Interesting, but nothing we havent heard before when Geoff Kaleys company tried to ' computerise ' the Knowledge a few years ago.
That recomendation did'nt go ahead, as I'm sure a lot of Hulme-cross's won't either, we must remember this paper is only a view.
I agree when I did it the average time was under two years, but as is pointed out in the trade press, most people now do the Knowledge whilst holding down a full time job, so naturally it takes people on average a lot longer than 20 years ago when it was generally something you did full time.
The old bit about 'older' drivers appears again I notice.
Most people don't start the Knowledge until they near retirement from the Police, Fire brigade, Army, Public services etc, so Taxi drivers in London will probably always be 'older' than their provincial counterparts.
So as 'older' drivers leave the trade, new 'older' drivers take their place.
So whats that got to do with the availability of drivers?
Theres more drivers than ever, 25'000 this year compared with around 23'000 5 years ago, so clearly theres not a shortage of people signing up, I believe 20 less people earned their badges this year than last, so no shortage there.
I've no problem with the examination of candidates or vehicle inspections being contracted out, as long as both standards are maintained, however experience should teach us a fall in standards is almost inevitable as private companys penny pinch and cut corners.
Most interestingly his report starts with a blab about 'iconic recognisable taxis'.
Now who would gain most from lots more drivers passing out and buying cabs?
I wonder.
So in case you've visited Mann and Overton to pour over their sales brochures Ollie, I would'nt get too excited.
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