10 rules to driving a black cab

i have only had just one close call with a cab driver, back road of the brunswick centre, where he turned in the hotel forecourt without a signal. i was a bit shaken by it. but he did ask if i was okay, and i said yes and replied my mum can take better corners than you and fabregas, which made him laugh and he was obviously a gooner..

i always make a point to acknowledge cab drivers on the road, i think on a whole they are very considerate.. they have a job to do and like all of us not perfect, cliveo has made a good point though, a sudden u-turn is what they do best when they see a fare and without thinking, give them space..

next cabbie you see give him a hug or just a friendly nod..

al

Yeah but seriously, isn't it illegal to drive with only your parking lights on, it makes em harder to see.

Yeah but seriously, isn't it illegal to drive with only your parking lights on, it makes em harder to see.
Highway code rule 113: You MUST use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified.

So sidelights are fine, in fact much better. If all cars only used sidelights they would drive more slowly and carefully. Cyclists and pedestrians would stand out more instead of everyone being blinded by bright lights. So the cabbies, and me, who use sidelights only should be encouraged.

Most people drove around London using only sidelights before 1974.

I have enjoyed reading this thread
I drive my taxi with side lights because the headlamps are made of plastic and thay burn if they are left on for long periods this would involve frequent and expensive repairs
I think that a little respect and understanding between taxi drivers and cyclists makes driving and cycling in london more pleasent and safer
be lucky and safe

Nice one 2balle. Nice to have a reasonable opinion from the other side.

Most black cabs I encounter are considerate enough. A few bad experiences etc etc etc

Now, if only we could do something about Addison Lee and their army of clueless fuckwits.

I drive my taxi with side lights because the headlamps are made of plastic and thay burn if they are left on for long periods this would involve frequent and expensive repairs

worst. excuse. ever. they're headlights. use them.

The black cab is a vehicle designed to cover around a million miles over it's life time, parts were designed to be cheap and easy to replace. so what if your headlights burn out? Do you drive round on bald tyres as they only last 30,000 miles and are expensive to replace too.

1. As a cab driver you are required to drive in the bus lane even especially when there is free-flowing or no traffic in the adjacent lane.
   
   

20(a). if you are in a rush and want to overtake and then pull into your bus lane currently occupied by a cyclist you must begin the manoeuvre before you have begun to pass them. under no circumstances must you wait until you are clear of their front wheel to begin moving across.

20(b). if you aren't actually in a rush but your bus lane is currently occupied by a cyclist anyways you must drive no more than 2 feet from their rear wheel and use your horn to signal that they are trespassing on your territory. At no point should you use the completely free lane for normal road traffic immediately to your right to overtake.

disclaimer: by and large I don't have any problems but on jamaica road I get these on a nightly occurrence.

1. get irritated at oncoming cyclists who inadvertently make you wait 10 more seconds before you turn off, because you misjudged their speed. Bonus points awarded for impotent rage, and chasing after them when they point and laugh
   

1. refuse to go "south of the river"
   

Jesus, I remember all this, which led to this minor inter-forum skirmish.

Karma.