Ex-NHS boss used taxi account after quitting

A FORMER health boss used her NHS taxi account for personal use after she left the organisation.

Christine Fairclough, 41, kept using the account despite quitting as head of communications at NHS Health Scotland to take up a new job with Tesco Bank. She used fake names and those of ex-colleagues to take more than 100 private journeys worth £800.

During an investigation, NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services (CFS) called the mobile number used to book the taxis – and Fairclough answered.

She claimed her phone had been stolen and had just been returned to her, but later admitted abusing the account.

Fairclough, from Edinburgh, was today ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to fraud.

Gordon Young, head of CFS, said: “Christine Fairclough’s actions were blatantly fraudulent and by pleading guilty and subsequently paying back the monies in full, she has recognised this.”

----------------------------------------------

TAXI companies in Truro have threatened to withdraw their evening services if CCTV in the city centre is shut down.

The Truro Taxi Association (TTA), a group of 14 taxi owners, confirmed its members would consider removing evening services if there was to be no CCTV coverage next year.


The West Briton revealed last week that coverage could cease when broadcasting equipment mounted on the roof of the police station is lost when the building is demolished next year.
The TTA said a lack of camera coverage would cause an unacceptable level of risk for drivers.

In a letter to Truro City Council Syd Arnold, chairman of the TTA, said: "Truro Taxi Association is very concerned about the ending of CCTV in March 2014.

"Taxis are a vital part of the team which helps to move large numbers of people about late at night from Truro's nightclubs.
"Without CCTV we would feel very vulnerable. We operate at risk.
"We have discussed this as an association and wish you to know that if CCTV is withdrawn we, as operators and employers, will have to consider withdrawing from the night-time trade due to unacceptable levels of risk."

Joy Arnold, a spokesman for the TTA, said: "We're very concerned about what could be the shut-down of CCTV in Truro.
"The safety of our drivers, who are vulnerable late at night and in the early hours, is paramount and this has to be considered."
Microwave

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed it was not prepared to pay £75,000 to replace the "obsolescent" microwave CCTV transmission equipment that is currently sited on top of Truro police station.
Cornwall Council says it is unlikely to fund CCTV systems beyond April 1, 2014.

Des Tidbury, Cornwall Council's director of community and protection, said the council was seeking ways to maintain CCTV coverage in the city.

Truro police station is set to be demolished in August next year to make way for 56 retirement flats. Demolition had been due to take place in April but was put back so talks could take place about retaining the CCTV mast.
-------------------------------------------------


DAYTIME taxi fares in Worcester could rise by nine per cent – after drivers said they were struggling to make a living.

The city’s 231 hackney carriage drivers want a nine per cent rise for daytime pickups, and a seven per cent increase for people seeking a lift from 11pm to 7am.

The bid comes after taxi owners said rising fuel and insurance costs had hit them hard.

But the attempt has already been criticised by a pensioners’ action group, which says that it could “punish” the elderly.

At the moment, customers pay £3.20 for the first 1,208 metres (about three quarters of a mile) from 7am to midnight, and £4.20 outside of that time.

The drivers say they want the day time starting price to rise to £3.50, or £4.50 from 11pm to 7am.

Lesley Borthwick, from Worcester Taxi Drivers Association said: “What you’ve got to look at is that insurance and fuel costs have been getting higher and higher, but it’s been two years since we had a rise.

“It is tough out there and I’m hoping it is approved.”

Mohammed Ali, a fellow member of the association, said: “Everything has gone up, including inflation but the prices haven’t.

“It’s not so much a big increase when you consider that this is the ‘flag down’ starting rate, it’s pennies.”

Under the current prices, 20p is added for every additional 201 metres on the clock during the day, or 143 metres at night.

Those extra, incremental rates would stay the same, offering some respite to taxi users who use cabs for longer journeys.


The rises are subject to a decision by Worcester City Council’s licensing committee, which is meeting at the Guildhall on Wednesday.

Brian Hunt, vice-chairman of Worcestershire Pensioners Action Group, said: “It will affect older folk more than other groups because they use taxis during the day for shorter trips.

“The austerity is already affecting pensioners and they’re being punished more than the revellers – older people use taxis for the dentists, shopping, doctors and it does seem slightly unfair.”

Councillor Lynn Denham, who represents the city centre Cathedral ward, said: “It doesn’t sound to me like it’s in line with inflation.

“Wages aren’t going up so the committee will have a difficult choice.”

A report on the changes says the attempt to alter the time tariffs, so the more expensive night time prices kick in from 11pm rather than midnight, is a bid to “increase business at quieter times”.

Under the current prices the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day starting rates are £5.60, but that would be scrapped.
------------------------------------------------

Taxi driver not wearing badge faces losing his licence


A TAXI driver faces losing his licence after his vehicle was discovered to be missing basic safety equipment.

The driver was caught by council staff and police, who had teamed up to check vehicles in Hertford and Ware last week.

He had no fire extinguisher or first aid kit and wasn’t wearing his driver badge.

He will now have to attend a licensing committee meeting where councillors will discuss the breaches and decide whether to revoke his licence.

Four other taxi drivers were also given points under the council’s licensing point system for breaches of not wearing badges, not having fire extinguishers and another was spotted with a large crack in his windscreen.

The window was due to be replaced at the weekend, after which the vehicle will be checked again.

Any driver who amasses more than 12 points is taken before the council’s licensing committee for their licence to be considered.
A total of 14 vehicles were selected to be stopped.

Malcolm Alexander, executive member for community safety and environment, said: “The majority of taxi drivers in East Herts run safe and clean vehicles. Passengers need to know the cab they are getting into meets all the regulations and this operation will reassure them that rogue drivers will be caught and penalised.”

Council enforcement officer Claire Mabbutt has passed the BTec advanced level in vehicle inspection, equipping her to carry out detailed examinations for a range of potential problems. The course is run by the National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers.