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Unusually for a monthly
magazine, Call Sign was first by over two weeks with news of the
Conditions of Fitness Review result due to most of the
trade mags closing down for Christmas and those nice people at the
PCO timing their findings so that only Call Sign could report on
them! With many drivers also away over the holiday period, it is
quite feasible that other than Call Sign’s report, many drivers
would not have known about the status quo maintained result. So Call
Sign picked seven drivers at random from our files and asked the
following question: "Do you think the PCO were right to insist that any possible manufacturer wanting to sell their vehicle as a taxi in London should abide by the current Conditions of Fitness?"  David Ballard (N28): I am 100% in favour of the Condition of Fitness standards being applied to any vehicle used as a Taxi in London. I feel that it is very important we maintain a definite distinction between Private Hire and us. If we all started driving around in the same vehicles, it would be the beginning of the end.  John Dixon (B67): I don’t like the idea of having just one manufacturer supplying our Taxis and would like to see more competition to LTI. However, I also believe that the Conditions of Fitness are very important and that any manufacturers that want to enter the marketplace should have to abide by the rules of entry ie the CoF…  Martin Hizer (M47): I don’t think that the TXII is of a |
CONDITIONS OF FITNESS REVIEW DaC drivers give their views… |
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particularly high standard and would like to see
other cabs providing competition. However, I also believe that could
cause damage to this trade because you could end up with thousands
of drivers and vehicles they couldn’t sell. It’s a bit of a catch 22
situation. I do believe that the turning circle is a must for
London’s streets, but I feel that if there were more competition out
there, perhaps LTI would realise that we aren’t very happy with the
current vehicle. Surely it is in the interest of the manufacturers
of ‘alternative vehicles’ to bringing their vehicles up to CoF
standards and to provide that competition? Michael Calvey (B95): I am a believer in the turning circle, but really believe that competition would help to improve the current vehicle and wish that manufacturers of alternative vehicles such as the E7 or Eurocab would consider abiding by the CoF to allow them entry to the London market. I have no real problem with the price of the TXII, but I feel that for £30,000+ we should be getting more for our money. I’m not sure how much difference the new springs make on the latest TXII, but anyone who rides regularly in the passenger compartment of the vehicle will know that every bump in the road seems magnified tenfold. Also, for that money, air conditioning both front and back should come as standard. But the bottom line is yes, I believe that any vehicle entering the London Taxi market should abide by the CoF.  Michael Bures (B01): I believe that the image of our trade is all-important. Passengers know that we have the "Knowledge" but |
they also instantly recognise the vehicle as an icon
for a Taxi. I’d love to see competition, but only if that
competition comes up to our standard rather than lowering it to that
of the so-called alternative vehicles. To come up to our standard,
these vehicles need to have a rear axle and if they choose not to go
to that undoubted expense, then they will not be able to fit a
turning circle to match the one we have. I really believe that
3-point turns – which involve reversing – are dangerous and that our
turning circle is vital. I would also hate to see a Taxi rank filled
with vehicles of all shapes and sizes with van conversions that look
cheap. Richard Hill (L62): I am most definitely in favour of the CoF and I hope that always remains with us. I drive a TX1 and I consider it to be a marvellous vehicle and would not want to drive a converted van with no tight turning circle. I didn’t need to think about it for a second – I am delighted that the Conditions of Fitness review came down on our side.  Janet Fox (G35J): I am a journeywoman and unlikely to buy a new cab, but I do consider the turning circle to be important and would like other manufacturers to put it onto their vehicles. Even if their prices are cheaper, they should not be allowed into London unless it has that turning circle. Having said that, I do believe that the TXII is too expensive and it is only competition that will drive the price down or give us more for our money…
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