Is this the end of the road for Derby’s yellow Taxi’s?

 

For the last 20 years Derby’s Hackney Carriages have been painted yellow. One of the deciding factors when Derby Council first went ahead with only Licencing vehicles that were yellow, was to help people with Disabilities and visual impairment identify Taxis.

Derby is classed amongst one of the most accessible cities in the world for those with disabilities and many disability charities have branded the councils decision a ‘’backwards step.’’

Yellow Taxis will have until 2025 to change their colour to black with a yellow stripe and all newly licensed vehicles will have to be presented to the council in the new colour scheme.

TFL Changes – A Disaster for the Taxi Trade

The future of London’s iconic black cabs could be under threat due to the COVID pandemic.

As thousands of workers and tourists stay away from the capital, and Transport for London (TFL) continue to close large numbers of roads, this has had a detrimental effect on the black cab trade.

Many are struggling to cope with these changes, putting the industry under major pressure.

In this blog, we will cover what some of these changes are and how you can help to challenge these updates to ensure that London black cab drivers have a secure future.

Car-free streets

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TFL) has closed a large number of roads in London, causing havoc for black cabs.

The aim of this is to encourage more people to walk and cycle safely during lockdown. Unfortunately, this has greatly impacted London taxi drivers, restricting their business heavily due to the inaccessibility they have to a large number of roads in and around central London.

David Kurten, a London Assembly Member had asked the mayor, “Do you

accept the more roads that are inaccessible to taxis, the fewer people will use taxis, therefore, the taxi trade will continue to reduce in size?”. Sadiq Khan refuted this claim.

With the large number of roads that have become closed for public transport and taxis, more and more people are encouraged to avoid using these methods of transportation.

Grant Davis, Chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) shares our concerns ‘’The LTN closures in London have been met with dismay from the licensed taxi trade and local residents alike and this has seen widespread protests at Town Halls and City Hall. For the Cab trade the road closures are another nail in our coffin. Whilst the PM tells everyone that it is vital to get back to work, for the cab trade these road closures (for the cab trade) is like turning up at the office to go to work but the front door has been locked. Unless common sense is resumed pretty quick, these closures will only aid our demise.’’

Pedestrian only areas

The increase of many pedestrian-only areas in London has also caused concern for disabled passengers who are unable to be dropped off right to the door. As black cabs provide a 100% wheelchair accessible service, some vulnerable passengers no longer have the hassle-free taxi service they once had available to them.

This is greatly affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people, so it is imperative that voices are heard and changes are made to not only keep the public safe, but to allow black cab drivers to carry out their services with as little interruption as possible.

What can you do to help?

Many London black cab drivers must do their bit to ensure that the industry can survive during this time, whilst still ensuring all passengers remain safe during the pandemic.

We ask that you write to your local MP to express how these updates have affected you. This will provide the vital evidence needed to encourage change.

Contact Your Local MP

If you head to the members of parliament website and find your local MP, you can email them using this template.

If you are still in operation and are looking to renew your black cab insurance, then contact us to receive a free competitive quote here: https://www.quotax.net/london-taxi-insurance/

Renault and Geely Choose UK for New Global Company Headquarters

 

Renault, the French motor giant, and Geely, the Chinese carmaker, are teaming up to establish a new global company with its headquarters in the UK. This exciting venture will see an investment of up to €7 billion ($7.7 billion; £6 billion) in the development of low-emission petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines. With approximately 19,000 employees across 17 engine factories and five research and development hubs, this partnership aims to consolidate operations, leverage synergies, and define future plans.

Despite the global motor industry’s growing focus on electric vehicles, Renault and Geely remain committed to advancing internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies. The new company, set to launch later this year, will supply engines to renowned car manufacturers such as Volvo, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “We are proud to join forces with a great company like Geely… to disrupt the game and open the way for ultra low-emissions ICE technologies.” Eric Li, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, shared the vision of becoming a global leader in hybrid technologies, offering low-emission solutions to automakers worldwide.

Additionally, there are plans for Saudi energy giant Aramco, the world’s largest oil and gas company, to potentially join this partnership through a strategic investment. Aramco has been evaluating its approach to lower-carbon technologies due to its significant greenhouse gas emissions. This potential collaboration with Renault and Geely aligns with Aramco’s commitment to investing in sustainable solutions.

The Renault-Geely partnership emerges at a time when electric vehicles are gaining popularity worldwide, including in the UK. However, it is important to note that electric vehicles still tend to be more expensive than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Geely, headquartered in Hangzhou, China, has been actively investing in electric vehicle technology and made headlines a decade ago with its acquisition of the London Taxi Company, which was later renamed the London Electric Vehicle Company. Today, the company’s focus is on developing electric black cabs, with around 5,000 of these vehicles currently operating on the streets of London.

London taxi drivers will undoubtedly be interested in this news as it highlights the ongoing advancements in engine technologies and the commitment to low-emission solutions. The establishment of the new company’s headquarters in the UK further solidifies the country’s position as a hub for automotive innovation and development. As the global motor industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Renault and Geely pave the way for exciting opportunities and advancements in the automotive sector.

What being a London Black Cab Driver is like

Black cabs are an iconic part of London, providing essential transport for people all around the capital.

Whether day or night, you can rely on black cabs to get you around London extremely efficiently. As a service many of us rely on, have you ever wondered what it’s like being a black cab driver?

Requirements

Now, some people may believe that becoming a black cab driver may be a walk in the park. Thanks to sat navs, many of us can get around the capital with very little knowledge of the area. However, black cab drivers do not use sat navs and are held to very high standards to know their way around London. Before drivers can become licensed, they are put through a very difficult test called ‘The Knowledge’.

This test requires black cabbies to study some 320 routes and 25,000 streets, knowing them all by heart… so if you have a fantastic memory, becoming a black cab driver may be ideal for you!

There are 7 main stages to becoming a London taxi driver:

Stage 1 – Initially a self assessment of the first 80 runs in Blue Book (runs are effectively the list of streets from one point to another following as straight a line as possible).
Stage 2 – Written Exam – Based around landmarks (points) in the city and runs.
Stages 3-5 – Appearances – One on one interviews based around 4 runs.
Stage 6 – Suburban examination – Learning the streets surrounding London and routes from London too.
Stage 7 – Licence application and pre-licencing talk.

They also memorise roughly 20,000 landmarks and places of public interest, from tourist destinations to museums, parks, churches, theatres and schools.

Due to this, the test can typically take between two and four years to complete. This knowledge of London significantly sets black cabbies apart from private hire taxis. This allows passengers to safely travel around London as drivers do not need to rely on technology to get around, finding the most efficient and safest routes to reach the destination.

Due to this process, there is a great deal of appreciation for black cab drivers. Their dedication to the job shows that there is a lot of hard work that is put into what they do, in order to officially become a licensed black cab driver.

If you are interested in becoming a Licenced London Taxi driver, contact TFL to apply here.

General public

Black cab drivers will come across many people in their lifetimes and will have many stories to tell. Many drivers love to chat and get on very well with the majority of their customers, allowing them to make some decent tips!

However, it is also important for these drivers to know how to deal with the general public in certain negative situations that many of them may face. Drivers need to be wary of who they allow in their cabs for their own safety, as well as others.

So although they may come across some very friendly passengers they can get along with, like any job, there will be moments where they will need to be prepared to deal with any problems.

Your own boss

Many join the cab trade to become their own boss. Becoming self-employed in this trade means that there is no-one above you to dictate your hours. You choose your own working schedule.

Of course, taxi drivers have rules to follow but, most of the time, it is just their vehicle and their customers to manage. This sense of freedom is great for those who desire this independence, allowing you to find the best routes around the city, customising your cab how you like and deciding how many hours you need to work to make a living.

Although cab drivers work independently, there is a strong community of drivers across the taxi trade where you can always receive plenty of support and advice from fellow cabbies.

Working hours

For many cab drivers, ‘unsociable’ hours are part of the deal. Before the pandemic, their busiest times were during the evenings and weekends when other people are off work and out and about socialising. This may not be for everyone, but it can mean taxi drivers can spend more time during the day with their family or catch up on other jobs!

Summary

Being a black cab driver comes with many advantages and disadvantages, however, it can be very rewarding for those who are willing to put in the hours.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for the taxi trade. It has been tough for the industry due to travel restrictions and road closures across the capital. However, we are hopeful that non-essential retail can open back up again on the 12th of April, massively increasing the demand for black cabs for transport.

How can we help with your taxi insurance?

At Quotax Insurance, our promise is to provide London black cab taxi drivers with friendly and efficient service, helping owner-drivers and fleet proprietors find a competitive taxi insurance quote.

Our very competitive rates, along with our relationships with a wide-ranging number of specialist insurers mean that we are well placed to provide the perfect taxi insurance for London’s taxi drivers.

We also understand that your taxi is your livelihood – if it’s not working then neither are you. Find out more about our taxi insurance policies here, or give us a call to speak with an expert on 0208 691 9691.

ZEC Vehicles and the history of black cabs in London

London can always be associated with red buses and the iconic black cabs. These taxis are a true symbol of London, but how did they emerge?

The famous London taxis (black cabs) have an extensive history. They started as horse-drawn carriages called ‘Hackney carriages’. The earliest record of this method of transport dates back to 1662!

When motorised cars became popular, the design of the taxis changed. After 1945, the infamous black cab design became routine.

But in recent times, black cabs haven’t necessarily been ‘black’ as many cabs now feature different colours and are often covered in advertising. See below for examples:

Traditional London Taxi Cab of different colours. UK

Typical London street with a blue taxi in the middle, UK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The history of the ‘Hackney-carriage’ was approved by parliament in 1654, described as a remedy to: “Many inconveniences that do daily arise by reason of the late increase and great irregularity of Hackney Coaches and Hackney Coachmen in London, Westminster and the places thereabouts”. The first Hackney-carriage licence dates back to 1662, where there was an Act of Parliament to establish the Commissioners of Scotland Yard to administer them. Since then, they have been a significant part of transport within London. Black cabs are essential for people to travel to work. Not only that, they are fantastic for tourism.

Becoming a licensed black cab driver is quite a difficult process. Each driver needs to pass a test before they can drive the famous black taxi, called ‘The Knowledge’. In this test, they need to memorise every street in London within six miles from Charing Cross, meaning they have to learn 320 routes, 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks! The average time to pass the test is three years.

With many other vehicles on the road, black cabs have evolved to become much more eco-friendly over the years, helping to reduce emissions within the capital. Most recently, in London, there are plans to implement a low emission zone, to help improve air quality in and around the capital. As a result of this, the government is encouraging drivers, as well as cab drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles instead.

The government is providing plug-in taxi grants to help taxi drivers purchase electric cabs, such as the LEVC TXE. Vehicles like these are great to not only reduce harmful emissions but can also significantly reduce fuel costs for drivers. Over 3,500 taxi drivers now drive zero emission capable (ZEC) electric vehicles.

How can we help with your taxi insurance?

At Quotax Insurance, our promise is to provide London black cab taxi drivers with friendly and efficient service, helping owner-drivers and fleet proprietors find a competitive taxi insurance quote.

Our very competitive rates, along with our relationships with a wide-ranging number of specialist insurers mean that we are well placed to provide the perfect taxi insurance for London’s taxi drivers.

We also understand that your taxi is your livelihood – if it’s not working then neither are you. Find out more about our taxi insurance policies here, or give us a call to speak with an expert on 0208 691 9691.

20th Anniversary

Why minibuses are a great transport option

With the latest lockdown restrictions continuing to ease, the British public now have more freedom with activities which include: Overnight stays, weddings of up to 30 people, indoor adult sporting events, small indoor and outdoor events and more.

For groups of people who are now looking to travel to different areas around the UK, a minibus may be the perfect mode of transport, especially during the pandemic.

Avoiding public transport

Using a minibus service means that your group has less risk of coming into contact with someone with Covid-19 than if they were to use public transport. Not only that, it also protects others on public transport from potentially catching the virus and passing on to further people. 

Having your own minibus to travel with also allows you to sanitise surfaces in the vehicle, therefore, reducing the risk of the virus being transmitted to passengers. With public transport, even with sanitisation products in use, the chances of catching the virus from touching surfaces will be much higher than when hiring your own minibus for a trip. Additionally, with Covid-19 aside, public transport can often be unreliable and a lot less convenient!

Cheaper mode of transportation

Taking a number of cars to get an entire group to an event will result in a much larger fuel cost. Using a minibus to transport all passengers is much more cost-effective, whilst reducing the headache of trying to arrange to meet each other when you arrive. This will also have a negative impact on the environment due to the extra pollution caused by multiple vehicles being used to travel.

Using public transport can also be very expensive, especially if there is quite a distance to travel. Train, taxi and bus fares can all add up to make a very expensive trip! Rail fares, for example, have risen an extra 2.6% in England and Wales recently, meaning that ticket costs have gone up by more than RPI (Retail Price Index) inflation for the first time since 2013. So overall, a minibus may be a much cheaper alternative.

Convenient for small groups

One of the stand out benefits of hiring a minibus is their convenience. You can have a group all together in one vehicle, you’ll have plenty of room for luggage and you can ride in comfort. 

Groups and organisations that hold sporting events, for example, will often hire minibuses or coaches as it takes the stress out of the journey as there will only be one designated driver and not several. As mentioned previously, public transport can be unreliable, therefore for sports events that are timely, minibuses are extremely convenient to get everyone there on time.

Here at Quotax, we offer an extremely broad range of insurance policies, including minibus insurance for sports groups, clubs and teams, which you can view here.

Need minibus insurance for a short trip, or are you in need of long term cover? We have you covered here at Quotax Insurance. Take a look at our minibus insurance options here. 

Quotax are committed to bringing you the best and most competitively priced in the market, offering a 5-star service to all of our customers. 

What cab drivers should expect coming out of lockdown

In line with the government’s roadmap, there are steps that we must take to help ensure we come out of lockdown and ease restrictions safely and with caution. Children and teachers went back to school on 8th March after being homeschooled for three months and, so far, evidence suggests that there has been only a slight increase in positive tests carried out during the second week back at school, ending 20th March.
The next step was the 29th of March (when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays). Evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors due to covid particles spreading and being blown away by the wind. So from the 29th March, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens), of either six people or two households, were also allowed. Additionally, the England wide ‘stay at home’ rule ended on 29th March but many restrictions still remain in place. The latest easing of restrictions will make it easier for friends and families to meet outside.

The upcoming step to take place on 12th April is the opening of non-essential retail, personal care and public buildings. Indoor leisure facilities will also reopen as well as most outdoor attractions including outdoor zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. In line with the ‘outdoor’ rule, hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors (either six people or two households). But, there will be no need for customers to order a ‘substantial’ meal with alcoholic drinks and there will be no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated with table service. In addition, events will be allowed to go ahead too – the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15, while funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners.

With a significant amount of businesses opening up on this date, cab drivers should expect to see a sudden demand for their services to help passengers get around London.

So what should you expect in terms of travel?

There are a few rules surrounding public transport that need to still be followed and obtained by the general public. TFL requires these rules to be followed at all times:

  • Plan your journey in advance and, where possible, travel when it is quiet.
  • Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth, unless you are exempt for age, health or accessibility reasons.
  • Maintain social distancing where possible.
  • Follow signs, listen to announcements and pay attention to staff.
  • Wash your hands before and after your journey.
  • Carry hand sanitiser or use sanitiser points at stations.
  • Use contactless or Oyster to pay for your travel.
  • Follow government advice for safer travel and check the safer travel information sheet.
  • Make sure taxi or bus windows are kept open to ensure a good supply of fresh air into the vehicle at all times.

In addition to TFL rules, the Government advises that you should:

  • Try not to touch anyone or anything when you get in the car.
  • If you own the car make sure you clean it after every use.
  • Do not share taxi rides with people outside of your bubble, household or people (rule of six) you are with. Although, sometimes you are allowed to share a taxi with others if it is for work.
  • Listen to any instructions the driver gives you.
  • Make sure you have enough time as your journey may take longer than usual.

Are you prepared?

Whether you’re a driver who needs to fix new perspex or plastic shields for covid safe regulations and protection or you’re a passenger who is raring to get into a pub garden, make sure you follow all instructions. The government and TFL have put these rules in place to ensure we all do our part and continue to stay safe.

All taxi companies and drivers are being asked by TFL to put protective measures in place. This includes ensuring face coverings are worn by drivers and letting passengers know that they must wear theirs too. The latest Government advice is that, although face coverings are unlikely to prevent you from getting the virus, they could help prevent you from giving it to others – which is why we all must do our part to keep everyone safe and protected.

With the sudden increase in demand for cab services, it’s imperative that the safety guidelines are met by cab drivers and their passengers to reduce the spread of covid.

How can we help with your taxi insurance?

At Quotax Insurance, our promise is to provide London black cab taxi drivers with friendly and efficient service, helping owner-drivers and fleet proprietors find a competitive taxi insurance quote.

Our very competitive rates, along with our relationships with a wide-ranging number of specialist insurers mean that we are well placed to provide the perfect taxi insurance for London’s taxi drivers.

We also understand that your taxi is your livelihood – if it’s not working then neither are you. Find out more about our taxi insurance policies here, or give us a call to speak with an expert on 0208 691 9691.

Important Notice – Covid-19 Update

Please note: In response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we are doing all we can to protect both our staff and our clients from face to face contact.

With this in mind, please only visit our premises where absolutely necessary and it is a government requirement that unless medically exempt a face mask must be worn. Hand sanitation is also available on entry to our office.

Please rest assured, we are working hard to support our valued customers during this difficult time. Please feel free to contact us in all the following ways;

  • Contacting us via phone: 0208 691 9691
  • You can send us documents to us via our business WhatsApp on: 07853 411043
  • You can contact our administration team (and forward requested documents) via email on: admin@quotax.net
  • You can speak with our experts on our online chat facility on our website: www.quotax.net
  • You can request a call back from one of our team on our website: www.quotax.net

If you have had a claim please contact our claims line on 0203 928 7337. If you would like to contact your insurer directly, a list of our insurers’ claims numbers can be found at www.quotax.net/how-to-claim/

Thank you for your business, we assure you of our best attention at all times.

Important Information regarding our Deptford office

In response to the government’s latest Social Distancing measures, we have taken the tough decision to no longer meet with our valued customers face to face. With this in mind, our office based on site at Ascott Cab Company, Blackhorse Road, Deptford will be temporarily closed.

Please rest assured, we have a comprehensive business continuity plan to ensure we continue to support you through these difficult times.

We want to reassure you we are very much still open for business and will work tirelessly to offer you the same professional advice and guidance during these uncertain times. Please feel free to contact us in all the normal ways;

  • Contacting us via phone: 0208 691 9691
  • You can send us documents to us via our business whatsapp on: 07853 411043
  • You can contact our administration team (and forward requested documents) via email on: admin@quotax.net
  • You can chat with our experts on our online chat facility on our website
  • You can request a call back on our website
  • If you have had a claim please contact our claims line on 0203 928 7337. If you would like to contact your insurer directly, a list of our insurers’ claims numbers can be found at www.quotax.net/how-to-claim/

We remain as always committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees and the people and communities we serve. We will continue to keep you informed using the best information and guidance available to us.