LUTON AIRPORT

Plans to operate tinted window taxis like limousines from Luton Airport have been dealt a blow by the council.

Addison Lee, who recently won the contract to operate taxis from the airport, had wanted to introduce a fleet of 30 'executive vehicles' which featured tinted windows and would be exempt from the display of licence plates identifying them as a taxi.

But Luton Borough Council's taxi licensing panel rejected the move on Monday.

It's a big blow for both Addison Lee, who have said they are exploring an appeal, but also for the airport.

Luton Airport had consistently said that their decision to replace the Luton Hackney Carriage Association with Addison Lee was so that passengers could see an 'improved fleet of vehicles'.

And although Addison Lee has said that service levels have already gone up, they conceded the council's decision not to allow the executive fleet was 'saddening'.

Dr Michael Galvin, head of regulatory affairs with Addison Lee, told Luton on Sunday: "I was more sad than angry at the decision.

"The case we put to the licensing panel was open and honest and presented in good faith, and we felt we had addressed any issues.

"The thought of going to appeal is not something we usually like doing, but we are exploring that process."

A spokesman for Luton Borough Council said: "The application to relax the conditions in the Private Hire Operators Licence which would allow the company to operate vehicles with tinted windows and which did not display the licence plate and standard signage was refused.

"Whilst there is no express definition of the term 'Executive Licence' the Panel did not consider Addison Lee's operation to fall within such a category.

"The Panel recognises that certain private hire operators undertake contracts which are more akin to a chauffeur driven car, often using prestige vehicles, being contracted to a specific customer or company and often at the disposal of the hirer for extended periods rather than for single journeys.

"The Panel did not consider Addison Lee's operation to differ significantly from an ordinary private hire service and serves the general public using the airport rather than any exclusive or separately identifiable customer base.

"Given the similarity with other private hire operators and also to the previous hackney carriage provision at the airport, there was no reason to justify departure from the Council's policy requiring the grant of a licence with standard operator conditions.

"The standard conditions are imposed for the purpose of protecting customers and the wider public who come into contact with private hire vehicles.

" Accordingly, the application to exempt the Operator from the standard is refused and the standard conditions will remain on the licence previously issued."

http://goo.gl/hGqmQQ

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BRIGHTON

POLICE are hunting a taxi driver after a hit and run left a 13-year-old girl with shattered ankle and suspected fractured leg.

Alanah Harding is set to go under the knife after she was run over at the junction of Upper North Street and Dyke Road, Brighton, on Friday

She has had to cancel all of her summer plans and her appearance in a forthcoming film is now also in doubt.

Alanah was on her way to the bus stop when she reached the junction shortly after 1pm.

She was waiting to cross the road when a green and white taxi (indicating a Brighton and Hove Hackney cab) approached at speed.

It mounted the pavement and the vehicle's wing mirror clipped the teenager, knocking her back.

The rear wheel then ran over her foot, knocking her to the floor. She put her arms out to try and regain her balance put they slammed off the side of the cab.

To the shock of onlookers, the driver did not stop, despite the heavy impact.

Alanah, who lives in Barcombe Road, Moulscoomb, said: "It all happened so quickly that I didn't realise how badly hurt I was.

"I tried to get up and start walking but because of my ankle I just collapsed on to the road."

As well as shattering her ankle in two places, doctors think she may have a fractured leg and she also received five inch road burns on her arms.

Onlookers rushed to her aid and called police, the ambulance and Alanah's mum, Kirsty.

The 34-year-old said: "It was horrible hearing her on the phone, I was terrified.

"I couldn't drive to the hospital I was in such a state, I was shaking uncontrollably."

Such was the pain, Alanah was given laughing gas and seen to by doctors at the at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Following surgery, planned for today (Thursday), she faces eight to 12 weeks in plaster and six months to a year of physio before she is back to normal.

Kirsty said: "It has ruined her summer. She has had a tricky time at school recently and I promised if things got better that I would book for her to do all these activities. She was due to go on a camping trip with her youth team and had been booked to go paintballing, go-karting and to Thorpe Park. None of that is going to happen now."

Alanah is also a promising middle distance runner who has competed for Sussex. The accident has left any future success in doubt.

The teen had also landed a role in a film, set to be shot later this summer. That is also now in doubt.

Kirsty added: "Whoever did this, I just want them to do the right thing and come forward and face the consequences. I don't know how anyone could drive off after hitting someone like that."

http://goo.gl/3WVBm0

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THURROCK

Four taxis failed inspections recently in a taxi metre clampdown by the council.

The council licensing squad hit the streets to check the health of over 90 Thurrock taxi meters and make sure accurate prices are being given to customers.

Out of 90 Hackney carriages that operate throughout Thurrock, only four meters gave an incorrect reading.

However, after “recalibration” and “retesting” all the taxis passed the test.

One taxi failed to turn up for the inspection, which led to their licence being suspended until a further inspection is passed.

Councillor Pauline Tolson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “It is great to see such important work being carried out by the licensing team.

“This will ensure that all Thurrock taxi users get a fair price for every journey and these regular inspections aim to give residents trust and security in the service the borough’s taxis provide.”

http://goo.gl/QIbwtS