On 21st November, the annual Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Liverymen’s dinner was held at the Cutlers’ Hall in Warwick Lane. The Worshipful Company of Hackney Drivers were delighted to have Lady Victoria Borwick, Deputy Mayor of London as their guest speaker for this occasion. Before the dinner, the Master, Graham Woodhouse, clothed seven Freemen of the Company in the Livery. These are Gavin Davis OBE, William Ives, Carlos Oliveira, Silvi Oliveira, Chas Reilly, Dean Thomas and Gary Wilcox.
Then the Master was delighted to welcome five new Freemen to the Company, namely Vasil Bagashki, John Coughlan, Lee Hilligenn, Martin Lyons-Applebee and Marios Stavrou. Having completed these ceremonies, it was the turn of 14 students who have recently completed the Company’s Cab Guide Course to receive their certificates. Following a drinks reception, the dinner was held in the magnificent surroundings of the Cutlers’ Hall, where the Master Cutler was also one of the guests. Following the WCHCD Master’s speech, he introduced the guest speaker, Victoria Borwick. With a wealth of knowledge about the cab trade as both her father and her husband, Jamie Borwick have been involved in the business, Victoria gave an informative speech and in particular recognised the good work that the annual Magical Taxi Tour carries out and the joy it brings to the children who go on the trip.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This is the first time that the WCHCD had awarded it newly created Lifetime of Achievement Award. This award is presented to someone who has worked in the cab industry for many years and made a difference to the trade. The inaugral Award was presented to Bob Oddy, a licensed taxi driver since 1966, who has worked at the LTDA for many years, joining in the early 1970s. Bob took over as General Secretary at the LTDA from Harry Feigen, who was Master of the WCHCD for two years from 1990. He has been actively involved in many issues affecting the taxi industry; he was instrumental in the creation of the Taxi Cost Index, the formula used to decide fare increases and has worked in the interests of the LTDA members throughout his time at the LTDA. Bob said: “I was delighted, and extremely surprised to receive the award. I’m sure that there are many others within our trade who are equally deserving. The Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers does wonderful work for charity, in particular its organisation of the annual Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris. I’m confident that the enthusiasm of the Company’s members will drive its charity achievements to even greater heights.”
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Knowledge student dies in freak accident
/in Taxi NewsAbdullah Haji Weli Bakar died in a freak crash when his car broke loose from an AA tow van. A licensed private hire operator who was studying the KoL had called the AA to his vehicle.
The AA was unable to fix the problem with the clutch at the roadside and so had attached the Vauxhall Zafira to a fixed rigid tow bar. Mr Bakar was steering the car when it veered into a verge, where it detached from the recovery van and collided with an oncoming car. The accident took place in Combe Lane, Croydon, on 1st October 2013.
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Taxi drivers join forces with Crimestoppers
/in Taxi NewsIndependent charity Crimestoppers has join forces with Radio Taxis Group to create a new project called London Taxi Watch.
The new initiative is hoped to involve all the Group’s taxi drivers in utilizing Crimestoppers as a means of giving information on any suspicious behavior or intelligence in respect of security or criminal activity, by being the eyes and ears of the police and reporting crimes they see on London’s streets. It is hoped that the nature of their job will enable taxi drivers to alert the authorities to suspicious behavior and pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “London’s cabbies are the best in the world. With police officers they are there all hours, all weathers and all places. They can be our eyes and ears and help victims of crime.” Crimestoppers’ London campaigns manager, Regan Hook, said the drivers could become “everyday heroes” by reporting crime. “Cab drivers can invaluably help fight crime by contacting the charity anonymously and play a part in making London safer,” he added.
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Hitch bravery award given to Cabbie
/in Minibus NewsThe Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers makes an award for bravery to people who have shown extreme bravery. The Hitch Award for bravery is not given every year, as it is a prestigious award that is only given in cases of extreme bravery.
On 21st November at the annual Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Liverymen’s dinner at the Cutlers’ Hall in Warwick Lane the Hitch Award was presented to cab driver John Ward. Rarely does a Judge praise a witness in court, but that is exactly what Her Honour Judge Patricia Lees did when John Ward gave evidence at Snaresbrook Crown Court of the carnage he witnessed while driving along the A13 in September 2010.
He was travelling home after work along the A13 eastbound towards the M25 at around 01:15hrs in the morning of 9 September 2010 in the middle lane of the three-lane carriageway, keeping to a steady 40mph, when a dark coloured BMW 640 coupe with the distinctive registration P1MP R undertook him at high speed. The car turned into a BP fuel station and John continued his journey. Approaching Rainham Marshes, the BMW came out of nowhere very fast before disappearing from John’s sight. But a little further on, at the M25 junction, John saw the same BMW very badly damaged, obviously having been in collision with something. It had come to rest between the slow and middle lanes of the carriageway.
Steam was coming from the engine and there was a strong smell of petrol with debris strewn all over the road. John pulled his the cab across the lanes at ninety degrees to the hard shoulder and put his hazard lights on. He saw the BMW driver at the passenger door of the BMW helping the young girl passenger out of the car. John looked around in the dark and spotted another car some distance ahead; stationary at a 45 degree angle to the road, facing up the banking. He saw a man slumped in the drivers’ seat.
John thought the car could explode at any moment as fuel was spilling everywhere, but the door had been crushed into the bodywork and would not open. John waved down another cab asking his assistance by parking next to his cab to block off the two nearside lanes. Traffic was still speeding past at 70 mph as the ‘fast’ lane was still open. A truck then stopped and parked sideways across the entire three lanes of the carriageway to block the road completely to prevent further accidents or loss of life. The emergency services arrived, to free the driver of the crushed car. Sadly he died and the BMW driver eventually ended up in court.
TaxiCabNews
Nissan suspends its London Taxi programme
/in Taxi NewsOn 21st November came the surprise announcement from Nissan that it has suspended its London Taxi Project pending the outcome of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone consultation. It was being eagerly awaited by many in the taxi trade, following a launch event earlier this year, when Nissan said that this meant the taxi would have “exceptionally low CO2 emissions that start from 139g/km (89hp engine) – a figure that comfortably undercuts existing London Taxi offerings. Versions fitted with the 89hp engine feature a five-speed manual transmission, while 110hp variants benefit from a six-speed unit. Both powerplants are fully compliant with the latest EuroV emissions regulations.
Earlier this year, when Nissan announced the new taxi at the O2 Arena, it said that by 2015 the taxi would also be available with a clean, zero-emission electric motor. Nissan said its key goal was to have its electric version on sale “before any other manufacturer”. The NV200 Taxi was successfully launched in New York City recently and will be soon introduced in Tokyo and other cities in Asia. Last month the electric e-NV200 Taxi started commercial operations in Barcelona and it is expected that it will be soon introduced in other European cities.
James Wright, Managing Director, Nissan Motor GB said: “Nissan is a strong supporter of air quality and CO2 reduction measures and is encouraged to see the recent consultation launched by the Mayor’s office. However, if this were to be implemented then our planned petrol taxi, designed to meet the challenging
London taxi standards, would not meet the requirements from this date and it would be obsolete just a few years following its introduction. As such, we have decided to suspend our current taxi project until the regulation of the market has been decided.” He added: “Nissan will continue to work with Transport for London and the Mayor’s office to use our expertise and support the Capital’s transportation future.”
WCHCD Liverymen’s Dinner
/in Taxi NewsOn 21st November, the annual Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Liverymen’s dinner was held at the Cutlers’ Hall in Warwick Lane. The Worshipful Company of Hackney Drivers were delighted to have Lady Victoria Borwick, Deputy Mayor of London as their guest speaker for this occasion. Before the dinner, the Master, Graham Woodhouse, clothed seven Freemen of the Company in the Livery. These are Gavin Davis OBE, William Ives, Carlos Oliveira, Silvi Oliveira, Chas Reilly, Dean Thomas and Gary Wilcox.
Then the Master was delighted to welcome five new Freemen to the Company, namely Vasil Bagashki, John Coughlan, Lee Hilligenn, Martin Lyons-Applebee and Marios Stavrou. Having completed these ceremonies, it was the turn of 14 students who have recently completed the Company’s Cab Guide Course to receive their certificates. Following a drinks reception, the dinner was held in the magnificent surroundings of the Cutlers’ Hall, where the Master Cutler was also one of the guests. Following the WCHCD Master’s speech, he introduced the guest speaker, Victoria Borwick. With a wealth of knowledge about the cab trade as both her father and her husband, Jamie Borwick have been involved in the business, Victoria gave an informative speech and in particular recognised the good work that the annual Magical Taxi Tour carries out and the joy it brings to the children who go on the trip.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This is the first time that the WCHCD had awarded it newly created Lifetime of Achievement Award. This award is presented to someone who has worked in the cab industry for many years and made a difference to the trade. The inaugral Award was presented to Bob Oddy, a licensed taxi driver since 1966, who has worked at the LTDA for many years, joining in the early 1970s. Bob took over as General Secretary at the LTDA from Harry Feigen, who was Master of the WCHCD for two years from 1990. He has been actively involved in many issues affecting the taxi industry; he was instrumental in the creation of the Taxi Cost Index, the formula used to decide fare increases and has worked in the interests of the LTDA members throughout his time at the LTDA. Bob said: “I was delighted, and extremely surprised to receive the award. I’m sure that there are many others within our trade who are equally deserving. The Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers does wonderful work for charity, in particular its organisation of the annual Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris. I’m confident that the enthusiasm of the Company’s members will drive its charity achievements to even greater heights.”
TaxiCabNews
Moving forward
/in Taxi NewsFollowing the announcement on 21st November from Nissan that it has suspended its London Taxi Project pending the outcome of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone consultation, there have been many comments from the trade. The whole ULEZ consultation means there are many unanswered questions about the future of the trade at the moment. The fact is that that currently there is no taxi available to buy that is zero emission capable, but by 2018 this may have changed. Taxi Globe asked Peter Johansen, Vice President of The London Taxi Company for his comments. He said: “The London taxi trade is world famous for its high standards and proud heritage. It is a trade we are hugely proud to serve.
“The industry across the globe is continuously adapting to reflect evolving consumer needs, changing economic conditions and the need to become more sustainable and universally accessible to all. This is especially the case in London where regulators set a high pace for change. Nissan’s decision to postpone the launch of their taxi into London is the most recent reflection of some of these factors. But our previous difficulties and the issues currently being faced by Mercedes/KPM only serve to underline that success within the London hackney carriage market is no mean feat.
“That’s why we deliberately design and produce a purpose built taxi to meet the conditions for the London market. It’s also why we are always seeking new ways to improve the vehicle quality and service care we provide to our customers. This matters now more than ever. We know that some drivers will be disappointed not to see a new entrant into the market at this point. But we’re also confident in the product we’re offering now for professional drivers that want to drive the original iconic London Taxi, which is a favourite for tourists and commuters alike. Competition is vital for any automotive manufacturer and we know we must always fight for our place in London and beyond. The London Taxi now graces the streets of more than 40 cities across the world with any success firmly based on the foundations set and maintained by thousands of men and women in our capital city.
“As we move forward as a company and develop new products and services to meet changing demands we are confident that our experience and, more importantly, our relationship with the trade – from industry bodies to individual drivers – provides us with a clear competitive advantage.
“We are proud of our joint heritage with the London Taxi trade and our historical standing as a truly British icon. This is what drives us, every minute of every day.”
Taxicabnews
Highbury Corner bridge replacement
/in Taxi NewsTfL are replacing the bridge at Highbury Corner – the bridge was built around 1850 to carry the Holloway Road (A1) over London Overground’s East London line and Network Rail’s Northern line. Highbury & Islington station sits on the bridge. Now the bridge carries more than 25,000 vehicles a day over the railway lines by Highbury and Islington station. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the duration of the works. Nick Fairholme, Director of Projects & Programmes for Surface Transport at TfL, said: “Highbury Corner is a key junction in London and it is therefore important that we ensure that it can continue to remain usable and safe for years to come.
We are committed to completing these bridge works as quickly and efficiently as possible and will keep the local community and road users informed of progress as we work to deliver these vital improvements.”
During these works, TfL will also continue to develop a scheme to remove the Highbury Corner gyratory, creating new facilities for pedestrians and cyclists as well as improving the look and feel of the local area. These improvements, which form part of TfL’s 33 “Better Junctions” programme, will help transform the area and support the continuing regeneration of Highbury. A consultation will begin on the final concept design for these plans by late 2015.
OLD POST OFFICE
The empty Post Office building needs to be demolished, and TfL expect to start work in the week beginning Monday 5 January 2015. The demolition work will be completed by March 2015.
ROAD CLOSURES: HIGHBURY STATION ROAD AND HIGHBURY CRESCENT
Highbury Station Road (east of Swan Yard) will be closed from the end of 2014 and Highbury Crescent (between Highbury Terrace and Highbury Place) will be closed from January 2015. Both will be closed for the duration of the works.
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Taxi drivers benefiting from more card fares
/in Taxi NewsFindings from the VeriFone TransAction Driver Reward Scheme confirm that card taxi fare payments have increased by up to 14.5% since the scheme began in March 2013.
Results show that cab drivers who rent their cab and are using the VeriFone system took an average of 19 card transactions each in November 2013 – an increase of 14.5% since the Scheme began in March. Ben Priestley of VeriFone stressed how important it is for drivers to adjust to the needs of their passengers. “Not everyone wanted to accept cards at first but the majority of drivers now give their passengers the choice.
They’re keeping the business that they’d previously turned away, they’re giving the public the option and they’re helping to combat competition from public transport and private hire. We must keep the momentum up and provide drivers with the best solutions, deals and benefits.”
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ComCab celebrates 40 years of serving London
/in Taxi NewsBack in May 1974 a small dedicated team, backed by a hardworking core of 64 London taxi drivers, got together and formed one of the first modern radio taxi circuits in the capital.
They called it London Wide Radio Taxis, which later became ComCab. General Manager of ComCab London, Malcolm Paice commented: “It is a real testament to our drivers, staff and customers that ComCab continues to enjoy its position as one of the leading taxi circuits in London – even 40 years after its creation. Those early pioneer drivers worked long and hard to build the business up, and today we are carrying on their good work. Of course many of those friends and colleagues who were there at the beginning are sadly no longer with us, but we will honour their memories by continuing to be the biggest and busiest circuit in the capital.”
Today, ComCab is part of the UK wide CityFleet group and ComCab taxis can be found in Birmingham, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as London. Tony Norris, who runs the ComCab Knowledge School, which was started up in 2005 added: “It’s clear to me that ComCab is the most forward thinking of the taxi circuits. They have led with technology, have consistently offered drivers the most work and they had the foresight to start up a free Knowledge School when the trade was struggling to bring new blood into the industry.
The ComCab Knowledge School is now one of London’s leading Knowledge institutions and I think it’s this kind of vision that has kept ComCab at the top of their game.” Over their 40 year history, ComCab has absorbed a number of other taxi businesses, including suburban fleets, DataCab and the innovative Zingo service- which was a forerunner of many of the modern day taxi apps.
Last year ComCab launched its own iPhone app and also acquired TaxiApp – a taxi booking smartphone app. Malcolm concluded: “40 years ago we used to take bookings on job dockets and despatch them over two-way radio and back then that was using technology the best we could. Today we take bookings online and via our apps, and we still operate the largest call centre in our sector, with work being despatched lightning fast over the cellular data networks. Our business has always used technology to make our customer’s lives easier but ultimately it is our drivers and their purpose built taxis that will deliver a world class service to Londoners and we hope that will continue for another 40 years.”
Courtsey of Taxicab News
CroydonCab driver wins fight against council PCN
/in General NewsA lady cab driver in Croydon won her fight with the council last month to overturn £650 worth of fines after the council enforced a no-right turn rule on Addiscombe Road.
In October 2013, with no notice or advertisement, the council installed CCTV to catch drivers turning right onto Cherry Orchard Road and the footage revealed many how cab drivers were using it as a shortcut to East Croydon taxi rank.
Denise Borg, well known in the area as she drives a pink London taxi, was amongst 230 taxi drivers who had been stung by the new rule. She appealed to the council on the basis that she had not been made aware that the rules had come into force. She told reporters: “We won on the grounds that they never advertised that they had changed the rules. You can’t let someone think they are doing ok for 14 years and then suddenly change it without changing any signage or notification.”
A spokesman for the council, said: “The signs and road markings at the location in question have been in place for the past 14 years and clearly advise drivers to turn left. A small number of drivers have exercised their right to appeal to the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service after being issued a penalty charge notice for failing to comply with the directions. Of 17 appeals lodged, 10 have been refused and one is awaiting decision.
While the council accepts that a small number have succeeded, it should be noted that the adjudicator stated that the road markings and signage are fully compliant and the decisions are determined on a case-by-case basis. The adjudicator further stated that the decision does not prevent the council from continuing to enforce this mandatory direction.
In this instance, however, the appeal was allowed. The decision refers only to the appeals of the individuals in question and does not set a precedent regarding any other appeal nor, indeed, other penalty charge notices issued under similar circumstances.”
Courtesy of Taxicabnews