Paddick to prioritise black cabs
Brian Paddick took early retirement from the force in May
The Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Brian Paddick is putting London's "hallmark" black cabs at the heart of his transport policies.
In a ten-point plan being revealed on Tuesday he will pledge to give licensed black cab drivers a seat on the board of Transport for London (TfL).
He also wants a consultation on whether pedicabs should be licensed or banned.
Mr Paddick is standing against Labour's current mayor Ken Livingstone and Tory candidate Boris Johnson.
He said black cabs were "integral" to London's public transport system.
'Exciting capital'
"They (cab drivers) have to pass The Knowledge test and their taxis are subject to the most stringent safety checks.
"In return they deserve to... have certain privileges not extended to private hire vehicles.
"London black cabs are as much of a hallmark of London as the double-decker bus and we need to acknowledge the role they play in making London the most exciting capital in the world."
Under his ten-point plan Mr Paddick also wants traffic lights to be rephased.
The former Metropolitan Police officer, who left the force in May 2007, will unveil a full transport manifesto later this month.
That's two out of three that's said that! Flanagan must be clutching his old heart
