Reclaiming
Our Work (1)
By Mike Hughes
W
ith the general downturn in business the usual ʻdoom and trade papers have reported some, but not all the sites that need
gloomʼ voices have been, in their usual negative way, attention. At taxi talk we are happy to redress that balance by
predicting the end of our trade. Yet there is a group of people who publishing the latest list of venues. Please keep this list in your
are not only talking positive but actually doing something to regain taxi and, whenever you are near one of these sites plot up. Youʼll
our work – at least in London. be surprised just how much work there is, how grateful the public
are and feel good in the knowledge that you are reclaiming YOUR
They have come together via the London Taxi Driversʼ Forum work from the touts
to exchange ideas. Amongst many ideas they have formed
strategies to regain the work from the minicab menace that
Reclaiming Our Work (2)
all drivers, particularly night drivers, see every day which the
authorities seem unable to see or do anything about. For several
Itʼs not only the minicabs who are prepared to stitch up the taxi
months now they have been targeting work from several night
trade but also some of ʻour ownʼ. This story is about London but
spots. They do this by Internet and telephone contact and, having
could equally apply anywhere in the UK.
targeted a venue, fl ood it with taxis, all plying for hire. The public
quickly vote with their feet when given this opportunity. Whatʼs
I regularly get on to the Buckingham Gate rank (near Victoria for
more the quality of work is often excellent with many ʻroadersʼ
those who donʼt know London) in the early hours of the morning.
going to taxis at prices below the touts infl ated fi gures.
There are also a few regulars who all know each other. Of course
we all want to get a fare out of the nearby Crown Plaza hotel to
There are now several sites that have been reclaimed. Yet many one of the airports but, being honest drivers, we take anything
non-radio drivers do not realise what is going on. The London that comes along. To sit on the rank for over an hour then see the
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