Most of the regular readers of this blog will have heard of the group of night drivers who call themselves "The Mayfair Mob"
This group has taken direct action to a knew level by physically clawing back a number of ranks that had previously been overwhelmed by regular touts. Modelling themselves on the old "TaG hit Squad", they literally went out and took back the ranks, using Twitter and social media to make sure that as people left certain venues, they were greeted by the sight of a row of orange Taxi lights.
The group's actions proved so successful, they have now up'd their game and expanded by adding the "Shoreditch Mob" to their numbers.
After talking to drivers, nightclub owner and huge supporter of black cabs Peter Stringfellow, arranged a meeting at his flagship London nightclub with deputy mayor Isabel Dedring, who also bought along TfLs head of on-street enforcement, Steve Burton.
Peter personally greeted the cabbies and wisely used the time before the special guests arrived in debate, making sure the time available was put to the best use.
The main bone of contention (which Peter agrees with) is the woeful lack of on-street enforcement which has allowed touting to run completely out of control. TfL top officers recently experienced first hand, the level of touting outside venues, as they were touted while accompanying compliance officers engaged in operation neon.
This new highly visible presence from TfL's compliance teams, has made a difference outside venues such as Hakkasan, Nobu, Novikov, Mahiki and the Arts Club. Touts moved on are replaced by Licensed Taxis and every week the group's numbers expand as more drivers get involved.
Unfortunately, as the compliance teams themselves move on, the touts come back. Many drivers feel the operation would achieve better results using covert tactics with undercover warranted enforcement officers.
At present, when touts are moved on, they just go round to another venue, re-form illegal ranks and continue to tout. Perhaps enforcement teams could be given the authority to remove the roundels from persistent offenders. It was also bought to the deputy mayor's attention that Police officers need a better understanding of Hackney carriage laws.
Another problem discussed was the poor marking of shared rank spaces.
Although recently post signage has been improved, road markings need to define a clear area for rank spaces.
The deputy mayor said she was agreeable to meet with senior borough transport officers to try to arrange a suitable solution.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg, the main problem with touting is London wide.
The meeting proceeded in a professional manner with drivers putting forward their grievances. Isabel and Steve seemed to take onboard the complaints put forward, with both taking notes.
The Uber situation sidetracked the meeting for a short period, understandably as the implications of unlimited licenses being granted at an unprecedented rate is a serious factor. But Uber is a problem best handled by the representative orgs, who are better placed dealing with the politics behind the Uber issues.
The Mayfair/Shoreditch Mob's main concern is with on-street touting and in that respect, there was some good news from Steve Burton who said, he could see no objection to operation neon to be ongoing for the foreseeable future.
It was felt by all attendees, the meeting went well.
Peter, Isabel and Steve graciously agreed to a followup meeting, to take place in a couple of months time, to discuss results from any measures which may be put in place to improve the situation.
On behalf of all the drivers of the Mayfair and Shoreditch Mobs, I would like to thank Peter Stingfellow for his support and also for the time he took out of his busy schedule, to make this meeting possible.
