A new late night marshalled taxi rank has been given the go-ahead for the City Of London. The rank in Cornhill is located outside number 77, which is opposite St Michael’s Alley will commence on Friday 8 May 2009. The Cornhill rank will be operational between 19:00hrs to 07:00hrs every day and Taxi Marshals will be at the rank on Friday and Saturday evenings between 23:00hrs and 02:00hrs with normal rank regulations applying at all times. The marshals will be responsible for the organisation of the taxi and passenger queues at the rank and ensuring that passengers are able to get a taxi as quickly and efficiently as possible. The rank is expected to serve the busy Abacus Bar situated at 24 Cornhill. Abacus has been a favourite venue for illegal minicab touts over the past months with a number of out touts forming their own rank along Cornhill. Clipboard Johnnies have also been operating from outside the bar.

The rank has been organised by the City of London Corporation, in partnership with Taxi Marshalls.com and the Public Carriage Office

OTHER MARSHALLED RANKS IN OPERATION

Beckenham
High Street (outside M&S), BR3 1AY

Friday and Saturdays 22:30 – 02:30

Bromley Town Centre
Market Square (outside Costa Coffee)
BR1 1NF
Friday and Saturdays 22:00 – 02:00

Cranbourn Street
(outside Aberdeen Angus Steakhouse)
WC2H 7AA
Fridays and Saturdays 22:00 – 03:00

Kingston Town Centre
Clarence Street
(outside of Oceana nightclub), KT1 1QP
Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays 22:30 – 03:30

Liverpool Street Station
(outside McDonalds), EC2M 7PR
Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays 22:00 – 02:00

Romford – Eastern Road
(outside OneThreeOne club), RM1 1NX
Friday and Saturdays 22:30 – 03:30

A hard-hitting DVD entitled London at Night, made by the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has been shown to the Public Carriage Office (PCO), Westminster City Council (WCC) and the Met Police TOCU. With undercover cameras filming the activities of the minicab trade in the West End, the LTDA produced the DVD to try and galvanise some action from those in authority. Outright examples of law breaking illegal touts in the West End make for a hard-hitting film. The undercover cameras travel along “hotspots” such as Wardour Street, with long lines of minicabs parked on double yellow lines, Charing Cross Road where even a pedicab has joined the long line of parked minicabs on yellow lines and outside Abacus on Cornhill in the City of London where the long lines of “ranked” minicabs are on both sides of the road. The touts are filmed outside Tiger Tiger in Haymarket, at Walkabout on Victoria Embankment, the Whisky Mist Club in Hertford Street where the tout is seen clearly, wearing a high visibility coat which is marked “Co-ordinator Licensed Minicab Services” with the website address of a minicab company. Another tout outside Crystal in Wells Street wears a jacket that states “Licensed Minicab Marshall”.  In response to seeing the DVD, Ed Thompson said: “I congratulate the LTDA on producing this informative DVD. It really brings home some of the late night problems which cabbies are encountering in central London.  It formed the main talking point of a constructive meeting hosted by Bob Oddy at Taxi House, involving TfL, TOCU, Westminster City Council and representatives of Unite and the London Cab Drivers Club.

“TfL, WCC and TOCU have started a 3 week operation to target some of the touting issues discussed at the meeting.”

Whether the operations result in enough touts being taken off the streets to make a difference remains to be seen but at least some action has been forthcoming thanks to the LTDA’s DVD, so well done to those involved.

Touting problems in the West End have promoted one would be cab driver to set up a petition on the No 10 website.  Billy Gould is currently doing the Knowledge of London and sees the problems the touts are causing and has asked the Prime Minster to help the taxi trade to put a stop to the illegal ranking outside clubs and bars in central London.

Billy says: “Please help with this petition, it will be on the No 10 website for almost a year and we would hope to get all the drivers, all their friends and family to sign it. Ipersonally, will be printing cards with the petition address on and handing them out to interested customers.”
If you want to sign the petition, you will find it at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blackcabsunite/

In the latest issue of London taxi trade newspaper Taxi Globe, Martin Low, Director of Transportation at Westminster City Council, has written an article entitled “How Westminster Council Is Making It Easier For Taxi Drivers To Park And Use Public Toilets” but it would seem Mr Low has actually missed the point of the numerous complaints and concerns made by cab drivers and his knowledge of the law regarding taxi parking and ranks is non existent.

For drivers it’s so much not the finding a loo that is so difficult but finding somewhere to park that is within easy distance of a loo and making a payment that is uncomplicated. Low said: “We understand finding a suitable place to stop and use a toilet can be difficult for taxi drivers in central London so we are always looking for ways we can help. We have 33 bays specifically for taxi drivers with a special charge of just £1 per hour, compared with charges to other motorists of up to £4 an hour. This is in addition to the 174 ranks in 130 streets across Westminster where there is space for 828 taxis and they can use one of the Public Carriage Office’s 84 shelter ranks in seven locations near public conveniences and refreshment facilities.

“In the last two years we’ve created six new parking bays just for taxi drivers and two more taxi-only paid parking places are on the way in Shepherd’s Street near to the Piccolo Bar used by some drivers. Drivers can also use one of the 7,000 paid parking bays in Westminster if they pay the charge.”

Westminster City Council reports that it spends £3million a year maintaining its 53 council-run and leased toilet facilities, including 12 temporary units placed outside in the West End every Friday and Saturday night. There are now more public toilets in Westminster than any time in the last 20 years. For the cab trade, it also needs to address the parking. Even when a driver can find a parking space, he then needs a mobile phone and credit card to pay for the space. Drivers just need somewhere to park for a few minutes without the worry of getting a parking ticket.

Editor: Well Mr Low certainly shows his ignorance regarding the laws that govern taxi drivers.  Taxis are not permitted to park on taxi ranks, this is an offence. Paying for parking in Westminster can usually only be made by credit/debit card or by phone, not exactly easy when you don’t own a mobile phone or have a credit/debit card. The coin operated parking meters in both Paddington Street and Bolsover Street have both been taken away and the only way to park is by making payment by card or phone or risk a fine!

The LONDON TAXIDRIVERS’ FUND FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN still need more drivers to join them on their forthcoming Taxi ‘Safari Outing to Woburn Safari Park on TUESDAY 19TH MAY 2009. Come and help to give 300 ’special needs’ and disadvantaged children a wonderful day out. In case you have any doubts LTFUC welcome all drivers with liveried taxis, coloured taxis and those that have adverts on. This applies to all their outings. As well as giving a great deal of pleasure to so many children you will have a brilliant and fun-packed day out yourself. Without you, the drivers, there are no outings so please contact drivers’ liaison: Susan Angel on 07958 280 881 or enter your details on the volunteer page of the website  www.ltfuc.org.uk

Many of you will go through your careers as licensed cab drivers without any health problems.  But there are those who are less fortunate and when it happens they are at a loss as what to do.  The biggest problems we face as we advance in years are with the heart and sight.  These medical conditions will most certainly stop you from driving as a group 2 driver.  The DVLA guidelines are strictly adhered to by the PCO in respects of heart attack, strokes, and visual acuity.  If you have suffered a heart attack you will have to pass what is known as the Bruce Protocol.  This is where you have to complete 9 minutes of walking on a walking machine.  This is not one of those machines you will find in a keep fit club, although similar there is a difference.   First you are wired up to a monitor and are told to get on the machine, which is known as, a treadmill.  You walk for three minutes on the flat and then the walking part elevates to a steeper slope and speeds up.  After that, the slope gets much steeper and faster.  All the time your heart is being monitored to see if it is under stress.  If at any time this happens the machine is switched off, and you fail the test.

However your having failed the test may not be down to a defective heart but some other reason, unfortunately it is up to the individual driver to prove it.  Some reasons for failing can be due to the fact that you are not fit.  One of the biggest problems is being overweight as it puts an enormous strain on the heart. 

There is another acceptable test to deduce if you have a heart problem.  But unless your GP refers you to a cardiologist the test will be costly, currently about £700.  The test is known as a Myocardial Perfusion Test, this is where a coloured liquid is injected into the bloodstream.  This will show if there is any heart damage or defect.  What you have to hope for here is that the left Ventricular functions properly – this is the chamber that is most important.  It is this chamber that pumps the blood from the heart around the body. What the PCO will be looking for on the report is that the Ventricular is operating at an efficiency of 40 percent or above.  If this is the case then you will be fit to drive on a group 2 license.  If the result of your test shows less than 40 percent this is an indication that you have a problem.

What happens over the years is that the coronary arteries start to fur up and reduce the blood flow to the heart muscle. This is known as Myocardial Ischaemia or Ischeamic heart disease.  The causes of this is smoking and high cholesterol, which is a build up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, known as plaque.   There are drugs that can help to reduce the cholesterol to help stop the further build up of plaque, these drugs are known as Statins.   If the problem is really advanced the cardiologist may recommend angioplasty.  This procedure involves inserting a catheter into the artery in the groin and threading it round into the coronary arteries.  A balloon is then opened and widens the artery to allow better blood flow.  This can also be done by inserting stents, these are titanium tubes.  After a period of time probably six months you will have to take the stress test once more, hopefully you will pass.  Then you can apply for your license to be returned.  There is one drawback to this procedure – it is recommended the procedure be performed every three years.  However, I am only a layman on this subject and you should consult with your GP.

VISUAL ACUITY
Most drivers will know that if your vision is 6/6 in each eye then you have perfect vision. However, problems do arise especially as you get older.

For group 2 drivers such as taxi drivers the regulations laid down by the DVLA are quite strict.  If you start to experience a diminishing field of vision then you should make an appointment with an Ophthalmic Optician.   If after taking the Snellens eye test that is the letters chart on the wall your vision is worse than 6/9 in the better eye and more than 6/18 in the worse eye, you will need glasses.   The older drivers among us may find that they have a visual sight worse than that.  However, they have what is known as grandfather rights.  This comes under the Motor Vehicles Driving Licenses Regulations 1996.  

Drivers who were issued a group 2 licence before January 1983 would have to have a visual acuity as follows. They would need the better eye to be no more than  6/12 and the worse eye no more than 6/36 with glasses if necessary.  This is what is known as grandfather rights.   For group 2 drivers who’s licence was issued on 1st March 1992 the standard applicable would have to be at least 6/9 in the better eye. And at least 6/12 in the worse eye with glasses if necessary.  This also applies to group 2 drivers whose licence was issued on 31 December 1996 and on or after 1st January 1997.

As I have said previously I am not an expert therefore you should always consult with an Ophthalmic Optician.  So don’t forget your health is most important to your continued career as a cab driver in London. Over the many years that I have been a cab driver I have learnt quite a lot, especially hackney carriage law.  I have now started to learn about the medical problems that you may encounter, in the future. Therefore with the aid of friend and colleague Dave Cohen we started Taxi Drivers & Owners Legal Protection Ltd.   So if you are looking for the best legal representation in the trade perhaps you may consider joining our new legal insurance scheme.  Dave can be contacted on 07956 894  701  I can be contacted on 07831 092  123.   So good luck to you all and good hunting.

By Alan Fleming.

112-02

BRITS CHOOSE TO HOLIDAY IN THE UK

With many British holiday resorts reporting record bookings for the Easter break, research carried out by Visit London has shown that up to 20 percent of Britons are choosing to holiday in the UK rather than abroad this year.  Rising costs and a poor exchange rate means it is not only more cost-effective for foreign tourists to visit Britain but many of us will choose to remain in Britain this year for our annual break. It is predicted that up to 20 percent of those people who had a foreign holiday last year plan to save money by choosing the UK instead. Visit London Marketing Director Martine Ainsworth-Wells said: “Despite undoubtedly tough times ahead, there are still major opportunities to promote the capital across the UK.  This is a time to hit the accelerator, not the brake. That is why Visit London has just launched a four-month major programme of activity to sell our message throughout the world, following a £750,000 funding boost from the Mayor.”

Taxi Drivers could be amongst those who benefit from increases in visitor numbers as surveys carried out by Hotel.com show that 63 percent of visitors use London Taxis to get from the airport to their hotel and the London Taxi driver and taxicab were voted the best in the world. “For anyone visiting the nation’s capital a ride in a London Taxi is not only the best way to get around, but also one of the top ten tourist experiences” said Rob Laidler LTI Sales Director. “Drivers are friendly and professional and know exactly where they are going at all times and the vehicle is convenient for sight seeing and can seat up to 5 passengers in their own private compartment. Certainly better and more fun than a saloon car or mini bus.”

The proper London taxi is also the most recognisable taxi in the world and tourists want no substitute.

 ‘London Black Cab Sightseeing Tours’ will be launched at the Britain and London Visitor Centre at 1 Regent Street during the week commencing 11th May 2009. This new venture will see a group of Qualified Taxi Driver Guides meeting and talking to tourists, members of the public and the media about their exciting new sightseeing option in London. With visual demonstrations of the Tours, the Guides will be supported by a special appearance of ‘Arfur’, who is ‘half a cab’! All of the Driver Guides not only have ‘The Knowledge’ of course, but have also passed the ‘Cab Guide Course’, which is run by the ‘Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers’ and accredited by City University. Passengers on these tours will be transported in an iconic London Taxi, with a friendly knowledgeable driver who can answer their questions in more depth than on a coach or bus tour where there are far more people in a group. The event will also see a selection of memorabilia from the ‘Black Cab Collection’ available for visitors to the British Visitor Centre to purchase. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, recently called on the world to ‘come to London for the experience of a lifetime’ as he announced a new £2million marketing campaign to boost overseas visitors to the capital – so, what better way for visitors to experience the sights and sounds of London than on a ‘London Black Cab Sightseeing Tour’!

Any cab drivers that would like to know more about the Guiding Course are welcome to call in and talk to the Taxi driver Guides about what to expect from the course. The event promises to be a great opportunity for tourists to learn more about the wonderful city they are visiting and it will also raise the profile of the cab trade with the many visitors who go to the Britain and London Visitor Centre each day.

Once again, The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers (WCHCD) were delighted to be able to take part in the annual Pancake Races run in the Guildhall Yard, by kind permission of the Chief Commoner. Organised by the Worshipful Company of Poulters in association with The Cook & The Butler, the event is traditionally held on Shrove Tuesday, which is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, is customarily a time of fasting. Shrove Tuesday became Pancake Day because milk butter and eggs were often the foods given up for Lent.

Back in 2004, the Poulters began the City’s inter-livery pancake race. Then those taking part were Livery companies in some way associated with the making of pancakes. Now other Livery companies have joined the event, which sees the Livery Company Masters and their team’s race along the Guildhall Yard with a pancake in a pan. Each runner has to flip the pancake at least once without dropping it on the floor! Themed hats are worn making it even trickier to run. Unfortunately this year the Master of WCHCD, Andrew Overton was injured during a pre-race practice session and so Geoff Richards, a Past Master and taxi driver, agreed to run on Andrew’s behalf. Taxi drivers who are Freemen and Liverymen of the WCHCD racing included Carlos Oliveira, running in the “Mad Hatters” race; both he and Geoff were second in their respective semi finals. Ric Alford was running in the Liveryman’s race and Brenda Bartlett was in the Ladies Race. Each team has four competitors who compete for the Trophy – frying pans are awarded to the winner of each class final. The Gunmakers Company start each heat with the Clockmakers being responsible for the timing. The Fruiterers provide lemons for the pancakes whilst the Glovers provide the white gloves that are worn by each runner. Sadly WCHCD did not win in their heats this year, but are soon to start training for next years race.

Although we have received a great response to our appeal for drivers, we still welcome more drivers to join us on our forthcoming Taxi ‘Safari Outing to Woburn Safari Park on TUESDAY 19TH MAY 2009. Please come and help us to give 300 ’special needs’ and disadvantaged children a wonderful day out. In case you have any doubts, we welcome all drivers with liveried taxis, coloured taxis and those that have adverts on. This applies to all our outings. As well as giving a great deal of pleasure to so many children, we promise you will have a brilliant and fun-packed day out yourself.

WITHOUT YOU THERE ARE NO OUTINGS SO PLEASE CONTACT OUR DRIVERS’ LIAISON: Susan Angel on 07958 280 881 OR ENTER YOUR DETAILS ON THE VOLUNTEER PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE AT www.ltfuc.org.uk

We look forward to you joining us for a fun day out