Oral history; Interview with Steve Sutherland, 2007
Main details
| Reference number | 2009/10845 |
|---|---|
| Description | Steve Sutherland discusses life as a London cab driver. |
| Interviewee | Steve Sutherland |
| Dates | 24/07/2007 |
| Collection | |
| Object type |
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| Topics | |
| Completeness | 62% |
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Physical description
Item content Attribute Value Object title Oral history interview with Steve Sutherland, 2007 -
Interview summary
Track 1 of 2 [00.32.29] Steven Sutherland (SS) was born and grew up in East London. Mother stayed at home and father worked for the Civil Service. SS was the youngest of eight children. SS droves buses and lorries initially and was encouraged by a friend to do the Knowledge of London when he was in his early 30s. On reaching the driving age he got his license and started driving lorries, upgraded to double-decker buses and coaches [00.01.55]. SS explains the process involved in applying for the Knowledge, which was then run by the Metropolitan Police. On arrival for interview SS was given a briefing by an examiner on what was required to achieve the Knowledge. He was given what was called a blue book although the actual colour was pink. He had 28 days from the day of briefing to learn the Knowledge and then return for the exam [00.04.14]. SS explains that one had to purchase maps, a bike and a small moped, and learn how to string up before starting the Knowledge. One would do a six-mile radius of Charing Cross. Everything within that radius was the Knowledge of London. He recalls there were no other instructions. Explains how to string up a run, and how the information would be transferred to a spiral book known as a call-over book [00.06.07]. SS learnt the Knowledge mostly on his own but had help from his wife and father-in-law. SS continued to work as a lorry driver and bus driver part-time in the evenings [00.08.11]. Describes the examination process after 28 days of learning and recalls the examiners [00.12.50]. Explains that after learning the inner section of London you would then learn about the suburbs. There were 120 but one would only be tested on six of them [00.13.40]. Explains in detail the timeframes involved in training, the examination and receiving his badge [00.15.28]. Worked initially for cab companies and then started working for friends until he bought his own taxis. SS had four taxis, the last of which is being given to London Transport Museum [00.18.33]. Recalls his first job taking a customer to the Tower of London and describes a typical day’s work, including the conditions of the vehicle and lack of air conditioning, taking breaks and the cab shelters. Comments on how times have changed, working hours and recalls the original starting fare and extras. Discusses the rule book and the importance of a driver carrying their badge and bill so as not to be fined [00.27.55]. Discusses the FX4, which he bought in 1988 from Mann Overton. It cost just over £13,000 [00.30.15]. SS explains the taxi equivalent of an MOT and plating. End of track [00.32.29] Track 2 of 2 [00.22.03] Steven Sutherland (SS) continues from track 1 commenting that he knows a lot of drivers but they are not necessarily friends and that it’s not possible to know all the drivers on the road. He doesn’t know any female drivers although he sees them on the road. Explains that all taxi drivers are treated equally with regards to taking the tests. Comments on mini cabs [00.03.24]. Recalls a driver called Johnny who did a taxi tour for a TV programme. Recalls a number of famous passengers who included Lord Snowden, Lord Lichfield and Earl Spencer. Film stars were Sir Alec Guinness, Jack Palance, Telly Savalas and Jean Hackman. Singers included Georgie Fame, Max Bygraves, Joe Brown, Kenny Lynch, Barbara Windsor and Nigel Hawthorne. SS obtained a few autographs. Recalls driving Sir Douglas Bader, World War Two fighter pilot. Recalls his conversation with Sir Alec Guinness [00.07.22]. SS recollects several journeys that involved driving into the grounds of Buckingham Palace and also driving Lord Denning to the Houses of Parliament [00.08.45]. Describes his longest fare journey when he had a group of American passengers for a week, taking them to Stratford-upon-Avon. Explains that passengers have often recommended him as a driver and that he has become friends with some international visitors and visited them in their respective countries. Recalls an incident when he picked up a passenger with a large knife who was avoiding the police [00.11.34]. Discusses having difficult customers and fare-evaders. Explains that customers haven’t changed over time but that he had his cab modified for wheel-chair use. Talks about receiving tips [00.14.40]. Recalls a number of road-rage incidents, including seeing tea-set being thrown at another driver. Received letters of thanks for handing in lost property to the public carriage office in Penton Street. Items not claimed after three months could be kept [00.19.10]. Explains importance of sticking to the rule book and having your badge with you at all times. There would be a fine for not carrying the badge or bill, which is the driving licence. Spot checks could take place at any time [00.20.39]. Describes his first cab, the Austin and design changes. Mentions the TX2 and TX3. Thanks Bob Bird for taking his cab into London Transport Museum. End of track [00.22.03] -
People involved
Role Person(s) involved Interviewer Lucy Davison, 24/07/2007Interviewee Steve Sutherland -
Associated companies, people and places
Places Place Stepney Green,Public Carriage Office,Dagenham,Interview location Dagenham, 24/07/2007