EIRE

Thousands of taxi drivers across the country are expected to stay at home if gardaí go out on strike out of fear they will be "sitting ducks", according to the head of the National Taxi Drivers and Private Hire Association.

Christy Humphrey, general secretary of the association representing 5,000 taxi drivers nationwide, predicted "it will be chaos" for drivers, who fear they will be robbed by criminals taking advantage of the absence of gardaí.

Drivers are also worried there will be "carnage" on the roads because other motorists are more likely to drive in bus lanes and commit other road traffic offences such as speeding due to the lack of gardaí.

He predicted about half of the association's membership would refuse to work on the days gardaí go on strike.

https://goo.gl/5z37vd
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says Birmingham’s airport can ban guns in a break room used by taxi drivers.

A letter released by the state this week shows that someone affiliated with a cab company complained that authorities posted a “no guns” sign on the door to an airport break room used by drivers.

Strange’s office investigated and determined the sign is legal since the cab company voluntarily agreed to follow rules at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

Strange’s office often reviews complaints about gun prohibitions in public places. A state law which took effect three years ago prompted many businesses and other public to put up signs saying that firearms were not allowed.

https://goo.gl/1pMYsE
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CHARNWOOD

LOCAL taxi drivers have been given reassurances that all hate crime is taken seriously following a rise in incidents post-Brexit.

Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood came together to host an event on raising awareness of hate incidents.

There were talks and information on how to report incidents and a good turn out of local taxi drivers, particularly from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Their job exposes them particularly to unpleasantness and abuse.

Concerns were shared and the police and council gave reassurance that all hate crime is taken very seriously.

Varsha Parmar, executive officer at Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood, said: “This sort of stuff was always around but post-Brexit I think it has definitely got to a point where people think they can say and do anything they want.

“It can be quite a problem among taxi drivers and some of them feel that it’s pointless reporting it but we want to highlight the issue and encourage more people to report any incidents they have to challenge what is happening.

“They shouldn’t feel like they have to put up with it.”

Sally Penney, community safety officer at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “People were able to talk to us about their experiences and ask questions which we were happy to answer.

“We work in partnership with Leicestershire Police and local services to raise awareness of hate incidents and want to encourage people to report it if they have been a victim or a witness.”

You can report hate incidents by calling the Police on 101, contacting the Community Safety Team on 01509 634522, or report online at www.stamp-it-out.co.uk


https://goo.gl/IJaACJ
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LEEDS

Following abuse scandals in Rotherham, Leeds City Council decided to review its taxi licensing regulations.

It resolved to make annual Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks across 14 months, and began processing these for more than 6,000 licence holders in November 2015.

The Licensing Committee also decided that checks should be conducted not only at the point of renewal of a licence or where a concern was raised, but also more randomly.

An update on checks is due to be presented during the next Licensing Committee at 10am tomorrow in Civic Hall.

A report drafted for councillors in advance reads: “A range of unreported convictions and police cautions have come to light as progress has been made on the implementation of the annual DBS policy.

It later adds: “Of the 5,123 who have now returned their disclosures to the service, there have been 61 convictions or cautions revealed which had not been reported to the service.

“To date four decisions to revoke driver licences have been taken, with others cases receiving formal written warnings and/or training requirements, along with other decisions pending and awaiting further information.”

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: “The safety of taxi and private hire passengers travelling in Leeds is always our primary concern. The contents of the report will be considered by licensing panel on Tuesday who will make the appropriate recommendations.”

The council notes that the amount of drivers of who have had licenses revoked is 0.08 per cent of all those checked.

https://goo.gl/TT0Jmk
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HOLY ISLAND

The cabbie who thought he was in a water taxi: Drone captures Uber driver being completely swamped after getting caught by the rising tide at Holy Island

https://goo.gl/hLufpF

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BELFAST

A TAXI driver was forced into the boot of his car before an armed robber made off with money, police said.

He was accosted by the masked man in the early hours of Sunday on the Knockbracken Road in Castlereagh, on the outskirts of south Belfast, as he sat in his parked vehicle in a lay-by.

The gunman demanded cash and struck him on the head.

Police said the robber forced the victim into the boot before making off with money in a red Seat car with a second man.

A spokesman said: "The driver was left badly shaken after the incident."

Police appealed for anyone who noticed suspicious activity to contact detectives in Lisburn or Crimestoppers anonymously.


https://goo.gl/Iv08EB

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