Source: London24
Black taxi drivers and London transport bosses are still at loggerheads over ‘Soviet style’ traffic lanes reserved for Olympic grandees at the London 2012 Games.
But cabbies’ group the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has told London24.com that 9,000 black cab drivers do not plan to blockade London in protest at restrictions they fear will ramp up fares and drive away customers.
That is in contrast to previous warnings.
More than 36 miles of road in the city will be only for athletes and VIPs to get to and from venues.
Occupying only one lane on stretches of dual carriageway, cabs will be banned from turning across the special lanes in order to reach destinations, such as the West End from Euston Road.
But such worries are seriously misplaced believes Transport for London (TfL). The impact of its 109 mile-long Olympic Route Network on the trade has been exageratted, insisted TfL. It has labelled an “opportunity” the Games to hire-taxis.
How both sides can proceed beyond their entrenched positions is the question.
LTDA spokesman Steve McNamara told London24: “We are certainly angry. We are worried and our response will be proportionate, whatever our members feel is proportionate. But we do not want to blockade London.
“They are putting in Russian-style lanes in central London, which we accept are needed, but we need some common sense.
“There is no turning across those lanes, but surely it cannot be beyond the realms of possibility to have a traffic policeman on key junctions so you can turn across those lanes.
“Ninety per cent of our business is Londoners, so if lots of them to stay out of the city for the duration of the Games, then we could be between 20 and 30 per cent out of pocket.
Defending the Olympic route network, a TfL spokeswoman said:“The Olympic Route Network is vital to ensure that all athletes, officials and media get to their Games events on time and to help keep London moving.
“We are determined to ensure that the ORN is implemented and operated with the minimum impact on London. The routes will operate from just a few days before the Games begin and will only be used when necessary. The vast majority of the ORN will remain open to general traffic, including taxis.
“We appreciate there will be an impact on taxi drivers and that is why there has been extensive engagement with the Taxi and Private Hire trades about the ORN.
“This engagement began in September 2009, ahead of the public consultation which itself began more than a year out from the Games. TfL is currently working on information for all Taxi and Private Hire drivers which will cover the ORN and the Games in detail ensuring drivers can make the most of the opportunity the Games offer.”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I have heard about this lane that will only be open to Addison Lee minicab drivers for our VIP’s to get to the olympics. What on earth is the matter with our professional Black Taxi’s having this privilege after all we are the professionals and will be able to get them to their destination faster without exorbitant costs after all we are termed London Transport, and have trained to be professionals. However respectable Addison Lee portrays itself, they are after all only mini cab drivers.
Thank you.
This kind of quarrel was bound to ensue with such a massive event. I’m a cabbie and although it will be frustrating the Olympics is going to give the country a big boost it is a great honour to hold the event and the tourists money is much needed. The event has a strict timetable and it needs to run smoothly otherwise world’s medi is going to think we are incompetent. Whatever happens it’s going to be chaos, London is already too busy.
Thanks for the info. You write such a wonderful blog.