In the latest edition of the badge, it appears the LCDC and Unite were stunned to find out about a secret, unminuted private meeting, TfLTPH had with LTDA vice general secretary Bob Oddy, where Bob was allegedly shown a presentation about the structural changes about to take place at LTPH.
Mr Oddy vigorously denied the claim that he’d been given a full briefing and insisted that he was only shown a brief outline of all the proposals. Apparently, his main concern was that the KOL was not affected in any changes. But Mr. Emmerson said he had seen the presentation given to Mr. Oddy and claimed it to included a slide show outlining the recommendations of the Deloitte review, in regard to compliance and policy.
Deloitte's, an outside consultancy have made recommendations about changes to compliance and TfL policy???
It's amazing that LTPH refer to Bob Oddy as the Mayor’s chosen representative of the Taxi Industry on TFL and yet Mr Oddy strenuously denies this claim. I'm in possession of an email and letter, from Mr Oddy's personal solicitors stating that he is no such thing. The letter, is marked in big bold print, "not for publication", another secret kept from the trade perhaps?
Just who IS representing the trade at top level?
- LTPH, after serving its purpose, is now to be dismantled.
- No minutes taken at secret meetings between UTG and TfL.
- No published minutes from joint rank committee meetings with LTPH
- Law Commission draft bill was not presented. This means its straight into main bill, with a guillotine it will become an act.
- VOSA, pre-empts Law Commissions aim to create a national standard for Private Hire and Taxi licensing by merging with the Driving Standards Agency and forming DVSA in advance of a Law Commission submission.
Let's look at the evidence.
1. The Licensed Taxi industry, for the very first time in its history, will no longer enjoy a separate status from other modes of transport. Bundled in with dial a ride, Boris bikes and post Law Commission, possibly licensed Richshaw Bikes.
2. No formal consultation has been carried out with the Licensed trade organisations, with a TFL boss stating..."There is no requirement for us to formally consult”, inveritably rendering the engagement impotent.
3. TFL has claimed it gave a full presentation to the taxi industry, but in a private unminuted meeting on the 23rd April this year. LTDA Vice general secretary has vigorously denied this claim. Someone is not telling the truth.
4. Steve Burton, is now the Director of Enforcement & On Street Operations, which includes the new taxi compliance department. Unfortunately for the licensed taxi trade, he was a main instigator for the introduction of the cab trade’s nemesis the “Satellite Office” and actually won an award for the Safer Travel at Night Scheme.