Radio Taxis Group news

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged his full support to protect London's taxi industry

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Mayor of London Boris Johnson who was recently re-elected, has pledged his full support to protect the London taxi industry, which he describes as the best in the world and a valuable resource as part of Londons transport infrastructure

That Siobhan Benita was in my cab, you know she's the Independent candidate for Mayor of London - see video

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson bucks national trend narrowly beating Ken for London Mayor

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson bucked the National Trend, where Conservatives throughout the country were badly mauled in local elections by a resurgent Labour Party, to re-win the position of Mayor of London.

Many believe that Ken Livingstone scored a number of own goals by offending many of his natural supporters, which if he had not would, in all likelihood, have won the election for him.

In the end it wasn't Tory versus Labour it was Ken versus Boris and Boris makes Londoners smile.

Livingstone said in his post-election speech that Labour had done very well throughout the country under Ed Miliband and that this would now be his last political act, but he said that the result may well have sealed the next Conservative leadership election.

The results after second preference votes were counted :-

Johnson - 1,054,811 (82,880 from second preferences)

Livingstone - 992,273 (102,355 from second preferences)

Johnson - 51.53%

Livingstone - 48.47%

The Green party's Jenny Jones did well in 3^rd place as did the very impressive independent candidate Siobhan Benita. Brian Paddick suffered from the Liberals virtual national "wipe-out."

The far right BNP were humiliated and all but obliterated.

High Court rules Addison Lee restrained from drivers flouting the law driving in bus lanes Siobhan Benita comments

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

High Court rules that Addison Lee are restrained from encouraging drivers to flout the law by driving in bus lanes. Griffin has repeatedly and misleadingly said that his Private Hire vehicles do "taxi work" and thus are discriminated against .

However the "light touch" licensing laws which allow Private Hire (mini cab)drivers to carry the public after only a week of training are there because Private Hire must be pre arranged and may not immediately available for hire.

Whereas London taxis are all wheelchair accessable, have drivers who are trained for character, enyclopaedic knowledge of London and must drive purpose built public service taxi vehicles for easy recognition and they must be immediately avaiable for hire everywhere

In an interview which will soon be available Siobhan Benita also speaks out against Griffins actions.

Self-proclaimed "megalomaniac" Mini Cab boss John Griffin is encouraging his driver employees to flout the law making them liable to criminal prosecution by telling them to illegally use bus lanes.

In doing so, according to TfL, (London's licensing authority) he not only risks the drivers losing their own licenses but also Addison Lee's operating licence, which would effectively close them down as a business.

This is not the first time that Griffin has publicly said that legitimate laws of the land which he doesn't like don't apply to him.

Griffin has griped it's unfair that licensed taxis can use bus lanes and his Private Hire vehicles cannot.

All London Taxis by law, must be wheelchair accessible and must also be immediately available for hire on London's streets for both able bodied passengers and for those with disabilities.

Consequently Taxis, as part of London's transport infrastructure, as a prerequisite need to be able to pick up anywhere including in a bus lane.

Conversely Private Hire vehicles (Mini Cabs) may only respond to a location in answer to an advanced booking and can therefore pre-arrange a pick up point away from the bus lane. Most Private Hire vehicles are not wheelchair accessible.
Indeed enshrined in law is the statute that mini cabs must not be immediately available for hire and this reflects the huge differences in standard between mini cab drivers, many of whom have never driven on London's streets before gaining their licence through a simple application process and the iconic London taxi driver who spends years studying and learning London, passing rigorous tests of character, tests of driving and of London Knowledge in order to be able to respond immediately to passenger requests.

Mr Griffin mischievously describes his service as a "taxi service" again in law this is known as "passing off," which is means an unlawful attempt to mislead the public into believing his Private Hire service is the same or even a similar standard as a taxi service.

It is felt that the "publicity seeking" Griffin loves the limelight and the controversy that this latest piece of mischief has created.

However, rumours abound from Addison Lee insiders that influential managers of that business are hotly divided about the cavalier antics of their founder

Radio Taxis driver Russell Diamond pictures from my taxi

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Pictures by kind permission of Russell Diamond

Twitter #viewfrommycab @russellscab

Radio Taxis mobile App - Taxi Connect - exclusively for account customers - click here

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis account customers exclusively

Just click the icon from a "Smart Phone" to download our mobile booking App

I had that Ken Livingstone in the back of my cab - watch exclusive interview

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Ken Livingstone interviewed by Radio Taxis - CEO Geoffrey Riesel

Radio Taxis mobile App - Taxi Connect - exclusively for account customers - click here

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis account customers exclusively

Just click the icon from a "Smart Phone" to download our mobile booking App

Boris Johnson bucks national trend narrowly beating Ken for London Mayor

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson bucked the National Trend, where Conservatives throughout the country were badly mauled in local elections by a resurgent Labour Party, to re-win the position of Mayor of London.

Many believe that Ken Livingstone scored a number of own goals by offending many of his natural supporters, which if he had not would, in all likelihood, have won the election for him.

In the end it wasn't Tory versus Labour it was Ken versus Boris and Boris makes Londoners smile.

The results after second preference votes were counted :-

Johnson - 1,054,811 (82,880 from second preferences)

Livingstone - 992,273 (102,355 from second preferences)

Johnson - 51.53%

Livingstone - 48.47%

The Green party's Jenny Jones did well in 3^rd place as did the very impressive independent candidate Siobhan Benita. Brian Paddick suffered from the Liberals virtual national "wipe-out."

The far right BNP were humiliated and all but obliterated.

Radio Taxis wins against Addison Lee â€“ Addison Lee substantive complaints rejected

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis CarbonNeutral® status endorsed by Advertising Standards Authority

Not long after winning a major account we received a notification from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that the assertions which we make on our website in terms of our "Green" credentials as a company had been challenged by none other than Addison Lee.

It wasn't until sometime afterwards that we learned that after re- winning this major account again AL had asked them why RTG had been awarded the contract again? Among all of the reasons, which included, service, experience, knowledgeable drivers and a competitive price was also the fact that we have a CarbonNeutral® status and that we are a "green" company with a well-known and recognized socially responsible attitude.

Here are the issues and the ASA's judgements which AL complained about from Radio Taxis website.

Issue
Addison Lee Plc, believed the advert implied taxis were an environmentally friendly transport option, challenged whether the following claims were misleading:

1. "World's first Carbon Neutral taxi company", - ASA Result complaint not upheld ...Radio Taxis assertions are true.

2. "Why not reduce your own Carbon footprint by using Radio Taxis Group services" - ASA, Result complaint not upheld...Radio Taxis assertions are true.

3. "Radio Taxis operates a constant and on-going Carbon reduction strategy, then offsets the whole of the remainder, emitted during the delivery of our services" - ASA Result complaint not upheld- Radio Taxis assertions are true.

4 And "Constant renewal and upgrading of taxi fleet". On a minor technicality - only the final claim was upheld because although our records prove that around 15% of the fleet is renewed every year it might seem or be inferred that Radio Taxis owns the vehicles and of course we do not; our Licensed London taxi drivers are franchisees and either own their own vehicles or use a fleet owned vehicle. We agreed very early on with the ASA to slightly amend this statement so as to remove any unintentional misunderstanding - but it hardly amounts to a victory for Addison Lee.

http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2012/2/Radio-Taxis-Group-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_165026.aspx

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged his full support to protect London's taxi industry

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Britain kisses goodbye to mouth to mouth

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

British Heart Foundation: "Ignore kiss of life"

The British Heart Foundation is urging people to forget "mouth-to-mouth" and to concentrate on chest compressions when performing CPR.

A new advertising campaign featuring Vinnie Jones is promoting the use of "hands only" resuscitation.

It is a response to polling by the BHF which found many people were worried about giving the kiss of life with over half those questioned admitting they were put off because they lacked knowledge.

Four in 10 people were worried about being sued if they did something wrong, even though the BHF argues no such case has ever succeeded in Britain

Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse from the BHF said "The kiss of life can be daunting for untrained bystanders who want to help when someone has collapsed with a cardiac arrest."

The advert has as its soundtrack Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees which has been suggested as a tune for would be life savers to hum to get the tempo of chest compressions. Others have suggested this may lead to the compressions being too shallow.

Vinnie Jones, now an actor after a successful football career, said "Hands only CPR should give have-a-go heroes the confidence to step in when somebody is in cardiac arrest."

Around thirty thousand people have a cardiac arrest each year in the UK and half of those are witnessed.

"In most of these cases no one acts and people panic," said Ms Mason "If it was us, we would all want our loved ones and ourselves to be saved, wouldn't we?"

For more information please go to http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/life-saving-skills/hands-only-cpr.aspx

TfL and the Mayor of London says do not use an illegal mini cab - click to view

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Be safe be sure only use a licensed taxi

phone Radio Taxis 020 7272 0272 or book online

91.2% of Radio Taxis drivers will work during the Olympics

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Londons best taxi company, Radio Taxis will be working in the Summer of 2012

Amid claims and counter claims about the London taxi industry and further to reports that taxi drivers will not be working during London's 2012 Summer Olympics, Radio Taxis decided to poll its 2,500 strong taxi fleet.

Around 27% of the fleet responded to the (online) survey (a poll of more than 100 is usually sufficient for a meaningful conclusion) and of the 675 drivers who responded 91.2% said they would work and only 8.8% said they would not.

This flies in the face of reports in the media about "grumpy cab drivers" who "won't work because of being excluded from the ORN lanes."

Radio Taxis Chairman and CEO Geoffrey Riesel said, "I am very proud of my drivers. Radio drivers have always been the most committed in the industry."

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24020726-90-per-cent-of-cabbies-will-work-during-the-olympics.do

London taxidriver publishes book of passengers favourite quotes and sayings

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Evening Standard reported on a cab driver who asked passengers for their favourite quotes and proverbs, and with them has published a book with 400 of the best.

The book, "Black Cab Wisdom'' written by Mark Solomon, is undergoing a 10,000-copy reprint after the first 5,000 sold out.

Solomon said he started writing down passengers' favourite quotes on scrap paper but then he started leaving a clipboard in the back of the cab. Solomon has been driving for 12 years. "Cab driving itself has restored my faith in London,'' he said.

"There are so many good people out there. They may have done a 12-hour demanding day but they're still prepared to give me the time of day."

Radio Taxis mobile App - Taxi Connect - exclusively for account customers - click here

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis account customers exclusively

Just click the icon from a "Smart Phone" to download our mobile booking App

Fourth year in succession: Survey - London Taxis are best in the world - Hotels.com

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

London's famous and iconic black cabs have been voted yet again the world's best taxis.

Almost 5,000 world-wide visitors and tourists from around 23 countries were surveyed by Hotels.com, with London's taxis along with their knowledgeable drivers coming out ahead of everyone including New York's yellow cabs.

London was top in five of the seven categories voted on, including safety, friendliness, cleanliness, quality of driving and knowledge of the area.

Although Bangkok's cabs offered the best value for money, in the survey, at the same time their drivers were also voted as being the very worst in the world.

Radio Taxis Group declared 4th out of seven most environmental transport companies in the world

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Click the link below to see the article online

http://mashable.com/2011/06/06/ecofriendly-company-transportation/#147694-Radio-Taxis-Carbon-Neutral-Cars

I had that Ken Livingstone in the back of my cab - watch exclusive interview

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Ken Livingstone interviewed by Radio Taxis - CEO Geoffrey Riesel

London taxidrivers have bigger brains - says study

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study shows that the structure of a London taxi driver's brain changes while they are studying for The Knowledge.

Dozens of trainee drivers had MRI scans before and after they memorized hundreds of journeys and street names.

The University College London team found brain parts linked to memory grew bigger and said it proved the brain could adapt to new tasks, even in adulthood. Compared with similar scans from non-taxi drivers, those who had attempted the Knowledge had increased the size of the posterior hippocampus - the rear section of the hippocampus which lies at the front of the brain.

We have seen similar studies come out in the past, and they always receive significant press attention. This week, there were articles on the BBC, in the Mirror and U.S. News and World Report.

Radio Taxis mobile App - Taxi Connect - exclusively for account customers - click here

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis account customers exclusively

Just click the icon from a "Smart Phone" to download our mobile booking App

Planned tube strike Tuesday 24th 4pm - Thursday 26th 4pm click here to book a cab or for information

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

TfL say that although there will be a strike from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday afternoon as it is maintenance workers (RMT) they expect a normal service

Click here to book a cab online http://www.radiotaxis.co.uk/book-london-cab-online/

To read TfL information click http://bit.ly/4r8f1R

Radio Taxis and Action for Kids - Lord Mayors Show - CIty of London Nov 2011

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis and Action for Kids

Lord Mayors Show - CIty of London Nov 2011

Research reveals: London and New York 'will remain world's top cities'

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

London came out top of the tree in three of the four categories that were applied to assess the world's cities and London was described as the 'top city for investment'

Both London and New York will endure as the most important world cities for affluent people over the next ten years, research implies.

However, the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai are seen by the rich as the most important up-and-coming cities.

The "Wealth Report" was compiled by Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank and their research also observed the "relentless shift" in wealth towards the Asia Pacific.

The report also calculated that the number of people worth £63m ($100m) would grow by 40% by 2016.

London was classified top in three of the four classifications on which the world's cities were judged in the report and they were quality of life, knowledge and influence, and economic power.

Washington DC came top in the last category which was of political power, London coming second in that area.

Monaco continues to be the most expensive residential location, with a square metre valued at about £37k, followed by Cap Ferrat, London and Hong Kong.

The survey epitomizes the attitudes of more than 4,000 wealthy people worth an average of more than $100m.

Radio Taxis wins against Addison Lee complaint to ASA - substantive complaints rejected

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis CarbonNeutral® status endorsed by Advertising Standards Authority

It wasn't until sometime afterwards that we learned that after re- winning this large account again, why RTG had been awarded the contract once more? Among all of the reasons, which included, service, experience, knowledgeable drivers and a competitive price was also the fact that we have a CarbonNeutral® status and that we are a "green" company with a well-known and recognized socially responsible attitude.

Here are the issues and the ASA's judgements which AL complained about from Radio Taxis website.

http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2012/2/Radio-Taxis-Group-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_165026.aspx

Radio Taxis wins against Addison Lee complaint to ASA - substantive complaints rejected

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis CarbonNeutral® status endorsed by Advertising Standards Authority

Here are the issues and the ASA's judgements which AL complained about from Radio Taxis website.

http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2012/2/Radio-Taxis-Group-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_165026.aspx

TfL and the Mayor of London says do not use an illegal mini cab - click to view

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Be safe be sure only use a licensed taxi

phone Radio Taxis 020 7272 0272 or book online

Boris Johnson bucks national trend narrowly beating Ken for London Mayor

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson bucked the National Trend, where Conservatives throughout the country were badly mauled in local elections by a resurgent Labour Party, to re-win the position of Mayor of London.

Many believe that Ken Livingstone scored a number of own goals by offending many of his natural supporters, which if he had not would, in all likelihood, have won the election for him.

In the end it wasn't Tory versus Labour it was Ken versus Boris and Boris makes Londoners smile.

The results after second preference votes were counted :-

Johnson - 1,054,811 (82,880 from second preferences)

Livingstone - 992,273 (102,355 from second preferences)

Johnson - 51.53%

Livingstone - 48.47%

The Green party's Jenny Jones did well in 3^rd place as did the very impressive independent candidate Siobhan Benita. Brian Paddick suffered from the Liberals virtual national "wipe-out."

The far right BNP were humiliated and all but obliterated.

91.2% of Radio Taxis drivers will work during the Olympics

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Londons best taxi company, Radio Taxis will be working in the Summer of 2012

This flies in the face of reports in the media about "grumpy cab drivers" who "won't work because of being excluded from the ORN lanes."

Radio Taxis Chairman and CEO Geoffrey Riesel said, "I am very proud of my drivers. Radio drivers have always been the most committed in the industry."

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24020726-90-per-cent-of-cabbies-will-work-during-the-olympics.do

Radio Taxis and Action for Kids - Lord Mayors Show - CIty of London Nov 2011

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis and Action for Kids

Lord Mayors Show - CIty of London Nov 2011

2012 Olympic travel disruption:RTG Chairman speaks out

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Radio Taxis Group Chairman

Geoffrey Riesel writes about potential Olympic 2012 travel disruption in the London Chamber of Commerce magazine "London Business Matters"

click picture link to read

London taxidrivers have bigger brains - says study

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study shows that the structure of a London taxi driver's brain changes while they are studying for The Knowledge.

Dozens of trainee drivers had MRI scans before and after they memorized hundreds of journeys and street names.

We have seen similar studies come out in the past, and they always receive significant press attention. This week, there were articles on the BBC, in the Mirror and U.S. News and World Report.

Radio Taxis Group declared 4th out of seven most environmental transport companies in the world

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Click the link below to see the article online

http://mashable.com/2011/06/06/ecofriendly-company-transportation/#147694-Radio-Taxis-Carbon-Neutral-Cars

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged his full support to protect London's taxi industry

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I had that Ken Livingstone in the back of my cab - watch exclusive interview

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Ken Livingstone interviewed by Radio Taxis - CEO Geoffrey Riesel

Read Radio Taxis Group Spring 2011 account client newsletter - click here

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Read Radio Taxis Group Spring 2011 account client newsletter - click here

Radio Taxis driver Russell Diamond pictures from my taxi

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Pictures by kind permission of Russell Diamond

Twitter #viewfrommycab @russellscab

Radio Taxis interviewed by the CBI as an example of best practice for Carbon reduction in business

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Radio Taxis Group is the first Carbon Neutral taxi company in the world providing Carbon Neutral services

As well as offsetting all of RTG's carbon footprint, continual reductions are made in carbon output

Geoffrey Riesel RTG Chairman & CEO speaks to the CBI www.cbi.org.uk

TfL and the Mayor of London says do not use an illegal mini cab - click to view

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Be safe be sure only use a licensed taxi

phone Radio Taxis 020 7272 0272 or book online

Addison Lee boss John Griffin tells employees â€“ flout the law

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100