London's black cab body has started a new battle against Uber as the war between the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) and the popular private hire service continues. The group, which claims to have almost 11,000 members, has launched its "Better for London" campaign to coincide with the 2016 Mayor of London elections.

The LTDA claims black cabs are better for the environment in the capital as all new taxis will be zero-emissions capable from 2018 and that the vehicles are better for passengers as licensed drivers are required to pass the world-famous "knowledge" test and their cabs have wheelchair access.

"London is becoming more congested as the number of private hire vehicles (PHVs) on its streets has now surpassed 90,000 – up 20,000 in the last year alone," said Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the LTDA.

"London already tends to register the highest levels of NO2 of any city in the world, and accidents involving PHVs are on the rise. Taxis are taking the lead in becoming greener and 100% debit and credit card-friendly, while being properly insured and fully accessible."

The campaign also comes before the 23 December closure of Transport for London's (TfL) consultation into PHV regulations. The proposals, among other things, include a requirement for operators to offer a facility for customers to pre-book a week in advance.

McNamara added: "We need TfL to take action in the interests of all Londoners and improve air quality, reduce congestion and ensure London continues to benefit from a world-class taxi service."

Uber, which has claimed to make London's streets "safer from drunk or distracted driving and fostering a more connected, less congested environment", had not responded to a request for a comment at the time of publication.

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GLASGOW

 Bogus cabbies who tout for business have been nabbed by cops in Glasgow city centre.

As revealed by The Evening Times, rogue taxi drivers are being targeted by officers and enforcement teams during a festive crackdown.

Police warned revellers are putting themselves in danger by getting into a pirate taxi after a night out.

In a bid to deter bogus cabbies, police chiefs have flooded the city centre with frontline officers to target "hotspots".

Rogue taxi drivers were reported by police for a range of offences in the city centre during the weekend.

The 'pirate cabbies' were nabbed in the Finnieston area, as well as busy Sauchiehall Street and West Regent Street.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, area commander for the city centre, said: "I would strongly advise against walking home alone or getting into a car at an unofficial taxi rank.

"It is illegal for a private hire car to pick up a passenger that has not actually booked that car.

"There is a real safety issue here and getting into a vehicle you are not sure of presents clear risks.

"It may well be that the driver of an unlicensed cab has not gone through the proper safety checks and will almost certainly not be insured.

"To put it simply, it is not worth the risk.

"Only use properly licensed taxis or private hire cars."

The operation is aimed at ensuring revellers are not put at risk by defective vehicles, and also to prevent the "danger" of people getting into unlicensed cars believing the drivers are legal.

The warning comes as a surge of partygoers is expected to invade the city centre this weekend.

The last Friday before Christmas is the traditional office party night.

But it has been spread over two Fridays this year, with a massive influx of partygoers swamping the city last Friday and again this weekend.

Chief Inspector Sutherland added: "We will have additional police resources throughout Glasgow city centre throughout the festive period to maintain public safety and deter criminal activity.

"People are often under the influence of alcohol as they make their way home from festive nights out, so they are potentially vulnerable.

Senior police also encouraged revellers to use the city's Nite-Zones taxi ranks.

The city has six NiteZones in operation over the festive period, at Gordon Street, Sauchiehall Street, Albion Street, West George Street, Byres Road, and Shawlands.

Chief Inspector Sutherland added: "If you go out with a group of friends, stay with that group of friends.

"I would advise anyone planning on heading out to always be aware of your surroundings and stick with your friends.

"People can over-indulge when out socialising at this time of year, which can leave them vulnerable.

"We are committed to protecting people.

"However, individuals have an important role to play in this by making sure they don't drink to excess."

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