spindthrift - magnatom antics

Here is a letter I have sent - perhaps a few more on similar lines


e-mail to:



Environmental and Protection Services,
Taxis and Private Hire Enforcement Unit,
231 George Street,
G1 1RX.


Dear Sirs

I understand that you have recently had a complaint made against the
driver of the Private hire car with plate no.2266.

I would like to point out to you that within the cycling community the
complainant is a serial complainer about the driving habits of
motorists - and always wears a video camera and sound recorder whilst
he is cycling in order to ensnare unaware drivers.

This is quite a common practice amongst a small group of cyclists
which enables them to act as an agent provocateur and to ride in an
irresponsible fashion which causes incidents which they then attempt
to put the blame for, on other parties. Indeed, sometimes such
serious accidents can be caused in this fashion that the threat or
reality of a court case can lead to the cyclist receiving significant
monetary compensation.

It should be also be noted that taxi drivers, and the drivers of
Private Hire vehicles are common targets, as complaints can be made to
an authority which will then reprimand a driver, who in reality was
not actually at fault. This however causes significant
self-satisfaction to the cyclist and they are then able to brag about
their "achievement" in internet cycling forums.

I would draw your attention to the web site:
http://www.youtube.com/user/magnatom where you may see for yourself
the further activities of the complainant.

Of particular interest are those videos where "magnatom" clearly
points out to the driver that the video will be on u-tube and that a
detailed closed up of the vehicles registration plate is recorded. One
may wonder why this action is taken - it is most certainly
unnecessary; but is certainly threatening and intimidation.

The threats which are made to the drivers are probably common assault;
and these criminal acts are then often compounded by the thumping and
kicking of vehicles in order to cause criminal damage.

I trust that you will exonerate the driver who was involved in this
incident - and perhaps also circulate to the Taxi and Private Hire
Companies the gist of this communication so that their own drivers are
suitably forewarned.


Regards