It has been bought to our attention that there is a massive loop hole in the suburban consultation review (online survey).
Individual drivers or certain groups (serving a particular agenda) are currently able to submit multiple responses, rendering any result flawed.
By not submitting an email address it is possible to submit multiple responses using a false name, which I have done on multiple occasions, leaving a neutral response, remembering to clear cookie data after each attempt. On each occasion I have been sent back a different ID in reference.
Your response ID is ANON-BW95-BCRD-2.
Your response ID is ANON-BW95-BCG9-C.
Your response ID is ANON-BW95-BC9W-V.
Your response ID is ANON-BW95-BC9S-R.
We have had reports that certain groups of drivers have been sitting in cab shelters and cafés with iPads and smart phones, encouraging other drivers to make multiple entries.
This can't be justified under any circumstances.
It has to be one badge, one vote. Responses to a consultation, have to be seen as fair and aboveboard, otherwise any result would be corrupt.
I therefore suggest, all representative trade organisations urgently contact TfL and demand the review response be withdrawn, until the loophole has been rectified.
I have written to my trade representatives and have asked them to submit a complaint to TfL on my behalf and that of our members. I strongly urge every driver to do the same.
In its present form, it is a massive threat to the knowledge of London and the working practices of the licensed taxi driver for both suburban and all London Drivers.
Typical incompetence again, on the part of TfL.
Any published results could legally be challenged in its present form and would be a complete waste of our licence fee budget, which could have been put to better use (new ranks, enforcement etc.).
It's like the Private Hire Licensing Act all over again!
An act that was and still is, brimming full of loop holes.
An act signed off by our main representative groups at that time, who obviously hadn't taken the content of the act too seriously, which since has had dire consequences, devastating the Licensed Taxi industry over the last decade.
QUESTIONS THAT REALLY NEED ANSWERS:
Why have TfL put this consultation on-line?
Why wasn't the consultation response request posted to each licensee?
Why wasn't the consultation about the Cabbies Cabinet put on-line?
Does TfL know the loop hole exists?
We will of course offere TfL the space on this blog to answer the above questions