taxi talk mailbox
Dear Editor...
Dear Editor...
Wirral Licensing recently sent a letter to all Wirral licensed hackney carriage While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind
drivers asking us: are we putting ourselves and others at risk when trying to me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed
put onto one of the borough’s appointed taxi ranks. Indeed, the effrontery of one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
these incompetent people is beyond belief - you just couldn’t make it up!
Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as
They [the council] have warned us that in the interest of the public, as a
they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was
responsible hackney carriage driver we must proceed to the next available
abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the
rank if the one we arrive at is full. They are threatening us that they will take
soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit
action if we don’t comply. Apparently, this is in response to a number of
me. I’m not alone. I’m not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this
complaints made from other road users (in the main, bus drivers) regarding
country and supports our troops and their families. Of course, I immediately
the behaviour of licensed hackney carriage drivers at ranks. In particular,
stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are
taxis parking in the middle of the road and cutting across buses as they
putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work,
are attempting to pull out of a bus stop. Vehicles parked on double yellows
and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.
obstructing other drivers and causing problems for local residents.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our
May I remind these doltish hypocrites that it is they who are putting the local
service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran
residents, us and other road users at risk, not the taxi drivers who are trying to
up to one of the male soldiers. He knelt down and said ‘hi,’ the little girl
earn an honest living and providing a first class service to the travelling public,
then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young
while paying over-inflated licensing fees. Under the council’s derestriction policy,
soldier didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and
to date there is 356 licensed hackney carriage vehicles in the borough and a
what did she want to give to her daddy. Suddenly the little girl grabbed the
mere 116 ranking spaces (112 as 4 do not exist at present). Indeed, the ratio in
neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then
vehicles to that of available ranking (be careful how you say that) spaces needs
kissed him on the cheek.
to be addressed as a matter of urgency and the council know this but fail in their
duty to do anything about it, yet bolster on increasing fees and vehicle licences

with wanton greed with no consideration or thought for those who keep them in
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name, was Courtney,
their warm cosy offices.
told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in
Afghanistan for 5 months now. As the mum was explaining how much her
Since the council undertook a derestriction policy there has been an
daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
increase of some 220 licensed taxis, whatever they’re doing with the
When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all
additional income from these extra licences is, by and large, questionable?
of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other
Moreover, having spoken to various members of the police force, from
servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing
constable to inspector, they have tolerated the ongoing situation, but for
with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds
how much longer? Just after the local elections I invited councillors to come
of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said
and look into the taxi trade for themselves, however to date not one council
this to her, ‘I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.’ He
member has taken up my invitation - what does that tell you? Recently, I
then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the
contacted a Mr Clayton from the council and this is his response:
cheek. He finished by saying ‘Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves
you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.’ The mum at
“Although I am in no doubt that you feel there is a lack of ranks in the
this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood
areas which you want to work in at times you want to work (sic), from the
to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum. I was standing no more than
information you have provided I cannot agree with your statement that
6 feet away as this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave,
it is obvious that there is a significant lack of ranking spaces across the
heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there
borough. For example, there are areas such as Liscard Crescent which
applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my
have been provided with ranks which are not being used.
own. That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew
a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember
“Whilst the demands of individual drivers are considered when everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and
appointing ranks in the borough, other factors which include suitability their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it’s good to be an Englishman.
of location for disabled persons and convenience for use by persons
for whom other forms of transport are less accessible must also be Red Fridays
considered. It is therefore for this reason that a wider consultation Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday.
in respect of the appointment of ranks must be undertaken. I would The reason? British men and women who support our troops used to be
suggest that in the first instance should you or any of your colleagues called the ‘silent majority’. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love
identify specific locations that would be effective for the appointment for Country and home in record-breaking numbers. We are not organised,
of a rank or ranks and (sic) that these suggestions should be directed boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV to
to a representative from the JCC in order that it can be raised at the reflect our message or our opinions. Many British people, like you, me and
next JCC.” all our friends, simply want to recognise that the vast majority of Britain
supports our troops.
So what do you make of that? Mr Clayton mentions Liscard Crescent taxi
rank and its lack of use by hackney carriages. Perhaps this rank isn’t being Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
used for the same reason that the rank on Borough Road outside the respect has already started and continues each and every Friday until the
Pyramids shopping centre is shy of taxicabs... because they are not sited troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every Briton who
properly Mr Clayton! Go and study these ranks with your colleagues you supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of
may then understand. Mr Clayton also quotes other factors when appointing mouth, press, TV -- let’s make Great Britain on every Friday a sea of red
ranks in the borough, including suitability of location for disabled people. much like a homecoming football team. If every one of us who loves this
Take Hamilton Square and Liscard ranks for example. It’s quite clear that country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family,
wheelchair-bound passengers’ access into a taxicab is from the road in the It will not be long before Britain is covered in RED and it will let our troops
path of oncoming motor vehicles and not from the kerbside which is placing know the once ‘silent’ majority is on their side more than ever, certainly
other road users, the taxi driver and local residents at risk - an accident more than the media lets on.
waiting to happen wouldn’t you say? Like I said earlier in this letter, it’s the
council who are the danger - not us. The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make things
better for you?’ is...’We need your support and your prayers’... Let’s get the
Mark McGhee word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something
Plate 136 red every Friday... lest we forget.
20 21
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52