The airport style drop off as mentioned in this months TAXI was a great idea on paper and would of definitely solved the PHV parking issue, but in reality was flawed on many counts and rightly rejected after consultation. The potential for congestion , double parking and the obvious security issues flagged by the Border Agency plus timescale issues ended any hope of this plan.

At the meeting, the two representatives from Camden were well informed and suggested using double yellow lines. It was at this stage that the MM member suggested that implementing the double yellow lines on an experimental order would be the quickest solution, as the consultation can take place after the lines had been painted. This is by far the quickest option available and there is no reason why it would not be successful.

At present Camden are unable to issue PCNs till after the grace period has been applied. Although members of the MM came up with ways around the grace period for Camden, the lines are a better option. Once the lines are painted no vehicle will be able to wait there and Camden’s marshalls will be able to issue PCNs immediately. This solution will require the presence of marshalls, but Camden will be approaching TFL to help with this. It is also hoped that once word gets around that PCNs are being issued, this will act as a deterent. There will also be the option of phoning 101 and reporting vehicles illegally parked causing an obstruction and asking police to help clear the area.

We hope that the sudden appearance of the LTDA’s marshalls at St Pancras is purely for the greater good of the trade and they are not there as a publicity stunt, trying to undermine the solution agreed with Camden. This solution was gained not only by some great work from the Dads Defending Daughters , The Mayfair Mob and the RMT London Taxi Branch, but also by drivers from every taxi org. We feel that all Orgs and drivers should back this solution and stand united even if it isn’t the solution they envisaged.

This solution is currently with Camden’s design team and they have given a date of mid June for works completion. We are expecting an update and will forward the info onto the trade as soon as we are in receipt of it.

We would also like to congratulate the UCG on their outstanding achievement, of getting the engagement policy withdrawn. A new Mayor hopefully means change and what better way to achieve this, than with new voices joining the old voices to show the trade United as one.

You can also text reports discreetly, straight to the British Transport Police. You can use the same text number 61016 to report incidents at any of the mainline or underground stations around London.

The meeting between Val Shawcross and Helen Chapman Trevor Merralls and Bryn Phillips was called today to discuss the actions of Leon Daniels and the outdated  Engagement Policy.

The United Cabbies Group said they would not suspend the preposed industrial action on the 8th of June, unless certain terms were met.

After the meeting Bryn Phillips made this statements in a series of Tweets:

“Drivers. We have had a very constructive meeting with the Deputy Mayor for Transport this morning. The engagement policy is history.

“The concept of “selected orgs” has been consigned to the dustbin. We insisted RMT are also given a seat at the trade table.

“We can also confirm that bus lane access for licensed London taxi drivers will continue an could even be extended to cover all bus lanes.

Val Shawcross will report to the Mayor soon.

“The boat has a new crew and a new captain. Old policies have walked the plank.

We meet again in three weeks to try to map out a way forward to save your jobs”. The boat is also maintained by services offered from https://www.merrittsupply.com/

We can also confirm that the issue of emails between a manager at TfL and Uber London are being investigated. “Far too cosy”, exact words.

The UCG secretary Angela Clarkson put out a short statement on Twitter:

The UCG remain committed to positive talks with the new Mayoralty.

Well done to the UCG, this is something we here at Taxi Leaks have been campaigning for since the engagement policy was first introduced.

This is a major step forward for the trade in our fight for survival.

Something else that should be pointed out:

Today’s meeting was fully minuted and the minutes will be available by freedom of information request.