Divided We Fall. An Open Letter to the Taxi Trade Representatives and Drivers....by Steve Wright MBE.
An open letter to London’s Taxi Trade Representatives and Drivers
26th April 2014
The Licensed Taxi & Private Hire Industries will always have fundamental differences, however we have the view that 'divided we fall' if we don't put those differences to one side for 'common mutual interest'.
When the 1998 PHV Act was being taken from a Bill to Law some private talks were held with what was the old Taxi Board to sensibly discuss what both Taxi & Private Hire could collectively agree on, which in fact actually turned out to be a great deal.
That working relationship was essential as we were able to confirm that the legitimate Private Hire Industry was absolutely committed to having no desire to ply for hire on the streets or seeking the right to ‘rank up’. We also committed to never wanting to be hailed or to ‘meter’ journeys.
All the above was achieved by working together with the Taxi Trade Representatives of the day to get onto the statute legislation that would work for the good of both industries and most importantly our customers, the Travelling Public.
This wasn't the first instance of working together for ‘common good’ as alongside the Taxi industry and safety groups we also agreed to support an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which made touting a criminal offence.
Right now we have a common foe in form of illegal App Work providers that are ignoring both Taxi and PHV legislation that was put onto the statute to protect the Travelling Public and both our trades under a two-tier system. That system is now being compromised by illegal Apps, some of which are based ‘offshore’ and some of that are clearly operating in breach of legislation. We have dubbed them 'Cowboy Cab Apps'.
There is nothing wrong with Cab Apps, there are good ones being used by legitimate Taxi & PHV companies and drivers, however some are akin to ‘Hi-Tec Touts’.
Our Member's view is that TfL TPH has been spineless in both its duty and willingness to enforce Taxi & PHV regulations with regard to some of these Apps. It has also failed to protect the Travelling Public and to ensuring fair and legal competition for both our trades. Our Member's also state that TfL TPH has been woeful in dealing with touting, licensing management, enforcement & compliance, as well as their poor handling of many other things.
We have had enough! In fact we'd had enough 2 years ago when we sent in a letter of dissatisfaction to the Mayor just before the Olympics. That resulted in a Delloite review, which has proven to be an absolute whitewash.
In December we launched a legal challenge to one particular App work provider, following a letter of complaint to TPH last August; this followed a complaint by the GMB in 2012!
The straw that broke the camel's back and our patience was a recent TfL News Release issued whilst we were in midst of what we considered to be private dialogue with them regarding our legal challenge.
That News Release and its content crossed the line as far as we are concerned and we have now invoked a vote of no confidence in the TfL TPH Directorate, which we are saying, is simply ‘not fit for purpose’.
As LPHCA Chairman I am now instructed by Members to express their displeasure at years of mismanagement of the licensing system under the TPH regime, which in our view has been steadily deteriorating since it moved from Penton Street. This is a decision that LPHCA Members have not taken lightly.
You may be surprised to learn that TPH now believes PHVs can ‘Meter’ journeys like Taxis and PHV Operating Centres needn't bother to take destinations when taking bookings, all of which flies in the face of what they have been saying and regulating since the 98 Act was incepted. This co-incidentally as these Cowboy Cab Apps have arrived on the scene!
Some of these App providers have been breaking Laws world-wide and have a very arrogant publicised agenda to ignore regulation, bad mouth existing taxi services as outdated, whilst ignoring regulation with impunity in areas that have weak regulatory authorities. They are banned and enforced against by strong regulators but allowed to break laws by feeble ones.
We therefore appeal to the Taxi Industry Trade Bodies and Drivers in London to put aside differences and work in harmony, not only on Cowboy Cab Apps but also regarding TPH’s woeful performance. We strongly believe that by going forward together we will send a powerful message that we've all had enough of being ignored and we want our regulator to do its duty to enforce regulations and protect the travelling public by doing so.
It clearly suits some to have legitimate Taxi and PHV divided in London but we share many common aims like:
• The eradication of touting
• A licensing service that is fit for purpose
• Separate Taxi & PHV Management at TPH
• The banning and strong enforcement of Cowboy Cab Apps
• Better use of our licensing fees
• The ability to recover parking and other charges at Airports, etc.
• Appropriate Parking, Pick-Up, Set-Down and Resting Place provision in London
• Sensible signage on PHVs
The current allowing of Apps to breach both Taxi & PHV legislation, alongside the ignoring of the will and intention of Parliament is scandalous, so we have now put these matters to TfL TPH via our Lawyers.
Our view is that Taxi & PHV must work together on as much as possible where we have common ground and the LPHCA would welcome the views of the Licensed Taxi Industry Trade Bodies and drivers.
Steve Wright MBE
Chairman LPHCA
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comment; Staying with the theme of Cowboy's, Mr Wright seems to have changed horses midstream.
A letter to the Transport Committeee states that the Internet removes barries to the trade and in his words ;
Para 5.(vi) of the following letter.
i. Current regulations do not embrace the massive changes brought about by technological progress. The Internet for example does not support ‘invisible borders’, ‘barriers to fair trade’ and ‘restrictive practices’, just the opposite it actually provides liberation of choice, logistical efficiencies and far better access to providers bringing better supply for the travelling public.
The letter in full can be found at this link.
Well Sir, it does seem you reap what you sow.
The change of direction may Indicate that Mr Wright's members are loosing more ground to UBER than the Licensed Hackney's.
