Sadiq Khan, has he gone too far this time?

HousePlantQueen

Still no acknowledgement that this thread is malicious and untrue. When I see how many on GN have gleefully repeated an untruth ...shame on you

I acknowledge I am in a minority.

I acknowledge that blind eye has happened in the past

I have seen Pride and Palestinian flags flown on black cabs

Would you care to enlighten us with what you see as untruths

Oh and I have no shame in starting this thread or my opinions.

With you GrannyGravy

Would you care to enlighten us with what you see as untruths

Your claim, in the title and text of your post that Sadiq Khan is responsible.

This confected and incorrect furore appears to date back to an anonymous tweet, archived here archive.ph/4uCGk on June 23, which said

“This obnoxious little turd has banned taxi's from flying the England flag while the Euro's are on.

'It will distract motorists'.

What a lying bastard.

Not bothered about Palestinian flags flying around London or protesters stopping traffic.”

No evidence for this was offered, but this was still seized upon by the right wing press (and the muckraking Farage) as ‘fact’.

TfL responded, on June 24th, by email to fact checking organisations and media outlets who bothered to check (my bold in this, not theirs)

“ Decisions relating to the licensing and regulation of taxis and private hire vehicles in London are taken by TfL, not the Mayor.

For the safety of all passengers and drivers, there are guidelines in place about what can be displayed in or on taxis and private hire vehicles in London. These are longstanding guidelines that have been around for decades.

Only official signs and stickers can be displayed. Any other signage, which includes flags, is not permitted due to safety concerns. Many other licensing authorities across the country take a similar approach.

The rules apply to all signage, including flags, and are not specific to the St George's Cross or any other national flags."

The title of this thread is misleading

The flying of flags by London taxis was banned in 2012 by the then Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

GG13. Have you read enough facts to concede that you were wrong ?

HousePlantQueen

GG13. Have you read enough facts to concede that you were wrong ?

I have read enough facts and seen with my own eyes that this rule is flouted repeatedly by minority groups, and see no reason why a blind eye at times of large sporting events cannot be utilised.

So, let me get this straight, GG you consider it OK for the Mayor of London to ‘turn a blind eye’ to a health & safety ruling?

And what does that have to do with Sadiq Khan?

To repeat TfL’s own words:

“Decisions relating to the licensing and regulation of taxis and private hire vehicles in London are taken by TfL, not the Mayor”

No apology - it’s not Sadiq Khans ruling - so why bash him? If a blind eye was turned to flags and one flew or broke off and caused an accident or injury to a cyclist or pedestrian then by all means criticise . Flags flown will be contracting regulations so the cab drivers could be reprimanded or even have their licences withdrawn. He has been elected a record 3 times, you can vote him out if you wish but until then keep the fake smears out.

Sorry Siope - my mistake🙈

The fact that the flag issue is determined by TfL, not the Mayor, makes the title of this thread, not only misleading, but totally incorrect.

The Mayor is chairman of TfL.

Yes, Boris Johnson became chair in 2008, and was in post when the decision was made about flags and stickers not being displayed. Enforcement is the issue here.

Casdon

Yes, Boris Johnson became chair in 2008, and was in post when the decision was made about flags and stickers not being displayed. Enforcement is the issue here.

I totally get the enforcement issue.

My point and that of many many black cab drivers is that the proverbial blind eye is turned for some.

LizzieDrip

Sorry Siope - my mistake🙈

The fact that the flag issue is determined by TfL, not the Mayor, makes the title of this thread, not only misleading, but totally incorrect.

We cross-posted, Lizzie, so please don’t think I was correcting you. My question was - and is - for GG13.

Although it’s a lovely day, and I’ve wasted more than enough time on this culture war rubbish, so am off out.

If a cab driver believes a” blind eye is turned” then s/he should report it. I’m in central London on a weekly basis and I have never noticed flags being flown from taxis. I’m in town tomorrow and will keep an eye out and take a note of the cabs number and report it. Will let you know how I get on.

I give up. Such ignorance and bigotry and complete inability to accept the truth when it is pointed out.

vegansrock

If a cab driver believes a” blind eye is turned” then s/he should report it. I’m in central London on a weekly basis and I have never noticed flags being flown from taxis. I’m in town tomorrow and will keep an eye out and take a note of the cabs number and report it. Will let you know how I get on.

Agree with no blind eyes in any directions!

Siope I’m joining you

Maybe the OP should change the title of this thread to “Did Boris Johnson go too far? “ just for accuracy.

This particular ban was introduced by Boris Johnson

Why doesn’t everyone fly the flag despite the ban? The more we give in to these petty tyrants, the more they will demand!

So what did the taxis actually do or not do?

Years ago I wouldn’t have thought twice about it but nowadays the flag is associated with the far right. That’s the fault of the far right surely? I’m sure that’s the reason it’s banned.

Khan bashing has become a regular thing for some people. Personally, I doubt flags of any kind are much of a distraction. The King flies a pennant on his car, I believe. If you don't like the flag don't use the cab.

What ? It’s your national flag and people fought and died under it. Sorry state of affairs.