The following story can be found in its origional context here:
http://www.thelondondailynews.com/black-cabbie-talk-c-23_141.html?osCsid=8ke5i6oqjp7pvajdfbbcnqtqj0

By John Kennedy

We have made it to the summer recess of parliament and at this moment in time the London Local authorities and Transport for London (no.2) Bill hasn’t received a third reading in the House of Lords and therefore it passage has been slowed down. Now with the spectre of a general election looming in May 2010 latest June this piece of legislation may not make it through both chambers and become law. Now you would think this was good news well I’m sorry it is not for subscribers to the London taxi forum and Ltcpr have recently received a few emails where yet again Westminster City Council seem to be of the opinion that they will go ahead with a “voluntary scheme of registration” if this bill fails to become law.

I really do find it odd that it appears some in local government are so desperate to place “ranks” on the public highway for objects that have never been tested by the department of transport for their suitability in carrying fare paying passengers. It appears the health & safety culture of the speed hump brigade as disappeared overnight and might I add this isn’t helped when two taxi trade organisations (LTDA and UNITE) have decided not to object to this bill but pronounce to the trade they wish to seek a ban ? Please could the LTDA and UNITE explain how will they be able to progress with the campaign to ban pedicabs when they will have demonstrated to parliament and the public that they were happy for up to “30 bays/ranks” to placed on the public highway and a voluntary registration scheme to be introduced which will merely further legitimise the pedicab operation here in the capital. I will say this now that the good work of the LTDA in the past will be undone if this scheme comes into operation. This scheme may well come into operation if bodies like the LTDA and UNITE stand back and give up work and rank space to a 3rd World mode of transport that deserves no place here on the capitals roads. Place the pedicabs in the parks where they belong out of harm’s way and danger, the public highway is not a funfair and members of London’s assembly who have in the past commented on the fun aspect of a pedicab ride do their office no justice by ducking the very important issue of road safety, the 3rd Way is the only Way.

Now I have kept a close look at the progress of this bill and for those of you who have subscribed to Ltcpr be assured that we shall oppose this bill at every twist and turn through the Lords and the Commons. We have petitions ready and waiting for the trigger of the 3rd reading in the Lords and we shall try over the summer recess to garner support from members of the Upper house and challenge certain clauses and aspects of this bill on its 3rd reading.

Pedicabs are dangerous, Pedicabs are a rip-off, Pedicabs are not green, Pedicabs are not wheelchair accessible nor guide dog friendly, Pedicab ranks will lead to mini-cab ranks, Pedicabs are stealing work from the mouths of your family, Pedicabs have no legitimate role to play in surface transport within the capital, Pedicabs have show up some within the political establishment for what they are, Pedicabs should be banned from the public highway. So ask yourself this question what are you or your trade organisation doing to protect your livelihood and future?

John Kennedy founder of Ltcpr and member of the RMT London taxi branch…PS RMT London taxi branch have swung into action and moves are afoot to support its members in opposition to this bill before parliament, no to clause 19…!