BASINGSTOKE

ECO-friendly initiatives are bidding to drive change in reducing pollution and improving air quality across the borough.

Drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles across the borough are being encouraged to go the extra mile when it comes to going green, with changes to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council guidelines.

In April a new taxi fee structure was introduced, meaning that ultra-low emission Hackney Carriage vehicles get a licence for free.

The updated licensing scheme includes the removal of rules over the type of vehicle which can be driven, giving more choice about the makes and models of vehicles for drivers.

Cabinet member for regulatory services and the environment Councillor Hayley Eachus said: “Everyone needs to do their bit when it comes to keeping our air clean.

“We hope that these measures will make it easier for drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles to make good choices about the cars that they are driving and about how they are driving them.”

The scheme also introduces an upper age limit for licensed carriage vehicles in a bid to reduce pollution caused by older vehicles operating, mainly within the town centre.

The policy also now allows vehicles with smaller, more efficient engines, including hybrid and electric vehicles, to be licensed.

The borough council is also working to promote anti-idling messages to drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles.

New signage is being introduced at the taxi rank at Basingstoke Railway Station encouraging drivers to switch off their engines while they wait and drivers are being given anti-idling car stickers to display in their vehicles.

This new initiative forms part of the borough council’s scheme to reduce air pollution across Basingstoke and Deane.

For more information about the council’s Clean Air Basingstoke and Deane campaign, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/clean-air.
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Glasgow Uber drivers fear that proposals for cab drivers sit an SQA English test will cost too much for low earners.

The Independent Worker’s Union Great Britain (IWGB) say that the cost of the qualification, which will be between £300 and £400 for both taxi and private hire car operators, is too high.

Sources say this could prevent people entering the trade and put the public at risk.

On Wednesday the local authority’s licensing committee approved plans to introduce a policy which means new drivers and those renewing their licence will need to complete an SQA qualification before they can take passengers.

Drivers will also be tested on their knowledge of the city in a bid to tackle the shocking rise in passenger complaints which have more than doubled in the last five years.

Despite agreeing that Glasgow City Council need to introduce private hire training to improve the safety of passengers and drivers, Uber claim these tests could pose as barriers and prevent drivers from applying for a licence.

Chris Dames, the chair of the Glasgow group of the United Private Hire Drivers, a branch of the IWGB, said: “We are pleased that the council is ensuring passenger safety with the new qualifications but the cost to the drivers is far too high.

“Many of our members invested in cars on the promise of income that never materialised. The council and operators should help the low paid and find the money to help drivers.”

A working group was previously set up between the council, taxi firms and private hire companies – including Uber to discuss how the new policy would work.

Sources have revealed that the company believes regulation should be put in place should be proportionate but not as strict.

Concerns have also been raised that the training does not include training for child sexual exploitation and safeguarding, qualifications are not transferable and that customers should have been included in the working group.

Extreme rules could be counter productive for passengers who may end up taking a lift home from unlicensed vehicles, walking home or drink driving – endangering themselves and others.

Uber feels that the proposed SCQF training solves the working group’s identified needs and is disproportionate when it comes to serving the needs of the public.

The company think further consultation on the training course should take place. As it stands new drivers will be expected to have completed the course by January 1, 2020.

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/uber-drivers-say-english-test-16373817
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 BLACKPOOL

A former cab company owner has pleaded guilty to damaging a taxi while on holiday in Blackpool after smashing its windscreen.

38 year old Neil Gallagher of Compass Street, Swansea was picked up with his wife by a taxi outside Blackpool Pleasure Beach ice arena at 12.25am on 6 May.

Prosecutor Pam Smith told Blackpool Magistrates Court that Gallagher had asked to go to an ATM and then on to a kebab house where he and his wife would eat.

She went on to tell the court that Gallagher wanted the cabbie to wait for them and then take them back to their hotel.

The court then heard from Ms Smith that the cabbie explained that because it was a very busy time he would be unable to wait for the couple whilst they ate.

However, Gallagher then told the cabbie that he owned a taxi company in Wales and you will wait because I’m paying

The prosecutor then described how the cabbie refused, at which point Gallagher then got out of the cab and hit the windscreen shattering it.

The cabbie claimed that he lost earnings over that weekend as it was also a bank holiday and as a result couldn't get his vehicle repaired.

Robert Castle, defending, explained to the court that his client had had a taxi company in Wales but it had failed, as a result Gallagher’s mental health had been affected and subsequently had a nervous breakdown earlier in the year.

Gallagher also felt that the cabbie had a legal obligatuin to take them and in frustration slapped the windscreen, although not intending to damage it.

Gallagher was fined £120 and ordered to pay £330 in compensation towards the cost of the cab drivers windscreen and his subsequent loss of earnings.

 https://www.blackpoolgazette. 
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MEXICO CITY – Taxi drivers have snarled traffic in downtown Mexico City in their latest protest against Uber and other ride-hailing apps.

The protesters claim the apps are unfair competition because those drivers are more loosely regulated and don't have to pay licensing fees.

Cabbies drove hundreds of pink-and-white-liveried taxis along central boulevards Monday and then parked them on the capital's sprawling main square known as the Zocalo and the six-lane street that circles it.

Dozens of bus drivers joined the park-in on the plaza out of solidarity.

Several cabbies said the ride-hailing apps have cost them 40% of their earnings. They are demanding the apps be banned.

But many Mexico City residents say the apps provide a service superior to that of most taxis, in terms of safety, reliability and comfort.

https://fxn.ws/2WMVaLQ