Welcome to this bumper issue of The Cabby!

Well it has been some time since our last issue for which I apologise. The last couple of months have been very busy for us both work wise and with the various charity outings that we undertake.

A lot has happened within the Taxi trade over the last few weeks the height of which was the reception held for the Taxi trade by Prince Charles thanking the trade for the service to the capital, you will find a very good report on this reception by Sandie Goodwin in this issue.

We still have no news of the Public Carriage Office's review of the review of the Metropolitan Conditions of Fitness which will either allow or disallow the alternative taxi's to ply for hire on the streets of London. This review is now well overdue as the original estimated date was six months from the start which should have meant the decision should have been reached by March 2004.

The taxi charity outings were a little disappointing with regards to the number of drivers who attended this year, all of the charities reported that numbers were down this year on previous years and it seems that the same 300-400 drivers attend all of the outings which is a little poor considering that there are 25000 licensed drivers in London.

The licensing of private hire seems to be well under way with the cars now going through the procedure and displaying their little stickers in the front and rear windscreens, read more about this in this issue.

Rgds
Jamie
Editor
 

John Sheen, a licensed London hackney carriage driver for more than 30 years, picked up The Prince of Wales from Kensington Palace on 20th July. Following a visit to the cab shelter in Hanover Square, The Prince held a reception for 120 taxi drivers in London to thank them for the contribution they make to the capital.

At the shelter, The Prince joined taxi drivers for a cup of tea. The drivers waived the normal rule that only licensed drivers are allowed into the shelter. Faye Olsson, who originally hails from Edinburgh, runs the Hanover Square shelter. She invited The Prince inside and asked: “Would you like a wee cup of tea?” to which The Prince replied: “I’d love one.”

As The Prince left the shelter, John Sheen asked: “Where would you like to go, sir?” to which The Prince replied: “Clarence House.” John Sheen, known for his smart dress throughout the trade, said The Prince paid his fare of £15 for the two journeys with a £20 note, and told him to keep the remainder as a tip. At the reception, The Prince told guests that this had been his first trip in a cab for some time. He also said that it had been an ambition of his since childhood to see inside one of the cab shelters. His Royal Highness said: “I must confess, this morning when I went in a taxi to Hanover Square shelter, it was the first time I had been in a taxi since I was very young. All I can say is that it was a very special experience.” The Prince said he had passed the shelters many times on his way down to Windsor as a child and wondered what they were like inside. He said the visit was a “real treat”, and he praised the “wonderful choices” on the menu and the “quality of the tea”.

During the reception, The Prince, who was joined by Camilla Parker-Bowles, chatted to the guests and paid tribute to the charity work that many of the drivers do. Each of the taxi trade charities had representatives at the reception and The Prince was interested to hear about all the various events and trips the charities undertake. The Prince said he was impressed that “apart from enjoying the drive with John Sheen and hearing about the different clients that you have, the fact that you so often seem act as a kind of confessor to all sorts of people, you must be doing the world of good to people’s psychological health.”

John Thomas, Chairman of the LTDA (Licensed Taxi Drivers Association) made a speech on behalf of the taxi trade to thank Prince Charles for holding the reception. He said: “Your Royal Highness, let me start by thanking you for coming up with the idea of this reception to celebrate the London Taxi driver and the Taxi trade, that we are all enjoying so much today.

There are many things that we can be proud of in this industry, the world famous reputation that the London taxi driver deservedly has for honesty and integrity, together with our renowned skill of passing an opinion on any topic under the sun, whether asked for or not ! Our often unsung and tireless work on behalf of those less fortunate than ourselves, I refer of course to the taxi trade charities, many of which are represented here today and last but not least, our unrivalled knowledge of this great city called London, that we call our own.

Your Royal Highness, you have recognised our industry in a most unique and personal way and I feel the cloak of history descending about our shoulders as you honour not only the London taxi trade of today but all those who have gone before us in the last 350 years to make our reputation what it is.” Mr thomas also presented The Prince with a gift to commemorate the occasion, a crystal taxi on a plinth inscribed: 'Presented to HRH the Prince of Wales on 20th July 2004 to mark the reception at Clarence House. From your friends in the London taxi Trade.

The new number is 0845 602 7000.

It remains to be seen as to whether this number will be answered or if you will be left hanging on the line as prevoius experiences have proved.

By David Clegg & Doug Ellard

Perhaps Petronella Wyatt should be congratulated for penning such an outstanding antagonistic article, which has probably been designed to deliberately provoke the London Licensed taxi trade. The lady has been so successful that cab drivers have been falling over themselves to show us the article whilst at the same time complaining about its undeserved and unwarranted content.

She raises numerous points as though she has tried to think of every kind of insult she can, to throw at us. A more ridiculous amount of emotive rubbish is difficult to imagine and all contained in one article. She excels herself. It is so poor in recognising the realities of the London cab trade as to be unbelievable. Her own emotive scribbling destroys her credibility.

The lady has either used "journalistic" licence, or has taken the worst-case scenario when comparing a "black cab" to an unlicensed "mini-cab". However, reading between the lines she has, through exaggeration, generalisation, and stereotyping, tried to highlight and draw attention to, some of the aggravating aspects of the London Taxi Trade that she, friends and family claim to have experienced.

Let's look at and analyse just some of the points she complains of: -

It is to be regretted that her mother was mugged and we hope she is coming to terms with the trauma that these thieving low life's impose on their victims. Regrettably, Petronella has let her natural concern for her mother overrule her journalistic professionalism and sees us as the villains of the piece. Clouded in emotion she has inferred with some doubts that muggers may deliberately target passengers alighting from "black cabs" in collusion with the drivers and that such cab drivers are bottle-less. Cab drivers are no more in league with muggers than journalists are with drug barons. Even the notion is absurd and unworthy of any journalist worth their salt and says more about her than it does about licensed cab drivers. It was a cheap shot and I think she knows it. Had she viewed the situation without emotion she may have asked herself, was the target her mother? Was the plan to draw the taxi driver from his vehicle so that the vehicle and contents could have been stolen? Was there more than one assailant?

Scams to lure drivers from their vehicles are common and well known to the trade. However, we will not condone the driver's action in driving away, assuming that he was actually aware of what took place, as we have only her word for this. Personally, most cab drivers would already have their cab doors locked. It is more likely that if the driver witnessed the incident, as claimed, that he would, in any event, be unlikely to confront the mugger but would have certainly have tried to follow and second guess the mugger's escape route and to assist Police in his capture. Cab drivers are noted for assisting the police in cases like this. Ask at any police station.

1st - 3rd October 2004

...'a once in a lifetime trip which they will never forget'...

One of London's most unique charity events takes place each year when a convoy of licensed London taxis take over 200 children, suffering from a range of chronic debilitating illnesses and life limiting conditions, on a three-day trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Resort Paris. This Magical Taxi Tour has brought moments of great joy and happiness to unfortunate children.
This amazing convoy, can be over three miles long when running and consists of 90 plus taxis, Metropolitan Police escorts, London Ambulance NHS Trust vehicles and AA breakdown trucks.

Organised annually, by the Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, this event is only possible with the help of our sponsors who generously give toward the £1,000 per taxi necessary to meet the expenses of hotel, fuel, food, admission charges etc. The taxi drivers naturally give freely of their time and use of their vehicles.

We are filled with sadness that some of these youngsters have since died, but with your help we are determined to give more children this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Disneyland Paris. . . . . . . ...'a truly magical weekend'...

Our trip from 1st - 3rd October will start as usual from Canary Wharf where we entertain and give the children and helpers the 'big breakfast' before the giant convoy departs to catch the ferry at Dover.

In the past this spectacular scene has attracted a great deal of media coverage with numerous television companies in England, France and around the world following our trip.

If you sponsor a taxi, you will be invited to the breakfast on the 1st giving you photo opportunities. Alternatively we can arrange for a photograph to be taken for you.

Sponsored taxis can carry door advertisements with your company's image along with the name of the event, e.g. "The Children's Magical Taxi Tour," for the duration of the trip. The children and helpers in the taxi can also wear sweatshirts with your company's advertising. So if you would like to help by sponsoring a taxi please call or complete the Reservation form below.

If you are not in a position to sponsor a taxi, perhaps you and your friends or colleagues would like to club together and make a donation. If so, please call or complete the Donation form, again below. A receipt will be sent to you.

Please note that all reservations for taxis or donations should be made by cheque payable to C.H.C.W. Charitable Trust and crossed "Special Events Account." Alternatively you can pay by credit card or Charity Vouchers. If you are a taxpayer and use a Gift Aid Declaration, available from us, the children will benefit from an additional 28% of any donation made which is refunded to us from the Inland Revenue.

If you would like any further information please contact:
Phil Davis on 020 8281 9320
Reservation & Donation Form - please, if you can help us to help them, thank you

For a printable reservation form for sponsorship please click here
 

This years Albany outing to Hastings was a little different for me being the first time in the last six years that I have attended the outing as an ordinary driver rather than a member of the committee.

I retired from the committee back in January as I no longer found it fun, and I was apprehensive as to whether I would lack enthusiasm for the trip this year. I should not have worried as I thoroughly enjoyed the outing.

The day started of as usual at Charlton Football Club with the Taxi's lining up in the car park and the drivers spending the first hour of the day decorating their taxi's before sitting down to a hearty breakfast which has become somewhat of a tradition on the Albany's outings.

After breakfast the children after collecting goody bags, climbed aboard the the waiting taxis and set off in convoy escorted by the Metropolitan Police for the first stop a Bewl Water. Once at Bewl Water the children were given packed lunches and refreshments before continuing the journey onto Hastings.

The next stop was at Sainsbury's to meet the Licensed Victuallers who raise the funds to make this outing possible. After a short stop the convoy continued onto the seafront at Hastings where the Taxi's paraded along the seafront before parking where the children were free to make use of the free rides on the FunFair.

Later the children, helpers and drivers met up to take the short drive along the seafront to the pier for a tea and disco, the pier was a new venue for this year which proved a popular change offering more space for the children to dance and play.

After a long fun filled day the children once again boarded the taxi's for the drive home, all of the children whom I spoke to said that they had really enjoyed the day and were looking forward to next year.

The committee would like to thank the AA, St Johns Ambulance, Metropolitan Police, Sussex Police the Committee of the 1066 Licensed Victuallars and of course all of the drivers who attended this years Hastings outing.

And of course the children would like to thank the committee for their sterling efforts in continuing to hold this event every year.

To see pictures of the day please click here
To visit the Albany's website please click here

Notes:

The Albany Taxi Charity Fund is a registered charity 274141 and arranges days out for children with special needs and those with mental illness.

Jamie Owens
 

The day started for me at Ilder Road where 20 taxis assembled for the start of the East London Cabbies Outing to Maldon in Essex for disabled children. This outing always amazes me as nothing ever seems to organised but it all seems to come together.

The taxis were loaded and the small convoy set of under an unexpected escort from the Metropolitan Police. As the convoy weaved its way through the streets of East London more and more taxis joined the convoy.

Once all together and after a small delay the convoy proceeded to Gallows Corner where it was joined by the Essex Police, now the Essex Police force no longer have any motorcycles so the Police officers turn out on their own motorbikes, also in attendance where the Military Police and the Wandsworth Parks Police which made a grand total of 25 motorcycles escorting the convoy of taxis to Maldon.

After a short refreshment and toilet stop the convoy continued on its way to Maldon passing through the high street where literally hundreds of people had gathered to wave the convoy on its way.

The next stop was at the Plums School where a dinner was laid on for the children, helpers and drivers and then onto the park.

It was then that the heavens opened and the rain fell down, now this outing relies on the weather and unfortunately it was not being kind this year. Help came in the form of a large marquee which had been erected for another event and saved the day to some extent.

Most of the taxis left the park early due to the weather and the normal stop back at the pub was called off.

All off the children seemed to enjoy the day despite the weather which is what really counts.

To view pictures of the day please click here
 

Little Kids Smile is a DVD music video written by Joe Cartwright and performed by the Taxi Allstars to raise money for the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers annual charity trip to Disney for children with life threatening illnesses. All proceeds from the DVD will be donated to the charity.

If you would like to buy a copy then please click here.
Or to make a donation whether large or small please click here.

Taxi drivers, have you ever had to refuse a “roader” because the customer wants to pay by credit card. To those of you on a radio circuit or Zingo this will not pose a problem, but what of those drivers who only work the streets. Well there are a few different options available. The use of credit cards as payment for Taxi fares is becoming more widespread with every year that passes, I know that some of you are dubious about accepting credit card payments but if you follow the procedures then you should encounter no problems. Research shows that many of the longer journey’s these days are paid for by credit or debit cards, and on occasions passengers are more likely to travel further if they can pay by credit or debit card. There are a few options open to those taxi drivers who are interested in accepting credit cards of which we have given an explanation below of the most popular schemes.

Read More>>
 

London's black cab drivers will be in a better position to help victims fleeing domestic situations thanks to a new information blitz from TfL's Public Carriage Office, the Home Office and the Women and Equality Unit (based within the Department of Trade and Industry).

A new checklist card provides simple advice to London's 25,000 cab drivers on what they should and should not do if hired by a woman who they suspect is fleeing a violent domestic situation. It also provides details of the National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: "London's cab drivers are often in the front line for people fleeing violent situations. I have been impressed with the willingness of cab drivers to get involved. Domestic violence is everybody's business and cab drivers in particular have a role to play in assisting vulnerable people."

Since the campaign was launched last year as part of a Government initiative to raise awareness of domestic violence issues, some 700 new cab drivers have received training in this area as part of their induction to the industry. In 02/03 the Metropolitan Police Service recorded more than 104,000 domestic violence incidents.

Deputy Women's Minister Jacqui Smith said: "This clear cut six point check list alerting cab drivers to the vital needs of women escaping from a violent partner could be a life saver.

"Our work with the Public Carriage Office and the Transport and General Workers Union has delivered an innovative approach to help men tackle violence against women.

"For the first time a predominately male industry have been encouraged to be part of the solution tackling violence against women"
 

At a recent committee meeting Alan Munn, Hon Treasurer of the Albany Charity put to the committee the plight and wishes of four children caught up in the war in Iraq. They wanted nothing more than to watch a football match while they were in England receiving treatment for their horrific injuries.

The special relationship the charity has with Charlton Athletic Football Club was put into motion with Peter Varney, Managing Director and Ben Tegg, the disabled liaison officer along with Darren Bernstein community liaison officer.

The day started on Saturday 10th April at about 11am, when two cabs arrived at Roehampton Clinic, one driven by the Hon Chairman of The Albany Charity, Mickey Range, the other by John Sibley, a long time friend and helper of the charity. After loading the four children and their helpers they set off for the ground in Charlton.

Ali Abbas aged 13, Ahmend Hamza aged 15, Anmar aged 15 and Ali Hussian aged 5 along with their helpers had an uneventful ride across London to the ground at Charlton.

Once at the ground they were greeted by Ben Tegg and introduced to Peter Varney, who happily posed for photos. They were promised a day they wouldn't forget and that's just what they got.

Charlton shirts were purchased by the Charity and presented to the excited children.

Once inside the ground they were shown the pitch to soak up the atmosphere of the day and then taken to the dressing rooms to meet the Manager Alan Curbishley and, of course, some of the players. Apparently it is virtually unknown for visitors to be taken to the dressing rooms after two o'clock on match days, but the Manager kindly agreed and the children were made more than welcome. In fact the whole day was a complete success and the enjoyment on the faces of these children said it all. It leaves a big thank you to Charlton Athletic Football Club. Peter Varney Managing Director, Ben Tegg and Darren Bernstein for the fantastic day they gave to the children. The game with Portsmouth ended in a one all draw.

The Albany Charity cannot be left out either and our gratitude from the cab trade goes to, Derek Pearson, Hon

Secretary who liased with all concerned, Mickey Range and John Sibley who drove them to the venue and to Alan Munn who thought of the idea in the first place. They are the unsung heroes of the cab trade and long may that continue.

I would like, while I have the opportunity to let the trade know of two forthcoming trips arranged by The Albany Charity. The first to Hastings is on Wednesday 9th June 2004 and the next on Monday 12th July 2004 to Margate. If any driver would like to join the convoy and take some kids on these trips and have a great day out please get in touch with Derek Pearson and he will send you details. He can be contacted on 0208-378-9438 or on his mobile 07788572884.
 

This year's Taxi Driver of the Year competition will be held on 5th September at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. This great venue is always busy on a Sunday and is sure to attract a lot of attention for the competition and raise funds for the Charity.

After much searching for a suitable venue we have chosen Brent Cross for the competition this year. The day will be a Fun Day for all the family; as well as the competition, there will be a funfair and a special area for the ladies - further details will follow!"

If there is anyone who can help us to organise either a 5 a side Foosball Competition or a dog show please phone: 020 8952 1357 or even if you would like to help us to raise money for the Taxi Trade Charities.

Brent Cross is a terrific, high profile venue, with plenty of parking available, so bring all your family and friends along; this will be a great day out."

Put the date in your diary - details of how to enter this year's competition will follow soon. Look forward to seeing all new and old friends
 

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled made their 56th annual outing to Worthing on 15th June 2004. This was also the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings at Normandy. Taxis arrived in the quiet village of South Holmwood where the villagers welcomed the veterans and the taxi drivers, supplying tea and coffee. The convoy left for Worthing around 11am and with the assistance of the local police who used a rolling road block headed off to Worthing. Lunch was held in The Civic Centre Assembley Rooms, where the Mayor of Worthing Councillor Mr Doyle welcomed the charity’s patron Dame Vera Lynn, all the veterans and the drivers. A minute’s silence was held in memory of Canon Frank Hegarty who sadly passed away recently, then grace was said by Paul Davis, Secretary of The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled. Speeches followed the lunch and a telegram from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was read out, expressing her good wishes to the veterans.

The guest of honour was Mr Peter Cleminson, Vice Chairman of The Royal British Legion. He praised the drivers for their generosity in giving up their time in helping to bring the veterans to Worthing. He also expressed that he hopes the Royal British Legion and The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled can work together to do more for the veterans. He also explained that the Legion is involved in various projects, including the training of ex-service men and women to be taxi drivers.

Mr Cyrol Paskin, Chairman of The Phillip Green Memorial Trust, who was accompanied by Corwn Prince Shobowin of Burma, was introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, Melvin Zeff. Mr Paskin explained that the Trust he is involved with is mainly involved with helping children, but on hearing about The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled they decided to make a donation. A cheque for £5000 was handed to Chairman Steve Sanders, followed by a cheque presented to the Mayor of Worthing for a local children’s home. Doug Sherry MBE generously donated £25 to each driver to cover the cost of the fuel, which was gratefully received.

Lunch was followed by a walk along the seafront, or a taxi shuttle service for those who could not manage the walk. Then it was back to the Assembley Rooms for tea and entertainment before heading back to South Holmwood and home.
The Committee would like to thank the villagers of South Holmwood and the local police, the St John’s Ambulance Service and the drivers, without whom the outing could not go ahead.
 

In September, 10 Brand South Africa taxi cabs hit the streets of London, in a bid to market South Africa to Londoners.

Part of the International Marketing Council's on-going strategy to raise awareness of South Africa, the cabs sport South African flags and tongue-in-cheek messages that aim to open the minds of Londoners to the possibilities of travelling and investing in South Africa. These include statements such as "Pity this taxi does not go to South Africa", "It would have been quicker to assemble this taxi in South Africa" and, for the two sky-blue taxis, "In South Africa the sky matches this taxi 350 days a year".
To ensure that the experience of travelling in a Proudly South African taxi isn't lost on the average Londoner, the taxi drivers have all been given a crash course on South Africa. According to the IMC, they will be able to share with their passengers the progress that the country has made over the past ten years, as well the future outlook for the country. In addition, these drivers will receive regular updates on developments in South Africa, as well as interesting facts to keep their rapport fresh.

They have also each been provided with a booklet called The South African Story, which contains anecdotes, facts and stories that depict the true defining features of South Africa. This book will be made available to passengers in the cabs, to further enhance their experience.
The cabs will operate in London for a full year, and will feature in a number of South African-related events celebrating the country’s ten years of freedom. They will also ferry prominent South Africans and VIPs around the city.
Why London?

The reasons are threefold.
First, and foremost, the UK is consistently one of the top five sources of international tourists for South Africa
 

The dangers facing women using bogus minicabs and unlicensed private hire vehicles are unfortunately making the news more and more frequently. No national figures are available but in London alone at least one women is attacked every week by illegal minicab drivers and the police believe the true figure is much higher as many attacks go unreported.

Even if the figure of the regions is only comparable to London then it is frighteningly widespread. This is a nationwide problem with recent attacks reported by the local press in towns and cities throughout the UK.

For example in Grimsby a man claiming to be a taxi driver indecently assaulted a 17-year-old girl in the back of his car before taking her home. A women was sprayed in the face with a noxious substance as she tried to escape from a bogus minicab driver in Birmingham and a women was sexually assaulted in Wrexham after accepting a lift from a man posing as a taxi driver.

Taxiwise is a unique partnership between Transport for London (TfL), and the Metropolitan police. It has increased the number of dedicated officers available to enforce the law relating to taxis and minicabs.

Despite these increased measures, findings from a recent survey of Londoners out late in the west End worryingly show 50 per cent of respondents believed that minicabs were allowed to pick them up if approached in the street.

This is in fact illegal and you should never accept a ride with someone who "Touts" for your business.

Taxiwise believe that the figure in the regions could be even higher due to the fact that the instantly recognisable London taxi is a rarer sight.

Bogus drivers prey on the fact that many people don't know how to distinguish between a licensed and a non licensed vehicle and this is compounded at the end of the night out when they are more interested in getting home quickly than stopping to check what sort of vehicle they are getting into.

You can visit the homepage of the list at www.taxitalk.org.uk.
 

If any company within the taxi trade would like information about the service’s that we offer please give us a call on 08702 86 68 86 or 07939 277922. Our prices are very competitive and our support is second to none, we know what the Taxi trade needs from the internet and who better to look after your taxi related website than an internet based Taxi company.
 

The poles are in line with the Mayor of London's Safer Travel at Night initiative, offering a recognised place where people can catch a taxi in the company of other travellers.

Recognisable by the taxi roundel at the top, the poles offer the first on street communication between the Public Carriage Office (PCO) and taxi passengers. Notices including information of taxi tariffs and various taxi fares to key destinations will be updated when necessary.

To drive more taxis into South London, a pilot project is underway for licensed Merton and Sutton drivers to work from the ranks at Tooting Broadway, Balham Station and Clapham Common following a mini-knowledge examination of areas surrounding the ranks.

Transport for London's, Public Carriage Office Head of Business Services, Len Simkins said:

"For the first time taxis ranks will be clearly marked and carry useful information about London's famous black taxis. Tourists, clubbers and people working late can now wait in a safer, well-lit spot together for a taxi."

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Director of Fundraising, Ralph Coates said:

"The Suzy Lamplugh Trust welcomes any initiative which will improve the personal safety of the general public.
So many people get into dangerous, unlicensed minicabs because they are tired and scared after wandering the streets looking for a black cab.

If you are close to one of the new Taxi poles, there is no longer any need for that. They offer a safe place to stand with others whilst waiting for a black cab to come to you".

Computer Cab plc, Business Development Manager, Malcolm Paice said:

"Promoting the availability of safe and reliable licensed taxis is a key factor in the Safer Travel at Night campaign and making the ranks more user friendly is a great step forward in bringing taxis into the consciousness of the travelling public."

Protests pay off as taxi drivers are excluded from EU's 48-hour week

Londoners have long known that their taxi drivers are a combative sort. Never short of an opinion, never slow to defend their rights, London's 24,000 cabbies are treated with a certain respect by customers and politicians alike.
Now, somewhat belatedly perhaps, officials in Europe have reached the same conclusion.

Following an extensive lobbying campaign, London's cabbies have headed off an attempt by Europe to regulate their working hours. The plan would have restricted them to working just 48 hours a week and would, it was claimed, have reduced the number of cabs for hire.

An amendment under consideration by the European parliament's transport and tourism committee would have classed London's cabbies - most of whom are self employed - with drivers directly employed by van and coach companies. EU officials said the measure was necessary to increase safety standards but cabbies, London's MEP's and officials from London House - the mayor of London's office in Brussels - said the plan would be unworkable. They said fares would rise because taxis would become scarce, drivers' income would decrease and fewer people would choose to become cabbies.

Following a high level protest campaign, the EU transport ministers have now reached a political agreement which excludes taxis from the new restrictions. The European parliament is expected to follow suit.
London's mayor, Ken Livingstone, said: "London's black cabs play an essential role in our city's transport system. When I first heard of this threat to their working patterns I was hugely concerned and instructed my staff in Brussels to do all they could to prevent the amendment getting through. The success in helping to block these moves shows how significant it is to have a presence in Brussels, where these decisions are being made."

Bob Oddy, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said: "There was a lot of strength of feeling about this. The EU were seeking to protect employed drivers because there are undoubtedly drivers in places like Eastern Europe where drivers are exploited. But that doesn't apply to taxi drivers because 90% of the taxi drivers are self employed."
He added: "The nature of taxi driving means that people spend a lot of time at taxi ranks reading a newspaper. It is not exactly arduous but the EU were determined to argue that those periods were part of our of working time. It would have severely restricted the supply of cabs. I am delighted that this seems to have been batted into the long grass."

London's love-hate relationship with its black taxi service continues unabated, as does the competition between the capital's black taxis and its mini cabs. Measures were introduced in 2000 to improve the knowledge, the process by which potential cabbies commit London roads to memory. One of Mr Livingstone's first measures after becoming mayor was to increase late-night fares to improve the incentive for drivers to take to the roads.
He has also sought to level the playing field and increase security for passengers by increasing the regulation of the mini cab trade. A new licensing process relating to cab firms came into force in 2001.
Since 2003 individual drivers have also been subject to a licensing regime and it is a source of some satisfaction to drivers of black cabs that many mini cab drivers and firms have struggled to comply.

"The mini cabs are in dire straits," claimed Mr Oddy. "They lobbied to be licensed and it has backfired. Vehicles are failing to pass the licensing test and they are desperate for drivers. A lot of the people who used to drift in and out can't do that anymore. Prices have gone up considerably. We are delighted. We have long had to fulfil a long list of requirements. Why shouldn't they conform?"
Steve Wright, the chairman of the London Private Hire Car Association, admitted that licensing has hit mini cabs hard. He says the size of the industry has shrunk by a third. "The industry is not in dire straits. That's just Bob talking. But every firm you talk to will tell you they lack drivers."

He added: " Some of the regulations are onerous. The medical requirements for driving a mini cab are much tougher than those that apply to black cabs. The eyesight tests are harder for a start."
He said cabbies should be more sympathetic. "The weakness of the legitimate industry is not something to smile about because it makes life easier for those who do not do things by the book.
 
"In reality people need moving around London and mini cabs don't do the same sort of work black cab drivers do. The brightest minds in the two industries have recognised that."
 

The poles are in line with the Mayor of London’s Safer Travel at Night initiative, offering a recognised place where people can catch a taxi in the company of other travellers.

Recognisable by the taxi roundel at the top, the poles offer the first on street communication between the Public Carriage Office (PCO) and taxi passengers. Notices including information of taxi tariffs and various taxi fares to key destinations will be updated when necessary.

The PCO’s, Head of Business Services, Len Simkins said:

“For the first time taxis ranks will be clearly marked and carry useful information about London’s famous black taxis. Tourists, clubbers and people working late can now wait together in a safer, well-lit spot for a taxi.”

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Director of Fundraising, Ralph Coates said:

“The Suzy Lamplugh Trust welcomes any initiative which will improve the personal safety of the general public. So many people get into dangerous, unlicensed minicabs because they are tired and scared after wandering the streets looking for a black cab.

If you are close to one of the new Taxi poles, there is no longer any need for that. They offer a safe place to stand with others whilst waiting for a black cab to come to you”.

Computer Cab plc, Business Development Manager, Malcolm Paice said:

“Promoting the availability of safe and reliable licensed taxis is a key factor in the Safer Travel at Night campaign and making the ranks more user friendly is a great step forward in bringing taxis into the consciousness of the travelling public.”

It is hoped that with the appointment of the new advertising agency that the magazine will be able to grow and prosper stated Dave Millward.

We wish both Dave and Bernie all the best with their efforts.
 

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