Remember this breaking news last weekend ??

 The Hammers down at Hammerstone.

Little tip from a source inside Hammerstone Rd. Bums are twitching in there.

Hammerstone Rd is to be closed down. Wait ! Do not get too excited. The unit is to be re-located at the old Police Unit, Openshaw. The unit behind Smithfield Market where "India 99"

the Police helicopter was based.

This news comes as we await the draft bill from the Law Commission. The size of the new Openshaw operation may be tailored to reflect the bill's contents. For instance there are
OVER twice as many PH vehicles and Drivers, as there are Hackneys. It follows that when, not if, the National PH Licence comes into force, two thirds of the units workload and exorbitant revenue raising will also disappear. It does not take a huge amount of intellect to suggest that in that case, two out of every three wage takers can go as well.

I use the word 'wage takers' instead of wage earners, because in my experience most of the licensing staff are takers, not earners.

As I say, bums are squeaking.

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Well it would appear massive changes are also due elsewhere. 

This appeared on Taxileaks.blogspot today. Please note the following, indicates Deloitte are making moves on behalf of the Carlyle Group, owners of Addison Lee.

The big boys are making moves, be very alert, bigger news will follow very shortly and it will NOT be good.  Bookmark www.taxileaks.blogspot.co.uk

Make it your second port of call daily, after here of course. 

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  Monday's Secret Meeting At TfL Could Split Taxi and Private Hire.

I have information from a number of different sources, that on Monday there is to be a meeting to discuss the future of Taxi and Private hire licensing, with the possible break away of LTPH from TfL and eventual split up of Taxis and Private hire.

This may come as news to most, but certain members of the UTG have already been consulted (they just haven't told any of their members yet).

It seems the whole question of LTPH's effectiveness as a licensing authority within TfL has been bought into question by...you guessed it... Private Hire.

It is believed that after the appraisal of LTPH, Deloitte, the advisors to the buyers of Addison Lee, the Carlyle Group, have extended their appraisal from LTPH to TFL.

I have also been reliably informed that Deloitte seem to think there is too much duplication, etc and are advising a massive shake-up. TESSA I'm told, have held a number of meetings concerning the recommendations and have also been in consultation with some of the trade representative groups.

The questions we must be asking is:
Why now?
Why pre Law Commission?
What are the recommendations?
Who is behind these recommendations?
Are PH to have their own licensing authority?
Are they getting us ready for major change?

The one thing you can be sure of is, this is never going to be in our favour.

Can you see them tightening up the process of obtaining a PH licence?
Can you see them enforcing the laws regarding illegally plying for hire and touting?
Can you see them making PH more responsible for the actions of staff at satellite offices?

This could be a perfect opportunity to set up a branch of the Transport Police to take over licensing and enforcement of Taxis and Private Hire. After all, their warranted officers have the power of arrest.

This would be the most logical step forward, but as we know TfL and the Mayor's office don't do Logic.
Money will always rule the day and the new owners of Addison Lee have bundles.
As we have said many times before

FOLLOW THE MONEY.

More news about the meeting as and when we get it.