Taxi Driver Online

Cabbies' fury as minister claims they go slowly on purpose to boost fares

A transport minister sparked a storm among black cab drivers today by suggesting some trundle along slowly to rack up fares. Cycling minister Norman Baker's quip was met with anger at the taxi rank. Cab meters add a charge based on time when the speed falls below 10.4mph.

Appearing at the Commons transport committee, the Liberal Democrat was highlighting how his department was seeking to axe unnecessary and ancient legislation.

He told MPs: "I think there is an offence of furious driving which only applies to taxi drivers because they used to be Hackney Carriage drivers, from about 1847.

"I must admit I have not seen any taxi drivers driving furiously; they drive rather slowly in my experience, to keep the clock ticking over." He later told the Standard: "It was a light-hearted comment which I think some people will see a grain of truth in." He also stressed many cabbies would struggle to go faster because of congestion.

But Steve McNamara, spokesman for the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, which represents 10,000 drivers, said: "Sometimes they say it's best to keep your mouth shut in case people think you are stupid rather than open it and confirm their belief. It's not just scandalous, it's slanderous.

"I might only be a taxi driver but I'd be embarrassed to have to tell people, 'I'm the minister for cycling.' He will be riding everywhere in future because no cab driver will pick him up."

He insisted drivers made their best money by distance travelled rather than by time.

_________________
IDFIMH

That would be why they take the tourist route then.

_________________
Grandad,

Baker just showed himself up to be an arse.

Much in keeping with other previous transport ministers.

If you could manage more than 10mph in central London you would be doing well, thanks to many useless transport schemes which have caused gridlock around British cities.

Perhaps he could solve some of those problems first?

But I do look forward to the day I see him waving for a cab at the side of the road.

Whilst on the subject of useless overpaid clowns, here's one on 'our' (alledged) boss, head of TFL, Peter Bendy.

http://theandersonshelter.blogspot.com/ ... esman.html

Taken from the Andersonshelter Website.

So how are the cabs supposed to drive at above 10mph when the roads are permanently gridlocked ?

Thats one place I ALWAYS quote higher prices for because i know its going to be an absolute nightmare I've got a load of women booked to a take that concert at Wembley on the 8th July god knows what thats going to be like getting into there !They want to be guaranteed arrival at 17.00 when the gates open

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

That should be a real Clutch Burner.............