London Taxi! Launch competition - Page 8 - The Badge

Issue 230 June 2015More trade stories than all the others put together

MMAAKKEE MMEEMMAAYYOORR AANNDDII’’LLLL RRUUNNUUBBEERR OOUUTTOOFF TTOOWWNNGeorge Galloway throws down gauntlet to TfL - Pg 3

HAVE YOUR SAY WITHTHE GLA AT LCDC AGM -WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17THPG 7

‘CALL’ QUESTIONSWITH UBER NEEDTO BE ANSWEREDPG 9

TOUT ANDABOUT WITHEDDIE NESTOR!PG 24

2 Issue 230 - June 2015

Published by The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd.

Unit A 303.2, Tower Bridge Business ComplexTower Point, 100 Clements RoadSouthwark, London SE16 4DG

Telephone: 020 7232 0676

E-mail for membership enquiries:E-mail: [email protected]: lcdcorg.wordpress.com

Editor: Grant Davis

The Badge is distributed free to the Licensed London Cab Trade.

For advertising enquiries please contact the office on020 7394 5553 or E-mail: [email protected]

All advertising in The Badge is accepted under ourterms and conditions. These are available

at the LCDC office.

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

professional advice.

The views expressed in this publication are notnecessarity those fo the Editor or of the

Management Committee of the London Cab Driver’s Club.

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

above address.

The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd.

LONDON MAYORAL ELECTION HEATS UPEven though the Mayoralelection is still a year away, itlooks like being a very stronglycontested one. I firmly believethat Uber will play a major partin who ends up becoming ournext Mayor.As you can see from the front page,George Galloway has thrown hishat into the ring and has submittedan article for the taxi trade to readand digest. There is also supportfrom taxi drivers who have expressedtheir admiration for CarolinePidgeon and the work she has donefor us within the GLA - will shestand as Mayor, who knows?Tessa Jowell, David Lammy, SadiqKhan, Zac Goldsmith and even SolCampbell have all expressed aninterest. One thing’s for sure, it willnot be a two horse race like Borisand Ken last time around.

OPERATION NEONAs you can read on pages 4-5, Irecently attended a night timewalk about with TfL and EddieNestor from BBC London to see

first-hand their new initiative intackling touts in the West End. I am sure after reading the article;you will make up your own minds ifyou think this will work.

TAXI AGE LIMITSAt the time of going to press theMayor still had not made anypublic statement regarding theage limits for London’s taxis. The LCDC has attended so manyULEZ meetings over the past yearto fight our corner; I can only hopethat the Mayor has listened to thetrade’s well-constructed argumentsfor us to keep the 15 years. I believe it is imperative for ourfuture that he does so.

LCDC AGMOur AGM for this year takesplace at the Club’s complex onWednesday 17th June at 7pm.There is free parking, refreshmentsand most importantly, we have ValShawcross and Caroline Pidgeon inattendance for a Q&A session withmembers. I look forward to seeing you.

Grant Davis

Editorial:

L.C.D.CLEADERS

NOT FOLLOWERSJOIN TODAY:

0207 394 5553

Issue 230 - June 2015 3

[email protected]

George throws his hat in the ringEver since my

talksport radiodays I've had a

special relationshipwith cabbies.Every weekend my Motherof All Talkshowsentertained, elucidated andno doubt often infuriatedcab drivers up and downthe country, especially itseemed in London. One ofour most celebrated andfrequently broadcast callerswas the legendary Fred theCabbie (if you read thisFred please get in touch)who frankly astoundedlisteners with his erudition.This prompted me one nightto reveal that my daughterLucy (now the mother offour) when she was still ayoung girl once said "taxidrivers are very clevermen". She meant I think,that they always had a pointof view and could surelyexpress it. But it is true, andis one of the reasons I'mhoping for support from cabdrivers in the forthcomingelection for Mayor ofLondon.Now Lucy's husband isdoing the knowledge (on abike I bought for him) andsoon I hope will join theranks of these clever men(and women toonowadays).I've always backed theLondon cab trade, longbefore I was running foroffice, and there's neverbeen a time when cabdrivers needed moresupport. The threat of Uber,the deregulation of yetanother of our essentialservices into just another nored-tape, law of the jungle,dog eat dog, globalisedexercise in mutual throat-cutting is real and present.

A $50 billion US corporationwhich pays no tax hereintends to wipe out theLondon cab like the greyAmerican squirrel did to ourtraditional red one.Ruthlessly and without carefor public affection orinterest.And they have friends notonly at City Hall but inDowning Street too. TfL hasturned a blind eye to eachand every encroachment on

and downright breach of thelaw being practised by Uberand the reason is not justthe incestuous hiring policybeing operated by the USbehemoth, though that hasundoubtedly helped. ForTories like Boris andCameron this is the way itall should be. They hate thepower of combination, ofsticking together to defendstandards and earnings.Marx predicted 150 years

ago that the late stages ofcapitalism would see "allthat is solid melt into air, allthat is sacred be profaned".He was right, about that atleast. Boris and his chumsbelieve in globalisation, inzero-hours contracts, in anatomised workforce wherenobody is anybody's brotheror sister and whereeverybody is everyoneelse's cut-throat competitor.They believe that allregulations on trade are tobe shredded if possibleeven if the consequencesare the kind of carnage wesaw at Alton Towers. Healthand safety, publicprotection, job security areall "red-tape" to them.Uber cabs will beincreasingly unsafe,unregulated, under-insuredif insured at all. Everyonewill be in the end an Uberdriver if they can get awaywith it, whatever their

character, their records asdrivers or even as citizens.The public can go hang.Some say Uber is cheaper.No doubt, at least for nowuntil a monopoly isachieved. But the price ofcheapness can be high. Anaccident in a dirty sub-standard un-insured cabdriven by a dodgy driver willseem cheap until the finalprice is paid.If I am the Mayor of LondonI will seek to run Uber out oftown as others in the worldhave done. And to beginwith, I will unhesitatinglyenforce the existing lawsand regulations with all thepowers over Tfl I wouldexercise. And if Uber friendsat Transport for Londondon't like it, they can slingtheir hook.

GeorgeGalloway

As many of you areaware, touting in thecapital has risen toalmost epidemicproportions.At night you can travelaround London whilstworking and see guystouting everywhere fromClapham High Street andVauxhall in the south, toCamden Town andShoreditch north off theriver and that’s not eventouching the City of Londonor the West End:

Over the past years TfLhave had a token plan ofactions that centred arounda few high profile locationsand just for a few weekshaving a go at cleaning upthe problem, a bit likeputting TCP on a boil.The Introduction of LeonDaniels’ Surface IntegrationProgramme really did us nofavours whatsoever. Withthe taxi and private hireindustries both becoming asmaller cog in a bigger

wheel (TfL) and all this at athe time when the numberof PH drivers exploded, TfLthen started the process ofoffering staff redundancypackages and jobselsewhere. We lost a hell ofa lot of staff who “knew” thetrade and our workings andit was the drivers whosuffered with the well-known licensing fiasco toname just one disaster. TfLwere then forced to take ontemporary staff to cover thedemand - what a way to run( or ruin ) our business?

Anyway, Operation Neonreally centres on havingseveral groups of TfLenforcement officers out atnight wearing HI – VIZjackets and their aim is toharass and deter regularand well known touts in andaround the West End to justdrive off and moveelsewhere. With new drivergroups on Twitter such asthe “Mayfair mob” and“starve a scab” who are

reclaiming the ranks atvenues in Mayfair, it seemsthe touts are getting themessage that there is nowork for them to be had atthe venues and hopefully,

this will deter them fromeven turning up.

On the Thursday night inquestion, I attended a walkabout with Eddie Nestor(BBC) Garrett Emmerson(TfL) Siwan Hayward (TfL)Helen Chapman (TfL) aswell as Steve McNamarafrom the LTDA.We started off at Novikovaround 11pm and it soonbecome apparent that oncethe touts and cars had beenremoved from the rankoutside Novikov the worksoon flowed and the public(like Nobu) loved nothingmore than to be able toleave the venue without thehassle from touts and usea licenced taxicab.

Eddie Nestor chatted toboth Garrett and Siwanregarding an array ofproblems we are facing andto be honest, he didn’t takeany prisoners. He also

spoke to several driverswho were working the rankat Novikov and theresponse he received fromnearly everyone was justhow badly they feel letdown by TfL.It has taken the GLA“Future Proof” report tohighlight just how badly wehave been let down by TfLand instead of beingdubbed a bunch of moaningcab drivers, our complaintsand concerns have nowbeen given the attentionthey deserve. I askedSiwan Hayward from TfLwhy is it that TfL issue PHvehicles with “Pre-Booked“only stickers, when byUber’s own admission, theydon’t undertake “Pre-Booked” journeys? Theanswer was once again Tflwaffle and she spoke aboutthe bookings in the cloudetc. etc… really not a goodenough response by ourRegulator.

4 Issue 230 - June 2015

www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com

When Eddie, Garrett and

Garrett Emmerson, Peter Rose, Eddie Nestor, Steve McNamara, Helen Chapman, Siwan Hayward and Grant Davis

Eddie Nestor speaks to cab driver on Novikov rank

After looking aroundMayfair, I told Eddie justwhat a cesspool Soho hadbecome, with touts on everycorner, blatantly touting toanyone walking up thestreets. We walked downCoventry Street where Iwas asked if I needed a“sex shop”… not really mycup of tea to be honest, andproceeded with Eddie andGarrett to Wardour Street.As we walked towards thejunction with Lisle Street,there were severalgentlemen all standing inthe road and just as wereached that part of theroad, it started.“Taxi…taxi….you want ataxi?” one shouted to me“Yes, I do want a taxi,where we going Eddie?” Iasked.

The tout told me his taxiwas “this way” and askedme to follow him to LisleStreet, which I did closely

followed by the BBCrecording engineer.Once at the mini cab officethe tout ran inside, leavingme alone to look at the rowof “taxis” that moreresembled a car park inASDA to be honest. Hereturned to the doorwaywith an older guy waving aclipboard..“Come over here and tellthis man where we aregoing” he bellowed, “sohe can write it down”.As I approached them,Eddie Nestor arrivedsaying that he had beentouted with GarrettEmmerson by a man, nowstanding behind theclipboard johnnie.Within seconds the TfLenforcement guys thathad been behind usapproached the mini cabdriver and started toquestion him by the wall.

Eddie quizzed Siwan

Hayward as to why noaction would be takentowards the Operatorwhen it was obvious tohim that the Operator wasworking in collusion withthe tout?Siwan explained that theoffence was committed bythe driver not the operatorand as such it would beunfair to the Operator.Eddie said that this wasrubbish and it wasperfectly obvious toeveryone that there wasan arrangement betweenthe alleged tout and theOperator on bringing workinto the office, and thengetting details put in thebookings ledger, whichmade it all look kosher.

If a lay man like Eddie cansee the abuse going on,then how the hell are TfLnot addressing this issuewith the PH Operators?Why are the drivers notsitting / waiting inside theoffice and not prowling thestreets?Why when bookings arenot being taken legally, isthe Operator’s licence isnot revoked?In my opinion, TfL andtheir working practiceshave been the cause for alot of problems and havemade a rod for their ownbacks. We are now facingproblems, not only withUber, but with the rankand file PH operators who“chance their luck” weekafter week and how theyoperate. If TfL do not get a gripand enforce the law, Ithink they will be in for notjust a summer ofdiscontent, but for everysubsequent season tofollow.

[email protected]

Issue 230 - June 2015 5

Grant all got touted...!

Garrett Emmerson, Peter Rose, Eddie Nestor, Steve McNamara, Helen Chapman, Siwan Hayward and Grant Davis

Eddie quizzes Garrett Emmerson about touts

Minicab office in Lisle Street

6 Issue 230 - June 2015

MAY

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

JUNE JULY/AUGUST SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER/JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL

LCDC AGM: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th - 7PM

THE BISCUIT FACTORY @ 7PM

8 Issue 230 - June 2015


Your chance to win a gamebefore it hits the shops“The London Taxi Boardgame” is a new game fullof fun and knowledge forall the family (12 years oldand up).It goes on sale for the firsttime later this month. Createdby an Edinburgh black cabdriver, the game was firstpiloted in Edinburgh andGlasgow, outselling the localMonopoly and Trivial Pursuitin major stores throughoutScotland. Now, with newfeatures and a redesignedboard and box, the newLondon edition is about to belaunched. Taxi Board Gamecontains 600 local history andgeneral knowledge questionsabout London, and just likedriving a taxi, the better yourknowledge, the better the tips,the more you earn. When

your fare ends, you mustanswer a question on Londonto gain a tip. As all members of the publicknow, taxi drivers have anopinion on every subject, landon one of the ‘Sound-Off’squares and it’s your turn to

sound-off like a cabbie. The‘Sound-Off’ cards contain ahundred varied subjects. Onbeing told the ‘Sound-Offsubject’, you have 30seconds to mention as manyof the six key words printedon the card. Every key word

you mention increases yourtakings. Driving a shift in a taxi is acombination of luck andknowledge, turn left you get a£5 fare turn right and you geta £40 tour. This is reflected inthe ‘Taxi Board Game’ by the

‘Give or Take’ squares. Keepthe card for yourself or pass itto a fellow player. Is your luckin, you may gain you maylose! The winner is the player whohas earned the most moneyat the end of the agreed shifttime, e.g. one hour or twohours. For more information aboutTaxi!, visitwww.taxiboardgame.co.uk

COMPETITION QUESTIONTo win a free copy of theNEW London Taxi! boardgame simply answer these 2questions taken from thegame, and be entered into aprize draw.For a £2 Tip: In what year ofthe 17th century did the GreatPlague strike London?For a £4 Tip: Guess Who I’vehad in My Cab? This formerworker at Smithfield Marketwent on to star in the 1960’smovie ‘Alfie’.Please send your entries [email protected] Closingdate 1/7/2015

TAXI! board game launched

Issue 230 - June 2015 9


As we now dig intoTfL’s role in assistingUber to set up inLondon, more andmore questions arebeing raised.In our last issue, werevealed that TfL only

took legal advice overUber two years after theywere licensed.Now sources close to TfLhave contacted the clubwith their concerns - inparticular asking whetherthe most senior people at

TfL have been havingweekly phone calls withJo Bertram, MD of Uber.So through our pages,can we ask Leon Daniels,MD of TfL SurfaceTransport, have you hadweekly phone calls with

Jo Bertram? Yes or Nowould be a good answer.Likewise, GarrettEmmerson of TfL - haveyou had weekly phonecalls with senior people atUber?We await their response

with interest!We have sincediscovered that CarolinePidgeon, GLA AssemblyMember, has made a FOIrequest, with the purposeof investigating theseconcerns.

‘Call’ questions need answers Leon

Leon Daniels, MD of TfL Surface Transport Jo Bertram, MD of Uber

On the 21st of June,Joe Cartwright, Cabdriver for 15 yearsand LCDC Memberand his daughter,Dani are taking part inthe London toBrighton 60 mile bikeride to raise moneyfor St. Joseph’sHospice in MareStreet, Hackney. Like all Hospices, StJoseph’s take care of theterminally ill, and providethem with comfortablesurroundings & dedicatedstaff. However, StJoseph’s receives only a

fraction of its runningcosts through the NHS,and is reliant ondonations andbenefactors. Joe & Daniwould really appreciateany sponsorship amountto complete the toughjourney through theSouth Downs, and arehoping to raise as muchas possible for StJosephs. So, if you canspare a few pounds andwish to sponsor them,please visit Dani's JustGiving page and click the'Donate' button. 'Dani losther Great Aunt May at StJoseph’s two years ago

and so is determined toraise as much aspossible by completingthe ride'. 'We've beentraining hard, and hopethe sun is shining on theday when we cross thatfinish line', said Joe.Dani's Just GivingWebpage can found at: www.justgiving.com/dani-hickey1

Photo: Joe Cartwrightand his daughter Daniare getting ready forthe long bike ride toBrighton for theworthy cause.

Cab driver and daughterin bike ride for hospice


10 Issue 230 - June 2015

It is imperative that every taxi driver takes the time to go online and fill out the above TflConsultation that closes this month:With this consultation, we all have a chance to have our say. They are asking our opinionson various matters that involve the way the Private

1. Should fares be fixed and quoted at the time of booking2. Should there be a limit on PH numbers3. Should destinations be taken at time of booking4. Should satellite Offices remain or be scrapped5. Should there be an English language requirement for PH drivers6. Should PH vehicles have Hire & Reward insurance policy to be licensed7. Should all PH Operators be made to notify TFL details of drivers who work for them8. Should PH drivers who have their licences revoked, still be able to hold a PH vehicle licence

It is very important that drivers read this and make their views known to Tfl.

Go to; https//consultations.tfl.gov.ukClick on the link for PH Regulations Review Consultation

Transport for London Private HireRegulations Review Consultation 2015

URGENT:DRIVERS,PLEASEDO THIS!

Issue 230 - June 2015 11


Issue 230 - June 2015 13

Due to political pressurefrom the GLA Report andthe large number of TaxiDrivers attending City Hallevery month to supportCaroline Pidgeon and herCommittee, TFLannounced a newinitiative to clamp downon touting,”OperationNeon.”

Operation Neon runs everyThurs, Fri and Saturday nightthroughout May and June(shouldn’t this be a continualexercise?) in central London.In their notice TFL state thatthey have substantiallyincreased the levels of visibleenforcement (that’s not hardfrom nothing!) and combattingillegal activity and keeping TaxiRanks clear.

For more years than I canremember the Taxi Trade hasbeen screaming out for TFL todo something about theepidemic of illegal touting thathas plagued our streetsthroughout London. We havebeen constantly ignored byTFL and spun incoherentfigures of touting successesand the size of theirenforcement team. BeforeOperation Neon went live, youcan understand why I andthousands of other Taxi Driverswere sceptical of TFL’smotives and desire to do thisproperly and meaningfully.

The first few nights ofOperation Neon, it appearedfrom reports from drivers that itwas bordering on calamitous.Some members of theenforcement team wereunaware of the night-time ranklocations in some parts of

Mayfair and were moving Taxisfrom joining legitimate ranks. Itappeared that many of theirstaff did not have a basicunderstanding of Taxi and PHregulations and are usuallyemployed by TFL as BusInspectors.

Over the last few weeks, theEnforcement Teams havebeen better-organised andefficient clearing rank spaces,but other than that what realmeaningful effect is it having?

Enforcement Teams arechecking PH insurance details,but that should be for hire andreward also. They are movingunbooked PH on, but theyshould be arresting them fortouting. As soon as theEnforcement Teams move onthe touts return. In addition,Boris said some years ago thatthere is a one-strike and you’re

out rule for touting - is thishappening? I bet not. Anyillegal activities, are vehiclesbeing seized? I bet not.

A couple of weeks ago ourChairman Grant Davis andBBC Radio London presenterEddie Nestor were touted by aClipboard Johnny in Soho eyewitnessed by TFL’s GarrettEmmerson (the very man whohas refused to acknowledgetouting is rife). Surely if TFLare going to back up theirrhetoric of robust enforcement,they will revoke this Mini CabCompany’s licence.Worryingly Grant said he didnot see one Police Officer onthis Enforcement Team thatnight, so how can arrests bemade?

With the over saturation of minicabs and thousands morenow, working off the UBER

app parked or double-parkedin the West End, OperationNeon with its small teams haslittle effect clearing the streetsof touts. We will continue tohave difficulty getting topatrons leaving busy venues.Customers we do pick up havethe misfortune to watch themeter increase before theyhave got anywhere, due tomass gridlock. Emergencyservices are also affected fromgetting from A to B, whichcould have devastatingconsequences.

With TFL’s gluttony for revenueraising by selling PH licencesto anybody who wants oneand their belief in the freemarket free for all, Wild WestLondon, the Air Quality figuresmust be quite disturbing. Notall PH drivers drive Hybridsand many UBER drivers arenow using Mondeos, Vectras

and Espaces.

It appears to me that TFL’smain focus of enforcement isdirected at us the law abidingTaxi Driver. Recently we haveseen Compliance Officers innumbers patrolling PraedStreet outside PaddingtonStation to catch and preventtaxi drivers from ranking up.The most vindictive and small-minded treatment from TFLhas been aimed at hundredsof drivers, who receivedwarning letters for havingposters of “Totally FailingLondon” on their windscreens,whilst on the demo on 26thMay outside Windsor House.In addition, Operation Neonhas reported over 100 driversfor not wearing their badge, butjust asks non-booked PH tomove on.

On the evidence, so farOperation Neon in my opinionis no more than a windowdressing exercise in responseto the GLA’s concerns on theirpoor record on persistenttouting. It is by design toothless and nomore than a marshallingexercise to clear a few scabsoff ranks outside high profileMayfair venues. TFL are YETagain insulting our intelligenceif they believe that we will besatisfied and accept this levelof action.

Operation Neon? More likeOperation Gimmick!!!

L.C.D.C LEADERS NOT FOLLOWERS

Operation Neon just a gimmick?

14 Issue 230 - June 2015


“It’s time to helpourselves”Created by a driver for driversFounded by Peter Schive, aLondon green badge driverfor 14 years, cab:app is anational taxi app with over6,800 registered driversacross 90 cities in the UK(Hackney only) and Ireland(full time drivers only). Thisnational network will providea strong foundation to buildon when our new technologyplatform goes live in the nextcouple of weeks.

Organic growth now readyfor major expansioncab:app has been self fundedand the business makesmoney due to itsexceptionally low operatingcosts, as smart technologydoes most of the work. Acommon theme with mostother taxi apps is they areowned by corporateinvestors, who have no longterm vested interest in ourtrade, and ultimately want tocontrol drivers with a soleobjective of making as muchmoney as possible forinvestors and not the trade.

cab:app’s vision is to buildthe strongest driver ownedtaxi app network in theworldWe are regularly voted theworld’s best taxis, if theworld’s best drivers unite anduse one app, we would havethe strongest network ofindependent taxi drivers andco-owners the industry has

ever seen, putting us firmlyback in control of our owndestiny using technology that‘works for us’ not ‘against us’.

Every driver can be a partowner of cab:app (for free)through our cashbackschemeCab:app will redistribute apercentage of its revenue

back to drivers (via the app)with cashback for every jobaccepted, credit cardprocessed and frompassenger journeys wheredrivers have introduced apassenger using the driverunique promo code. Driverswill see their cashback totalgrow (on the app dashboard)and at the end of each year

they can take the free cash orconvert it into cab:appshares. We are committed to keepingcab:app in the hands of thetrade, and when new moneyis required to help grow anddevelop the business, theinvestment opportunity willalways be offered todrivers/trade first.

Innovation is the key tofuture successCab:app has partnered andshares office space withPocket App the UK’s largestindependent app developers,giving us the support to growand the ability to access newideas and innovations inmobile technology. We alsohave our own in-house team

CCAABB::AAPPPP TTOO LLAAUUNNCCHH IINNSTOP PRESS STOP PRESS

Issue 230 - June 2015 15

[email protected]

of technology developers(across all major platforms),so we can innovate at amuch faster pace. Thelaunch of the new driver app,passenger app, website andmobile payments system isjust the start as we havemany new features/servicesto be released over thecoming months, includinggoing home jobs, corporateaccount booking engine,Apple Pay.

Lowest costjobs for driversCab:app offers drivers theoption of instant hail, pre-book and fixed price jobs forany journey over 8 miles toevery airport and beyond. Alljobs are ‘pay as you go’charged at a flat rate e.g. 75pin London for journeys under8 miles and £1.50 for anyjobs over 8 miles. Drivers willsee the job details, includingpick up, drop off (compulsoryfor pre-books) and whetherit’s on the meter or a fixedprice (£ displayed) so driverswill decide if the job works forthem before accepting orrejecting it.

Contactless cardpayments make it eveneasier for passengersAs part of this release

cab:app will offer drivers thelatest mobile chip/pin solutionworking in partnership withBarclaycard. The Bluetoothdevice can be handheld ormounted, and will be enabledto accept contactlesspayments up to £20(increasing to £30 inSeptember). Passengers willcontinue to pay the 3.9%card fees and drivers will nowget paid 5 days a week,providing the lowest cost andfastest payment option fordrivers. There’s no contractand no ongoing %transaction fee levied againstdrivers, there’ll be a one offcost for the new contactlesschip/pin device (to beannounced), the cost ofwhich will easily be recoveredfrom driver cashback earnedfrom transaction volumes ‘wepay you’. Other paymentoptions will soon be addedincluding PayPal, Pingit andApple Pay to maximisecustomer choice.

Passenger numbers willgrow if we offer onenational taxi appThere are approximately75,000 Hackney driversacross the country and over15,000 licensed taxi drivers inIreland. Cab:app has alreadyconnected 90 towns and

cities with one app. Thisnetwork now extends fromInverness in the north ofScotland down to Plymouthin the South, Norwich in theEast and Galway in the Westof Ireland, encompassing allmajor towns and cities inbetween. Passengers nowhave the convenience ofbooking and paying for alicensed taxi anytime,anyplace, anywhere fromone nationwide app ownedand controlled byindependent taxi drivers.

Increasing passengerawareness and downloadsWe have a number ofstrategic PR and marketinginitiatives already planned tohelp increase awareness ofcab:app to offer existing taxiusers one booking app andalso to open up new markets.This will be ongoing ascab:app commits to re-investing a percentage ofrevenue back into promotingthe trade.

Initiatives include a cab:milesrewards/loyalty programmewhich comes directly fromcab:app’s revenue, and thedriver cashback schemewhich offers drivers a lifetimerevenue share frompassenger journeys where a

driver has introduced thepassenger using the driverunique promo code.

If 6,800 drivers advertisedone app in their cab it wouldreach approximately 35million passengers a year,generating a large financialcontribution to the drivercashback and shareownership scheme.

Helping others lessfortunate on their journeyPart of cab:app’s businessmodel is to help the widercommunity, with a focus onkids charities. Our newwebsite and passenger appwill offer an innovative affiliatepartner and cab:milesdonation programme that willgenerate income for ourchosen charity partners.

“It’s time to help ourselves”We now have the technologyand strategy in place, we justneed to spread the word asquickly as possible amongfellow taxi drivers (UK andIreland) and make it happen.We’ll be promoting thebusiness through the trade toincrease awareness and willalso be going on a road trip tomeet drivers nationally tohelp gather widespread

support. If the trade is reallyready for a national driverowned taxi app, thetechnology, foundation andinfrastructure has been laidso let’s start taking control ofour future before it’s too late.

What happens next?We’ve discussed the newapp with all the major tradeorganisations and they aresupportive of our driver-owned business model. Wenow need the collectivesupport of individual driversacross the country and it onlytakes a few minutes todownload and register. Whenwe launch the new app in acouple of weeks we will sendthe download link to all 7,400registered drivers. For anynew drivers you can eitherregister on the current app atwww.cabapp.net or send usyour name, badge andmobile number [email protected] so wecan send you the downloadlink as soon as the new appis released in the app stores.

It’s now time to helpourselves andunite throughtechnology totake control ofour future witha national taxiapp designedand owned bytaxi drivers.

WWEEEEKK OOFF 1155TTHH JJUUNNEESTOP PRESS STOP PRESS

16 Issue 229 - May 2015


Application FormPlease complete this form in BLOCK CAPITALS

The subscription rate is £170 per annum. If you are unable to pay in asingle payment please make one cheque payable to “The London CabDrivers’ Club Ltd,” with today’s date, for £56.67, and two post-datedcheques one month apart for £56.67.

Send the completed form to: THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY,The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd, UNIT A 303.2Tower Bridge Business Complex, Tower Point, 100 Clements Road, Southwark, London SE16 4DG

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:.................... Surname: ......................................

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I agree to abide by the rules of the Club. I also agree that the aboveinformation will be kept by the LCDC in a computer system under theterms of the Data Protection Act.

I understand that I will not be eligible for legal representation for matters arising prior to the date of this application. Thereby declare thatI have no outstanding PCO or police matters pending.

Signed: ...................................... Date: ......................................

Please complete this form and send it with your application form

(LCDC) Ltd UNIT 303.2TOWER BRIDGE BUSINESS COMPLEX, TOWER POINT,

100 CLEMENT’S ROAD, SOUTHWARKLONDON, SE16 4DG

0207 394 5553

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Please pay the sum of £15 NOW and monthly therafter until further notice.

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PO BOX 1134, London W128GGSort Code 20-10-53. Account No- 40450421.

Your Name: .....................................................................................Account No: .....................................................................................Sort Code: .......................................................................................Signature: ........................................................................................Date: ..................................................................................................

AS AN L.C.D.CMEMBER YOU WILL RECEIVE:�� 24 HOUR DUTY SOLICITOR

EXCLUSIVE TO THE CAB TRADEYour 24 Hr duty solicitor hotline

membership card.Peace of mind 24 hrs of the day.

�� FULL LEGAL COVEROur fantastic team of City Of London based solicitors and barristers, experts in Hackney Carriage and road traffic law.

��COMPLAINTS AND APPEALSAs a member of the LCDC, we will deal with any complaint that has beenmade against you by members of the public.Also we will attend the LTPH with youon any personal appeals that would affect your licence.

��HEATHROW AIRPORT REPRESENTATION

With our reps at the airport working hard on the trade’s behalf for a fairer, and more safer future at Heathrow.

��RANKS AND HIGHWAYSThe LCDC attend the Joint Ranks committee, working hard for more ranks and more access for the taxi trade in London.

��CAB TRADE ADVICEAll members can call the office for any information or up to the date news on any trade related subject.

�� TRADE’S FUTUREThe Club worked tirelessly in bringing

i in the green & yellow identifiers to the taxi trade.And are always working hard to protect our future.

��CAB TRADE REPRESENTATIONWe are working hard to work with members of the GLA and also politicians to fight our corner against

TFL and was a major influence in the recent“ future proof” document.

�� VEHICLE MANUFACTURERSThe Club works alongside LTC andMercedes to deliver a vehicle thatmeets our standard as a London taxidriver. Recently we have heldmeetings to work against the ULEZstrategy and the introduction of taxiage limits.

�� ACCIDENT & SICKNESS SCHEMEWe can offer members a fantasticaccident and sickness scheme to helpassist you in times when you may beoff the road due to sickness oraccident, up to £400 a week.

JUST £3per month

Join over thephone - just calland we’ll takeyour payment

details* £12 per month is tax deductible

Issue 230 - June 2015 17

[email protected]

Life Insurance is required to protect the most precious people and assets in your life. For us, as self-employed drivers withoutadequate protection your monthly income is at risk. The LCDC working alongside TMC Advisors are offering members a totally free Independent review.FCA Regulated / Prices as low as £20 per month

SOME OF THE BENEFITS:50% Off Virgin Active Memberships ( even for existing members )Weekly free cinema tickets75% off Champneys Spa25% - 50% off Eurostar travelUp to 40% off BA return flights

CALL 020 3608 0240

We have built anew website:lcdc.cab this is themost advancedwebsite the tradehas to offer - it hasbeen put togetherwith themembership as itsfocus.

Every member will beable to register on thenew website - onceregistered you will be

able to keep upto date as towhat goes onbehind thescenes at theLCDC, seeinghow the LCDCis working hard

to protect yourlivelihood. You will beable to participate inpolls the LCDC willput out soliciting youropinion on tradeissues. You will beable to access ournew forum area andcommunicate withother members. Wehave also providedthe facility to uploadphotos and videosyou have taken ofanything you see that

has a direct impacton our trade whenyou’re out drivingyour taxi.

It has a TFL trafficreport streamed in,providing you with upto the minute trafficreports - there is alsoour Twitter feed beingdisplayed on thewebsite.

You will now be ableto access and readThe Badge in a digitalformat. You can placeyour taxi for sale andinclude photos ofyour taxi in our newmembers’ classifiedsection. Non-members can also

advertisetheir taxi forsale for asmall chargeof £20.

We havegreatpleasure to announcethat The LCDC haveteamed up withGreen BadgePromotions, providingaccess to fantasticmoney saving offers,for both you inrunning your taxi todays out with thefamily. We areconfident that if youtake advantage ofthese offers you willsave in discountsyour annual

subscription to TheLCDC, effectivelybeing a member ofthe LCDC for free!

Knowledge Studentscan join the LCDC forfree as an associatemember andparticipate on theknowledge forum,accessing some greatmoney saving offers,helping you keep thecost down whilststudying theknowledge.

New added benefits for LCDC members

18 Issue 229 - May 2015


Dear Grant,

We all know it's tough outthere at the moment, but uscab drivers are becomingour own worse enemies! The list is becoming endless asto what is letting the tradedown! Drivers need to lose theattitude that 'I've got theknowledge' and adapt tochange, in order for us to be thebest! I think as we get our badges

TFL should introduce a 2-3 daycourse on customer care - andhow to deal with the public (i.e. getting out the cab andhelping people with luggage,prams etc. - we have legs souse them!) We should never refuse awheelchair because we can’tbe bothered! There are too many drivers witha rude and cocky attitude! We need to start being morepolite and professional - talk topeople in a polite manner,rather than talking to them likeyou’re down the pub with yourmates! If a customer has a preferredroute then take them the waythey want to go - they arepaying at the end of the day! No doubt it's been said severaltimes before but we need tosmarten up too - even buildersgo to work smarter! It makes me cringe seeing

cabbies in sports gear and dirtytrainers! At the least we shouldwear a collar, trousers, darkdenim and smart tailored shorts(if we choose) in the summermonths. Problems with taxis haven'thelped the trade too - uncertainty with zero emissionsand taxi age limits should havebeen dealt with a long time ago! Boris you really need to do getthe taxi related problems sortednow! London Taxi company shouldsell TX4s for 30K - then they’dbe flying off the shelves. Ageing rust bucket cabs are notwhat the public want to travel inanymore. People don't want to get in olddirty vehicles now, but cabbiesdon't seem to care anymore! Adverts all over cabs and nowon the roof of a cab issomething that never shouldhave happened - it's making us

look scruffy! It's an embarrassment to seethese adverts stuck on cabspeeling off!Summer is here now, so thereshould be no excuse for a dirtycab, even if you rent! £5.00 to get a cab washed isnothing and it's tax deductibletoo. If your cab has carpet in theback then sweep it out andspray some air freshener -make it smell nice for thecustomer. Keep a nice clean front of cabtoo - put your lunchbox in theboot so you can get luggage in.Rather than moaning on therank, get out and wipe thewindows clean (obviously on adry day) take down the 'cashonly' signs, get your cardmachine fitted. Any tattystickers in the cab - replacethem. Not a good look with nosmoking stickers curled up

falling off the window! I've often wondered whycabbies have the 'cash only'signs up - it tells people you’recarrying cash - good luck then ifyou work nights and getmugged! We also have to stop drivinground with phone headsetspermanently in our ears - justuse them when making andreceiving calls. Look at it from acustomer’s point of view, thenyou might actually get chattingto them - which in turn leads toa bigger tip! We all need to stop being onphones too whilst customersare on board - they’re notpaying to hear ourconversations! Overall so much more needs tobe done to keep peoplejumping in cabs! Let's raise ourgame and this might help thebattle against the 'U' word.Name and address withheld

L.C.D.C LEADERS NOT FOLLOWERS

Issue 230 - June 2015 19


THE UBER METERAt last, the Uber meter issue hasbeen sent to the High Court. Apreliminary hearing can be expectedsometime after 2nd June. The datehas been served on the LTDA,LPHCA and Uber to make theirrepresentations. TFLs view is stillthat the smart phone and the wayUber use it to calculate fares doesnot represent a meter.

THE BEGINNING OF THEBEGINNING OFTHE ENDWhen Livingstone introduced PHlicensing and generated such askewed, two-tier system, it wasnever going to last. It was alwaysfated to eventually become a one-tier system. Yet, TFL claimed thatthe purpose was to preserve thetwo-tier system of taxis and PrivateHire (PH). It was always going to bea one-tier system eventually unlessmeasures were taken to prevent it.The taxi trade would otherwiseultimately become inconsequentialunder such conditions and reduce toa mere tourist attraction.The only way to preserve the two-tier system requires first andforemost, a very strict separation ofthe activities undertaken by the twoservices. This is due to the skewedlicensing system that is far moreonerous on the taxi and the taxidriver than is imposed on thePrivate Hire vehicle (PHV) and itsdriver. AS such, the taxi servicecould never be able to compete indirect competition with PH as TFLhad ensured that taxi service costswere significantly higher than thoseof the PH service.On the supply side, the discrepancyin driver and vehicle testingrequirements creates incentive for anew entrant to opt for licensing as aPH driver and a disincentive foropting for taxi driving. Even if allother things were equal, which theyaren’t, this is guaranteed to slow thegrowth of taxi driver numbers andincrease the growth of PH drivernumbers.

MAKING MATTER WORSEInstead of doing the single thing thatwould guarantee a two-tier system –ring-fencing the type of service eachside could provide, TFL haveactively set about dismantling thosebarriers that maintain that only thetaxi service can accept instant hiringand only taxis can operate fromranks.

TFL have re-interpreted the originalintention of the PH Act in regard ofPH accepting “pre-booked” fares.The original intention was intendedfor “pre-booked” to mean “advancedbooked” but the wording hasallowed TFL to interpret this assimply meaning that PH fares mustbe booked through an operatorrather than directly with the driver.This removes the time element of abooking and is what allows PHdrivers to be “electronically hailed”instantly via Apps.

Satellite offices have created PHranks outside venues andencourage other PH ranks to beformed even where there is nosatellite office. In many cases,there are now PH ranks where thereis no taxi rank at all, giving PHdrivers a distinct advantage overtaxi drivers in many parts of the“rank market”.SO, while the original legislationintended ranks and on the spotbookings (whether on the street orthrough an agent) to be the soledomain of the taxi trade, TFL havedeliberately removed these barriersto allow PH to infiltrate these taxi-only preserves.Meanwhile, PH drivers ignore therules with impunity because theyknow that there is very littleenforcement and what there is, iswoefully inadequate.Matters are made worse by theeffect TFL are having on the supplyside. Entry to PH driving remains amerely cosmetic exercise on theone hand, while on the other,inefficient administration hasincreased the average time taken tocomplete the KOL to 51 months.

WHERE WE ARE NOWUp to now the effects of all this havebeen slow but we are now seeing areal acceleration. Taxi drivernumbers are falling, albeit slowly, asthose joining the trade are less thanthe number leaving it. Meanwhile,PH driver numbers have increasedfrom 24,000 in 2003 to the 74,000they currently are.I am hearing from drivers who claimto have had their takings halved onlast year. I have heard of driversthat have missed their last couple of

mortgage payments. I heard of quitea few drivers who have left the tradeand many others that are talking ofdoing the same. The circuits haveseen their subscriber numbers andturnover halved.This is not the 1990s. This is notrecession. The recession is longover, even if the recovery is slow.This is pure and simple, increasedand unfair competition, artificiallycreated by TFL, aided and abettedby inadequate enforcement.

RAY OF SUNSHINEIt’s not quite over yet; not quiteterminal. By the time you read this,we should know if TFL are going tofollow the GLA recommendations ortreat the GLA with the samecontempt it treats the taxi trade with.If the recommendations areseriously applied, there is significanthope for our recovery.Boris appears to have heard thepenny drop because he has recentlybeen in the media stating hisworries about the growing numberof PH drivers and admitting thatthere may be more than 100,000 ofthem within two years if somethingisn’t done to stop them. As such, he

is investigating capping theirnumbers, along with the previoustalk of introducing a PH KOL.

FUTURE PROOFOn the subject of the GLA “FutureProof” recommendations, TFLsSurface Transport Panel (STP) hasresponded to the GLA. They appearto have completely ignoredrecommendations 1 - 3, 6 and 11 –20.In response to the need to look attaxi and PH signage (Rec 4), they

are going to pilot a scheme putforward by the LPHCA for PHVsignage to be on the number plateonly, which is not quite what thecommittee asked for.In response to the request toincentivise the uptake of cashlesspayments, the STP intend looking atforcing such payments in taxis andnot a word about PH.They have agreed to look at rankingfacilities at the Tube Stations takingpart in the 24 hour operatingscheme (Rec 7)

In response to entry requirementsinto both trades (Rec 8 and 9), allthe STP propose is to look attraining taxi and PH drivers onlegislation, disability needs, first aidand customer care. This is inresponse to a call for examining theentry requirements into both tradesand making 25% of the PH fleetwheelchair accessible.They say they are already workingwith The Met to fulfilrecommendation 10, on improvinginformation on cab-related crime.Thankfully, TFL already appear tobe going further than the STPproposals.

Walker on the March....

Has licensing private hire really made anything better for Londoners?

20 Issue 229 - May 2015

LCDC MEMBERS PAY JUST £180FREE - iZettle credit

card machine- No monthly contract- Driver keeps fare, plus tip, plus 2%

Issue 230 - June 2015 21

Carl Froch could take onmiddleweight kingGennadyGolovkin in apotential farewellfight, according topromoter EddieHearn.Froch recently gave up his WBA super-middleweight belt and hinted atretirement, but Golovkin's camp saytheir fighter will move up to 168lbs totake the Nottingham fighter on.Golovkin, who boasts a perfect 33-0record with 30 of those wins coming byknockout, had previously talked aboutdropping a weight to meet FloydMayweatherFroch says he will only fight again if about is found that will excite him and hehas already been out of action for nearlya year since his second victory overGeorge Groves in front of a packedhouse at Wembley Stadium."I've seen reports regarding a potential

fight with Carl and GGG. It's a huge fightand we are certainly talking," Hearn toldSky Sports."At some stage that fight becomes toobig to ignore but at this stage we stilldon't know if Carl will fight again."You know Carl will fight anyone and ifit's a fight he can get up for and it does

happen then It will be a huge event. Ican't rule it out but I also can't rule outCarl retiring."Golovkin's promoter Tom Loeffler, talkingto Boxing Scene, earlier said: "We’vetold Froch’s promoter Eddie Hearn thatGennady will go to 168lbs to fight Carl inwhat would be a tremendous fight. But itis not clear whether Carl will retire orfight again."

Amir Khan has accepted KellBrook's challenge to a fight andsays he wants to meet his Britishwelterweight rival at Wembley"within the next 12 months". Bolton-born Khan added: "It could behis last fight, I would give him that muchof a beating." Unbeaten IBF champion Brook, 28,demanded a showdown with Khan afterbeating Jo Jo Dan on Saturday. Khan is due to fight in May before apossible clash with the winner of theFloyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiaobout. Khan, 28, suggests a winner-takes-allcontest with Brook, telling Sky SportsNews: "It shows it is not about themoney, it is about the pride."


Back in the1950s, therewas a ritualeach morningafter FreddieHill boxed asan amateurwhen hepulled his vaninto theEveningNews yardnear Fleet Street. 'Fellas, I've got a nice 21-piece dinnerset - not stolen. What is my first bid?' hewould announce as a crowd gathered.They were simple days for a boxer andauctioning off a prize from a contest thenight before was an easy way togenerate a bit of bunce money. The maverick trainer died last monthaged 80 and was cremated in Londonon Wednesday. In the 1960s and 1970s,he took control of the corner for some ofBritain's best boxers. He worked withAlan Rudkin, Kevin and Chris Finnegan,Billy Walker, Frankie Taylor, Bobby Neilland dozens of others. Alan Minter, Terry

Downes and Terry Spinks shared gymswith him and they gathered last week. Hill was a trainers' trainer and wasonce praised by Sam Burns, a legend inthe 1950s and 1960s as a manager, asbeing unique at the top level. Burns said:'Freddie is one of the few trainers who isgreater than his fighters. He has gotsuch charisma that he manages to instilit into his boxers.' Boxing was different back thenbecause there were fewer protectedboxers and opportunities were harder tocome by. Hill understood the risks. Heknew the game and in 1965 took Rudkinto Tokyo for a world title bout againstMasahiko Harada. Rudkin was 24,Harada just 22 and brilliant, but Hill hada plan. It did not quite work and Rudkinlost on points over 15 rounds.Hill is perhaps best known for his workwith the Finnegan brothers and hisresidency at the Craven Arms onLavender Hill in south London. The gymat the Craven Arms was a mess - dirtycarpets, some traditional boxingapparatus and gadgets that Hill haddevised. Hill had wall racks, pulleys andfloor-to-ceiling balls on thick elasticbindings that no other gyms had. British,Commonwealth and European titlesfollowed. Today, Hill would have 20world championship belts on the wall. Away from the ring, Hill had his ownmethods and boxers at the FitzroyLodge remember being taken aside tobe given a 'Hill pill'. Hill would give aboxer a Smartie, tell him it was a secretpotion and then tell the kid to keep his

mouth shut. In 1987, Hill was back at the Lodgeand working with the junior boxers andlittle John Guilfoyle in particular. In thespace of a few weeks, the contraptionsstarted to come off the walls at thedilapidated Craven Arms and wereerected at the Lodge. Many are stillthere and trainers from all over the worldhave looked at them in amazement.Manny Steward sketched one, but fewknow how they work. Hill quickly came face to face withamateur boxing's bureaucracy. AsGuilfoyle prepared for the junior AmateurBoxing Association championships, itwas clear that Hill should go in thecorner with him. Mick Carney, who has

run the Lodge for about 40 years, calledthe London ABA to clear the matter. Hewas told that Hill had to go on abeginner's training course. Hill loved thatbut failed the test. Hill still trained Guilfoyle throughout thechampionships, but he could not go inthe corner. Guilfoyle won the title and onWednesday he was at the crematorium.'He wouldn't let me see him at the end,'he said. All his former charges had beenrefused visits since Hill had a strokebefore Christmas. Guilfoyle starts as a trainer at FitzroyLodge next month and the first thing hewill do is get Hill's mad contraptionsworking again.

Steve Bunce-BOXNATION

Froch Vs Golovkin, Khan Vs Kell?

RememberingFreddie HillRememberingFreddie Hill

22 Issue 229 - May 2015


We as a trade need to be up to speedwith social media - so that we can actquickly and with one voice whenneeded.It’s not difficult to sign up to Twitter - seebelow! And you can keep up to date with allthe latest trade news by following the tradeorganisations.

Signing up with TwitterTo create an account on the web:1. Go to http://twitter.com and find the signup box, or go directly tohttps://twitter.com/signup.

2. Enter your full name, phone number,and a password.

3. Click Sign up for Twitter.

4. In order to verify your phone number,we will send you an SMS text messagewith a code. Enter the verification code inthe box provided. Learn more abouthaving a phone number associated withyour account here.

5. Once you've clicked Sign up for Twitter,

you can select a username (usernamesare unique identifiers on Twitter) — typeyour own or choose one we've suggested.We'll tell you if the username you want isavailable.

6. Double-check your name, phonenumber, password, and username.

7. Click Create my account.You may beasked to complete a Captcha to let usknow that you're human.

Note: if you'd like to sign up with Twitterusing an email address, you can do so viathe "Use email instead" link at the bottomof the sign up page.

Tips for picking a username:• Your username is the name yourfollowers use when sending @replies,mentions, and direct messages.• It will also form the URL of your Twitterprofile page. We'll provide a few availablesuggestions when you sign up, but feel

free to choose your own.

• Please note: You can change yourusername in your account settings atany time, as long as the new usernameis not already in use.

• Usernames must be fewer than 15characters in length and cannot contain"admin" or "Twitter", in order to avoidbrand confusion.

Important information about signingup with email address:• An email address can only beassociated with one Twitter account at atime.• The email address you use on yourTwitter account is not publicly visible toothers on Twitter.

• We use the email you enter to confirmyour new Twitter account. Be sure toenter an email address that you activelyuse and have access to. Check your inbox for a confirmationemail to make sure you signed up foryour account correctly.

Drivers needed on Twitter

Issue 230 - June 2015 23


THE LCDC has been working hardto bring another major benefit toour members, and we’re delightedto announce the launch of BadgeAssist.Launched in conjunction withCricklewood Carriers, the scheme willensure that LCDC members in a nonfault accident do not have to payexcess, can choose their repairer, andget a plated cab on the same day,where possible.

Badge Assist - Your InsurerIn the event of a non fault accident we cansupply:CONTACT DETAILSEmail : [email protected]: 020 8452 5461Mobile: 07866 0 07866Office hours:Monday – Friday 08.00 – 17.30Saturday 08.00 – 12.00Badge Assist, a new service set up andbacked by “The Badge” in conjunction withCricklewood Carriers, is now offering acomplete accident management service, allnon-fault accidents for members of theLCDC, who can now qualify for an accidentmanagement solution without losing your noclaims bonus. You will not have to pay for anyservices provided and benefit from 100% nowin no fee if required for any personal injuryclaims.**

1. What is Badge Assist (BA)?Badge Assist is a one stop solution tailoredspecifically for the London Taxi Driver to keepyou on the road. We offer an exclusive creditrepair service and credit hire service, to non-fault accident victims. We will arrange forrepairs to be carried out at CricklewoodCarriers. Since quality repairs take time we offer you alike for like replacement vehicle to use for thewhole time your car is being repaired. We willthen manage and monitor the repairsthroughout the whole process.

2. What is the benefit of using Badge Assist?

If you are involved in a non fault accident wewill arrange for your vehicle to be repairedat Cricklewood Carriers and deliver you areplacement Cab to use the same daywhere possible.Badge Assist can answer any queries youmay have. Our account managers aim tobuild a trusting relationship with everycustomer, like you, to ensure you are keptthoroughly updated. We also operate afacility whereby you will be able to log in andtrack the progress of every single claim viayour own computer.

3. Who are Cricklewood Carriers?Cricklewood Carriers Cab Company hasbeen in business for over 30 years. We areone of the oldest and most establishedLondon Taxi garages. In that time we've builtup a reputation for honesty, reliability and afocus on customer satisfaction. Our customerservice is second to none

4. Why Cricklewood Carriers / Badge Assist?

For starters, 10 reasons...- 24 hour breakdown and recovery- Get-you-home cover as standard- Replacement cab if you break-down- Weekly system check- Full valet service on all cabs- Wide selection of cabs to choose from- Wide range of colours with no adverts- Wide range of models and ages- TX1, TX2, TX4, Fairway- Full flat or half flat- Double TeamsWith all this as standard, and a wide selectionof models to choose from, you can see whyso many cab drivers make us their first choicefor cab rentals.For the discerning cab driver, we have brandnew Silver Spec TX4's in metallic colours withno adverts.We are full members of the LMCPA(Originally known as “The Masters”)

5. How much does this cost? You will be required to enter into a hireagreement but all these charges will be paidby the at fault party. You will not even need topay a deposit!

We believe strongly that if your drivers are notto blame for their accidents then theyshouldn’t be left out of pocket. Unfortunatelythis isn’t the way most insurers think, as manydrivers are left with an inferior replacementvehicle, having to pay their excess, or beingcharged for higher premiums.With Badge Assist the financial benefits toyour drivers are clear: they don’t need payanything towards any part of the entireprocess. The costs are absorbed by theinsurer of the other driver who was at fault forthe accident. So your driver can have theirvehicle collected and repaired, while theydrive a like-for like replacement vehicle, at nocost to them what so ever, meaning theirincome is not affected.

6. Will this affect my insurance?By using Badge Assist you will not have topay your Excess and your No Claims Bonusshould not be affected.

7. Where do I collect the replacement vehicle from?

If your cab is driveable you can drop your cabto Cricklewood Carriers they will already havea replacement vehicle waiting for you.

8. What if my Cab is not roadworthy?We will arrange recovery of your vehicle anddeliver you a replacement vehicle towherever is most convenient. We will arrangefor repairs to be carried out with an exclusiveBadge Assist 2 year warranty on all repairs.Since quality repairs take time we offer you alike for like replacement vehicle to use for thewhole time your car is being repaired. We will

then manage and monitor the repairsthroughout the whole process.

9. What if I wish to use my own garage?

You can do this but Cricklewood offer a twoyear warranty on all repairs to give you totalpeace of mind.

10. Who insures the replacement vehicle?

The hire vehicle comes fully insured with a nilexcess (conditions apply)

11. Can my drivers claim if the accident is their fault?

Countless drivers believe we cannot help withfault accidents, when in actual fact they maynot be completely at fault for the accident. Youmay be able to benefit from Split Liability inthe event of any accident, as we may be ableto help your drivers with some of our services.

12. What if I am injured along with any of my passengers?

If you have been hurt through no fault of yourown we can get our expert Solicitors to helpyou claim the compensation you deserve. Allclaims are run on a 100% no-win, no-fee*basis and you will never be asked for anymoney to start your claim. If you don’t winyour case, you won’t pay a penny.And remember, passengers are also entitledto seek compensation regardless of whetherthe driver is at fault or not.

13. Finally, is there anything further you would like to add or a message to our drivers?

Lastly thank you for taking the time to look atour new venture with Badge Assist, we aretruly passionate about the service and toolswe can provide to the trade and overallempower our members and drivers to benefitfrom the extra services we can now supply.In the event of an accident we all reach for thephone and call our insurance companies, if itis not your fault, then don’t call them, call us.Not only are you guaranteed a replacementplated, metered cab, a repairer that cares andstands by the work provided with 2 years fullwarranty. With the added benefit of no loss ofearnings and a protected no claims bonus. We aim to take the inconvenience and thecosts away from accidents that are not yourfault. Knowing now that you don’t have to loseout if an accident occurs or if you need anyadvice feel free to call our Badge Assist team.

Disclaimer **** Subject to insurance costs. Fee payable ifcase not pursued at client’s request† No Claims Bonus protection is notguaranteed in all cases. Customer are tocheck their insurance policy for details

LCDC LAUNCH BADGE ASSIST

BADGE ASSIST

✓✓ A plated cab the same day where possible

✓✓ No Excess or any other costs

✓✓ You can choose your repairer

✓✓ We get quotes/write off values for you

✓✓ We handle all the paperwork

✓✓ Expert Solicitor appointed

OTHER INSURERS

✗✗ A small courtesy car, but only if available

✗✗ You pay your Excess

✗✗ They choose the repairer

✗✗ You provide multiple estimates

✗✗ You run around, sorting things

✗✗ They instruct their own solicitor

24 Issue 229 - June 2015


Adam D. ElliottVincent House,

99a Station Road, London, E4 7BU

SPECIALIST ACCOUNTANT TO THE LICENSED TAXI TRADE

Tel: 020 8281 0500email: [email protected] / SKYPE: taxitax

WHEN I challenge London's topofficials to come out with me andsee a problem within their scope ofresponsibility, they often say yes [onthe radio] but then the firewall that ispress and PR get in the way and

make it very difficult. So fair dues to Garrett Emerson, ChiefOperating Officer Of Surface Transportat TfL, for accepting the challenge andkeeping his word.I had spoken to his boss only recentlyand Sir Peter Hendy was forced toconcede he had changed his mind onthe concerns of Black Cab drivers retouts (or scabs)There was now something calledOperation Neon, a hi Viz deterrentwhich would work alongside the covertmissions, to root out the scourge ofillegal touting. This problem laid besidethe proliferation of licensed vehicles onthe streets of our capital had made2015 the worst I had known in relationsbetween the trade and TfL.I had been out on a couple ofoperations before and was impressedby what I had seen, but this time Iwanted cabbies out with us so we couldsee, hear and tell. When I got to our location near GreenPark, I knew it would be fun but no onehad any idea of just how surreal theexperience would be.So who was in our Neon street gang?Myself, Senior Prooducer, Garret,

deputy head ofenforcement, head ofprivate Hire vehicles, twoof their wardens andrepping Black CabDrivers, Grant Davis andSteve McNamara.After the niceties, Grantsuggested we go to Sohobecause it was alwaysfun there and wow washe right. We had no soonerstepped foot in the areawhen we wereapproached by a tout from a cabstation.No really, there are 8-10 of us andsome have hi viz jackets on that sayTFL and they still tried to tout us. Grant hasn't been that happy since hevisited that ping pong show in Thailand ."Eddie, we got a cab he shouted" To befair Garret found it as funny as the restof us did.The third highest ranking official at TFLbeing touted on a mission to root outtouting. You couldn't make it up.I've been asked to give a statementand I can't wait.

So Uber, aside I have interviewed nigh-on all the Top Brass at TFL andoften the best and most revealing bitsare said off air. I assure you cabbies,they get it. There (in my opinion) is nopoint moaning about how late theycame to the party, the truth is, they arehere. Use them, tell them where theproblems are and get your Union repsto hold them to account. If they don'tlisten, tell me. There is [again in myopinion] an uncomfortable truth. Things have changed. These aretough times and the number of licensedvehicles and Uber are huge challenges.

EDDIE NESTOR BBC London 94.9Drivetime: Weekdays 5-7pm Call: 0207 224 2000

Weekly PodcastsUK BlackManchester United Redcast

Tout and about in London!

Issue 230 - June 2015 25

TRADE SLOWLY BEINGSTRANGLED AT HEATHROW The London taxi trade isslowly being strangled todeath at Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Police (MPS) andairport operator HAL are notshowing the slightest interest instopping the big private hirecompanies from using the setdown bays outside thepassenger terminals as if theyare dedicated PH ranks. Theillegal ranks, especially outsideTerminals 2 and 5, are nowbeing used by five times asmany passengers as are arrivingat the official taxi ranks. Unlesssenior Heathrow police officersare prepared to stop private hiredrivers from breaching the PHbyelaws on the forecourts, theLondon taxi industry atHeathrow faces beingdestroyed. The MPS recentlyadvised the taxi trade that HALthe airport operator isresponsible for ensuring thedrop off areas are out of boundsto empty private hire cars. TheLCDC totally disagrees withHeathrow police. We maintainthat it's the duty of Heathrowpolice (MPS) to actively preventhundreds of minicab driversfrom committing criminaloffences on the forecourts. Itsalso the duty of the MPS toreport persistent offenders toTransport for London with a viewto having their PH licences eithersuspended or revoked. The PHbyelaws clearly state thatminicabs may not wait for or pickup passengers unless it's donefrom an offical car park.Heathrow police officers claimthat if they were to stop all emptyminicabs from breaching thebyelaws, the overall effect wouldbe to over-load the MPS andCrown Prosecution Service(CPS) with paperwork. Taxitrade reps have good reason tototally reject this latest feebleexcuse. For the past twomonths, taxi trade reps dressedin hi-viz jackets have beenfinding out for themselves justhow easy it is to enforce the

parking byelaws on theterminals. Trade reps have morethan proved the point that whenoffending minicab drivers areasked to get moving, 99% ofthem do so with very littleresistance. Contrary to whatMPS law enforcers claim, not ascrap of paperwork has to beprocessed by either the MPS orthe CPS to achieve measurableresults.

POLICING COSTS AT HEATHROW Heathrow Airport's Crime andSecurity Framework isdevised by the Home Officeand the Department forTransport. The framework consists ofstatutory rules under which HALand the MPS are obliged tomeet several times per year todiscuss and negotiate policingcosts. Although some policesecurity functions at Heathroware paid for by the Home Officefrom national funding streams,enforcement of PH byelaws onthe forecourts and drop-off areasis a police function that has to bepaid for by the airport operator,namely HAL. The NationalPolice Chiefs' Council (NPCC)acknowledges that the MPSHeathrow advise HAL on howmuch needs to be spent onpolicing the airport and not theother way around. Nevertheless,taxi drivers at Heathrow sensethat police expenditure on thethe protection of their HackneyCarriage rights seem to besuffering from a bad case of "Hewho pays the minstrel calls thetune". The facts behindHeathrow's annual policing costsof over £36 million are slowly butsurely being obtained from theMPS by the LCDC. We aim tofind out from MPS records ofofficial meetings if policeexpenditure on controllingminicabs is discussed as apriority between the MPS andHAL. The LCDC has asked theMPS a few well craftedquestions about Heathrow's taximarshalling scheme and the

airport's use of unpaid taxidrivers to patrol inside theterminals on the look out forminicab touts who prey onvulnerable travellers. Given thatHeathrow's annual policing bill is£36 million the LCDC wassurprised to find out fromavailable police records that thevalue and existence of the taximarshalling scheme doesn'tfeature in negotiations onpolicing costs. We say 'availablerecords' because apparentlysome of elements of policingcosts that the LCDC would reallylike to make public, can't belocated within the MPSinformation storage systems. Asalready stated, taxi trade repshave been able to demonstratethat clamping down on the illegalactivities of minicabs who parkanywhere and everywhere atHeathrow should not amount toa manpower problem forHeathrow police station. TheLCDC believes that HAL shouldpay the MPS Heathrow toincrease the number of officersresponsible for directing emptyminicabs away from theterminals and into the official carparks as required by Heathrow'sPH byelaws. Senior policeofficers and HAL executivesseem to have created a closedshop monopoly on who can and

can't have an effective say incrime and security matters. Butaccording to legal guidancepublished by the Home Office,police manpower and costsissues are matters into which allkey stakeholders withestablished businesses atHeathrow should have someinput. However, in theexperience of LCDC reps, onthe few occasions when the taxitrade meets Heathrow policeofficers, they are definitely notthe MPS decision makers whoeither make or influencedecisions on how the MPSHeathrow should spend its £36million income.

GREEK ARMADA ON T2 At midday on Friday 5th ofMay, outside Terminal 2 , avery large Greek registeredvan towing a long trailer(photos taken) with fourspeedboat strapped on it wasillegally parked on the setdown area of T2 in full view ofa marked police van driven bya police constable. The officer did absolutely nothingto check out what the foreignregistered vehicle was doingthere or who was inside it.Admittedly, he got out of hisTransit for a few seconds andhad a quick glance at all the

boats before he drove off. TheGreek 'sailors' were thenchallenged by an LCDC rep andthey told him that they didn'tknow they weren't allowed topark outside T2 . They alsoexplained that several policeofficers had looked at them, buthad not spoken to them. Howcould it happen that nobody inauthority at Heathrow Airportbothered to check out a foreignregistered vehicle with a loadedtrailer of equipment that wasparked on T2 under a NoParking sign ? Later that day ateam of taxi trade 'parkingenforcers' made a surprise visitto T2 and as usual, private hirecompanies such as Uber andtheir drivers had completecontrol of the set down areas.Not a single official law enforcerwas seen during the 75 minutesthat the trade reps had T2 underobservation. How can anybodyeither on behalf of the MPS orHAL argue a case that theHeathrow's passenger terminalsare as safe and secure as theypossibly can be ? The set downbays outside Terminal 3Departures are not only thefavourite parking spots ofminicab drivers. T3 also providesconvenient parking places forHeathrow police cars and vans.Very often, ten or twelveunattended police vehicles canbe seen outside T3, while thepolicemen have a coffeee breakin the Airport staff canteen.Official attitudes towards illegalparking and the picking up ofpassengers at Heathrow havesome how got to change. At themoment the police law enforcersdon't seem to give a damn ; thepolicemen who park anywhereon T3 while they have a coffeebreak don't give a damn andHeathrow managers who are incharge of licensed Taxi Servicesdon't give a damn. Meanwhile,the LCDC is going to continue toplay a leading role in getting tothe bottom of how and whypolicing at the UK's leadingairport is being done on thecheap.

Airport matters...BY PETER “THE CANNON” L.C.D.C AIRPORT REP


Peter Cannon and Dave Bowers attend the terminals

26 Issue 229 - May 2015


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