou can

However, in a recent interview with the BBC, Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said claims of 'sportswashing' were "very shallow", insisting the investment is boosting the country's economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.

Rocky actor Carl Weathers passes away at 76 US actor Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76, according to his family.

will always be known as a true legend."

Breaking Bad actor Giancarlo Esposito said: "I will sorely miss my dear friend & brother Carl Weathers. You are truly one of the most wonderful human beings I have had the honor & pleasure of spending time with!"

Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films, "died peacefully in his sleep", according to a statement released by his family.

His other film credits include Predator, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore.

Weathers, who began his career as an NFL linebacker, "was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life", his family's statement added.

In a video posted on Instagram, fellow Rocky star Sylvester Stallone said Weathers was "an integral part of my life, my success...

I give him incredible credit".

"Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations," said the family.

"He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."

The athlete-turned-actor was comfortable starring in action and comedy, in appearances ranging from Arrested Development to The Mandalorian, where he featured in all three seasons of the Disney+ hit series.

Schwarzenegger, praised Weathers on X, formerly Twitter: "Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person.

"We couldn't have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn't have had such a wonderful time making it."

His one-time co-star, the former California governor and superhero action star

Born in 1948 in New Orleans, Weathers began his career playing football at San Diego

State University, where he studied theatre acting, before joining the Oakland Raiders in 1970.

During his over 50-year career in Hollywood, he appeared in more than 75 films and TV shows, according to Deadline.

In 2021 he was nominated for an Emmy for his role in The Mandalorian. He directed two episodes of the Star Wars series, as well as

episodes of Law & Order and Chicago Med. He was also known for Action Jackson, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Eight Crazy Nights, Little Nicky and the Toy Story franchise.

Adam Sandler paid tribute on social media, writing: "A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete."

"What a guy!! Everyone loved him," he wrote. "Love to his entire family and Carl

"I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him. He was absolutely brilliant," Stallone added in an emotional tribute.

In an interview with the Detroit News last year, Weathers called himself a "lucky guy".

There are so many people that came before me who I admired and whose success I wanted to emulate, and just kind of hit the benchmarks they hit in terms of success, who created a pathway that I've been able to walk and find success as a result," he said. "And hopefully I can inspire someone else to do good work as well."

"I guess I'm just a lucky guy."

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ADDISON LEE INVESTS IN THE FUTURE OF LONDON’S BLACK TAXI INDUSTRY WITH NEW TRAINING INITIATIVE Addison Lee, London’s largest private hire and taxi firm, has today announced a new partnership with the WizAnn Knowledge School to safeguard the future of the black taxi industry, and support drivers looking to establish a successful career in the field.

The number of black taxi drivers licensed by TfL has faced a steady decline in recent years, with latest figures showing just 17,625 taxi driver licenses in the capital1. Joint forces have been contributing to the ongoing workforce decline, such as the pandemic and the extensive training required.

To help address this shortage, and ensure Londoners have ongoing access to all forms of reliable transport, Addison Lee has partnered with the WizAnn Knowledge School, to provide private hire drivers with the Knowledge training at a discounted rate.

To become a black taxi driver, applicants must pass ‘the Knowledge’, learning every road within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross.

This process typically takes up to 4 years and has the potential to deter new recruits looking to kickstart both their career and their earnings.

Addison Lee’s partnership with WizAnn aims to tackle this challenge, by giving drivers the opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’ and is open to existing Addison Lee drivers and private hire drivers interested in pursuing a career with the firm.

With the private hire industry continuing to surge across London – with new figures showing 106,538 private hire driver licenses2 – there is a growing opportunity to support these drivers to pursue long-term, fruitful careers in the black taxi industry.

The firm will be delivering

the Knowledge training for private hire drivers at its West Drayton Fleet Hub, and all materials – from training documents to videos, and a 24-hour support group – is being provided at a discounted rate, laddering up to no costs for drivers in the fourth year.

Liam Griffin, CEO of Addison Lee, commented: “Operating in the capital for over 50 years, we share our strong London heritage with the Hackney Carriage industry, alongside a shared passion for providing drivers with fulfilling and fruitful careers.

But we’re not naive to the challenges, and we know that if we want to see the black taxi thrive, we must provide drivers with the right support and benefits to encourage them into the field. We hope our partnership will spur a positive change for the industry and uphold the rich cultural significance of London’s iconic black taxis.”

With a full suite of services and owned vehicles, Addison Lee offers a clear career path for drivers

unlike other operators in the city. With its courier, standard, executive, and black taxi fleet on its platform, the firm is able to provide drivers with career development, supporting them with their next move

and progression.

Drivers with Addison Lee also benefit from a leading driver package, including a contributory pension scheme, sick pay, holiday pay, vehicle maintenance,

and the AL Rewards package, providing drivers with financial, physical and mental wellbeing support.

Keith Prince, Chair of the Greater London Authority Transport Committee, said: “Keith Prince, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, said: “The partnership between Addison Lee and WizAnn Knowledge School signifies a much-needed shared commitment to futureproofing the city’s transport network. With driver numbers falling, it’s heartening to see the proactive steps taken to revitalise the black taxi trade – which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the industry and the city as a whole.”

Dean Warrington, Founder of WizAnn Knowledge School, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Addison Lee in this initiative to empower more drivers to embark on the Knowledge journey. Our comprehensive training programme, combined with Addison Lee’s support, will create a pathway for aspiring black taxi drivers to thrive in their career.”

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