HIGHLIGHTS THIS ISSUE
TAXI The offical publication of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association | www.ltda.co.uk |
P2
DON’T TAKE THE CAUTION Steve McNamara
P6
CAMDEN HITS CABS AGAIN Richard Massett
P10 PADDINGTON PARKING SCAM Private firm targets cabs P27 HEATHROW DESKS CLOSE Taxi kiosks unviable
@TheLTDA
No.292 | 30 APRIL 2013
SEE PAGE 3
GRIFFIN GRABS £300M BUT WANTS BORIS THROWN IN THAMES More readers than the rest put together. Ask any driver!
LTDA
2
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
Top Trade Story
DON’T TAKE THE CAUTION STEVE MCNAMARA LTDA General Secretary
Cautions may seem an easy option if you are arrested but you can still lose your Bill n the good old days, everything was far more black and white than it is today. Back then, if you were a law abiding citizen, the chances were that the only time you were ever going to come into contact with the police, was if you were the victim of a crime, or were unlucky enough to be stopped for a minor motoring offence. If you were driving a cab, and had a dispute with a drunken passenger, you were pleased when the police responded to your call, and they could usually be relied upon to use a bit of common sense to sort out the problem. These days they are more likely to treat the drunk as the victim whilst you end up trying to defend your actions. If you’re unlucky enough to become engaged in a dispute with a
I
passenger, the victim of road rage, or some other ludicrous and unfounded allegation, you stand a fair chance of being arrested, taken to a police station and thrown into the cells. Most cab drivers have never seen the inside of a police custody suite and have no idea how the detention system works. People who find themselves in this situation frequently say anything that fits, just to get out, and back to normality as quickly as possible; not realising that they may have seriously compromised their future. In recent weeks several
LTDA members have been arrested for relatively minor offences and have either assumed, or been misled by a police officer, into believing that accepting a caution, as a quick way of getting out of the nick, is a very minor matter and nothing to worry about. In reality, accepting a caution is a straight forward admission of guilt. It is particularly attractive from the police point of view, because it amounts to a ‘crime’ being cleared up, without the additional cost and effort of running the case to court. Appeals by persons who have accepted a caution, and
subsequently change their mind, rarely succeed. If you are ever arrested for any offence do NOT under any circumstances agree to be interviewed by the police, or accept a caution, without first speaking to a lawyer. If you are an LTDA member you must, as soon as you are detained, call us on 0207 286 1046 during office hours or, at other times, using the emergency number on the back of your membership card. Don’t allow yourself to be talked into anything, and don’t speak until your LTDA legal representative arrives. It is important to remember that, despite what the police may tell you, ALL cautions must be reported immediately to TfL, and may result in your Bill being revoked. n
se presents the Southwark Playhou tling ‘fight of the decade’ res -w all , all-singing
15 MAY – 22 JUN
TANZI LIBRE
M BY CLAIRE LUCKHA JONES LIE EL BY ED CT RE DI l in over
ndon reviva The first major Lo st End hit Trafford Tanzi 30 years of the We s presents
Vicky Araico Casa
22 MAY – 15 JUN
JUANA IN A MILLION CASAS AND NIR BY VICKY ARAICO WITH LIVE MUSIC
PALDI
ere of the The London premi winning show Fringe First Award
07 0234 Box Office: 020 74se.co.uk southwarkplayhou d at se are locate Southwark PlayhouCauseway, London SE1 6BD e station) 77–85 Newington hant and Castle tub (just a three minute
walk from Elep
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
3
NEWS
Griffin sells out Trade Addison Lee has been sold to the US firm which owns the RAC in a deal said to be worth £300m. Teflon John remains the company chairman and is thought to have pocketed £90m from the sale of the firm, which was dogged by controversy last year. The new owners, the privateequity giant Carlyle, plan to expand the minicab company. Griffin is the joint founder of Addison Lee, which started in 1975, with Lenny Foster, and retains a small stake in the firm. The Chairman’s attempt to get access to the bus lanes for minicabs (see below) was one of several incidents which backfired spectacularly last year. Cyclists protested outside his offices in north London after he claimed they were to blame for their own injuries on the capital’s busy roads, arguing that they “leap on to a vehicle which offers them no protection except a padded plastic hat”. Griffin turned to mini-cabbing in
the 70s with a single vehicle, but Addison Lee now has around 3,500 minicabs. Under the terms of the deal, Griffin will remain the company chairman and his son Liam, its chief executive. Drivers who work for the company do not own shares and will not get a windfall from the deal. Liam Griffin said: “We’re very much concentrated in central London, but now we can look at going further afield within the M25, like the suburbs. We’ll look primarily at that area first.” Last month, Addison Lee was ordered to remove illegal bonnet logos from a number of its cars after they were spotted by the LTDA. Griffin heaped more embarrassment on himself and the firm when he wrote a letter to a local newspaper in Hertfordshire complaining about a deaf footballer. Potters Bar Town player Daniel Ailey uses sounds to alert other players to his position. Griffin suggested that the police should have been asked to make him stop. He later apologised.
‘Sling Boris in the Thames’ John Griffin’s monetary windfall has done little to quell his anger and frustration at Boris Johnson’s decision to grant 15 year licences to London taxis, whilst restricting minicabs to a 10 year age limit. Griffin, who donated £250,000 in cash and over £4,000 in minicab journeys to the Conservatives, recently complained “I sponsor the mayor….I have never been inside his
office. A cup of tea and a bun would be nice”. He concluded by ranting, “get rid of him and sling him in the Thames.”
How the LTDA was first with the news Follow us @TheLTDA
LTDA
“LTDA Confirm Addison Lee has been sold! £300 million International Asset Management Company, Carlyle Group the buyers.”
‘There’s no dynamite here’ Trade Addison Lee’s allegedly explosive new evidence against TfL in the fight for the bus lanes was blown out of the water by a High Court judge. The firm and its chairman were back in court this week, seeking to overturn a decision which kept minicabs out of the bus lanes. Nicholas Green QC, for Addison Lee, told the court he had obtained previously undisclosed “dynamite” and “explosive” TfL research into bus lanes. He said: “It shows that the reasons TfL had worked on for 18 months to justify keeping private hire vehicles out of bus lanes would apply equally to black cabs.” But, Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, said: “I can’t see anything that is explosive or dynamite at all.” Last year, Griffin and co claimed that allowing taxis into the bus lanes and not minicabs was anticompetitive and was a restriction against European Law. In July, Justice Burton dismissed the claims and said the case for
excluding minicabs was “obvious and compelling.” He added “minicabs do not have the same need,” and to allow them access would be the “thin end of the wedge” which would open the floodgates for chauffeured cars, car club vehicles and delivery vans. In the latest appeal, Mr Green claimed the cabs were were granted permission to use the lanes under a “cosy deal” cooked up by Ken Livingstone and the taxi trade. It was put forward by the firm’s legal team that both taxis and minicabs could be allowed to use the lanes only when carrying passengers. The hearing has ended and the decision will be reported in TAXI as soon as it is announced.
CASH SAME DAY London Taxi Sales Ltd INSTANT CASH LOANS LICENSED TAXI DRIVERS
020 7487 5755 IMMEDIATE VERBAL QUOTATION UPON REQUEST Consumer Credit License No 571041 TAXI LOANS LTD - 5 BAKER STREET W1
Looking to BUY or SELL a TX1, TX2 or TX4? CASH PAID FOR ALL TX1’s, TX2’s & TX4’s Sell Your Cab & Rent It Back Finance Packages TX4’s & TX2’s Available to Rent Best Prices Paid for All London Taxis
0208 150 75 60 www.londontaxisales.co.uk info@londontaxisales.co.uk © LTI Limited reproduced with permission. Fairway and TX shape is a registered design. FairwayTM, TXTM, the LTI device, the LTI, London Taxis International and The London Taxi Company logos are all trademarks of LTI Limited.
4
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
5
FEATURE
DON’T PANIC! A relieved LTDA member wrote in to TAXI to tell his story after the association’s ‘brilliant’ barrister saved the day once again after he made an error that could have cost him his bill I feel that I must write to TAXI to express my sincere thanks to the LTDA, for the efforts that the association’s staff and legal team put into preventing me from being given a driving ban. After renting in London for some years, I recently moved out into the sticks, because that was the only place that I could afford to buy a small flat. I had just finished a long shift, on the third day of moving out, when I missed my turn-off on the motorway on the way home, and found myself in unfamiliar territory. It was difficult to turn back to the motorway, and in my frustration I lost concentration and unintentionally shot a red light. Unfortunately, I collided with a car which was crossing the other way. The impact threw me into shock and I just kept driving. I then came to my senses and Uturned back to the scene of the accident. A motorcyclist had stopped and was talking through the window of the car to the lady driver. She seemed okay, so instead of stopping, I drove off and made my way home. I know that I shouldn’t have, but I was shaken up and angry with myself for making such a stupid and dangerous mistake. I also convinced myself that it had been a complete accident because I hadn’t deliberately jumped the lights.
A definite ban! My conscience troubled me for the next few days, and I even had trouble sleeping. To cut a long story short, I was eventually traced by the police and interviewed under caution. I had no option but to admit that I had been in the wrong, and frankly I felt better for doing so. A short time later I was summonsed for driving without due care, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. The police had informed me during my
interview that the magistrates at the local court were famed for imposing draconian sentences on taxi drivers, because ‘they are professional drivers, and should know better.’ The police were in no doubt that the combination of points for the two offences would definitely result in a ban.
Great care I had joined the LTDA when I first got my bill, so I contacted them immediately, in the hope of saving my licence. The association took great care in preparing a case of mitigation to save my bill. They interviewed people who were best able to provide character witness evidence, and researched other important technical issues surrounding the circumstances of the accident.
“”
THE LTDA TOOK GREAT CARE IN PREPARING A CASE OF MITIGATION TO SAVE MY BILL
On the day in court my LTDA barrister was absolutely brilliant, and made a case to the two magistrates that I had genuinely panicked, and that it was not in my normal nature to have behaved in such a way. The magistrates retired for twenty minutes and then returned to announce that they had, reluctantly, been persuaded by my barrister, and that they were prepared to make an exception in my case and not disqualify me. I can’t begin to describe the relief that I felt, because not being able to work would certainly have meant that I would have had my new flat repossessed. Thank you again LTDA. Name and address supplied n
SUPPORT OUR DRIVERS The LTDA will pay the out of pocket expenses and compensate for lost time, any drivers (members or not) who attend court to give evidence on behalf of an LTDA member
“I contacted the LTDA immediately, in the hope of saving my licence”
London Taxi Sales Ltd TX4 11plt Grey/Elegance 56480 miles £122 p/week TX4 60plt Black/Silver 70245 miles PCO 10/13 £112 p/week TX4 59plt Black/Silver 51023 mile PCO 09/13 £105 p/week
Lookin BUY o g to r a TX1, SELL T or TX4 X2 ?
TX4 59plt Black/Silver 76150 miles PCO 10/13 £101 p/week TX4 59plt Grey/Gold 76880 miles PCO 10/13 £104 p/week TX4 59plt Silver/Gold 69495 miles £106 p/week Based on £1000 deposit over 60 payments and subject to status, setup fees apply.
0208 150 75 60 www.londontaxisales.co.uk info@londontaxisales.co.uk
© LTI Limited reproduced with permission. Fairway and TX shape is a registered design. FairwayTM, TXTM, the LTI device, the LTI, London Taxis International and The London Taxi Company logos are all trademarks of LTI Limited.
6
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
The Massett File
CAMDEN HITS CABS AGAIN RICHARD MASSETT LTDA Executive, Chairman London Cab Ranks Committee
Another closure in north London makes it seem like someone has it in for the cab trade razy Camden Council has struck another blow against the cab trade by closing off one of its most popular routes. Following on from the closure of Warren Street, its officials have now shut off the exit from Earlham Street onto Shaftesbury Avenue. The route became popular when Westminster Council banned the right turn at the bottom of St Martin’s Lane, leaving Cranbourn Street as the only way out into Shaftesbury Avenue from Covent Garden. As things now stand, the taxis and other vehicles that previously used Earlham Street will add to the already considerable
C
“Camden’s latest move will add to congestion”
LTDA Policy Statement It is more essential than ever for drivers to be fully appraised of the various trade organisations’ policies. In order to clarify the LTDA’s position on the important issues facing the industry, the Association reaffirms: 1.
Its determination (despite opposition from certain trade organisations) to exclude taxi drivers from any form of restriction on working hours or the compulsory fitting of tachographs in cabs.
2.
Its total opposition to the proposed computerised Knowledge testing system (Quickie Knowledge), which is intended to speed up and churn out new licences.
3.
Its support for a regular review of taxi usage in London in order to provide effective management of the cab fleet which will prevent the streets of London being flooded with empty cabs.
4.
Its support for the introduction of ‘rest ranks’ to enable drivers to legally leave their cabs unattended whilst visiting adjacent toilet facilities.
5.
Its support for a complete ban on pedicabs.
6.
Its insistence on meaningful consultation with Transport for London.
7.
Its support for an effective minicab enforcement team, trained to eradicate illegal touting by minicab drivers.
8.
Its campaign for taxi access to all bus lanes.
9.
Its insistence that taxis continue to be exempt from congestion charges.
10. Its policy to recruit, support and represent licensed taxi drivers only.
If you require clarification on these or other important issues, please: POLICY
Call the LTDA on 020 7286 1046
“”
WHEN THE LTDA LOBBIED CAMDEN COUNCIL THERE WAS PRECIOUS LITTLE EMPATHY SHOWN TOWARDS THE TRADE BY ITS COUNCILLORS
congestion in Cranbourn Street. The only other alternative is to use Mercer Street, but that only leaves you in the tailbacks along Shaftesbury Avenue. Ironically, Westminster recently carried out expensive highway improvements for the benefit of pedestrians in Cranbourn Street, because it is the main pedestrian link between Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Camden’s latest action will only increase congestion and will inevitably make air quality and the pedestrian environment much worse. Many taxi drivers believe that Camden has a vendetta against the cab trade and its recent actions only serve to reinforce that view. I have
to say that when the LTDA lobbied the council, at a meeting after the closure of the route through Marchmont Street to Kings Cross, there was precious little empathy shown towards the trade by its councillors. The current scheme, like Warren Street, is experimental and the council is inviting comments from anyone affected. To allow the scheme to bed in, Camden will consider responses made between May 6 and July 8. If you wish to comment, you are advised to email chris.g.smith@camden.gov.uk or alternatively you can write to him at the town hall in Argyle Street to let him know what you think of the scheme.
TfL makes a U-turn Following the article in TAXI, which drew attention to Transport for London’s plans to reshape Euston Circus, the authority has now amended its plans for what it calls reasons of clarity. In fact, the plans have been amended to allow right turns from the eastbound Euston Road slip road, in order to enter Gower Street. The movement TfL has now banned is the U-turn in front of Tottenham Court Road, eastbound Euston Road to westbound. TfL has not changed the order in respect of the new bus lane in front of the University College Hospital, or the banned turn from Hampstead Road into Euston Road eastbound, and the LTDA has maintained its objection to these proposals. In particular, access for taxis to the bus lane is being taken up with TfL through the Cab Ranks Committee. TfL’s policy on bus lanes is that taxis should be included unless there are clear reasons on the grounds of safety or capacity, for not doing so. We have asked TfL for a detailed explanation. n
More readers than the rest put together!
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
7
NEWS Unfit private hire driver fined Trade A driver with an airport parking company who was caught carrying passengers without a licence was found guilty in his absence after he failed to appear at court. Timothy Dodds, 50, was stopped by police while driving a private hire vehicle near Stansted Airport on November 19 last year. But magistrates in Chelmsford heard that his licence to operate had been revoked by Uttlesford District Council five months earlier. Dodds, of Old Bury Lodge Lane, Stansted, failed to attend the court hearing, but was found guilty in his absence. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge as well as full prosecution costs of £490.92p. JPs heard that Dodds’ private hire licence was revoked in June 2012 by the council which acted after hearing how he had been stopped on four separate occasions earlier that year at checkpoints operated near the airport by enforcement officers and Essex Police. In April 2012, he was cautioned by police for driving a vehicle which was not licensed for private hire use, failing to display private hire plates and failing to wear a private hire driver’s badge. He was stopped near the airport on three further occasions in May 2012 for driving an unlicensed vehicle or not wearing a private hire
driver’s badge. Dodds had also been caught smoking in his vehicle, contrary to licensing laws, and failed to notify a change in his address or a conviction for possessing cannabis. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for the smoking offence and was due to be interviewed about several other matters but did not turn up, resulting in in his licence being revoked. Members were told that it was the second time Dodds had lost his licence which had also been suspended for 28 days in May 2011. The most recent suspension was issued after he failed to notify the council that he had been fined £50 and given five penalty points for failing to stop after an accident at a hotel near the airport. Dodds was later fined £600 and ordered to pay £606 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge by magistrates in Harlow after being charged in relation to the offences in April and May. Councillor Doug Perry, chairman of the licensing and environmental health committee, said Dodd had proved he is not a “fit and proper person” to operate as a private hire driver. He added: “His failure to appear in court was a clear admission of his guilt and I strongly urge anyone who sees him carrying passengers in the vicinity of the airport to notify the police immediately.”
Rickshaw plans thrown out by local council Transport A proposal which would have allowed rickshaws onto the streets of Cheltenham has been unanimously rejected by council bosses. But councillors have said they may look at the issue again after the Law Commission report on the taxi and private hire trade is published at the end of the year. Business owners first approached the council with plans to operate pedicabs in and around the Promenade area of the town
around a year ago. The cabinet previously decided in December 2012 to defer making a decision on licensing rickshaws because the vehicles do not fit neatly into existing Hackney carriage legislation.
0207 446 7678
8
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
NEWS Traffic warden’s ticket feud
News in brief
Court
Ex-cabbie’s 80th birthday marathon
A traffic warden waged a parking fine campaign against a former colleague that “he did not get on with,” a court has heard. Robert Ives, 59, is said to have dished out nine fake tickets to Kevin Philips, a PCSO based at Tooting police station in south London. The tickets were issued in the names of other traffic wardens but Ives was linked to them by his handwriting, Southwark Crown Court heard. On one occasion, Mr Philips was parked in a completely different area
Ives denies writing the tickets
of south London, to the one where the bogus ticket was issued. Prosecutor Peter von Berg said: “He wilfully or deliberately misconducted himself to such a degree to amount to abuse of the public trust in his office and he did so without reasonable excuse or justification.” Mr von Berg told jurors that as well as the tickets issued against Mr Philips, a tenth was made against a woman named Shamim Gilami. The court heard the tickets were issued to Mr Philips after he left to take up a new job as a PCSO in September 2011. A handwriting expert who examined them concluded that there was a “strong possibility” that they were penned by Ives and “certainly not by the other wardens” at the unit, the prosecutor said. He added: “We say if the defendant did issue the tickets he breached public trust in him as a traffic warden.” Ives and Mr Phillips “didn’t get on” and had an “unpleasant relationship” while working together as traffic wardens, said the prosecutor. “Mr Phillips left in September 2011 and the defendant left at the end of
November, when the unit was made redundant. “Several months after, Kevin Phillips started to get penalty charge notices in the post.” Mr Phillips alerted his supervisor, prompting an investigation during which it was noted that Citroen had been spelled incorrectly on several of the bogus tickets, jurors heard. The prosecutor said: “Mr Phillips was asked if anyone bore a grudge against him or ill will. “He said he had a poor relationship with Robert Ives when they worked together and police decided to question the defendant.” Ives denies writing the tickets and insisted he was not at work for much of November 2011, jurors heard. He also claimed someone else may have had access to his pocket book and may have “set him up.” He conceded he had an “up and down” relationship with Mr Phillips but insisted that at times, they got on very well. Ives, from Tooting, denies misconduct in a judicial or public office. The trial continues.
A retired taxi driver will celebrate his 80th birthday by taking part in a half-marathon walk to raise funds to fight breast cancer. Lesley Cohen, of Carvell Drive, plans to complete the MoonWalk London challenge with his daughter on May 11. The 79-year-old retired taxi driver said: “I’ve known people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and others who have died from it, so I wanted to my bit.” This is not the first time the grandfather of eight has been involved in a challenge. He and fellow members of the Arnos Bowling Club, Southgate, broke the world record for playing indoor bowls for 36 hours in 2002. Organisers hope to have 15,000 people taking part in the event, which starts in Battersea Park.
More readers than the rest put together!
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
9
10
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
NEWS
Paddington parking scam Trade A notorious parking firm is catching out taxi drivers dropping off residents close to the Hilton Metropole in Paddington. Park Direct UK has a permanent camera car in operation in Harbet Road, close to the entrance to the hotel. The driver strikes when cabbies set down outside the Merchant Square flats, taking snaps and sending out initial fines of £60. One LTDA member, who asked not to be named, said he had been attempting to drop off a family with a large number of suitcases when his silver taxi was photographed by an aggressive private contractor on March 13. The driver approached the warden in the car, which itself was parked on double yellow lines, to ask what was going on but was subjected to a foul-mouthed tirade. The cabbie, from Harrow, said: “He just started repeatedly swearing at me when I went over to him. He was parked on yellow lines – so it’s
“It’s just a money-making scam” basically, do as I say and not as I do.” “I’m worried that I have got a number of tickets because, another time, while I was waiting for someone to come out, I had to keep circling the building and getting out to ring the bell. It was only that someone told me about the car that I realised I had been caught. It’s just a money-making scam. I have appealed the first ticket and included evidence that the people I was dropping off live in Merchant Square but they just turned it down.” The signs state that the bays are for Merchant Square residents and
An aggressive private contractor takes the snaps leads drivers to believe they can set down passengers outside their homes. But the small print on the signage claims that anyone wishing to drop off residents to their flats must first get a permit but the ‘rules’ are thought to be unenforceable. Parking on private land is a civil matter and is NOT enforced by statute. Private parking contractors have to issue proceedings in a small claims court in order to claim any alleged fines. Park Direct, which is based in
Uxbridge, was last year fined £5,900 for breaching industry regulations. The firm was found to have falsely stated on its website that it had been approved by the British Parking Association. The company also failed to display adequate warning signs and wrongly charged a driver both a clamping charge and a towing or cancellation fee. Park Direct was well-known for clamping motorists until the practice was outlawed at the end of last year.
Stay in the know with the LTDA DVLA reminder The photo card part of the driving licence lasts for 10 years and must renewed after that period. The licence becomes invalid if it is not renewed with a current picture.
Nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge, the new Buddha‐Bar Restaurant mixes up London’s dining scene with its sumptuous menu of Pan Asian dishes, reputable music and striking interiors.
15 year reminder
Guests are transported to an atmosphere that is sensuous yet exhilarating –an auditory and visual journey around the globe just on your doorstep.
LTDA members get
+44 203 667 5222 www.buddhabarlondon.com
145 KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1X 7PA
Just show us this ad in Taxi magazine for 25% off your food order. T&C’s apply. Offer ends 31/08/2013
The London taxi 15 year age limit refers to the cab’s ‘birthday’ (in the log book), not its plate date. For example: A cab passed when it is 14 years and 11 months old WILL be granted a further 12 months life. Cabs may be booked in for testing in the normal way if the plate has 28 days, or less, to run. The cab can then work up to the test date. If the plates are taken off with more than 28 days to run, they must be surrendered to an NSL Testing Centre, and the existing paper licence completed and sent (preferably recorded delivery) to TPLH, Palestra, 4th Floor, Green Zone, 197 Blackfriars Road SE1 8NJ. The ‘unplated’ cab must then not be worked, and at least one week should be allowed before attempting to book the next SGS test (to allow the computerised
booking system to recognise that the plates have been surrendered).
Lost/stolen identifiers If your Identifier is lost or stolen you must notify LTPH immediately (08456027000 / tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk) You may then continue working. A letter of confirmation will be sent out to you by Transport for London, prior to a replacement identifier being processed.
Shop a tout Anyone who sees touting or any other form of illegal cab-related activity is urged to contact TfL with the details. Take down the registration number and make a note of the date, time and location where incident took place. Type cab enforcement into your internet search engine and follow the links to the ‘report illegal activity’ section of the TfL website.
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
N A D A H E V ’ U IF YO P O T S : T N E D I ACC BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING CALL CORONATION BLACK CABS ON 07719 454 606!
WE’LL SAVE YOU TIME, MONEY AND HASSLE!!!
CORONATION BLACK CABS LTD ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT WE CAN REMOVE ALL THE HEADACHES ASSOCIATED WITH AN ACCIDENT BENEFITS INCLUDE: Replacement Cab typically supplied within 60 minutes 24 hours a day! No excess to pay! We bring our cab to you and recover your cab for you! Personal injuries dealt with by a top law firm!
CALL 020 8392 2989
11
12
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
LETTERS Follow @TheLTDA on Twitter for news, updates and warnings
STAR LETTER
I
wanted to write to say a huge thank you to the cabbie who stopped to help me last Wednesday, April 10, 2013, after I came off my bicycle at around 6.50am on the New Kings Road. He stopped after he saw me lying in the road, even though he had a fare on board. He asked the gentleman if he would mind getting in another cab before putting me and the bike in the back of his taxi and driving me to Chelsea & Westminster A&E.
He dropped me and my bike into the reception, which was way above and beyond his duty but to top that, he did all of this at no cost. I didn't take his details as I was in a bit of a mess, but wanted to contact you to see if you could pass on my gratitude. I am on the mend with a fractured pelvis, cuts and bruises. Thank you so much. I will be eternally grateful. Romana
Papa don’t preach…
Image: George Vasilopoulos via Flickr
write in response to Mr McEwen's letter, Bad Manners, in TAXI 290. For his information, we are still given a talk on cabbie etiquette on presentation day and I for one stick to it! But he is correct in stating how bad the trade is getting. For example, I was travelling along Park Lane on the inside lane when I was overtaken by another cab, whose badge number started with 68, so he was no butter boy. He then pulled in front of me as I went on to Piccadilly and, you've guessed it, took the next job! I pulled up next to him and asked him what he was up to? He just laughed and basically told me to get lost. I was very angry at this point and a few words were exchanged. He continued to laugh and be very smug and told me that if I carry on like that I'll end up having a heart attack, and then drove off. In the past 15 months, since I got my badge, I've seen more bad drivers on the road sporting older badge numbers. It seems they feel because they've been at it for a few more years they have the right to take a liberty with the butter boys and girls, when they should practice what they preach.
S
Paul Verlander Grays, Essex
Mrs S B Hemel Hempstead
Heathrow cabbies dig deep
major organs and tissues damaging their function and structure. As a complex, rare and difficult to diagnose disease, scientists and Doctors at UCL’s The National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) at The Royal Free Hospital are at the very centre of world-class research to find a cure for this cruel little understood disease which has taken the lives of many sufferers, of whom there are approximately 3,000 in the UK. Voluntary donations are crucial to support its work as government funding and medical grants are often insufficient. The NAC is currently running clinical trials for a new drug, which if proved effective and safe, will destroy most amyloid deposits in the organs, giving sufferers a much improved quality of life. Martin collected a very pleasing £900. This was the second year Martin has made a collection at Heathrow and both he and the NAC are very grateful to members of the LTDA who have supported the Amyloidosis Research Fund once again.
I
t around 3.30am at Heathrow airport on the wet Friday of April 12th. Martin Bolton-Smith began his collection for The UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund, a cause very close to his heart. Martin’s wife Cheryl suffers from this rare, incurable disease which is caused by an abnormality in the bone marrow. As a result, the body produces too much amyloid; sticky fibres which accumulate over time and settle in
A VH Taxi Recovery Service is a 24hr breakdown recovery service operating in London and around the M25 area. We have over 15 years experience in the taxi trade. Why choose VH Recovery Service?
24 Hour Emergency Breakdown Service Road Side Repair Tx1, Tx2, Tx4 and Vito
Image: Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock.com
The real emergency service
24HR HELP LINE SERVICE
07956 333 086 07804 254 875 Martin Bolton-Smith
I will only use genuine taxis
Stick to the real McCoy ome friends and I recently stayed at the Park Grand Hotel, Westbourne Terrace. We asked the hotel to order a cab to take us to Oxford Street. The ‘hotel car’ arrived and charged us £25 for a five minute journey. The return journey in a black cab was only £6, but when we told the driver of our previous ride he said “have this one on me” and refused to take any money from us. I still have the receipt for the first trip which was with Plaza Executive Cars. The receipt states that they are “the best at competitive prices”. I feel that we were conned and in future I will make sure that we only use genuine London taxis.
Pat Pinchin
More readers than the rest put together!
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
13
14
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
NEWS
The cab you drive Business The company behind the new Metrocab, which was exclusively revealed to the trade by TAXI last summer, is asking interested parties to register on its website at http://www.frazer-nash.com/metro cab/index.php, and the firm will then keep them up to date as the vehicle’s development progresses. Whilst no official announcements have been made concerning the running gear on the new cab, it is still widely believed to be a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), with two 35kw electric motors driving the front wheels, and producing over 220 NM of torque. The range extender will be provided via a 400cc Wankel rotary petrol engine that produces 50hp, more than enough to power the electric motors and charge the batteries if they run flat. The cab has a reported range of between 70 and 100 miles and can be fully charged from a domestic three pin socket in under eight hours, or in under 40 minutes from a
commercial fast charge point. Green issues are high on the agenda in London and they are not going away. Only last week, Mayor Boris Johnson announced significant changes to emission exemption levels for the Congestion Charge. It will now be set at 75g/km or less of CO2 before a vehicle avoids paying the CC. These low levels of pollutants can currently, and for the near future, only be met by pure electric or REEV vehicles. The new CO2 level has been deliberately set to tackle the ‘dieselisation’ of vehicles in London and to encourage sales of electric, REEV and petrol hybrids, because even the most modern diesel cars emit 22 times more particulates than petrol equivalents. The new Metrocab is still some way from being ready and it is not believed to have received a basic VCA certificate, which will enable it to be used on the road and TfL have confirmed that the Metrocab has NOT been submitted for testing against the Conditions of Fitness.
Interested? Register online to receive updates
@TheLTDA
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
Y & TAX DiSPLAY YOUR LTDA DIAR D WIN! DISC HOLDER & YOU COUL
[
15
GET SPOTTED!
]
Perfect for Peter and terrific for Tom pring finally arrived last week and our diary spotter couldn’t wait to get out and about with a fistful of Marks and Spencer vouchers. The first of this week’s lucky winners happened to be in the right place at the right time when our man was in need of a taxi. Peter Collins, of Harrow, was delighted when his passenger paid the fare and then also handed him £200 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers, just for having his LTDA membership diary on display. Peter said: “That’s brilliant.
S
Thanks. I’ll enjoy spending those.” Tom Bullman, of Laindon, was on the lookout for a fare at Liverpool Street station at the start of his evening shift, when our spotter flagged him down and handed him £100 of vouchers for using his LTDA tax disc holder. He said: “That’s a result. I’ve only just started and haven’t even had my first job yet.” Each year we give away almost £8,000 worth of vouchers, so the odds of coming up trumps are pretty good. Just make sure you have your LTDA membership diary and taxi disc holder on display and let us do the rest.
DIARY WA TCH
£ 200
M&S vouc
won every
hers
fortnight!
“I’ve been using the CabCard Service for over 18 months and I think it is a fantastic service. It only costs £2.50 a week and most weeks I earn a good bit of that back in commission from CabCard - so it costs next to nothing.
Peter: “Brilliant.”
WIN
HOLD
ATCH ER W
£100
M&S
vouch
ers
Since I’ve had the CabCard terminal I have been able to pick up lots of jobs everyday including airport runs where people need to pay by card. Because it is not fixed into the cab I don’t have to take more card jobs than I want to and, if I change my cab I can take it with me . The CabCard staff are really helpful and my fares are always efficiently paid into the bank every week. I can’t fault them. CabCard are fantastic!”
Join the thousands of Cabbies who are delighted to take more business by accepting card payments with CabCard Services. Accept these cards by Chip and PIN - NO PROCESSING CHARGE TO YOU
Tom: “Result.”
16
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
[FIRST TWO MONTHS FREE FOR NEW MEMBERS] ✁ APPLICATION FORM
CALLING ALL CABBIES
JOIN FOR £16.80 PER MONTH WITH £12.80 ALLOWABLE AGAINST TAX! Name Address Postcode Tel
Mobile
Email Date of Birth Badge No. Green (G) or Yellow (Y) When obtained - Month Have you been a member of the LTDA before? (Please tick) YES NO
Year
Please tick if you DO NOT wish to receive information from the LTDA and other related organisations in the future I understand that my application for membership of the Association must be approved by the Council of Management and that a Share Certificate will be issued to me if my application is confirmed. Signed
Date
Please complete parts 1 to 5 below to instruct your branch to make direct payments from your account. Then return the form to the LTDA, FREEPOST, (PAM 2005), London W9 2BR For Office use only
LTDA Basic Direct Debit Instructions
Originator’s Identification No. 9 1 4 4 2 8
INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUR BANK/BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY DIRECT DEBITS: To the manager of Address
1. Please write the name and full postal address of your branch in the spaces above. 2. Name of account holder
Originator’s Reference
5. Your instructions to the Bank/ Building Society, and signature: • I instruct you to pay direct debits from my account at the request of the LTDA LTD. • The amounts are variable and may be debited on various dates. • I understand that the LTDA LTD may change amounts and dates only after giving me prior notice. • I understand that if any Direct Debit is paid which breaks the terms of this instruction, the Bank/ Building Society will make a refund.
3. Account number
Signature(s)
4. Bank sort code
Date
Bank/Building Societies may not accept instructions to pay Direct Debit from some types of account
Phone 0207 286 1046 now!
[
LT DA
]
CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO JOIN?
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
17
NEWS Rotherhithe width restriction narrows
News in brief
Trade
All change at Liverpool Street
Rumours that the new narrower width restriction posts at Rotherhithe tunnel will affect Vito drivers have proved unfounded. Permanent concrete posts are in place at both entrances to the
Rotherhithe Tunnel by TfL, to reduce the risk of accidents, fires and spillages. The gap has been narrowed and will now only allow vehicles up to a maximum width of 6ft 6ins to enter the 100-year-old tunnel. Some Vito drivers initially feared
No problem for the Vito Inset: Watch your average speed
One-to-One Personal Service. Martin Cordell & Co. Accountants & Tax Specialists to the Taxi Trade
they would be blocked or would have to fold in their wing mirrors but no problems have been arisen. A number of van drivers have poured scorn on TfL’s claims that only 103 of the average 33,000 vehicles which use the Rotherhithe tunnel every day will be affected. Some are furious that bigger vehicles will now have to use the Tower Bridge and Blackwall tunnel crossings. Average speed cameras have also been placed at either end of the tunnel and are due to go live at any time, but as with the cameras on the A13, no notice is likely to be given when they do. Dana Skelley, of TfL, said: "Implementing these changes to the Rotherhithe tunnel will help further reduce the risk of collisions between passing vehicles, improving road safety and reducing associated disruption caused by collisions in the tunnel. "We appreciate that some businesses and drivers will need to seek alternative routes and will work to ensure that any affected drivers are provided with accurate information to allow them to safely complete their journeys."
The taxi rank in Liverpool Street will now be marshalled during part of the weekend because of changes to the night-time economy. More bars and clubs in the area have started to open up on Saturday nights, according to TfL and the City of London Corporation. The rank will now be marshalled on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but not on Wednesdays, for a trial period, which will be closely monitored.
Iron lung break-in Thieves smashed a window of a taxi parked at the iron lung in Regency Place and escaped with £280 in cash earlier this month. A number of incidents have been reported in the area in recent months and police have urged drivers to be vigilant.
We’re here to help. We want to meet you as we understand your business. Let us take the strain of dealing with your tax obligations. With over 45 years experience of the taxi trade, and more than 40 expert staff members, we are the leading taxi drivers’ accountancy firm in the UK.
Our services include: – One-to-One personal service – Annual confidential meeting – Preparation of accounts – Tax enquiries & investigations – Limited company trading advice – PAYE, VAT & company registration expertise – Loss of earnings claim advice – One point of contact for ongoing continuity – Easy payment terms
020 8980 7161
Phone us today on: See us at: Unit 5/6 Quebec Wharf, 2-14 Thomas Road, London E14 7AF Email: info@mcordell.co.uk Web: www.martin-cordell.co.uk
CALL US FOR A FREE FIRST FIRST CONSULTATION CONSUL LTATI T ON IN PERSON OR OVER THE PHONE
18
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
THE BIG 40 ONE!
The membership of the LTDA is times greater than some other driver organisations! HERE’S WHY... CAUTION The LTDA legal service is the only trade scheme which defends members for ALL alleged offences (traffic, hackney or criminal), anytime, anywhere in the UK. Non members are advised to check carefully the exceptions and exclusions contained or imposed by other legal protection schemes circulating in our trade.
BADGESAFE SCHEME The LTDA retains experienced barristers with specialist knowledge of the London cab trade. Normally when drivers accumulate 12 points on their licence they receive an automatic 6 month ban, but in the case of LTDA members over 90% of those represented by our barristers receive a ban of just 1 month or in most cases no ban whatsoever. EXPERTISE = SUCCESS The LTDA’s in-house lawyers are proud of their unrivalled record of court triumphs; in fact the rate of acquittals for members defended in court by the LTDA is 4 times higher than the national average. This unparalleled level of success is due entirely to the expertise acquired by the LTDA over many years of specialising in cab related legal matters.
YOUR FUTURE The LTDA remains the only trade body resolutely opposed to the computerisation of the Knowledge of London testing system. (No to the quickie Knowledge campaign). INLAND REVENUE ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE Many drivers and accountants refer to the LTDA for specialist advice on Inland Revenue investigations. (Free to members). SICKNESS AND ACCIDENT PROTECTION When trouble strikes it’s comforting to know that you’ve got the strength of the LTDA around you. (Scheme available to members only). LTDA HOLIDAY CLUB Many members have saved thousands of pounds by taking advantage of special offers and prices (members only). WIN £5,000 EVERY MONTH IN THE LTDA LOTTERY 12 big prizes every year, but you have to be in it to win it (members only £5 per entry). ACCESS TO ‘SIMPLY HEALTH’ Great value health care from the LTDA. The Association pioneered this scheme in the taxi trade and it still offers the cheapest rates. (Special rates for LTDA members only).
HEATHROW OFFICE AND REPRESENTATION Call in to the LTDA office at Heathrow, first door on the right in the canteen block. The LTDA’s representatives will give you a warm welcome. (Open to all). WELFARE DEPARTMENT LTDA officers make home visits to members who are in severe distress or with special needs and authorise contingency payments where appropriate. RANKS AND HIGHWAYS REPRESENTATION The LTDA has negotiated taxi access to most bus lanes and leads the way negotiating on issues that affect you, the licensed taxi driver. GENERAL ADVICE If you are new to the trade and you don’t know your `roader’ from your `legal’, give us a call. We’re always here to help. (Tel: 020 7286 1046 - non members are welcome to call). 24 HOUR TOUT LINE Seen a tout in action? Take the details and phone them in, we will do the rest. (Tel: 020 7266 4769).
VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS Continually representing members’ interests in disputes with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. AUTHORITIES AND MEDIA The LTDA is the largest and most respected driver organisation in the trade. We lead the way when negotiating with the Government, GLA, TfL, Police, Mayor’s Office, Heathrow, Rail Authorities, Local Councils and when dealing with all sections of the media. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Many cab drivers are discovering to their cost that their licences are at risk due to the TfL’s interpretation of the new DVLA Group 2 Medical Standards. The LTDA has successfully challenged many decisions by the TfL to revoke members’ licences on medical grounds. FANTASTIC VALUE LTDA subscriptions have not increased for 12 years! It costs just 4 quid a week to join the trade’s biggest organisation and 3 quid of that is tax deductible! (Payable monthly).
HEALTH AND SPORTS PROMOTION We regularly run promotions with leading health and sports companies resulting in big savings to members. LEISURE DISCOUNTS Huge savings on weekend breaks at fine hotels and holiday centres. You will not believe these prices! (Members only).
To learn more about LTDA benefits and current joining offers
call: 020 7286 1046 or visit www.ltda.co.uk
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
19
Taxi Talk
WHOSE BABY? ALF TOWNSEND
The list of London cabbies with famous offspring is never-ending says Alf, is it in the blood?
A
among the junior players, young James turned pro in 2004 and soon climbed the UK rankings, before being selected for the Davis Cup team. The team were recently 2-0 down to Russia, but James managed to turn around what looked like an inevitable defeat, by beating a much higher seed Dmitry Tursunov, to level the score. Dan Evans then sealed the result by winning in the final match.
“�
JAMES WARD HAS PROPELLED HIMSELF TO NUMBER TWO IN UK TENNIS, BEHIND ANDY MURRAY!
Anthony Wall
Danny Cipriani
from Trinidad and Tobago, and his mum Anne separated soon after his birth and his dad returned home. Danny lived with his mum in Putney, but she wanted him to go to Wimbledon Prep School, but she couldn’t afford the fees. So guess what she did to find the readies? She did the Knowledge. Danny developed into an excellent all-round sportsman. He was offered terms by QPR and Reading. He played cricket for Berks and Oxfordshire and was invited to join Surrey CC as a batsman. He also excelled in squash at county level. He first played rugby at Rosslyn Park where he developed a passion for the game. He went through the ranks at London Wasps, then seemingly moved on to a glittering career with England. Sadly, his England career
was blighted by his love of the latenight clubs and he moved to playing in Australia in an effort to try and kick start his career. That didn’t work out either - maybe for the same reasons and he finally returned home to play for Sale Sharks. But Danny – despite his obvious talent, still made the headlines for the wrong reasons. His recent liaison with model Kelly Brook and shots of them coming out of nightclubs looking the worse for wear have made some commentators question his commitment to rugby. For my part I don’t reckon nightclubbing is a big deal if you train properly and you’ve got undoubted talent, why can’t you have a jolly-up in the evening? If you have a famous offspring past or present, then write to TAXI and let me know. n
Airport face
Anthony Wall, the 37-year-old son of another old ‘airport face’, was always a good golfer and in 1995 he turned professional and became a regular on the pro golf circuit. He always seemed to be in the mix in many of the tournaments I watched on the telly, although sadly, often faded away in the final round. Nevertheless, he was trousering decent prize money every year and in 2006 he achieved his best year’s ranking on the Order of Merit, pushing himself up to number 13! My final famous offspring is the former London Wasps and England Rugby Union player, 25 year-old Danny Cipriani. Danny was born of mixed-race parents, but his father Jay,
Tho Thomas m as Exchange E x cha n ge Global G lo b al Ltd. Retail, Wholesale & Commercial Foreign Money Dealers
Travel Money & Overseas Payments Ex c of lusi fe ve r
s a father of three kids, I know how hard it must be to support a son or daughter to university, then on to one of the professions. One of my old golf mates – now well into his 80s - did just that. He funded his son for many years at medical school, and now his son is one of the most respected cancer consultants in Britain! The list of London cabbies with famous offspring is never ending with Mitch Winehouse, a well-known cabbie in his day and the father of the late-lamented and very talented singer Amy Winehouse, among the most well-known. Other cabbies I have spoken to have sons and daughters who are quite well known actors. But my own particular favourite in the cabbie ‘hall of fame’– probably because I know his dad quite well - is James Ward, the young tennis pro who has propelled himself to number two in UK tennis, behind Andy Murray! His story really is a tale of hard graft and total dedication. His dad Jim was a regular at Heathrow a decade ago, as I was and Jimmy Junior, now known as James, was born in February 1987. Jimmy Ward, his wife Tina and their daughter Lauren, has lived for many years just off Eversholt Street in Euston and young James started knocking tennis balls around when he was just 11 years old. Knowing the area quite well as I do, he must have gone to the council tennis courts at Cumberland Market off of Robert Street, or maybe the tennis courts at Parliament Hill. After doing well
James Ward
Image: photogolfer / Shutterstock.com
Image: Yuya Chiu / Shutterstock.com
Amy Winehouse
#$, Ho m lid on ay ey ,d
e offer better rates than Banks, Post Office, We ffice M&S, mas Cook, T ravelex & other major competitors. ompe Thomas Travelex
Show your Taxi ID & enjoy special rates Five branches in London: Strand (Head Office), Victoria, Liverpool Street, Cannon Street & Hammersmith
www.thomasexchangeglobal.co.uk - 020 7240 1214 - info@tegforex.co.uk
20
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
A fitted camera in your taxi is like having a witness and a barrister permanently with you
WESTM INSTER WILL
GIVE A 10% D ISCOU * IF YOU HAVE A N T PROFES FITTED SIONA CA MERA T LLY H A T OUR RE QUIREM MEETS ENTS
For details of your nearest office please telephone us on: 0845 373 1336 Or visit our website: www.mywestminsterinsurance.com
*The discount is only available on new business and renewals
Westminster Insurance is a trading name of Tradex Insurance Co. Ltd. Tradex Insurance Company Ltd is regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority (No. 202917) Registered Office: Victory House 7 Selsdon Way London E14 9GL. Registered Number 2983873
1884/081112
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
21
NEWS Help make heroes welcome
News in brief
Charity
Euston plans scrapped
A unique charity which supports the British Armed Forces is urging London taxi drivers to help spread its message. Heroes Welcome encourages people to show their gratitude to service men and women with a warm acknowledgement, a service up grade, or even a little discount. The LTDA is backing the scheme and has taken 2,000 stickers which will be given out at TAXI distribution points and can be picked up from Taxi House in Woodfield Road. Cab driver Terry Claridge said: "Heroes Welcome is a great idea and I am already wearing my sticker with pride, honouring our brave servicemen and women like this is the least we can do. I have volunteered to hand out stickers around the ranks so have a stack of them in my cab." John Senior, the National Coordinator for Heroes Welcome, said: "We are delighted to have London cabbies on board. Their show of support will mean a great deal to military personnel in the capital."
John Senior (centre) launches Heroes Welcome in London General Lord Dannatt, the Constable of the Tower of London, added that a “simple show of support will be much appreciated by serving members of the armed forces and their families."
The London launch of the scheme took place at the annual St George's Day Lunch, in the Dorchester Hotel and was supported by the life guard band, royal trumpeters, and Chelsea pensioners.
Plans to knock down and completely rebuild Britain's sixthbusiest railway station as part of the HS2 high-speed project have been torn up. Euston station will instead undergo a revamp, with an additional 11 platforms for high-speed trains built, around the existing platforms at the London terminus. HS2 is expected to cost ÂŁ16.3 billion and will run from London to Birmingham but Camden Council in north London has expressed concerns about the proposals for the station and the area around it. Euston currently has 18 platforms. The revised plan involves keeping platforms 1-15 with the exception of platforms 9 and 10 which will be removed so that adjacent platforms can be lengthened. The blueprint includes a new Euston tube station ticket hall and an underground pedestrian link.
22
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
KPM Mercedes-Benz Taxis
Used Vito Taxi Only £99 per week Plus No deposit, Plus 1 years warranty, Plus 3 years servicing. There’s complete peace of mind with a quality used Mercedes-Benz Vito Taxi. With zero deposit and payments from only £99 per week for 60 months, you get complete cover for 3 years including 1 years warranty and 3 years servicing giving you real peace of mind!
Still The Best Deal Around Town! Call our sales team on 020 7375 1179 or visit www.kpmmercedes-benztaxis.com Mercedes-Benz are registered trademarks of Daimler, Stuggart, Germany
KPM Mercedes-Benz Taxis
Business users only. Finance subject to status & acceptance. Weekly payment of £99 equivalent to monthly payment of £429.00 x 60 months. Other vehicles are available for less and more than the advertised £99 per week. 1 year warranty is administered by Global Insurance Services and underwritten by AXA. Servicing contract is for 3 years or 90,000 miles whichever comes sooner. Terms and conditions apply. Used offer not available in conjunction with any other offer
@TheLTDA
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
23
CAUGHT ON CAMERA If anyone can, cabbies can… nother fine selection of photographs arrived via email and through the MMS line this week, which made the winner difficult to call. But a show of hands around the office left the news team with little doubt that the “No refugees left in vehicle overnight” sign on the back of the lorry was not only a good spot but this week’s star picture, landing the eagle-eyed snapper £30. The newsdesk has been absolutely inundated with all manner of weird and wonderful snaps in recent weeks and we put them all to a vote.
A
We do our best to get as many as we can in the paper each week but don’t be deterred if you haven’t seen yours yet – it may appear in the near future. As you should know by now – the winning snap gets the photographer £30, which is not bad for a few seconds work. Anything that makes you laugh, sends your blood pressure soaring or just leaves you baffled is fair game. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras, or phones, at the ready. Send your entries to us via the MMS line on 07908 640017 or email them to editor@ltda.co.uk
Milk and, er, taxi services
Jimmy Cricket joins the traffic department
T WIN H E NI PIC! NG £ 30 P
A desperate plea?
A tree-mendous piece of driving
“I’m only going one way officer”
“An expensive ride in a deathtrap anyone?”
RIZ E
!
24
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
TAXI RENTAL PRICES GOING UP & UP?
For a great deal visit justtaxis.com or call us on
01268 795895 0203 1190015 -XVW 7D[LV (VVH[ 3DUVRQV 5RDG 0DQRU 7UDGLQJ (VWDWH %HQĂ HHW (VVH[ 66 3< -XVW 7D[LV +DFNQH\ 5LFKPRQG 5RDG &DE &HQWUH /WG 5LFKPRQG 5RDG +DFNQH\ /RQGRQ ( 1- %XVLQHVV XVHUV RQO\ )LQDQFH VXEMHFW WR VWDWXV
More readers than the rest put together!
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
25
26
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
Comcab radio circuits fitted in all TX4 loan cabs
C&S Taxis London Ltd - have now purchased new Vito Merc's to coincide with six existing TX4s, specially allocated for their crash repair body shop - A Class Of Their Own
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
27
NEWS Heathrow taxi desks axed
News in brief
Trade
Poetry in Motion
Heathrow desks became unviable
British Airports Authority (BAA) has cancelled the contract with HALTS for running the taxi information desks at Heathrow. The decision was made after less than 1% of taxi drivers in the feeder park responded to a survey about the future of the desks. The trade organisations were then asked to vote on whether the desks should be closed or put out to private tender. The tender document had so many stipulations and restrictions, which prevent the desks being used for commercial purposes. This meant the only way to make the service financially viable would be through a massive increase in the feeder park entry charge, from the current fee, of which 78p goes towards the manning and upkeep of the desks. Clauses within the contract included: n The company tendering must confirm and demonstrate over five years experience within the taxi industry and working within an airport environment.
n
Demonstration of financial strength and operating viability n No credit card or voucher transactions on desks n Not for profit, cost recovery only n Desks to be manned at all times It would have meant that any bidding company would have been from outside the London trade. And, the only limit on a firm’s income level would be dictated by the charge to drivers for passing through the park. Not for profit operations cannot have any money left after the wages, expenses and costs are paid out. If you pay higher wages to directors you need to charge more to cover that cost, and in this instance drivers would have taken the hit. The trade sought an assurance from BAA that if the desks were removed, the space would not be allocated to a minicab or car company. This assurance was given and the LTDA, LCDC and HATDU voted not to put the desks out to tender. BAA have now agreed not to impose any increase on the ‘gate’ money this year, and will in fact REDUCE the price of entry into the feeder park by 78p.
There are just two weeks left to enter our poetry competition. We have had dozens of entries so far but poet Veronica Gaylie is keen for other drivers not to miss out. The poem should be no more than 10 lines. The first prize is £150, the second is £100 and the third gets £50. The deadline is April 30. To enter London Cab Driver Poetry Contest, TAXI, Woodfield Road, London, W9 2BA, by April 30. www.londoncabpoetry.com
Got the write stuff? We are keen to read features comparing your previous occupation, or current part time occupation, to taxi driving, and any that we publish will receive a cheque for £50. Email us at editor@ltda.co.uk or write to Taxi Newspaper, 11 Woodfield Road, London, W9 2BA and tell us your ideas or ask for advice if you don’t know where to begin.
First Choice Ltd Tax and Accountancy Specialist Accountancy Services • Are you disillusioned with your accountant? • Are you paying too much? • Do you have problems getting good advice? First Choice Accountancy has over 3,000 clients due to its competitive fee structure and the professional level of service it provides. Whether you are Self-employed or Limited Company Call us today for a quotation or to arrange a free consultation.
TAX!!! PAY LESS ESS FEES!!! PAY L
CALL US NOW ON 020 8299 7676 First Choice Ltd Unit 8, Green Lane Business Park, Green Lane, London, SE9 3TL Tel: 020 8299 7676 • Fax: 020 8299 7678 Email: info@firstchoiceaccountancy.com Company registered in England No. 691 3427
28
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
More readers than the rest put together!
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
29
FEATURE
SUBURBAN NEWS Taxi trade developments in and around Croydon and Bromley, by LTDA rep Ken Mills Croydon
West Croydon Bus Station We have asked for a rank within the bus station area. A number of changes are scheduled to take place in Popular Walk, which may mean the rank will be repositioned on the opposite side of the road, to assist in the loading of wheelchairs.
Bromley The Bromley South rank feeds situated in Elmfield Park have been problematic for some time. The council allowed vehicles belonging to the work force responsible for updating the Bromley South station to park on the feeds. This has now got out of hand because a number of local shops and workers realise that they can park on the feed without getting a PCN. On visiting the site, all the feeds were taken up by private cars and commercial vehicles. I spoke to the council and was told that the signs clearly state that it becomes for taxis only after 6pm, which is why no PCNs have been issued. However, TfL told me it was definitely a 24hr taxi feed and said it will clear the issue up ASAP. At a market square regeneration meeting with the council and TfL last year, we asked for cabs to be allowed access to the High Street
Š OpenStreetMap contributors openstreetmap.org/copyright
A new rank for five cabs will be sited in Landsdowne Road at the roundabout with Dingwall Road, and it should be operational by August 2013. This should be a good working rank, which will serve people leaving the station by the new bridge. Provisions have been made for a feed to the rank to be in place if and when it is needed. The number of cabs which will be allowed to rank at Billington Hill, once the improvements and extra pedestrian areas are in place between the post office and the station and the new exit to the station are completed, is yet to be decided. We have asked for the two cab rank at Norwood Junction to be placed closer to the front of the station. The council has to do this but we are at its mercy with regard to timescale. A word of warning though, we had to agree that if the rank is not used regularly over the next six to nine months, the council will have the option to reconsider its future.
Read about future developments in TAXI from London Road, and to be able to turn right into the High Street from Beckenham Hill, using the bus lanes. We were told it would be put on the agenda for the next council meeting but that we should not expect anything to happen until the end of 2012. In February, we contacted the council to see what was happening, and it appears that there were no objections but Bromley is waiting for funding from TfL. A request for access for taxis into Elmfield Road, travelling south in Kentish Way has been turned down by TfL.
Orpington In about six months, it is proposed to put an elevated section and a ramp to the station car park in Orpington. This will mean a lot of disruption in and around the station. The station manager has assured me that provisions have been made in the plans to accommodate the rank on the station forecourt, as it was some years ago. But it will only be for nine or 10 cabs. As we know, there is sometimes in excess of 20 cabs ranking there in the evening and we are arranging a meeting with TfL and Bromley FC to site a feed close to the station. We will keep you informed about any future developments in TAXI. n
30
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
31
NEWS
Where is my taxi saint?
News in brief Volunteer drivers wanted
Trade A woman seriously injured when she tried to hail a taxi in London is desperate to trace the kind cabbie who helped her after the accident. Ellen Crook, of Leatherhead in Surrey, tripped as she went to get
the taxi she and her husband had flagged down in Harley Street, close to Cavendish Square. Ellen fell and fractured a femur on June 7, 2012, at around 5.15pm, and was left needing to use crutches for the past eight months. She said: “It’s been awful. I have
Image: By Chemical Engineer (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons
“I’m hoping the driver may be able to help with a witness statement”
LONDON TAXI REPAIRS
only just got to walking with one crutch. I was in hospital for eight days. I was put in the taxi at first because nobody realised how bad it was. “But I was on the floor of the taxi and I passed out. The taxi driver waited with us. He was very good, he waited until the ambulance came and wouldn’t take any money from us for his time. Basically, I would like to thank him properly.” Ellen, who is in her early 70s, fell over a bag of rubbish left in the street by a nearby firm and her family are also considering legal action against the company concerned. She said: “I feel ashamed for even thinking about it, but my treatment has cost a lot of money and my daughter had to give up work to look after me. I know it was a long time ago but I’m hoping the driver may be able to help with a witness statement that could give some weight to our case.” If you are the driver who stopped and helped Ellen and want to get in touch, email TAXI at editor@ltda.co.uk or telephone 0207 121 0523.
• APPROVED SERVICE ENGINEERS
Witness appeal Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault which took place outside the Aberdeen Angus Steak House in Leicester Square on Tuesday, April 9. The restaurant manager was attempting to stop a man entering the premises at around 11.20pm when he was punched to the ground and suffered a serious head injury. Contact Det Con Kate Jackson Telephone 0207 321 7624.
ADVANCE Taxi MOT. 00
• WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT ANY PRICE LIKE FOR LIKE • DIAGNOSTICS TX’S AND VITO’S
Taxi drivers are needed to help take 300 youngsters on their annual trip to Southend.London Taxi drivers Fund for Underprivileged Children hopes the ‘legendary’ trip will be extra special because it is marking its 85th year. The cabs set off for a fun-packed day on Thursday, June 27. There is a prize of £150 or an engine service and MOT for the best decorated taxi. Contact Steve Bell on 07811 508772 or visit the website at www.ltfuc.org.uk
£35
• QUALIFIED MERCEDES TECHNICIANS • REAR STEER REPAIRS • VITO SERVICING
Tyre Size 175R16 Remould £55.00 Budget New £75.00 including valve, wheel balance and VAT Vito Tyres 195/65R16 Budget £75.00 including valve, wheel balance and VAT
• QUALIFIED LTI TECHNICIANS • FULL LTI DIAGNOSTICS • RUNNING REPAIRS AND SERVICING • GENUINE PARTS
ADVANCE TYRES LTD
A&N TAXI REPAIRS
975 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield, Middlesex EN3 7NN
0207 033 6638
M
2a Three Colts Lane Bethnal Green E2 6JL Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm • Sat 8am – 3pm
RUNNING REPAIRS | SERVICING | ELECTRICAL OVERHAULS | AIR CONDITIONING | DIAGNOSTICS
CADLALY TO
O Tel: 020 8805 5924 CENT T RE Fax: 020 8805 7724 Web: www.advancetyres.com E-mail: enquiries@advancetyres.com
32
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
Camberfield Taxi Services Ltd Rentals&servicing
Taxi Rentals - TX1 - TX4 with full back-up Servicing for TX1 - TX4 London Taxi Company Approved Diagnostic Equipment Overhauls-SGS Presentation Body Repairs including Non Fault Accident London Taxi Company Appointed Service Dealer Member of the L.M.C.P.A.
CAMBERFIELD TAXI SERVICES LIMITED y n a p m co THE HAM, BRENTFORD, MIDDX. TW8 8EZ i x a t n o Lond ppointed Tel 020 8568 9643 A r Fax 020 8758 2290 le a e D e c i Email camberfieldtaxi@btconnect.com Serv
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
33
Two Fingers
AN EPIC JOURNEY AL FRESCO
A brave wheelchair-user’s story reminds Al of some his rather less heroic moments ’d already had awkward experiences with disabled passengers when I was dispatched to pick up a Ms Hedge from her flat in Great Peter Street, Victoria, so I approached the job with trepidation. Flat one was better than the usual, top floor, no lift, grubby stairwells and the smell of rubbish chute disinfectant. I climbed the small concrete incline to the ground floor flat, and rang the bell. The letterbox was ankle-high and the keyhole and doorknob were at knee height. I remember thinking ‘that’s odd.’ Chains were removed and a voice came to me from about twothirds down the door, ”be with you in a minute,” as it swung open, and I looked along an empty hallway. “Are you my cab?” asked the voice. I looked down to see a young woman in a wheelchair. I was shocked, only because I had no any idea my passenger would be in a wheelchair, except for the obvious clues outside the door. Not that it was a problem. I followed as she glided down the ramp into the courtyard, “you can push me to the cab,” she said. Willingly, I obliged.
I
Frantic screams Not knowing the situation, I had parked on the opposite side of the road. I had two choices - turn the cab around or wheel Ms Hedge across the road and I decided on the latter. I told her my plan and she gripped her briefcase in readiness. I moved to the kerbside, checked for traffic and pushed. In my ignorance, I hadn’t taken into account that the front wheels were small and the back wheels were large. I pushed - the front wheels dropped down and Ms Hedge was catapulted forward. Fortunately, she was wearing a seat belt otherwise I would have inadvertently tossed her into the road. As it was, she’d pitched forward and, gripping her briefcase tightly, slid down in her seat, the seat belt now in the region of her throat. Without thinking, or dragging the wheelchair back to a horizontal level on the pavement. I tried to hook my hands under Ms Hedge’s armpits and haul her upright. Instead, she slipped further down, dragging her skirt up and exposing a large expanse of her white knickers beneath her black
tights. Her frantic screams still haunt me. The more I struggled to get her upright, the further she slid down in her seat. Fortunately, an elderly lady stepped into the road, gripped the wheelchair by its footrest, placed a firm hand on Ms Hedge’s chest and, with a stunned, token effort from myself, hauled the disheveled young woman back onto the pavement. “I’m sorry,” I kept spluttering, “I’m SO sorry!” “Take me back home,” Ms Hedge demanded through angry, clenched teeth, pulling down her skirt and trying to smooth down her bedraggled hair - tears and mascara running down her ashen cheeks.
“”
I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT I’M NOW NERVOUS ABOUT PICKING UP WHEELCHAIR PASSENGERS
I pushed her back up the slope. The door swung open and she wheeled herself inside, but not before turning towards me. “Cancel your call out - I’ll phone an ambulance.” I’m now nervous about picking up wheelchair passengers. I remember lining up an elderly bloke in his wheelchair on the ramps of my old Fairway, shoving him into the cab, banging his head quite severely on the door frame. Then, as he left the cab, mis-aligning the ramps and, one wheel dangling in space, tilting the same old man terrifyingly into the road; he must have aged 10 years. The first time I picked up a wheelchair user in a TX1 with a built-in ramp and swing out seat, set the precedent. The seat, I was told by the irate lady, already late for an appointment, needed to be unlocked with a plastic key. But where was it? ‘Try the boot,’ she suggested. I pulled open the boot and rummaged around. Almost 30 minutes later, I found the key in the ashtray under the dashboard. During the five minute ride to the surgery, I agreed to reduce the £40 meter fare to £5 as a gesture of ‘goodwill.’ Which leads me to a heart-breaking story I heard the other day from a young cabbie who picked up a
wheelchair-user in Euston. She wanted to go to Slough. Before getting in the TX4 she warned him she suffered from epilepsy. She said if she has a fit to “just leave me for a minute or two and it passes.” The driver, having suffered himself from epilepsy when he was a young child, understood.
Courageous En route, the cab driver heard the young woman’s sad tale. Apart from epilepsy, she has Spina Bifida. She had no friends and no longer spoke to her father. She had travelled from Slough by herself to Alton Towers because she enjoyed the adrenalin rush of the extreme rides. At Alton Towers, she’d had a fit and, despite telling the staff just to leave her alone, they insisted on taking her to their medical unit where she was kept until 7.30pm.
The medics took her to Stoke station but when the train arrived, the guard refused to let her on. So, with no more trains, she went to the station book shop, bought a map and decided to make her own way home to Slough in her motorised wheelchair. After almost an hour making her way south, she was spotted by a woman who asked her where she was heading. When she learned of her intended destination, the woman was shocked - and called the paramedics. She was checked out again and the medics took her to Birmingham station, where there were no more trains. She slept in her wheelchair until the first train to Euston arrived at 5.30am, and where she met the taxi driver. “How courageous was she?” was all he could say, when he told me about her epic journey. n
34
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
A1 Taxis
@TheLTDA
42 yea rs in t
he trad e! (1969-2 011)
Call us now on: 020 8525 0050
y cab
rtes Free cou ajor work** m with all
Free entry to our loyalty card scheme!
POINTS FOR POUNDS!
, services , s l u a h r Ove ns and w o d k a bre pairs crash re it cards b e d / t i Cred stomer u c e e r .F accepted d drivers’ , an , Free parking n o c r i a ith lounge w rinks & TV ld d hot & co
t le to ren b a l i a v a Cabs er week p 0 5 1 £ t from jus
*
Receive money off your next job or 50% cashback Earn 1 point for every £10 spent Points are redeemable after 50 points
A1 Taxis – For ALL your Tax i needs!
Where to find us... A1 Taxis is situated in Sidworth Street, off Mentmore Terrace - behind Mare Street. See map for exact location. 143 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 3RH Phone: Howard/Ivan 020 8525 0050 Email: a1taxis@hotmail.com
* Conditions apply * Subject to availability
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
35
Licensed to Chat
FAMOUS FACES MUSHER MEG
Everyone gets told they look like someone else but the comparison is always good hey say that everyone has a doppelganger somewhere in the world. Mine is Nicole Kidman. When I look in the mirror I see a leggy, slender, green eyed and peach skinned redhead. Oddly, noone else agrees with me when I say this out loud. I told a friend that I thought I was Ms Kidman’s looky-likey and she stared at me all goggle eyed, but instead of agreeing, told me that I had a great imagination. She has a point, because in reality I am (ahem) big boned, frizzy haired and
T
more tomato than peach skinned. I’m not the only deluded one in my family. Mr Meg claims he is a dead ringer for the late, great movie star, Richard Widmark. Maybe he is if your eyes are narrowed because of bright sunlight, and your view of his face is blocked by a large and hairy camel’s bum. Which it was
Father Ted
TIGER Tyres TAXI TYRE SPECIALIST STOCKISTS OF MICHELIN, AUSTONE AND REMOULDS FOR ALL FX AND TX TAXIS. HI FLY / BARUMS AND CONTINENTALS FOR THE VITO TAXI
fifteen years ago when we were walking along a beach in Morocco and a local chap rushed up to my husband, slapped him on the back and cried “Eeeeez Richard Widmark, yes?” Mr Morocco went on to prove he was an unreliable witness, when he asked for an autograph, and declared that he had particularly enjoyed Richard’s singing in Mary Poppins!
5%
off with this advert
FRONT PADS FITTED FOR TX1 & TX2 £40 AND TX4 £45 INCLUSIVE VAT NEW VALVES AND BALANCING ON ALL TYRES WE ALSO DO LASER TRACKING AND PUNCTURES FREE TYRE INSPECTION OPENING TIMES: 08.30am – 17.30pm NEW BARUM TYRES FOR VITO £80 FITTED
Call now: 0207 729 5237 UNIT 14 PETERLEY BUSINESS CENTRE 472 HACKNEY ROAD LONDON E2 9EQ
My dear Great Aunt May had memory problems in her dotage. On one visit I left her front room to go into the kitchen and make her a cup of tea, and while I was gone she forgot I was visiting. When I fetched the tea in, she shrieked so loud that her neighbours called the police, because they thought she must have an intruder. But Great Aunt May’s long term memory was a whole better than her short term one, and she had an uncanny knack of matching up faces of family and friends to the Hollywood greats of yester-year. Telling all and sundry they looked like Elizabeth Taylor or Clark Gable was a great way to win friends and influence people. When she was presented with the newest baby in
the family, at his Christening, by his very proud Mum, the entire room smiled when she said, “Ah this little fellow, he reminds me of ….” We all waited indulgently as she cocked her head sideways, and trawled her memory for which famous baby he looked like.
“
I TOLD A FRIEND THAT I THOUGHT I WAS MS KIDMAN’S LOOKY-LIKEY, SHE TOLD ME THAT I HAD A GREAT IMAGINATION
”
My money was on Prince William until she loudly shrieked, “EP!” Baffled I looked at the baby to find a likeness to Elaine Paige, until the penny dropped. She meant ET! Last Wednesday I picked up a fare in the middle of the afternoon. It was a bright day, and the chap got a good clear look at me as he climbed into the cab, and asked to be dropped at Waterloo Station. He sat down and told me I reminded him of someone off the telly. These are the exact words he spoke, in the order in which he said them. “Father Ted, you know, that bloke from Father Ted. What’s his name? The old bloke? Father……. er… …er Jack! That’s it Father Jack! Are you related to him at all?” n
36
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
London T Taxi axi a License Li = 2 MOT’ MOT’s s a year
S&H Cabs Ltd
TAXI T A MOT PLUS AXI
We are an authorised VOSA V Vehicle e ehicle T Testing esting e Station (MOT) perience in the Taxi a Trrade As S&H Cabs Limited we have 25 years of experience in repair’s maintenance, overhauls & Licensing. We have taken it one step further by refurbishing our workshop & premises e Station and have become an in-house MOT Testing Station.
1STOP STOP MOT CENTRE
STO P
M OT C E N T R E
We have 5 testers, 2 bay fully automatic MOT test lane and can complete two vehicles at a time. We are in easy reach to the new NSL Inspection Centr Centre e in Enfield with our Taxi a experience combined with our MOT experience so you will NOT be dissappointed. 1) In our new campaign we are offffering The Lon ndon Ta axi Driver a package 2) Just MOT prre esentation
Including Inc luding 1st & 2nd MO MOTT ss #HASIS 7ASH #HASIS 7ASH ss &RONT $ISCS &RONT $ISCS ss "RAKE 0ADS "RAKE 0ADS ss "OTTOM "ALL *OINTS "OTTOM "ALL *OINTS s 4OP "ALL *OINTS s 4OP "ALL *OINTS
s 7ISHBONE 2UBBERS s 7ISHBONE 2UBBERS s 2EAR "RAKE 3HOES s 2EAR "RAKE 3HOES s 3TANDARD 3ERVICE s 3TANDARD 3ERVICE s (EADLIGHT !LIGNMENT s (EADLIGHT !LIGNMENT s $IAGNOSTIC 2ESET s $IAGNOSTIC 2ESET %NGINE -ANAGEMENT 48)) 48 %NGINE -ANAGEMENT 48)) 48
R ALL FO
£495
s &ULL #HECK /VER OF 6EHICLE s &ULL #HECK /VER OF 6EHICLE s 6ALET 0OLISH s 6ALET 0OLISH s "RAKE 2OAD 4EST s "RAKE 2OAD 4EST s %XCHANGE 2EAR 3PRINGS WITH "USHES s %XCHANGE 2EAR 3PRINGS WITH "USHES s %XCHANGE 2EAR 4RAILING ARM WITH "USHES s %XCHANGE 2EAR 4RAILING ARM WITH "USHES s 0#/ 0RESENTATION s 0#/ 0RESENTATION
+ VAT
Second MOT by appointment “while u wait” (If exchanged units are damaged or not useable an extra surcharge will be charged) 6 months warranty
For further information & bookings please call us on
020 8803 1437 5 Fairfield Road, Edmonton, London N18 2QP
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
37
ROAD WATCH
MASSETT’S CAMERA HOTSPOTS Extreme Hotspot 1: Drayton Park - Unclear width restriction signs Extreme Hotspot 2: Over-ranking at Selfridges
A13 TAXIS LTD Black Taxi Specialists
Southampton Row/Kingsway
U-turns
Brick Lane
Do not mount the footpath, set down on the road
Harrods
Zig-Zags behind the rank in Brompton Road and no U-turns
Great Marlborough Street
Zig-Zags
Waterloo Road
Zig-Zags
Hammersmith Broadway
Over-ranking
Eldon Street
Do not set down on Zig-Zags
Clapham High Street
Zig-Zags
Old Broad Street
No motor vehicles beyond Broad St Avenue
Berkley Street/Piccadilly
Yellow box junction
Bagleys Lane/New Kings Road
Yellow box
Red Routes
TfL is actively enforcing yellow box restrictions
Tower Bridge
20 mph speed limit – average speed cameras
Limehouse Link
30 mph speed limit
Ganton Street
No motor vehicles
Merton
Yellow boxes Haydons Road and Kingston Road
LO N D O N ' S P R E M I E R TA X I S E RV I C E C E N T R E TXII TAXI RENTALS FROM £170 PW FULL DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES SERVICING / RUNNING REPAIRS ON ALL MODELS TX2 TIMING CHAINS / TX4 TIMING BELTS OVERHAULS FROM £250
INSURANCE APPROVED BODY-SHOP
A1 3
10% UNNT O C S I D ERVICI G ON S THIS AD WITH
NON FAULT ACCIDENT SPECIALISTS / TX4 REPLACEMENT COURTESY VEHICLE FREE RECOVERY SERVICE / NO EXCESS / PERSONAL INJURY COMPENSATION
Tel: 020 8594 9080 Fax: 020 8591 7848 Email: a13taxis@gmail.com
15A River Road, Barking, IG11 0HE
38
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
NEWS Contactless payments soaring Trade
Image: © Transport for London
Oyster card usage dominates the London's transport network
goodbye to passengers who value the convenience of cashless fares”. Sandra Alzetta, Senior Vice President at Visa Europe, speaking about cashless payments, said: “The number of transactions has grown by 25 per cent in the last quarter to reach 4.5 million every month." Mark Roberts adds that “TfL have spent fortunes promoting contactless payment on buses and I expect they’ll do more of the same as it rolls out to other forms of public transport. Until the taxi trade can fund a similar major consumer ad campaign, we rely on individual drivers and fleet owners to spread the word. Everyone must do their bit to help.” In a Mayoral briefing paper seen by the BBC, TfL has said "it is also proposed that the sale of cash tickets on bus be stopped at a suitable time in 2013." Managing director for surface transport at TfL surface transport managing director, Leon Daniels, said no decision had been made but that he is “watching the market" and admitted "there will come a point when it won't be worth collecting cash anymore". Any decision on ditching notes and coins will ultimately be made by London's Mayor, Boris Johnson.
Buckinghams Seats J V Bright Taxi Parts JV Bright Taxi Parts (0207 803 0803)
47-51 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 OBS
Image: Rafal Olkis / Shutterstock.com
Taxi drivers who fail to offer cashless options in their cabs are “waving goodbye” to an ever growing number of passengers, a card machine supplier has claimed. The use of contactless card technology to make purchases has grown by around 4% in the past four months. And plans to make cash payments a thing of the past on London buses have already been discussed by Transport for London. Oyster card usage dominates the London's transport network, with only around 1.5% of bus fares being
paid for with cash – although this still amounts to 24 million journeys. The introduction of contactless card payment technology on bus routes four months ago is expected to make the number shrink still further. More than 6,000 taxis have the technology but that means thousands more are behind the times, according to Mark Roberts of VeriFone Taxi Solutions. He said: “London taxi drivers were quick to embrace the contactless payment option. Around 6,000 cabs fitted with the VeriFone system have been able to take card payments for a long time now, including contactless. Drivers that can’t or won’t offer the option, risk waving
Bilker Watch
]
se outd! o L t ’ n o D un ilking F
[
LTDA B
Incidents involving passengers who fail to pay their taxi fare, especially at night, are on the increase. LTDA members who experience this problem can request the LTDA to investigate the incident and endeavour to recover the unpaid fare. If the LTDA is unsucessful, but the member is able to provide evidence of a police report reference, a compensation payment (max £50) may be available from the LTDA Bilking Fund.
As of t 1st of S he eptemb 2012 Bu er ckingha ms Seat are now s part Taxi Par of JV Bright ts - We will offer th e sa of quali me level ty servic e. Call: 02 07 803 080 3
Driver’s Seats from £84 Recaro Express £645
Leather Driver Seat £240
Rear Carpets from £35 All TX range & MERCEDES VITO
More readers than the rest put together!
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
39
40
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
PUZZLER Crossword Competition! o complete our prize crossword and be in with a chance to win ÂŁ50 send your completed entry to Crossword
T
292, Taxi, Taxi House, 11 Woodfield Road, W9 2BA before May 14. First name out of the hat gets the cash.
ACROSS 1 US residential hall (4) 3 Critic (8) 9 Cinema snack (7) 10 German submarine (1, 4) 11 Mucus (5) 12 Weird (6) 14 Motor (6) 16 Bird of prey (6) 19 Ocean mammal (6) 21 Sag (5) 24 Teach (5) 25 Pancreatic hormone (8) 26 Public telephone (3, 5) 27 Stalk (4)
DOWN 1 Someone removed from a country (8) 2 Currency of India (5) 4 Castrated man (6) 5 Accustom (5) 6 A big lie (7) 7 Ritual or ceremony (4) 8 Archer (6) 13 Eardrum (8) 15 Grain store (7) 17 Deriving pleasure from pain (6) 18 Allot (6) 20 Large farm (5) 22 A small Owl (5) 23 Halt (4) CROSSWORD NO. 292
Follow @TheLTDA on Twitter for news, updates and warnings
SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD 290 Across: 7 Terror, 8 O level, 9 Vein, 10 Distrust, 11 Beguile, 13 Again, 15 Agile, 16 Narrate, 18 Striking, 19 Undo, 21 Reveal, 22 Midday. Down: 1 Sere, 2 Tranquilliser, 3 Griddle, 4 Joust, 5 Merry-go-rounds, 6 Tee shirt, 12 Eighteen, 14 War game, 17 Field, 20 Dray.
Congratulations Issue 290 winner P. McCracken, Edgware
Just for fun
Have a go at this medium level Sudoku puzzle. Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9.
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
KPM UK Taxis
Approved Warranty Agent
What Ever You Need We Can Do It Servicing Warranty Body Work MOT KPM is an officially appointed warranty agent for the new London Taxi Company. We have 15 fully trained technicians, anyone of whom is qualiďŹ ed to work on your Taxi. We also carry a large stock of LTC parts, not only to supply to over 150 garages daily but to ensure we have the right parts in stock to fit to your Taxi. With over 38 years servicing the London Taxi trade, we have the experience and the commitment you need.
A professional service for the professional driver.
To book an appointment please call our service department on:
Tel: 020 7377 2182
KPM UK Taxis: Hemming House, Hemming Street, London E15BL.
41
42
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
CRICKLEWOOD CARRIERS CAB COMPANY Midland Arches, Edgware Road, London, NW2 6NJ info@cricklewoodcarriers.co.uk
Call or f nowbest our fers of
www.cricklewoodcarriers.co.uk
e g a r a g e c i o h c t s r i f s ’ n o Lond
• CAB RENTALS: TX1’s – TX11’s – TX4’s • BRAND NEW TAXIS ALL AIR-CONDITIONED • FULL BACK-UP SERVICE • ALL WORK CARRIED OUT FOR OWNER DRIVERS • OVERHAULS – BODY SHOPS – TYRES • PROMPT WHILE YOU WAIT SERVICE • TAXI-METERS • TAXI-METERS • TAXI-METERS • COURTESY CABS AVAILABLE ON ALL RADIO CIRCUITS
Tel: 020 8452 5461 Mob: 07866-0-07866 TAXI
A selection of our numerous
Distribution Points
n A1 Taxis, Sidworth Street E8 n Abacus Accounts, Southbrook Road, Lee SE12 n Astral Café, Regency Place SW1 n Bubbles Car Wash, E2 n C & S Taxis, Dunbridge Street E2 n Cabsurance, Seven Kings n Camberfield Taxi Services n Computer Cab, Mitre Way W12 n Coney Allen, Dunbridge Street E1 n CP Beehive Service Station, Beehive Lane, Gants Hill n Cricklewood Carriers, Cricklewood n Dial A Cab, City Road N1 n Edgware Station Rank n Euston Station Rank n G & L Taxis, Crayford Road N7 n Globe Transmissions, Cudworth Street E1 n The Ham, Brentford n Heathrow Airport Canteen n Hexagon Garage, Lukin Street E1 n Jet Garage, Clipstone Street W1 n Knowledge Centre, Caledonian Road n KPM, Hemming Street E1 n London City Airport Canteen n LP Motors, Dunbridge Street E2 n Martin Cordell, E3 and Stanmore n Paddington Station Rank n Public Carriage Office, Penton Street N1 n Putney Bridge Taxis, The Arches, Putney Bridge Station SW6 n Richmond Road Taxi Centre, E8 n Safewise Supermarket, Harrow n South Bank Service Station, Great Suffolk Street SE1 n TAXI HOUSE W9 n Temple Place Shelter n Tent Street Taxi Centre E2 n Turbo Accessories, Three Colts Lane E2 n Waterloo Station n Wimbledon Station Rank n WizAnn Knowledge School, Watts Grove E3
PUBLISHED BY LTDA Taxi House 11 Woodfield Road, London W9 2BA T: 020 7286 1046 | www.ltda.co.uk @TheLTDA MANAGING EDITOR Steve Still T: 0207 121 0508, F: 0207 286 2494 E: taxinewspaper@ltda.co.uk THE MASSETT FILE Richard Massett THE CHAIRMAN SAYS John Thomas TWO FINGERS Al Fresco TAXI TALK Alf Townsend OVERHEARD Brad Ashton LICENSED TO CHAT Musher Meg PRODUCED BY Century One Publishing ltd Alban Row,27-31 Verulam Road St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DG. T: 01727 893 894, F: 01727 893 895 E: enquiries@centuryone publishing.ltd.uk www.centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sarah Astington ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Dave Challenor T: 01727 739 196 E: dave@centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk PRINTED BY Century One Publishing Ltd COVER IMAGES TAXI All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical or by photocopying without prior permission of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the publishers. Please note that the last day for inclusion of Classified lineage advertisements is five working days prior to publication. No liability is accepted by the publisher should advertisements not appear in the requested issue(s). Whilst the publisher will take every care to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for loss or damage resulting from errors.
EAR? R E H T ULT? HIT IN FA N R E U E B OT YO H N CRAIS T L TS U S A L F A I N C O E N IR SP REPA
Images: Eric Isselée / Shutterstock
COME AND VISIT US FOR A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
43
CLASSIFIED Accident Management
CORONATION CABS! SIMPLY THE BEST FOR ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT!! SEE OUR FULL PAGE AD!!! Accountants
Cabs for Rent
BUTLER’S Black Taxi Services OVERHALLS SERVICING REPAIRS TYRES CAB RENTAL TXI, TXII, TX4’S FULL BACK UP 24-7 GARAGE: 0208 648 2444 RENTALS: 0796 098 2507 Mitcham & surrounding areas
Cabs for Rent
CABITAL TAXIS
Best
rental Company by Far
Great choice of Quality Cabs All models
Rental Prices to suit all
Cab rental Hotline 07940-021014
Garages in Bethnal Green, Hoddesdon and Harlow
Cabs for Rent
RANDELL CABS LTD TX4'S AVAILABLE NOW
CABITAL TAXIS 07940-021014 ask for Tom or Charlie email info@cabitaltaxis.com MEM’s 24hr Breakdown Service Spare Cabs always Available Established 1970
Excellent customer service with the best maintained cabs in London • Modern air conditioned fleet • Spare cabs • National RAC cover • Based in Bow
Call John on 07535 924370 or Paul on 07508 423769
44
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
CLASSIFIED Cabs for Rent
TX1 / TX11 / TX4 from £165
s Driver deliver your taxi to your door
Pay at local bank, l 1st week renta only £99
Quality Rentals from £165 p/w Full Back up 24/7 Spare cabs
Mitcham based Tyres from £37.50 Recovery Service Available Vito for £240 per week Great Deals for Great Drivers!
Dennis 07775 931 439
Guaranteed 24hr access to spare cabs at Paddington
CD player, No adverts, AA Relay
Cabs for Rent
Image © neovain
PREMIERt abou l l A CABS the service
“C US 4 CABs”
Own garages in Paddington & Bethnal Green
Call today: 020 8740 7444 / 07786 025814 Cabs for Rent
G&H TAXIS FLEET RENTAL Established 1993
518 KING ST, OFF BRUCE GROVE, TOTTENHAM N17 8AW
BEAT THE RECESSION Est
20 years
TXI from £180 per week TX4 from £215 per week • OVERHAULS • SERVICING • BODY WORK • PAY IN AT ANY BARCLAYS BANK WE HAVE MOVED! • 24 HOUR RAC BACKUP
DON’T DELAY CALL THE TAXIS TEAM CALL: 020 8885 1844 / 07956 514179 WEBSITE: www.gandhtaxis.com EMAIL: gandhtaxisfleet@aol.com
Advertise here in TAXI magazine For all your TAXI advertising requirements contact
Century One Publishing CALL DAVE ON 01727 739 196
Kingston & Wimbledon Taxis Taxi MOT check and testing from March 2013 Fast fit servicing appointments for TXI, TXII & TX4 Mechanical repairs & servicing Lucus & Cygnus meter agents - please book & bring your log book Garage services open mon /fri- 8am to 5.30pm & sat 9-12.30pm Taxis for hire from £145.00 ,all taxis available from our large fleet Mercedes front & rear discs & pads for only £320.00 + vat TX2 Battery £85.00 + vat Tyres £52.00 + vat Bodyshop for accident repairs - CCTV for your insurance reduction Non fault accident specialists-no excess to pay We buy all Taxis at top prices
The Dell, Clayton Road, Chessington, KT9 1NN Just off the A3, at the Hook turn off 0208 391 1600 sales@taxigarage.co.uk
WWW.TAXIGARAGE.CO.UK
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
45
CLASSIFIED Cabs Wanted
TAXIS WANTED
BEST PRICES PAID K.W.TAXIS.CO.UK FOR ONLINE QUOTE OR PHONE
Thinking of selling your cab?
YOUR CAB WANTED
Want the best price? Fairways, TXIs and TXIIs wanted!
ANY CONDITION CONSIDERED INSTANT DECISION
Ring 078 8937 8639
0208 840 0202 0754 754 4226
01708 373786 FOR VALUATION Commissions
Drivers Wanted
DOVER HOTEL 44 Belgrave Road Victoria, London SW1V 1RG
Wright MOT Centre Limited
020 7821 9085 £10 Commission Paid Per Room
Drivers Wanted
Single Ensuite £70 - Double/Twin Ensuite £80 Triple/Family Rooms Also Available
TXI’s to Vitos – Full Back Up Competitive rates
MARBLE ARCH INN
Running repairs, MOT’s & Bodywork
49 Upper Berkeley Street Marble Arch - London W1H 5QR
020 7723 7888
Top prices paid for Fairway/TXl/TXll/TX4
Restaurants
The Best Kebab Free Sky sports 1st tea on the house for taxi drivers* 2 for 1 cups of coffee* Half price humous and taramasalata* After 7pm free parking All kebabs served with rice
Tel: 0207 336 7036 118 Old Street EC1V 9BD
*Eat in only
LTDA Branch Meetings
Services and Repairs
LDTA Branch Meetings SW and SE
NW and NE
First Monday of Jan and third Tuesday of March, May, June, Nov
Last Tuesday of Jan and last Monday of April, June, Sept, Nov Services and Repairs
Arin Garage Cab hire, Running repairs, Overhauls, Crash repair TXII, TX4 Engine rebuild specialists
Cabs Available Now
FREE MOT & FREE ESTIMATE First and second MOTs free for cabs over £400 preparation costs TX4 Engine rebuild £2,400 (2 Year or 50,000 miles warranty)
TXIs, TXIIs, & TX4s £160-£200 pw Devon Wharf, Leven Road, E14 0LL
0203 069 8352 / 07951 321566 / 07951 110152
46
TAXI |30 APRIL 2013
www.ltda.co.uk |
@TheLTDA
CLASSIFIED Cabs Wanted
LINAGE Accountants CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS specialising in the taxi trade. Accounts and tax returns £295inc. Based in North London & City. Home visits. Call Andy Belej 02083601446/07967444687
Business for Sale TAXI BUSINESS for Sale in Hainault / Collier Row, Established 20 years, Fully equipped workshop with or without 10 TXIs, Owner retiring – Call Alan 01708 737499
TXI & TXII’S from £160 p/w. VITO’s £210 p/w. RAC Cover. No Adverts. Garage Back Up. Essex Area. Call 01708 373 786 TXI, AA COVER, £150pw, Essex area – Call Mick 07816 368036
FAIRWAYS AND TXIS taxis wanted, instant decision - cash paid. Tel: 07973335739 or 01253407500
Drivers Wanted
BARNET/ EAST BARNET, X-Reg TXI TXI, FULL FLAT, Spare cab, Back up – Nightcab, Full or Part Time, John 07862 243 774 Mountview if required – Cabs for Rent CWA PROFESSIONAL Malcolm 07956 520013 ACCOUNTANTS - Specialising in the TXIS FROM £170PW, TXIIs from taxi trade, Accounts & Tax Returns £180pw. 24hr back-up system, Clean Driver to share ’62 Vito, ComCab ALL MERCEDES VITO’S for rent, £180inc., Based in Islington & City cabs – 02076132436, 07947644541 or fitted - Call 07414 494541 Starting from £230pw, Full Back-Up, Call 020 7998 7242 For Free Advice 07702221672 Excellent Service, Call 07508977592 www.cwaaccountants.co.uk EARLY MORNING DAYMAN wanted for TX4, Edgware/ CHEAP TAXIS – TXIs/ TXIIs / TX4s Cabs for Sale Stanmore/ Bushey Changeover, Nonfrom £150pw, Full Back-up, Bethnal Air Conditioning smoker, Full back-up - 07811 363632 Green, Call Eric 07766542798 TXI BRONZE, V-reg, Plated until TXII TO TX4, Part time/ full flat, E16 RENTALS - TX4s available, Full March 2014, Many new parts, VGC, MOBILE AUTO air conditioning Garages around London, Easy back up, Ascotts maintained. Pay by £5,000 - 07889 989849 service and repair for taxis, London payment scheme, Full back-up, Spare Cash, In bank, Online, Driver friendly and beyond, Telephone Nick on cab available – 07970 915778 fleet - 07957 465423 TXI, X-REG, Low Mileage, 07785900006 7 days VGC, Very well maintained, ROMFORD BASED TXIs, TXIIs & Plated until November, Books for Sale Garage for Rent TX4’s. Spare cab/Comcab, Taxed until April 2014, 1 owner, Own Workshop & Bodyshop, Sunroof, Part time driver retiring, Call after 2.30pm, £4,800 – COMPLETE SET of Blue Book Green AA breakdown cover, BETHNAL GREEN/E2 Area. Fits 5 07742 718529 Badge runs, Including suburbs, £75 - From £160pw – 01708347288 Cars. Call 07947644541 or or 07932740902 02084290667 (Harrow) 07702221672 TXII ’52-REG, New Gearbox/ Rockers/ Diesel pump - £7,800. TXII Static Caravan Plots ’54-reg - £10,500 - 07888 664022
TAXI MAGAZINE LINAGE RATES
TXII, VGC, Plated - 07779 614874
Up to 10 words £20, up to 20 words £30, up to 30 words £37, up to 40 words £40 (Plus VAT)
To book your linage contact
Century One Publishing Call Dave on 01727 739 196
Cabs Wanted CASH PAID for all TXIIs and TX4s 020 8150 7560
To plan your ad campaign in TAXI magazine contact:
CAMBER SANDS PARK RESORTS Amazing Beach plots just released, Be settled for the summer, Everyone loves Camber - Beautiful park, Beautiful Beach, Amazing Facilities. Find out how easy it all is – Call Loren on 07530 767901
Dave Challenor t: 01727 739 196 e: dave@centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk w: www.centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk
30 APRIL 2013 | TAXI
More readers than the rest put together!
Join our new rewards scheme and as a loyal Just taxis customer, you not only get the best service but these great rewards:
To join in, call us on
01268 795895 OR VISIT
justtaxis justtaxis.com .com
-XVW 7D[LV (VVH[ 3DUVRQV 5RDG 0DQRU 7UDGLQJ (VWDWH %HQĂ HHW (VVH[ 66 3< Business users only. Finance subject to status. *Full terms and conditions at www.justtaxis.com
47
KPM Mercedes-Benz Taxis
New Vito Taxi Only 4.3% APR Flexible deposit Available now! Mercedes-Benz Agility gives you complete peace of mind. Not only do you get to drive the most comfortable, economic taxi in London but you get a great deal with no risk. For a low deposit and low monthly payments for 36 months you can drive away in a brand new Vito Taxi. You can hand back the taxi to Mercedes-Benz at the end of the 36 months and just walk away; you can buy the taxi you have been driving; or you can ‘go again’ and take out another brand new one. Plus, every Vito Taxi has a 3 years /150,000 miles warranty.
Agility Only 4.3% APR
Guaranteed residual value Change or walk away after 3 years
Call our sales team on 020 7375 1179 or visit www.kpmmercedes-benztaxis.com Mercedes-Benz are registered trademarks of Daimler, Stuggart, Germany
KPM Mercedes-Benz Taxis
Business users only. Finance subject to status and approval through Mercedes-Benz Finance Agility scheme. Based on a total customer deposit of £2,400. Then £140.72 per week (monthly equivalent £609.79 x 36 payments) with a guaranteed buy back from Mercedes-Benz Finance of £21,925.00 at the end of the agreement subject to 30,000 miles per annum (90,000 miles total). APR 4.3%. Excess mileage charged at 10.00 pence per mile plus VAT. Terms and conditions apply. Not available with any other offer. We reserve the right to remove the offer without notice. E&EO.