A NEW ride-hailing app is now available to use in Reading.

Ola announced the launch of its services in the area after local councils granted the technology and transport pioneer with both taxi and hire licenses.

The company said that the easy-to-use service will transform the use of transport in Reading by allowing greater travel choice, with quicker and easier access to taxis.

Customers can also enjoy competitive pricing, as well as 24-hour safety support with Ola’s in-app customer care and emergency service.

Ben Legg, Ola’s managing director, said: "We are incredibly excited to be launching in Reading and to become the first ride-hailing platform for local private hire drivers.

"We are looking forward to helping the diverse communities connect with the rich cultural, educational and leisure opportunities that the area offers.

"We have come to town after local drivers got in touch asking for more employment opportunities in and around Berkshire.

"We are leading the way with driver benefits and we are the only platform to include black cab drivers in our dynamic fleet.

"We are determined to work together with a mix of drivers and the local authorities to help the community to grow and achieve safety and mobility goals."

Ola is the only platform that can be used by black cabs and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs), giving both drivers and passengers even more choice.

Following the successful UK launch of Ola in Cardiff in August 2018, the company arrived Bristol in October, Bath and Exeter in November and Liverpool this March.

Just last month, Ola also arrived in Liverpool and Birmingham, meaning Reading is Ola’s seventh UK launch in just seven months.

https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/17566911.new-ride-hailing-app-launched-in-reading/
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 MERSEYSIDE

A taxi driver who had a money making sideline as the head of an organised crime gang was jailed today after being caught with four kg of cocaine in an Asda bag for life.

John Grace, 58, was arrested by police on January 11 2018 in Widnes , Cheshire. The drugs were said to have been worth in excess of £60,000.

Grace, of Waresley Crescent, Walton was convicted of supplying Class A drugs and was today sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

Det Insp Nick Hughes said: "We’re committed to taking dangerous substances as well as dangerous people off our streets.

"The sentencing of Grace is a result of a long-running and complex operation in relation to suspected heroin and cocaine supply and money laundering offences, which we have been investigating since May 2017.

"We’ll continue, with the support of police forces across the North West and beyond, to target those suspected of being involved in the supply and distribution of drugs, and put them before the courts.

“Drug dealers often only think of themselves and their financial gain, not thinking of the ripple effects these substances have on those who use drugs, their families and friends.

“We want Merseyside to be a safe and secure county. I would encourage the public to report those involved in supplying drugs.

“If you suspect drug dealers to be operating in your area, please DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 so we can investigate accordingly.”

https://bit.ly/2UN6Ptj
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BIRMINGHAM

Angry taxi drivers brought a council meeting to a halt as a row broke out over the impact of the Birmingham city centre Clean Air Zone.

They claimed they are being 'forced off the road' and warned that further go-slow protests around the city centre are now likely.

Birmingham City Council's Licensing and Public Protection committee passed a controversial new emissions policy which means hundreds of Hackney Carriage and private drivers will have to upgrade or replace their vehicles if they are to continue working in the city from next year.

But the meeting this week (Wednesday) spiralled out of control when drivers were told they would not be allowed to speak about the changes.

They voiced their dissatisfaction and approached committee members to remonstrate prompting a number of councillors to leave the room.


The meeting was adjourned for several minutes before it resumed and the committee approved the policy.

The new policy introduces a raft of changes, but in the main it replaces the Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) vehicle standards - applying to other cars entering the Clean Air Zone - with an age limit.

From January 2020 no diesel Hackney Carriages older than 15 years old will be granted a licence, unless they have been converted in the council's LPG pilot scheme.

It means out of around 1,120 black cab drivers only 493 will be licensed with more than 620 forced to upgrade. Although the council said 350 of those would be eligible for an LPG conversion.

The age limit for private hire vehicles was set at 12 years meaning around 2,700 out of more than 4,100 drivers will be licensed from January.

An 'exceptional condition test', which previously allowed older vehicles to operate longer, will be scrapped and only applicable to vehicles which have been retrofitted by a Government-approved scheme.

Another controversial proposal in the policy means that from January 1, 2021, all newly licensed vehicles will have to be ultra low emission, when previously the date had been 2026.

The policy has been changed significantly from original plans following consultation with drivers who put forward alternative suggestions and made a list of requests.

But not all their demands have been met.

Chairman Cllr Barbara Dring said: "We have done the best that we can, that's the commitment I have given to you (drivers) and that's the commitment I have made."

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/angry-taxi-drivers-force-council-16109079