A High Court ruling under European free trade laws could have wide-ranging implications for the black cab trade in London. 

For decades the old-fashioned ‘turning-circle’ has helped preserve a virtual monopoly for Coventry-based cab maker London Taxis International (LTI).  However the new court judgement opens the way for cabbies in cities like Liverpool, Manchester and London to enjoy a wider choice of vehicles for operators and passengers.

In a case brought against Liverpool City Council, Mr. Justice Blake found that the turning circle requirement infringes European law on the free movement of goods, by restricting the use and sale of Cab Direct’s E7 black cab in what would otherwise be a significant UK market.  Purpose-built by Cab Direct in conjunction with Peugeot the E7 cab is already sold across 95% of the UK’s licensing authorities. 

Quashed

Mr Justice Blake found that the restriction on use of the E7 taxi is contrary to Article 28 of the European Community Treaty, as well as finding that the Council had acted contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  Given that the E7 operates successfully across most of the UK without difficulty, the restriction was not justified on safety grounds.  Blake J. ordered that Liverpool’s decision be quashed, that the Council reconsider licensing the E7 taxi in the light of the Judge’s findings on the law, and that it pay Cab Direct’s legal costs. 

Legal experts now expect that the few remaining licensing authorities that still apply ‘London conditions’ will need to review their own taxi licensing policies and practices, in light of the ongoing discrimination under both UK and EU law highlighted by the Liverpool judgement.

The High Court ruling – which now looks set to sweep away the turning circle requirement for good – also provides a further headache for already hard-pressed LTI.  It was noticeable that a senior LTI advisor was present throughout the court hearing and was seen to be actively briefing Liverpool City Council’s legal team, despite the fact the case had no impact on the licensing of LTI’s cab.

Over the past nine years Cab Direct has fought successfully for the right to sell its cabs across most of the UK.  Earlier this year Nottingham became the latest major conurbation to welcome the E7, joining the likes of Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton, Portsmouth, Belfast and Glasgow. 

Cab Direct finally gained access to the UK’s second largest black cab market, Edinburgh, in 2006 and last year outsold LTI, taking 58% of the new cab market in the Scottish capital.  The potential implications of a similar outcome in London, which represents more than 70% of LTI’s business, are self-evident.

Discrimination

In addition to improving choice and competition for the taxi-buying cabbie, the High Court ruling could well be good news for tens of thousands of wheelchair users living in the remaining ‘London conditions’ markets. 

Liverpool City Council was also found to have breached the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).  In a landmark judgement the Court found that, contrary to the Council’s claims, its existing hackney taxi fleet – composed mainly of LTI’s ‘London-style’ cabs – was not safely accessible to all wheelchairs.  By failing to take steps to improve matters by licensing the E7, which has a larger flat floor area for manoeuvring and securing wheelchairs - the Council had failed in its legal duty and discriminated directly against a significant number of wheelchair users.

A delighted Gerry Facenna, chairman of Cab Direct, commented: “All we’re seeking is freedom of choice for taxi owners and our right to compete on a level playing field across the UK. 

“It seems ridiculous that we’ve had to go all the way to the High Court to fight our way through red tape but hopefully the end is now in sight and we look forward to the competitive challenge ahead.” 

Facenna added that the news raises hopes of a further expansion of manufacturing jobs at the company’s 300-strong manufacturing plant.

Cab Direct’s Eurobus – A ‘Big Hit’ with Crash Victim Gary

Gary Brocklehurst from Suffolk is one of over 200,000 people each year in the UK to be involved in a road traffic accident.  For taxi drivers, who spend more time on the roads than most, there’s little doubt that the likelihood of being in an accident is increased.  Thankfully, Gary survived the incident and happily tells his story.

“I was driving my Peugeot Eurobus taxi when a Chrysler 300 attempted to overtake at the brow of a hill.  Before I knew it I was in a head on collision at a combined speed of 100mph.  Following the crash I was airlifted to West Suffolk hospital with a smashed ankle, a broken leg, broken ribs, a broken lower back and internal injuries.”

Gary spent ten days in intensive care being monitored and a further seven days in the normal care unit.  Not to mention the next five months in a wheelchair recovering from his injuries.

Life Saver
Despite his ordeal, Gary hasn’t been put off taxiing, or the Eurobus.  He explains: “After the accident there was an investigation.  The result of which showed that the Eurobus pretty much saved my life.  It was reported that if the car hadn’t had such a good build quality, I wouldn’t have survived.  The body of the vehicle absorbed the impact of the crash and probably saved my life.”

Gary is so impressed with the Eurobus that since returning to his job, now as a part-time cabbie, his first choice of taxi was Cab Direct’s tried and tested favourite.

Reliability
Manufactured jointly by Peugeot and Cab Direct, the Eurobus has been designed to offer reliability, comfort and driveability.  With the superb Peugeot HDi engine, the
Eurobus promises plenty of power and a smooth ride.  Plus, the latest generation of HDi engines is a staggering 20% more efficient, which means you’re certain to be better off at the end of every shift.

What’s more, the Eurobus is one of the most modern and safe vehicles in its class thanks to its high strength monocoque frame around which the vehicle build and crumple zones absorb energy.

Gary says: “I originally opted for the Eurobus because, following research, I knew it was going to be a reliable cab.  My first one did 250,000 miles and never let me down.  I was amazed.  It just ran and ran without any major problems.”

Customers Love It
It’s clear that the Eurobus is a big hit with Gary.  It seems that his customers love too.  He comments: “I absolutely love the Eurobus, as do my customers.  They always comment on how good it is for wheelchair access.”

Cab Direct’s Eurobus Access range has been designed to offer the perfect taxi to cater for every taste and pocket and offering accessibility for all.  With five models to choose from with versatile seating options and a choice of wheelchair access ramps, you’re sure to find the perfect vehicle for you.

Gary continues in his praise: “The Eurobus is absolutely ideal for taxiing.  The space is excellent.  And yet, despite it’s size, it’s great for town driving too.  The fuel economy is superb as well – I get more miles to the gallon than any vehicle I’ve had before.  I’d recommend the Eurobus to anyone.  In fact, my neighbour has bought two on my recommendation and couldn’t be happier.”

For more information on the Peugeot Eurobus call Cab Direct free on 0800 916 3058, visit www.cabdirect.com or email info@cabdirect.com

Tom Burke, from Bridgend in Mid Glamorgan, has recently taken delivery of a Chevrolet Epica from Cab Direct and he is more than impressed with the new addition to his fleet.

Tom, who runs Radio Cabs with co-owner Paul Ragan, operates a vehicle back-up service for his drivers and bought the Epica for this purpose.  He explains: “We always like to have a car that can be used by owner drivers whose vehicles may be off the road for whatever reason.  When I decided it was time for a change and the Epica seemed to fit the bill perfectly”

Fully Loaded
Solid build, dynamic drive and thorough attention to detail combine to make the Epica the perfect vehicle for the taxi trade.  Possibly the most impressive thing about the vehicle is its level of equipment as it comes boasting an outstanding spec list.

Cab Direct’s entry-level LS model features 16 inch alloy wheels, half leather seats, air-conditioning, steering wheel mounted audio controls, front and rear electric windows, front, side and curtain airbags plus electric mirrors as standard.  And the great news for cabbies is that Cab Direct’s new offer on the Epica also comes with the reassurance of a special two year unlimited mileage warranty, providing one of the best guarantees in the business.

Tom comments: “The Epica is a great vehicle at a great price.  It looks the part –classier, in fact, than many similar saloons in a higher price bracket - and it’s got all the space and features you need.  The level of spec is unbelievable given its low cost.”

Great value
Measuring over 4.8 meters, bumper to bumper, the Chevrolet Epica is an impressively spacious vehicle - larger than most better known family-sized saloons.  Add to this some fantastic equipment and an unbelievably low price and it’s clear that not only is Epica big in size, it’s huge in value.

Tom continues in his praise: “I’m delighted with the vehicle and it’s passed the test with my drivers too.  I’ve got someone using it just now whilst his vehicle is off the road and he doesn’t want to give it back!  The Epica is the way forward I think.”

Thumbs Up for Cab Direct
With an extensive range of vehicles on offer and some of the best deals on the market, it’s not surprising that Cab Direct prove to be supplier of choice for so many cabbies across the UK.  Tom says: “Cab Direct are easy to deal with and they always keep their promises.  I’ve been dealing with them for years now and I wouldn’t go anywhere else – they always come up trumps!” 

For more information Cab Direct’s exciting new Epica offer call free on 0800 916 3058, visit www.cabdirect.com or email info@cabdirect.com