Taxi Driver Online

Ease up on taxis, Boris told—hop on a bus instead

02 April 2009
By Mike Brooke

BORIS Johnson shouldn’t use so many taxis to nip around town—but should hop on a bus or use the Underground.

The Mayor, after all, heads London’s public transport authority.

He got a clear message today from City Hall financial watchdogs to ease up on the cabs.

MIFFED

The watchdogs are a bit miffed that some London Assembly members slug it out on crowded buses and trains to get to City Hall, while Boris is being driven in at taxpayers’ expense.

“We’re aggrieved that legitimate expense claims can be undermined in the public eye, while spending on taxis remains high,” said the chair of the Greater London Authority’s audit panel Navin Shah.

“I am deeply unconvinced the supposed need for a taxi ever outweighs the potential damage done to the reputation of City Hall that, after all, runs London’s public transport.”

TRANSPARENTLY OBVIOUS

Expense accounts for Boris and other Assembly members should be more open, the audit panel said at its meeting today (Thursday).

The panel has asked for all expense claims over £1,000 to be itemised in detail, showing exactly what the cash was splashed on.

All claims on public funds, they insist, must be justified—and seen by the public to be justified.

Boris spent £1,500 on taxis between November and January, but nowadays is often seen peddling his push-bike around town.

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

He can't be that hard up he is working as a pedicab tout.

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IDFIMH