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Mayor goes to war on cabbies

by Hugh Muir

Ken Livingstone is set on a collision course with London's cabbies over reforms which sweep away the historic six-mile rule which allows drivers of black cabs to pick and choose which passengers to take.

'The six mile rule is basically good sense' - Bob Oddy

Under the Mayor's new regulations cabbies who stop for hire will be obliged to take passengers wherever they want to go in Greater London. The Mayor is writing directly to all London's 23,000 licensed drivers to tell them of his plans to scrap the rule, which dates back to the 19th century when taxis were horse-drawn.

He will also tell them of his plans to change the face of London's taxi trade by urging more women and people from ethnic minorities to become cabbies.

The taxi drivers' exam The Knowledge will also be reviewed. Mr Livingstone says the world famous test must remain rigorous but that the process should be conducted more efficiently, perhaps by using more new technology.

His package of reforms has already triggered fierce opposition. Last night Bob Oddy, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) condemned plans to change the six-mile rule. "We feel very strongly about this," he said. "If a driver has done a long hard day we think it is unreasonable that someone can insist he drive a 30-mile journey across London. It would be unsafe. The six-mile rule is basically good sense."

'If a driver has done a long hard day we think it is unreasonabnle that someone can insist he drive a 30-mile journey across London' - Bob Oddy

Scrapping the rule would reduce the number of taxis, he said. "Rather than get caught on a long journey, a driver near the end of a shift will simply turn off the lights and make themselves unavailable." Mr Livingstone, however, is convinced changes are necessary. "Black cabs should take people anywhere they want to go in London," he said. The changes include an increase in the evening and night tariff.

Drivers benefited a fortnight ago from a fares increase of 5.5 per cent - adding 55p to a £10 trip - but they want an increase in the 90p surcharge they levy after midnight.

The Mayor has agreed fares must go up because he is keen to see more taxis on the streets, especially in the evenings.

He says taxis have a bright future because his congestion charge and the expansion of the Taxicard scheme will bring them more work.

His review of The Knowledge will address concerns that women and ethnic minorities are under-represented.

The Mayor has called the trade an "almost universal white male club". One theory is that candidates are failing the interview, which is designed to assess the suitability of those taking The Knowledge.

Mr Oddy said LTDA members won't oppose a call for more ethnic minority and women but added: "There has never been any restriction. It is a figment of Ken's imagination that there are no black or female drivers." The sides may also clash over the Mayor's belief that licensing fees - static for a number of years - should be increased. Less contentious will be talks on emissions, taxi ranks, and policing of minicabs.

Drivers in the Transport and General Workers Union say they await more details. Spokesman Pete Kavanagh said: "Ken has mentioned them in passing but we need to consider the whole package."