Black Cab Manifesto
Brian Paddick explains his policies for black cabs:
As Mayor I would acknowledge that licensed black taxis are as much a part of London’s public transport as buses and trains by giving cabbies a seat on the board of Transport for London.
As Mayor I will consult on the possibility of banning pedicabs or severely restricting their numbers. If a ban is not possible, I will look to license pedicabs with an identification plate clearly visible. Their riders must be licensed and trained in road safety and the pedicabs subjected to safety checks.
As Mayor I would completely overhaul traffic management in Central London, including the re-phasing of traffic lights, the proper management of road works and a scheme to reduce the number of vans and lorries, to ensure smoother traffic flow, less congestion and faster journeys.
The obligations for licensed black taxis for more stringent driving tests, vehicle examinations and ‘the knowledge’ must result in privileges not afforded to private hire vehicles. Private hire vehicles will not be given access to bus lanes and enforcement against private hire cars plying for hire will be stepped-up.
Licensed black taxis drivers should be encouraged to make their vehicles more environmentally friendly not penalised for doing so. I will look at working with taxi manufacturers to develop more environmentally friendly vehicles and providing a subsidy to licensed black taxi drivers who buy new environmentally friendly vehicles.
I will eliminate the risk of accidentally getting a ticket for driving in a bus lane. All bus lanes under the control of TfL (Red Routes) will be standardised to the same hours of operation and all will allow licensed black cabs to use them. I will encourage all local authorities to follow suit so that all bus lanes are standardised.
Local authorities need to take a more reasonable approach to licensed black taxis that are waiting for passengers. For reasons of security, where loading and unloading is permitted, I will encourage all local authorities to treat licensed black taxis stopped to allow passengers to access a cash machine as ‘loading and unloading’.
To save on congestion and pollution taxis should be encouraged to use taxi ranks. As Mayor I will look to increase the number of taxi ranks, particularly at stations and hotels, and revise the fare structure to allow an additional charge for licensed black taxis picking-up passengers from cab ranks.
Effective action must be taken to ensure all vehicles registered as private hire are genuine. When I am Mayor, those registering or renewing will have to provide copies of ‘hire and reward’ insurance certificates and the contact number(s) where any member of the public can hire the vehicle. Random ‘mystery shopper’ calls will be made to those numbers to ensure the service is genuine.
Road planners need to consult with those who know London’s road best. I would look to consult the taxi trade on all future road schemes on TfL roads (Red Routes) and encourage local authorities to do the same on all other roads.
