Call Sign October 2010 - Page 5 - Improvements to the Taxi Trade?

DaC driver Anthony Mitchell (T88) has spoken to MP Lee Scott about a taxi Code of Conduct and will be presenting his suggestions regarding the taxi business to Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. He explains them here to Call Sign. Will they lead to...

Improvements to the Taxi Trade?

   "During my thirty-nine years of being a London taxi driver, I have seen many changes to the trade. Not all of them good and over the past year I have become even more dissatisfied. With that in mind, I have decided to try to improve general aspects of the trade for the good of the current and future licensed taxi drivers of London.
   During the last four months, accompanied by Dial-a-Cab Board member Michael Son, I have had several meetings with Lee Scott, Member of Parliament for Ilford North. At these meetings, I proposed an official Code of Conduct for the Licensed Taxi trade.
   The Code of Conduct will include, not just the Licensed London Taxi trade, but also bring in recommendations for the Private Hire section.

   Some of the key features to my proposals include:–
   Identification and Recognition: The London Taxi Cab is an international icon and sits aesthetically in partnership with the iconic Red Bus. Over a 5 - 7 year period I propose to bring the London Taxi Cab back to its original and recognisable colour of black.
   Dress Code: As observed over

Anthony Mitchell with MP Lee Scott (on left)

the last 10 years, private hire firms have implemented a dress code for their drivers and have therefore created identification and uniform recognised by their corporate and public clients. We also need to encourage this within the trade.There is nothing like a first impression, be it an airport pick up, corporate account or a street job.
   PCN/Local Authorities: Two years ago I petitioned the City of Westminster to relax their laws regarding licensed Taxis picking-up and setting-down within their area. This proved successful and there was a rule change as a result. I propose to bring these relaxed rules to the streets of central and greater London.
   Fixed Prices: Adopting the practice of New York, I propose to recommend fixed fare pricing for certain rides including airports, train stations etc from areas within London, ie rides from the City, Westminster etc.
   Private Hire Act: The Private Hire Act 1998, which came into force in 2003 is in need of updating after 12 years.
   This Code of Conduct was received with great enthusiasm and encouragement by MP Lee Scott and will be presented to Mayor Boris Johnson on 1st October when he officially opens the new traffic system at Gants Hill."

Anthony Mitchell (T88)

Barry Levine

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