Sir, The increase in taxi and minicab use (report and Thunderer, Aug 26) is to be welcomed in reducing car use. However, compared with other modes of public transport, the lack of training and regulation — especially within the private hire industry — is a scandal. In spite of valiant efforts by some local authorities, criminal record checks are inadequate, training in customer care is non-existent, there are no restrictions on a driver’s hours, no English language test, and disabled passengers constantly experience discrimination. It’s time to bring the trade into the 21st century. Meanwhile, though, caveat emptor.
Kris Beuret
Chairwoman, National Association of Taxi Users
Sir, Ross Clark fails to acknowledge that the licensed black taxi is part of Transport for London’s transport infrastructure: TfL governs and regulates black cabs. Fares, vehicles and driver numbers are all controlled by TfL, not by market forces.
Competition is beneficial in any market, but London’s black cab drivers are being left high and dry: they are effectively tied to the costs/fares and regulations outlined by TfL while a layer of providers not subject to those conditions and costs has been allowed into the market.
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If the current situation is allowed to prevail, it will not be long before black cabs disappear from London streets.
David Mason
Licenced black cab driver, Sevenoaks, Kent