For those new to CabbieBlog or readers who are slightly forgetful, on Saturdays I’m republishing posts, many going back over a decade. Some will still be very relevant while others have become dated over time. Just think of this post as your weekend paper supplement.

Code of Conduct (22.05.12)

The first Highway Code was published in 1931 and as it was just 18 pages long the publication only cost 1d, on its first page the Ministry of Transport stated that its primary aim was to promote:

‘good manners for all courteous and considerate persons’

In my world when drivers are meaner and ruder re-examining this little antiquated gem of a book shows one how driving standards have declined.

Its first piece of advice stated:

‘As a responsible citizen, you have a duty to the community not to endanger or impede others in their lawful use of the King’s Highway.’

In London nowadays every BMW driver before starting his car should be required by law to recite this piece of sage advice found between its covers:

‘Never take a risk in the hope or expectation that everyone else will do what is necessary to avoid the consequences of your rashness.’

The latest habit of sounding your horn when traffic lights are changing is more akin to Beirut than genteel London town and The Men from The Ministry must have anticipated this trend when they gave this recommendation:

‘Remember that your horn is intended to be used as a warning and an indication, if needed, of your presence on the road’

Stating sternly:

‘It should not be used as a threat . . . [motor horns] should never be used to show annoyance or impatience.’

Sometimes I feel that I’m a roaming tourist information centre, so often am I asked for directions. But could it be they are just taking the advice given in The Highway Code:

‘Do not pull up alongside a constable on point duty in order to ask him a question which other people could answer. His full attention is required for his duties.’

Even Boris Bikes have been anticipated, the pamphlet opined:

‘Do not wobble about the road but ride as steadily as possible . . .

If you fall, you may be run over.’

Or the rather patronising:

‘Beware of high winds when on your bike, especially when wearing a cape.’

As for rickshaws:

‘You must not ride furiously so as to endanger life or limb.’

This Penny Dreadful seems to have achieved its purpose. When it was introduced in response to the high number of deaths on Britain’s roads, 7,000 a year were being killed despite there only being 2.3 million vehicles – a figure not helped by there being no compulsory driving test. Today with more than 30 million vehicles on Britain’s roads fatalities are closer to 2,000.

For those new to CabbieBlog or readers who are slightly forgetful, on Saturdays I’m republishing posts, many going back over a decade. Some will still be very relevant while others have become dated over time. Just think of this post as your weekend paper supplement.

The cabbies’ nemesis? (18.05.12)

According to a London Chamber of Commerce report around 3.2 million people take taxis and minicabs in London each week, even if each fare averages only £10, that means total annual revenues are in excess of £1.6bn, with a windfall to come with the Olympics in a little over two months’ time. Where should a Londoner’s cab-riding loyalties lie – with Black Cabs or private hire including Addison Lee?

Well as any service industry, it should be with one that provides the service you require at a price you are willing to pay, and in this John Griffin Addison Lee’s Chairman has a good business model.

By taking on low-skilled drivers, with many who are recent arrivals to our shores, and providing a complete package: vehicle, uniform, SatNavs, vehicle cleaning and phone, he has no shortage of takers. But many find working the long hours needed to make a decent living too much and leave after the first year.

Their enthusiasm sometimes stems from the novelty of having a job. A lady once told me of an African Addison Lee driver carrying her suitcase full of books up six flights of stairs balanced on his head.

Griffin has form when encouraging his gullible drivers to break the law. He declared that they should drive up the M4 bus lane. As traffic enforcement on motorways is the responsibility of the police, quite naturally they had more important things to do than catch Griffin’s miscreants. Eventually, the bus lane was scrapped and Addison Lee got their way.

The same seems to apply to Paddington Station’s new entrance. The signage clearly states no vehicles except taxis – and yes you’ve guessed it – Addison Lee seems to be exempt while all other private hire vehicles are excluded.

As a London Black Cab driver of over 15 years, I’ve seen our customer base diminish year on year.

When our only competition was a rusty Datsun with an aerial affixed to the roof by means of a magnet, Black Cab drivers would frequently decline jobs. “It’s not on my way home”, “I’m not going South of The River”, “Sorry Luv, I’m not going there”, “That suitcase looks heavy”. The excuses were endless.

It’s hardly surprising then that London Cab usage has declined when some of my colleagues felt their wishes came before their customer’s reasonable requests.

The younger London cabbies are more professional, with newer vehicles on the road and with a plethora of apps available from established radio circuits as well as independent developers we are starting to take back work.

You might not want John Griffin to run TfL but it has taken a maverick like him to shake the cab trade out of its complacency.

Where should a Londoner’s cab-riding loyalties lie? I would suggest dear punter that it’s you who is in the driving seat and not the other way round.