London
Taxi group delivers 23-page legal submission detailing why Uber’s licence shouldn’t be renewed in London next month
A taxi driver action group have delivered a Legal Submission to London’s transport regulators detailing the reasons why Uber’s operator’s licence should not be renewed.
On Tuesday, the United Trade Action Group (UTAG) sent the capital’s regulators, Transport for London (TfL), a 23 page Legal Submission prepared by their QC and Barrister.
Over the 119 sections of the submission UTAG say they set out the clear reasons why TfL must not renew Uber’s licence next month.
A further letter to TfL was said to have been sent yesterday, stating UTAG’s intention to Judicially Review any decision to renew.
This action comes as TfL refused to grant Uber London Limited’s (ULL) application to renew its five-year London Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence back in September 2017.
A letter sent by Helen Chapman, TfL’s Head of Licensing, outlined TfL’s reasons for taking this decision, which concluded “Transport for London (TfL) is not satisfied that ULL is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.”
In June 2018, Westminster Magistrates Court overturned TfL’s decision and granted ULL a 15-month probationary licence. The firm argued that it had put a series of measures in place to improve its operation since TfL’s decision was made.
However, concerns have been raised in that period by industry officials and politicians.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Westminster Magistrates Court fined Uber for contravening the terms of its licence. The courts fined the minicab firm £28,800 for allowing drivers to pick up passengers in London without the required hire and reward insurance.
Wes Streeting MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis and Labour MP for Ilford North, said: “This is just the latest example of Uber flouting the rules of the road that everyone else is expected to abide by.
“Once again Uber’s status as a “fit and proper operator” is called into serious question. The Mayor and TfL must act.”
UTAG, made up of drivers and stakeholders from across the industry, have since announced their decision to take action.
Src =Taxi Point
----------------------------------
GLASGOW
Sajid Javed, 36, suffered stab and slash wounds to the head, back and arm when he was assaulted yards from his home in Govan, Glasgow, on Sunday.
Now recovering at home, the dad-of-three told how he has been left too afraid to return to his job following the incident.
Two men have been charged with assaulting Sajid to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Sajid told how he thought he was going to die as he suffered multiple blows – one which left his ear cut in two.
He said: “There was so much blood all over my shirt and trousers. I was really scared but God gave me a new life.”
Sajid’s wife Shazia Shehzadi, 36, said: “I was shouting and crying for help as we waited for the ambulance and police.
“There was so much blood and we didn’t know where it was coming from so we were just putting pressure on the wounds.
“It was coming from everywhere.”
Sajid was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to have emergency treatment and was allowed home on Monday on full bed rest.
Medics said it would be several weeks before he is able to work again but he fears he will never be ready to return to his job. Shazia said: “We have three daughters.
"They’re not sleeping and they are too scared to even have the windows open at night.
“Everyone is scared here.”
Police said two men aged 21 and 20 have been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged attack.
The Crown Office confirmed that two men appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. They made no plea and were remanded in custody pending another court date.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Thursday 29 August 2019
Wednesday 28 August 2019
Plans to carry out drugs tests on Liverpool's taxi drivers have moved a step forward after councillors approved the latest stage of the proposals.
Members of the council's licensing committee voted to begin a compulsory consultation on the new testing rules, which would affect both new and existing drivers.
The new rules would see randomised testing of current taxi drivers , as well as the potential for new applicants, or taxi drivers renewing their licence, to be requested to take a test if they have a conviction or caution for drug-related offences in the past three years.
There would also be so-called 'intelligence-led' testing to allow the council to request a driver take a test if there are 'credible reasons' to suspect a driver may use illegal drugs.
Members of the committee praised the move but some said it would be necessary to push other boroughs in the region to adopt the policy as well because a large number of drivers licensing in other boroughs still operate i n Liverpool .
Councillor Roy Gladden said: "The reason we are looking at a policy for this is because of the drug problems we have with some drivers.
"Under our system there are drivers from other authorities driving in our area.
"I need something from this committee to go to the city region so that we can keep raising this with other boroughs."
Taxi team leader Yvonne Willcock said she sat on a panel with representatives from other regions and said that they would follow Liverpool's plans closely, but that it would be up to them if they wanted to introduce a testing policy of their own.
Drivers requested to take the tests due to previous drug offences will have to pay for the test, but for those chosen at random or due to intelligence-led testing the cost will be covered by the city council
https://bit.ly/2ZyiAlD
---------------------------------------
YORK
The city council should not change its taxi licensing policy towards out-of-town drivers working in York - under recommendations made to senior councillors.
City of York Council could face major risks - including significant costs and a legal fight in a national court - if it tries to stop Uber and other taxi companies registered outside the area operating in York, according to a report.
The council’s current legal position is that if a private hire vehicle’s three licences - operator, driver and vehicle - have all come from the same local authority then the driver can accept journeys anywhere in England and Wale, regardless of where the fare starts, passes through or ends.
Councillors will be asked not to change this policy because, according to the report, it could lead to thousands of pounds of legal costs because in other cases courts have not found out-of-town drivers to be acting unlawfully by picking up fares in other areas.
The report says: “This is national issue and the situation in York is similar to that in many other towns and cities in the country.
“For example, Medway Council have a statement on their website in relation to Uber which says ‘As the law stands, at present the Council do not believe that Uber is acting unlawfully within the council’s area’.
“Furthermore, Uber are not the only firm who work under the ‘triple licensing rule’ and it is said that other firms work to this model on race days in York for example.”
It adds that the council has sought legal advice on the issue and a lawyer found that a legal opinion by Gerald Gouriet QC for the York Private Hire Association is “untenable”.
The council’s executive will be recommended to make no changes to the taxi licensing policy.
https://bit.ly/2PlOJx6
----------------------------------
Members of the council's licensing committee voted to begin a compulsory consultation on the new testing rules, which would affect both new and existing drivers.
The new rules would see randomised testing of current taxi drivers , as well as the potential for new applicants, or taxi drivers renewing their licence, to be requested to take a test if they have a conviction or caution for drug-related offences in the past three years.
There would also be so-called 'intelligence-led' testing to allow the council to request a driver take a test if there are 'credible reasons' to suspect a driver may use illegal drugs.
Members of the committee praised the move but some said it would be necessary to push other boroughs in the region to adopt the policy as well because a large number of drivers licensing in other boroughs still operate i n Liverpool .
Councillor Roy Gladden said: "The reason we are looking at a policy for this is because of the drug problems we have with some drivers.
"Under our system there are drivers from other authorities driving in our area.
"I need something from this committee to go to the city region so that we can keep raising this with other boroughs."
Taxi team leader Yvonne Willcock said she sat on a panel with representatives from other regions and said that they would follow Liverpool's plans closely, but that it would be up to them if they wanted to introduce a testing policy of their own.
Drivers requested to take the tests due to previous drug offences will have to pay for the test, but for those chosen at random or due to intelligence-led testing the cost will be covered by the city council
https://bit.ly/2ZyiAlD
---------------------------------------
YORK
The city council should not change its taxi licensing policy towards out-of-town drivers working in York - under recommendations made to senior councillors.
City of York Council could face major risks - including significant costs and a legal fight in a national court - if it tries to stop Uber and other taxi companies registered outside the area operating in York, according to a report.
The council’s current legal position is that if a private hire vehicle’s three licences - operator, driver and vehicle - have all come from the same local authority then the driver can accept journeys anywhere in England and Wale, regardless of where the fare starts, passes through or ends.
Councillors will be asked not to change this policy because, according to the report, it could lead to thousands of pounds of legal costs because in other cases courts have not found out-of-town drivers to be acting unlawfully by picking up fares in other areas.
The report says: “This is national issue and the situation in York is similar to that in many other towns and cities in the country.
“For example, Medway Council have a statement on their website in relation to Uber which says ‘As the law stands, at present the Council do not believe that Uber is acting unlawfully within the council’s area’.
“Furthermore, Uber are not the only firm who work under the ‘triple licensing rule’ and it is said that other firms work to this model on race days in York for example.”
It adds that the council has sought legal advice on the issue and a lawyer found that a legal opinion by Gerald Gouriet QC for the York Private Hire Association is “untenable”.
The council’s executive will be recommended to make no changes to the taxi licensing policy.
https://bit.ly/2PlOJx6
----------------------------------
Tuesday 20 August 2019
EDINBURGH
A taxi has struck a pedestrian on the pavement in Queen Street this afternoon after the driver suffered a possible 'medical incident' at the wheel.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene at Murray & Currie Property Sales & Lettings at the corner of North Castle Street, along with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), shortly after 1pm.
A police spokesman confirmed that a male pedestrian in his 50s has been taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.
The spokesman said: "One line of inquiry is that the driver of the taxi may have suffered a medical incident but it's still to be ascertained by paramedics who are looking at him."
A nearby cafe owner told the Evening News they saw an older male taxi driver who came driving along Queen Street who appeared to lose control, adding: "He was injured and bleeding from the head.
"His two female passengers got out and were screaming at him."
A staff member at neighbouring hairdressers Bleach Please said: "There was a guy lying on the floor unconscious after the taxi came off the road.
https://bit.ly/31SB3e8
-------------------------------------
The new Mercedes-Benz EQV, which is being tipped as the vehicle most likely to become Mercedes offering as a taxi in the UK market, will be shown to the public for the first time at this year's IAA in September.
The most eye catching news surrounding its design is the massive 405 kilometres range, thats 252 miles to us in the UK, although it must be noted that these remain provisional figures from Mercedes.
Another impressive feature of the vehicle is the impressive rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than an hour.
The price of the vehicle as a non-modified van is however expected to start at £60,000. Whether the EVQ can make the conversion to a wheelchair accessible black cab at a cost that drivers are willing to pay, remains the big question.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character"
The price of the vehicle as a non-modified van is however expected to start at £60,000. Whether the EVQ can make the conversion to a wheelchair accessible black cab at a cost that drivers are willing to pay, remains the big question.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character"
---------------------------------------
SANDWELL
A TAXI driver who was found to be drunk twice in the space of six days has had his licence revoked.
Sandwell Council's licensing committee disqualified the unnamed man at a closed meeting of councillors last month.
Minutes of the decision show the driver, referred to only as Mr S B, had previously appeared before the licensing committee on April 23 this year after being convicted of being drunk in charge of his licenced vehicle when his licence was suspended for four weeks.
Six days later, licensing officers received information Mr S B had been arrested again by the police for a non-motoring related matter when he admitted he had a drinking problem.
When his suspension ended he was interviewed by licensing officers about the second arrest and accepted he was in breach of conditions because he had not reported the second incident.
Saying he had since seen his doctor and been referred to a help group for those with drink or drugs issues, Mr S B told the committee he not had an an alcoholic drink in seven weeks.
He said he did not report the second arrest because he had hadn’t been charged by police.
After taking legal advice the committee found he had been drinking to excess and was not a fit and proper person to hold a Sandwell licence.
Councillors remarked Mr S B had been a taxi driver for 20 years and should have been aware that any incidents must be reported to the Licensing Office within seven days.
They added that he had been involved in two alcohol related incidents within a short period of time and it was considered there was a risk to public safety.
Black Country News
(perhaps the Rum and Black Country news)
---------------------------------------
A taxi has struck a pedestrian on the pavement in Queen Street this afternoon after the driver suffered a possible 'medical incident' at the wheel.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene at Murray & Currie Property Sales & Lettings at the corner of North Castle Street, along with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), shortly after 1pm.
A police spokesman confirmed that a male pedestrian in his 50s has been taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.
The spokesman said: "One line of inquiry is that the driver of the taxi may have suffered a medical incident but it's still to be ascertained by paramedics who are looking at him."
A nearby cafe owner told the Evening News they saw an older male taxi driver who came driving along Queen Street who appeared to lose control, adding: "He was injured and bleeding from the head.
"His two female passengers got out and were screaming at him."
A staff member at neighbouring hairdressers Bleach Please said: "There was a guy lying on the floor unconscious after the taxi came off the road.
https://bit.ly/31SB3e8
-------------------------------------
The new Mercedes-Benz EQV, which is being tipped as the vehicle most likely to become Mercedes offering as a taxi in the UK market, will be shown to the public for the first time at this year's IAA in September.
The most eye catching news surrounding its design is the massive 405 kilometres range, thats 252 miles to us in the UK, although it must be noted that these remain provisional figures from Mercedes.
Another impressive feature of the vehicle is the impressive rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than an hour.
The price of the vehicle as a non-modified van is however expected to start at £60,000. Whether the EVQ can make the conversion to a wheelchair accessible black cab at a cost that drivers are willing to pay, remains the big question.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character"
The price of the vehicle as a non-modified van is however expected to start at £60,000. Whether the EVQ can make the conversion to a wheelchair accessible black cab at a cost that drivers are willing to pay, remains the big question.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character"
---------------------------------------
SANDWELL
A TAXI driver who was found to be drunk twice in the space of six days has had his licence revoked.
Sandwell Council's licensing committee disqualified the unnamed man at a closed meeting of councillors last month.
Minutes of the decision show the driver, referred to only as Mr S B, had previously appeared before the licensing committee on April 23 this year after being convicted of being drunk in charge of his licenced vehicle when his licence was suspended for four weeks.
Six days later, licensing officers received information Mr S B had been arrested again by the police for a non-motoring related matter when he admitted he had a drinking problem.
When his suspension ended he was interviewed by licensing officers about the second arrest and accepted he was in breach of conditions because he had not reported the second incident.
Saying he had since seen his doctor and been referred to a help group for those with drink or drugs issues, Mr S B told the committee he not had an an alcoholic drink in seven weeks.
He said he did not report the second arrest because he had hadn’t been charged by police.
After taking legal advice the committee found he had been drinking to excess and was not a fit and proper person to hold a Sandwell licence.
Councillors remarked Mr S B had been a taxi driver for 20 years and should have been aware that any incidents must be reported to the Licensing Office within seven days.
They added that he had been involved in two alcohol related incidents within a short period of time and it was considered there was a risk to public safety.
Black Country News
(perhaps the Rum and Black Country news)
---------------------------------------
Sunday 18 August 2019
Staylebridge
A man wanted by police for over a year was finally caught after he fled from a taxi so he didn't have to pay a £4 fare.
Officers had been dealing with an incident in Stalybridge when they were flagged down by a taxi driver on Saturday night.
The driver told police that three males had fled from his taxi and 'forgotten' to pay him.
Two officers managed to catch up with one member of the group and ran a check on their computer.
It later transpired that the male had been wanted for over a year for failing to attend his community service on numerous occasions.
A 28-year-old male has since been arrested for breaching his community order.
A post on the GMP Tameside Facebook page said: "Whilst officers were dealing with an incident in Stalybridge they were stopped by a taxi driver reporting three males had fled his taxi forgetting to pay him.
"Unfortunately for the males, they did it in front of the officers and ran into the estate at Booth Close. As they did they ran away laughing and continued to do so whilst officers were searching for them.
"Between the two officers, they managed to corner one of the group.
"Whilst one officer rang the taxi company asking the driver to meet them, the other checked the male out on the police national computer.
Tameside news
--------------------------------------
SWANSEA
A drunk police officer has been told he can keep his job after punching and kicking a taxi's windows when he refused to pay the fare.
Intoxicated PC Richard Olsen, 22, refused to cough up the money after getting a late night taxi from a night out in Swansea, where he had been drinking with Taibach Rugby Club.
A South Wales Police misconduct hearing was told that officers were called to the scene on May 5, after he verbally abused the driver, and that PC OIsen lied about paying the fare.
Sergeant Bryan Lewis, who represented him at the hearing, said the rugby player had struggled to make the transition from civilian to police life.
Drunk police officer Richard Olsen, 22, has been told he can keep his job after kicking and punching a taxi's window when he refused to pay the fare
During the hearing, the shamed police officer said his actions were the 'single biggest learning curve of his life' after admitting a breach of professional behaviour and gross misconduct.
'These are actions I don't condone and it's not the standard I accept of myself,' he said.
'My off-duty conduct now is that of which I expect it to be and is similar behaviour to as I am on duty, playing the role of a police officer 24/7.'
Sergeant Smith added that Mr Olsen had put his responsibilities 'out of his mind' during days off.
'As a former student and rugby player, (he) was used to recreational drinking,' said the Sergeant.
'He met peers from the rugby club and continued drinking excessively and this incident was culmination of escaping from responsibilities he undertook while on duty.'
The taxi driver said they did not wish to make a complaint, meaning no criminal investigation took place, but PC Olsen was still hauled before police chiefs for a misconduct hearing.
He was allowed to continue in his role but warned to prove this was a 'one-off incident'.
Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis told him: 'Listen carefully: this decision was a very close one and by no means clear cut.
'You have the chance to prove this was a one-off incident due to drunken behaviour and immature arrogance which has no place in South Wales Police.
'I expect hard work and vigour from you to demonstrate this decision is not a poor one on my part. Any similar behaviour will result in only one outcome.'
PC Olsen was issued with a final written warning which will remain on his police record.
https://dailym.ai/2Z2EMZG
------------------------------------
BARROW
TAXI drivers are up in arms over a potential increase to fares for passengers in Barrow.
Dozens of drivers gathered outside the town hall yesterday to protest against a proposed hike in fares.
They say an increase of around 16 per cent in fees for Hackney Carriage cars is due to be discussed by council licensing chiefs and would be harmful for Barrow's taxi industry and a negative for passengers.
Barrow council has insisted that any changes to taxi policy have only come following consultation with the trade.
A spokesman from the Furness Taxi Trade Association said: "Drivers are disappointed and upset with the licensing department at Barrow Town Hall constantly going against the wishes of the trade, even after agreements have been reached at so-called trade liaison meetings.
"The taxi trade recently reached an agreement with local taxi operators to increase fares to a more reasonable level.
"The trade then asked the town hall to postpone any further increases to the rank rate until at least a year had passed.
"This has been ignored by the licensing department.
"Our aim has been over the last few months is to create a level playing field, so that the public can be assured that if they phone hail or hire a taxi from a rank they will be paying about the same rate.
"If the council implement this unwanted rise then this becomes impossible."
There are thought to be more than 300 licensed taxi drivers in the Barrow borough area.
The council sent out a notice to drivers asking for their opinions on the proposals, with the seven who responded voting unanimously in favour of it.
But the taxi trade association said it had asked members not to respond to the consultation.
An email sent to taxi drivers by the council said: "A review of the fares has now taken place, based on the weightings which were put forward by the trade.
"We also intend to implement a maximum booking fee within the table of fares."
https://bit.ly/2ZgcMRE
A man wanted by police for over a year was finally caught after he fled from a taxi so he didn't have to pay a £4 fare.
Officers had been dealing with an incident in Stalybridge when they were flagged down by a taxi driver on Saturday night.
The driver told police that three males had fled from his taxi and 'forgotten' to pay him.
Two officers managed to catch up with one member of the group and ran a check on their computer.
It later transpired that the male had been wanted for over a year for failing to attend his community service on numerous occasions.
A 28-year-old male has since been arrested for breaching his community order.
A post on the GMP Tameside Facebook page said: "Whilst officers were dealing with an incident in Stalybridge they were stopped by a taxi driver reporting three males had fled his taxi forgetting to pay him.
"Unfortunately for the males, they did it in front of the officers and ran into the estate at Booth Close. As they did they ran away laughing and continued to do so whilst officers were searching for them.
"Between the two officers, they managed to corner one of the group.
"Whilst one officer rang the taxi company asking the driver to meet them, the other checked the male out on the police national computer.
Tameside news
--------------------------------------
SWANSEA
A drunk police officer has been told he can keep his job after punching and kicking a taxi's windows when he refused to pay the fare.
Intoxicated PC Richard Olsen, 22, refused to cough up the money after getting a late night taxi from a night out in Swansea, where he had been drinking with Taibach Rugby Club.
A South Wales Police misconduct hearing was told that officers were called to the scene on May 5, after he verbally abused the driver, and that PC OIsen lied about paying the fare.
Sergeant Bryan Lewis, who represented him at the hearing, said the rugby player had struggled to make the transition from civilian to police life.
Drunk police officer Richard Olsen, 22, has been told he can keep his job after kicking and punching a taxi's window when he refused to pay the fare
During the hearing, the shamed police officer said his actions were the 'single biggest learning curve of his life' after admitting a breach of professional behaviour and gross misconduct.
'These are actions I don't condone and it's not the standard I accept of myself,' he said.
'My off-duty conduct now is that of which I expect it to be and is similar behaviour to as I am on duty, playing the role of a police officer 24/7.'
Sergeant Smith added that Mr Olsen had put his responsibilities 'out of his mind' during days off.
'As a former student and rugby player, (he) was used to recreational drinking,' said the Sergeant.
'He met peers from the rugby club and continued drinking excessively and this incident was culmination of escaping from responsibilities he undertook while on duty.'
The taxi driver said they did not wish to make a complaint, meaning no criminal investigation took place, but PC Olsen was still hauled before police chiefs for a misconduct hearing.
He was allowed to continue in his role but warned to prove this was a 'one-off incident'.
Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis told him: 'Listen carefully: this decision was a very close one and by no means clear cut.
'You have the chance to prove this was a one-off incident due to drunken behaviour and immature arrogance which has no place in South Wales Police.
'I expect hard work and vigour from you to demonstrate this decision is not a poor one on my part. Any similar behaviour will result in only one outcome.'
PC Olsen was issued with a final written warning which will remain on his police record.
https://dailym.ai/2Z2EMZG
------------------------------------
BARROW
TAXI drivers are up in arms over a potential increase to fares for passengers in Barrow.
Dozens of drivers gathered outside the town hall yesterday to protest against a proposed hike in fares.
They say an increase of around 16 per cent in fees for Hackney Carriage cars is due to be discussed by council licensing chiefs and would be harmful for Barrow's taxi industry and a negative for passengers.
Barrow council has insisted that any changes to taxi policy have only come following consultation with the trade.
A spokesman from the Furness Taxi Trade Association said: "Drivers are disappointed and upset with the licensing department at Barrow Town Hall constantly going against the wishes of the trade, even after agreements have been reached at so-called trade liaison meetings.
"The taxi trade recently reached an agreement with local taxi operators to increase fares to a more reasonable level.
"The trade then asked the town hall to postpone any further increases to the rank rate until at least a year had passed.
"This has been ignored by the licensing department.
"Our aim has been over the last few months is to create a level playing field, so that the public can be assured that if they phone hail or hire a taxi from a rank they will be paying about the same rate.
"If the council implement this unwanted rise then this becomes impossible."
There are thought to be more than 300 licensed taxi drivers in the Barrow borough area.
The council sent out a notice to drivers asking for their opinions on the proposals, with the seven who responded voting unanimously in favour of it.
But the taxi trade association said it had asked members not to respond to the consultation.
An email sent to taxi drivers by the council said: "A review of the fares has now taken place, based on the weightings which were put forward by the trade.
"We also intend to implement a maximum booking fee within the table of fares."
https://bit.ly/2ZgcMRE
Saturday 17 August 2019
LIVERPOOL
A man and woman involved in a car crash with a taxi left the scene with two young children - then returned without them.
Emergency services were called to Townsend Avenue, at 10.15pm on Thursday, to reports of a crash between a Ford Kuga and a Peugeot private hire taxi.
Following the crash a 44-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman - who were travelling in the Ford - left the scene with two young children.
Then the couple returned on their own and were immediately arrested by police.
The man, from Norris Green, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving without a licence.
The woman from Walton was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and drug driving.
After the crash officers located the children, whose ages are not known, and they were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Meanwhile inside the taxi the four passengers and taxi driver received minor injuries.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Both have been taken to police stations for questioning.
"The children have subsequently been located and were taken to hospital as a precaution. Safeguarding measures are ongoing.
"CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to establish who was driving and the full circumstances of the incident."
Pictures taken of the crash, at the junction of Broad Lane , show both vehicles stopped on a grass bank on the pavement with significant damage.
It is not know if the crash forced the cars onto the footpath or whether they were moved there after, but a significant amount of debris could also be seen across the road.
Speaking to the ECHO , a resident who lives close to the scene of the crash said that it is common for collisions to take place at the busy junction.
https://bit.ly/2P08tWP
---------------------------------------
PENDLE
SAFETY warnings have been issued after four taxi drivers were found to be breaching the terms of their licenses by accepting fares that weren’t pre-booked.
A joint operation carried out by the Colne and West Craven neighbourhood policing team alongside Pendle council took place over the weekend, where four drivers were discovered to be accepting illegal jobs.
The practice of ‘plying for private hire’ involves private hire drivers accepting jobs from people on the street, without a previous booking.
A police spokesman said: “This is dangerous as this invalidates the insurance on the vehicle as the driver is not abiding by the conditions of their licence.
Please ensure you pre-book a taxi for the reasons above but more importantly for your own safety to ensure a record of the taxi and the driver is held with whichever taxi firm you choose to book with.”
The four drivers that were found in breach of their license conditions are now being dealt with by the council’s taxi licensing team.
https://bit.ly/31Na2Jg
---------------------------------------
Haverfordwest
A pedestrian was launched into the air by the force of a collision with a taxi, a court has heard.
Timothy Davies, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, represented himself when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday, August 12, having previously pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.
The court heard that Davies’ taxi was seen to hit a man who was crossing the road as he turned into Church Street, Haverfordwest, on January 19.
Sian Vaughan, prosecuting, said a witness described the man being thrown ‘high in the air’ by the force of the impact with the VW Touran’s bonnet. He landed on the road 10 yards away.
The pedestrian sustained serious injuries including a broken collar bone and a fractured pelvis.
The car was left with a dent in the bonnet and a shattered windscreen.
Davies, 24, who represented himself, said: “I’m sorry for the accident.
“I need to carry on driving, I need to keep my licence, but I have lost my taxi badge over this.”
Magistrates fined Davies £120 and banned him from driving for six months. He was ordered to pay £115 in costs and a surcharge.
The bench decided not to order compensation after hearing that a civil claim was ongoing.
https://bit.ly/2YZArX4
A man and woman involved in a car crash with a taxi left the scene with two young children - then returned without them.
Emergency services were called to Townsend Avenue, at 10.15pm on Thursday, to reports of a crash between a Ford Kuga and a Peugeot private hire taxi.
Following the crash a 44-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman - who were travelling in the Ford - left the scene with two young children.
Then the couple returned on their own and were immediately arrested by police.
The man, from Norris Green, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving without a licence.
The woman from Walton was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and drug driving.
After the crash officers located the children, whose ages are not known, and they were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Meanwhile inside the taxi the four passengers and taxi driver received minor injuries.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Both have been taken to police stations for questioning.
"The children have subsequently been located and were taken to hospital as a precaution. Safeguarding measures are ongoing.
"CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to establish who was driving and the full circumstances of the incident."
Pictures taken of the crash, at the junction of Broad Lane , show both vehicles stopped on a grass bank on the pavement with significant damage.
It is not know if the crash forced the cars onto the footpath or whether they were moved there after, but a significant amount of debris could also be seen across the road.
Speaking to the ECHO , a resident who lives close to the scene of the crash said that it is common for collisions to take place at the busy junction.
https://bit.ly/2P08tWP
---------------------------------------
PENDLE
SAFETY warnings have been issued after four taxi drivers were found to be breaching the terms of their licenses by accepting fares that weren’t pre-booked.
A joint operation carried out by the Colne and West Craven neighbourhood policing team alongside Pendle council took place over the weekend, where four drivers were discovered to be accepting illegal jobs.
The practice of ‘plying for private hire’ involves private hire drivers accepting jobs from people on the street, without a previous booking.
A police spokesman said: “This is dangerous as this invalidates the insurance on the vehicle as the driver is not abiding by the conditions of their licence.
Please ensure you pre-book a taxi for the reasons above but more importantly for your own safety to ensure a record of the taxi and the driver is held with whichever taxi firm you choose to book with.”
The four drivers that were found in breach of their license conditions are now being dealt with by the council’s taxi licensing team.
https://bit.ly/31Na2Jg
---------------------------------------
Haverfordwest
A pedestrian was launched into the air by the force of a collision with a taxi, a court has heard.
Timothy Davies, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, represented himself when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday, August 12, having previously pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.
The court heard that Davies’ taxi was seen to hit a man who was crossing the road as he turned into Church Street, Haverfordwest, on January 19.
Sian Vaughan, prosecuting, said a witness described the man being thrown ‘high in the air’ by the force of the impact with the VW Touran’s bonnet. He landed on the road 10 yards away.
The pedestrian sustained serious injuries including a broken collar bone and a fractured pelvis.
The car was left with a dent in the bonnet and a shattered windscreen.
Davies, 24, who represented himself, said: “I’m sorry for the accident.
“I need to carry on driving, I need to keep my licence, but I have lost my taxi badge over this.”
Magistrates fined Davies £120 and banned him from driving for six months. He was ordered to pay £115 in costs and a surcharge.
The bench decided not to order compensation after hearing that a civil claim was ongoing.
https://bit.ly/2YZArX4
Wednesday 14 August 2019
LEEDS
Early plans to make CCTV mandatory in taxis have been welcomed by industry professionals.
It follows a meeting of Leeds City Council’s licensing committee this morning, where council members and officers said they would continue to look into the possibility of compulsory cameras in cars to help with public safety.
Driver representatives said they had supported the plans from the beginning, adding that CCTV would ensure the safety of drivers as much as the public.
Hackney carriage association’s Michael Utting said: “It’s for the benefit of the public and our drivers. We need to make sure the industry is safe.”
Gulam Nabi, head of the Eurocabs taxi association added that the measures would ensure the safety of drivers.
During the meeting, a council officer said: “To have a policy of compulsory CCTV brings all sorts of things into question, as to whether it would be desirable.
“We need to look at the areas of benefit of passenger safety and confidence and driver confidence.
“We would be interesting in terms of safety. The law is very clear around the information commissioner about what authorities need to do when making CCTV compulsory.
“All studies highlight that they are good for confidence and passenger safety – everyone broadly agrees that it is a good measure.
“It won’t prevent the worst cases. But it is one of those things that we could develop a policy quite quickly.”
The committee agreed to set up a working group to look into the issues and feasibility around the issue. A report is expected later in the year.
https://bit.ly/33A2Jq4
---------------------------------
LEVC.. FIRST CASULTY OF £96 MILLON LOSS.
The chairman of the Warwickshire-headquartered company famous for its London black taxis has stepped down.
Carl-Peter Forster, who joined London EV Company (LEVC) in February 2015, is to remain an automotive adviser to its Chinese owner, Geely.
Before taking on the role, Forster was a senior advisor to Geely, and a member of the board of both Volvo Cars Corporation and Geely Automobile Holdings since 2013.
He has held senior leadership positions at the likes of BMW, GM Europe where he was in charge of Opel and Saab operations, as well as Tata Motors where, as global group chief executive, he was also responsible for the Jaguar Land Rover business, from 2010 to 2011.
At the start of July, documents revealed that the company's turnover reached almost £80m during its latest financial year but that it made a pre-tax loss of £96.1m.
His replacement has not yet been announced by LEVC.
https://bit.ly/2z2lZy8
Early plans to make CCTV mandatory in taxis have been welcomed by industry professionals.
It follows a meeting of Leeds City Council’s licensing committee this morning, where council members and officers said they would continue to look into the possibility of compulsory cameras in cars to help with public safety.
Driver representatives said they had supported the plans from the beginning, adding that CCTV would ensure the safety of drivers as much as the public.
Hackney carriage association’s Michael Utting said: “It’s for the benefit of the public and our drivers. We need to make sure the industry is safe.”
Gulam Nabi, head of the Eurocabs taxi association added that the measures would ensure the safety of drivers.
During the meeting, a council officer said: “To have a policy of compulsory CCTV brings all sorts of things into question, as to whether it would be desirable.
“We need to look at the areas of benefit of passenger safety and confidence and driver confidence.
“We would be interesting in terms of safety. The law is very clear around the information commissioner about what authorities need to do when making CCTV compulsory.
“All studies highlight that they are good for confidence and passenger safety – everyone broadly agrees that it is a good measure.
“It won’t prevent the worst cases. But it is one of those things that we could develop a policy quite quickly.”
The committee agreed to set up a working group to look into the issues and feasibility around the issue. A report is expected later in the year.
https://bit.ly/33A2Jq4
---------------------------------
LEVC.. FIRST CASULTY OF £96 MILLON LOSS.
The chairman of the Warwickshire-headquartered company famous for its London black taxis has stepped down.
Carl-Peter Forster, who joined London EV Company (LEVC) in February 2015, is to remain an automotive adviser to its Chinese owner, Geely.
Before taking on the role, Forster was a senior advisor to Geely, and a member of the board of both Volvo Cars Corporation and Geely Automobile Holdings since 2013.
He has held senior leadership positions at the likes of BMW, GM Europe where he was in charge of Opel and Saab operations, as well as Tata Motors where, as global group chief executive, he was also responsible for the Jaguar Land Rover business, from 2010 to 2011.
At the start of July, documents revealed that the company's turnover reached almost £80m during its latest financial year but that it made a pre-tax loss of £96.1m.
His replacement has not yet been announced by LEVC.
https://bit.ly/2z2lZy8
Tuesday 13 August 2019
LONDON
Yesterday, in broad daylight, armed police stopped an alleged Uber driver. Ripping open the doors they pointed automatic weapons at the driver, who was pulled out, handcuffed and arrested.
https://taxileaks.blogspot.com/2019/08/alleged-uber-driver-arrested-by-heavily.html
--------------------------------------
Taxi drivers in Bridgend will have to pass a knowledge test from November under new plans by the local authority to introduce a “more robust assessment”.
The test is set to cover a variety of topics from legislation and the location of streets to safeguarding, and how to get to places of interest outside the county like airports, cultural and sporting venues.
Currently, applicants for a licence to drive a hackney carriage or private
hire vehicle within Bridgend are only required to undertake a short numeracy and literacy test followed by a half day driver awareness course which outlines the responsibilities of a taxi driver.
Licensing officers said there was currently no way of working out if an applicant had understood the awareness course.
The new knowledge test will replace the current system, and cost £10 less.
For the first time drivers will be tested on their knowledge of routes within the county.
Officers told councillors at a licensing committee meeting on Tuesday, August 13, that several different test papers had been prepared to help prevent drivers from knowing which questions would come up.
They said the paper would be completed under test conditions with phones banned and an invigilator present.
https://bit.ly/2Kxxsw8
Yesterday, in broad daylight, armed police stopped an alleged Uber driver. Ripping open the doors they pointed automatic weapons at the driver, who was pulled out, handcuffed and arrested.
https://taxileaks.blogspot.com/2019/08/alleged-uber-driver-arrested-by-heavily.html
--------------------------------------
Taxi drivers in Bridgend will have to pass a knowledge test from November under new plans by the local authority to introduce a “more robust assessment”.
The test is set to cover a variety of topics from legislation and the location of streets to safeguarding, and how to get to places of interest outside the county like airports, cultural and sporting venues.
Currently, applicants for a licence to drive a hackney carriage or private
hire vehicle within Bridgend are only required to undertake a short numeracy and literacy test followed by a half day driver awareness course which outlines the responsibilities of a taxi driver.
Licensing officers said there was currently no way of working out if an applicant had understood the awareness course.
The new knowledge test will replace the current system, and cost £10 less.
For the first time drivers will be tested on their knowledge of routes within the county.
Officers told councillors at a licensing committee meeting on Tuesday, August 13, that several different test papers had been prepared to help prevent drivers from knowing which questions would come up.
They said the paper would be completed under test conditions with phones banned and an invigilator present.
https://bit.ly/2Kxxsw8
Monday 12 August 2019
LONDON
Taxi drivers have slammed plans to close off key locations in the City of London to traffic during the summer, saying they amount to a “PR gimmick”.
Key City hotspots, including St Mary Axe and Chancery Lane, will be closed for days in August and September to allow workers to enjoy traffic-free lunch breaks, the City of London Corporation announced today.
The Corporation will close off St Mary Axe – which hosts the Gherkin, Cheesegrater and the Baltic Exchange – to cars and taxis on 13-15 August, while Chancery Lane will be closed from 3-5 September from 10.30am to 3pm.
The closures are to allow activities, music and food to take place.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “While the taxi trade agrees strongly with the need to tackle London’s toxic air, one off stunts like car-free days won’t do much to cut pollution in the long-term.
“Instead of PR gimmicks, the City of London Corporation should make a real contribution to improving air quality by installing more rapid charge points for the 2000 London cabbies who are out picking up passengers in zero emissions capable taxis.
“There are currently only two rapid charge points available to cabbies within the richest Square Mile in the world. This is totally absurd and we need to see many more installed to encourage more cabbies to make the switch to electric.”
https://bit.ly/2yX5eEO
----------------------------------------
Taxi drivers in Carmarthenshire are being trained to spot signs of abuse to help raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse.
Hundreds of taxi drivers have already completed the safeguard training which helps protect vulnerable people. Passenger assistants are also being given training, which includes a video tutorial, as part of their licensing requirements.
The training is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Policy.
Vulnerable people do not have the capacity or ability to understand what is happening. This may be down to drugs/alcohol, mental health, learning disability or age. They may also have communication difficulties such as deaf, blind or language barriers.
The Safeguard training covers children and adults are risk of abuse, violence against women, domestic abuse and child exploitation. It also includes human trafficking, modern slavery, county lines and counter terrorism.
At the end of the training people should know how to spot signs that vulnerable people may be at risk, know how to report their concerns and who to contact whilst protecting themselves.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “This training helps taxi drivers recognise potential issues as they are the eyes and ears of the community and should they have any concerns they will know which authorities to contact.
"Safeguarding children is something we should all get involved in. Any child can be sexually exploited no matter what culture, ethnicity, religion, whether a boy or a girl from any background.”
https://bit.ly/2MVA2Oa
Taxi drivers have slammed plans to close off key locations in the City of London to traffic during the summer, saying they amount to a “PR gimmick”.
Key City hotspots, including St Mary Axe and Chancery Lane, will be closed for days in August and September to allow workers to enjoy traffic-free lunch breaks, the City of London Corporation announced today.
The Corporation will close off St Mary Axe – which hosts the Gherkin, Cheesegrater and the Baltic Exchange – to cars and taxis on 13-15 August, while Chancery Lane will be closed from 3-5 September from 10.30am to 3pm.
The closures are to allow activities, music and food to take place.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “While the taxi trade agrees strongly with the need to tackle London’s toxic air, one off stunts like car-free days won’t do much to cut pollution in the long-term.
“Instead of PR gimmicks, the City of London Corporation should make a real contribution to improving air quality by installing more rapid charge points for the 2000 London cabbies who are out picking up passengers in zero emissions capable taxis.
“There are currently only two rapid charge points available to cabbies within the richest Square Mile in the world. This is totally absurd and we need to see many more installed to encourage more cabbies to make the switch to electric.”
https://bit.ly/2yX5eEO
----------------------------------------
Taxi drivers in Carmarthenshire are being trained to spot signs of abuse to help raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse.
Hundreds of taxi drivers have already completed the safeguard training which helps protect vulnerable people. Passenger assistants are also being given training, which includes a video tutorial, as part of their licensing requirements.
The training is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Policy.
Vulnerable people do not have the capacity or ability to understand what is happening. This may be down to drugs/alcohol, mental health, learning disability or age. They may also have communication difficulties such as deaf, blind or language barriers.
The Safeguard training covers children and adults are risk of abuse, violence against women, domestic abuse and child exploitation. It also includes human trafficking, modern slavery, county lines and counter terrorism.
At the end of the training people should know how to spot signs that vulnerable people may be at risk, know how to report their concerns and who to contact whilst protecting themselves.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “This training helps taxi drivers recognise potential issues as they are the eyes and ears of the community and should they have any concerns they will know which authorities to contact.
"Safeguarding children is something we should all get involved in. Any child can be sexually exploited no matter what culture, ethnicity, religion, whether a boy or a girl from any background.”
https://bit.ly/2MVA2Oa
Sunday 11 August 2019
NEWCASTLE
Taxi driver numbers exploded after the council scrapped a test to prove candidates had a decent knowledge of roads in Newcastle.
The locality test - dubbed the 'Geordie Knowledge' - was axed in 2015, the same year Uber arrived on Tyneside.
That year, 1,072 licences were granted by Newcastle City Council. A year earlier, just 142 were awarded.
Since then there's been a surge in drivers applying for a private licence, which the authority admits it is powerless to stop.
“We understand Hackney carriage drivers are concerned by the number of licences being granted to private hire operations but this has been seen in cities across the country because by law, local authorities are not able to impose a cap on the number of licences we issue," said a council spokesperson.
But one veteran driver told ChronicleLive his takings had halved since 2015 due to the abundance of drivers on the city's roads.
"I know loads who have left, proper old school drivers as well," claimed one private hire worker.
"It is longer hours now as more drivers equals less work."
"Hackney carriages used to be worth 50k now they are going for 5k - there are just too many taxis."
Hundreds of drivers campaigned for the once-compulsory 'Geordie Knowledge' test to be brought back.
A ChronicleLive poll showed the overwhelming number of readers also backed its return.
The council say the test was "re-assessed" in 2015.
"They brought back a limited one because of complaints, basically where is the airport, Central Station, St James Park etc - literally six places you had to know where they were, nothing like the one I did where you had to know routes and name every hotel in Jesmond," added the driver.
A Freedom of Information request to the council revealed over 3,000 new private hire applications from 2015-18.
https://bit.ly/2YJmAUT
-------------------------------------
GLASGOW
THE casting vote of Glasgow’s licensing committee chairman narrowly prevented a man jailed for culpable homicide from becoming a private hire driver.
Alexander Gallagher, who was locked up after admitting killing Gavin Wright, of Barrowfield, in August 2004, had applied for a temporary six-week licence.
He told the committee how since his release he had worked in the parks department at Glasgow City Council, being promoted to a supervisor role.
After deliberating on the application, licensing chiefs reached a stalemate, with three in favour of granting the licence and three against.
Chairman Alex Wilson, who has the final say on tied votes, broke the deadlock – ruling against Mr Gallagher.
A Police Scotland representative said, on August 9, 2004, Mr Gallagher had assaulted a male, kicking and stabbing him. The man was “so severely injured” he died, the officer added.
Mr Wilson, addressing the applicant, said: “What can I say, I know you’ve been to prison for this offence. It doesn’t make good reading.”
Mr Gallagher, who said he spent six years and eight months in prison, asked the committee to take into account his work history when considering the application. Asked whether he had undertaken any anger management courses, Mr Gallagher said he hadn’t met the criteria while in prison. “It wasn’t my decision,” he added.
Councillor Wilson, seconded by councillor Elspeth Kerr, moved that the application was refused. Councillor Rhiannon Spear, seconded by councillor James Coleman, put forward an amendment, calling for the application to be granted. The motion was carried after Mr Wilson’s casting vote.
Mr Gallagher and his father, Alexander Gallagher senior, who shouted encouragement from a window of the family home during the attack, were arrested following the incident in 2004. The victim suffered multiple skull fractures and 17 stab wounds, a court heard during trial.
In June 2010, the High Court in Glasgow heard how in 2005 the Gallaghers were both convicted of murdering Mr Wright and ordered to serve at least 15 years in jail before being eligible for parole. But, after the trial, examination of CCTV footage cast doubts on two witnesses and the Appeal Court quashed the convictions.
The Crown, which was given authority to raise fresh proceedings, later accepted the father and son’s pleas to a reduced charge of culpable homicide. The court had also heard how the Gallagher and Wright families were involved in a long-running feud which began when racing pigeons were found dead in a loft.
https://bit.ly/2TpaJoQ
Thursday 8 August 2019
BOLTON
A TAXI driver who was caught overtaking a car stopped at red traffic lights by driving on the wrong side of the road while carrying a passenger has had his licence suspended.
The offender, who admitted his 'foolhardy' decision had been unsafe, apologised for his actions at a town hall hearing last week.
But councillors on the licensing sub-committee decided to suspend his licence to drive a private hire vehicle for a period of six weeks.
They concluded that the driver is not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence at this time, according to minutes from the private meeting.
They said: "Members were concerned that the driver had carried out an extremely dangerous manoeuvre that could have put himself and members of the public in danger."
Dashcam footage catching the accused driver in the act was sent by a member of the public to Greater Manchester Police.
After being informed about the complaint by the police, the council's licensing unit conduced a telephone interview with the driver who said he had no knowledge of the incident.
However, when he was shown the footage in a meeting that followed, he agreed that it was his vehicle and that he was the driver at the time.
The police offered him the option to attend a training course as an alternative to a conditional offer of a fixed penalty.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk
------------------------------------
Uber have revealed that they have lost billions after their second quarterly figures were published by the tech giant.
Uber posted a $5.24bn loss, which represents the largest quarterly loss in the company's history.
The losses have been accrued after Uber paid nearly $4bn in expenses and stock based compensation during that quarter. They also paid out just under $300mn to drivers relating to its IPO.
Uber have been haemorrhaging money in its quest to expand its customer base. Marketing, promotions and sales have all had an adverse impact on its revenue stream.
Although the company's revenue has increased to $3.17bn its expenses grew by 71% compared to the previous year, this is in part due to competing against other app-based rivals. As a result, Uber's ability to become a profitable entity has been seriously impinged.
According to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi the company may continue to lose money at a slower rate over the next two years.
www.theguardian.com
----------------------------------------
IPSWICH
Decision notices published on Ipswich Borough Council's website revealed the council suspended one private hire licence as a result of allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Meanwhile a combined hackney carriage and private hire licence was revoked altogether while a police investigation was underway on a different matter.
According to the council, the private hire vehicle driver was suspended due to "two allegations of inappropriate conversations with females".
The other is a licensed hackney carriage and private hire driver who is "the subject of a police investigation for a serious offence" and has had their licence revoked entirely.
A council spokeswoman said: "The council places public safety at the forefront of any taxi and private hire licensing matters.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on the licence revocation where the matter is being investigated by the police but the allegation was not made in relation to their work as a licensed driver.
"In the case of the licence suspension, the driver appeared at the hackney carriage and private hire enforcement sub-committee because of allegations that he had offended passengers by questioning their gender and relationship status.
"All taxi and private hire drivers are expected to act in a civil and orderly manner, which includes having appropriate conversations with passengers that do not cause offence.
"The sub-committee suspended the driver's licence whilst the driver goes for re-training."
The spokeswoman confirmed that police were not involved with the suspended licence, as the alleged comments were not a criminal offence.
Both licence decisions were made by council officers, with the decision on the allegations of inappropriate comments having been made on July 9, while the licence revoked for the police matter was determined on July 7.
It has not been made clear what offence the police matter is investigating, although the council confirmed it was not something that was related to their work as a licensed driver.
www.ipswichstar.co.uk
----------------------------------------------
A TAXI driver who was caught overtaking a car stopped at red traffic lights by driving on the wrong side of the road while carrying a passenger has had his licence suspended.
The offender, who admitted his 'foolhardy' decision had been unsafe, apologised for his actions at a town hall hearing last week.
But councillors on the licensing sub-committee decided to suspend his licence to drive a private hire vehicle for a period of six weeks.
They concluded that the driver is not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence at this time, according to minutes from the private meeting.
They said: "Members were concerned that the driver had carried out an extremely dangerous manoeuvre that could have put himself and members of the public in danger."
Dashcam footage catching the accused driver in the act was sent by a member of the public to Greater Manchester Police.
After being informed about the complaint by the police, the council's licensing unit conduced a telephone interview with the driver who said he had no knowledge of the incident.
However, when he was shown the footage in a meeting that followed, he agreed that it was his vehicle and that he was the driver at the time.
The police offered him the option to attend a training course as an alternative to a conditional offer of a fixed penalty.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk
------------------------------------
Uber have revealed that they have lost billions after their second quarterly figures were published by the tech giant.
Uber posted a $5.24bn loss, which represents the largest quarterly loss in the company's history.
The losses have been accrued after Uber paid nearly $4bn in expenses and stock based compensation during that quarter. They also paid out just under $300mn to drivers relating to its IPO.
Uber have been haemorrhaging money in its quest to expand its customer base. Marketing, promotions and sales have all had an adverse impact on its revenue stream.
Although the company's revenue has increased to $3.17bn its expenses grew by 71% compared to the previous year, this is in part due to competing against other app-based rivals. As a result, Uber's ability to become a profitable entity has been seriously impinged.
According to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi the company may continue to lose money at a slower rate over the next two years.
www.theguardian.com
----------------------------------------
IPSWICH
Decision notices published on Ipswich Borough Council's website revealed the council suspended one private hire licence as a result of allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Meanwhile a combined hackney carriage and private hire licence was revoked altogether while a police investigation was underway on a different matter.
According to the council, the private hire vehicle driver was suspended due to "two allegations of inappropriate conversations with females".
The other is a licensed hackney carriage and private hire driver who is "the subject of a police investigation for a serious offence" and has had their licence revoked entirely.
A council spokeswoman said: "The council places public safety at the forefront of any taxi and private hire licensing matters.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on the licence revocation where the matter is being investigated by the police but the allegation was not made in relation to their work as a licensed driver.
"In the case of the licence suspension, the driver appeared at the hackney carriage and private hire enforcement sub-committee because of allegations that he had offended passengers by questioning their gender and relationship status.
"All taxi and private hire drivers are expected to act in a civil and orderly manner, which includes having appropriate conversations with passengers that do not cause offence.
"The sub-committee suspended the driver's licence whilst the driver goes for re-training."
The spokeswoman confirmed that police were not involved with the suspended licence, as the alleged comments were not a criminal offence.
Both licence decisions were made by council officers, with the decision on the allegations of inappropriate comments having been made on July 9, while the licence revoked for the police matter was determined on July 7.
It has not been made clear what offence the police matter is investigating, although the council confirmed it was not something that was related to their work as a licensed driver.
www.ipswichstar.co.uk
----------------------------------------------
Wednesday 7 August 2019
BURNLEY/ROSSENDALE
A man who was formerly registered as a taxi driver in Rossendale has been prosecuted and fined after he was discovered working without a licence.
52 year old Mohammed Iqbal's hackney carriage licence had been revoked in Spetember 2018 by Rossendale Borough Council after it was discovered that he had failed to disclose a driving conviction which led to him being disqualified from driving.
Iqbal was then caught plying for hire in his Mercedes, which was registered as a taxi, in South Street, Bacup.
Iqbal, of Burnley Road, Todmorden, pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court and was fined £266 for the offence. He was also ordered to pay £296.30 in legal costs as well as £210 investigation costs.
Rossendale Council have come under scrutiny in the past regarding how licences are issued in the borough, however the Lancashire Telegraph reported that Councillor Steve Hughes, Rossendale Council's communities boss assured the public that the council insists on the highest standards from their cabbies, with safety being paramount.
www.halifaxcourier.co.uk
------------------------------------
Cowdenbeath
Emergency services raced to Woodend Industrial Estate, Broad Street, on Tuesday morning after the blaze broke out at Cowdenbeath Taxi Service shortly before 8am.
The incident, which was still ongoing shortly before the Times went to print, saw seven fire appliances attend to bring the outbreak under control after the alarm was raised by members of the public.
Local residents on social media said that they had heard several explosions, causing their houses to shake, as a result of the incident, in which it is believed there have been no injuries.
In a post on their Facebook page, the firm said: "As most will know we have had a fire in our yard this morning.
"All our staff are ok and safe. We are still out working from a remote location and will continue to offer the same service as much as possible.
"Thanks for all the messages of concern."
The firm confirmed that they had three members of staff on site at the time of the incident and, in stressing that they would be looked after, thanked the public for their messages of concern.
On Twitter, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Lesley Laird said that she was awaiting an official report from the emergency services, wrote: "Thankfully, those near the explosion at the time managed to escape without injury, but I understand the damage to some units has been devastating."
Residents living close to the industrial estate, which contains a large number of businesses, posted their shock on social media.
One user said wrote: "The first explosion shook my house. Hope everyone is ok. It looks bad."
Another wrote: "I live at the back of it and the whole house shook."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were unable to provide a further update on the incident before the Times went to print, but had confirmed they were tackling a fire "at a business premises in Woodend Industrial Estate, Cowdenbeath", adding: "Operations Control mobilised seven fire appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 7.59am."
https://www.centralfifetimes.com/news/17822030.cowdenbeath-company-39-s-blow/
--------------------------------------------
HARROGATE
Mr Ibrarh Khan (29) of Carr Bottom Avenue, Bradford has been prosecuted by Harrogate Borough Council for using a licensed private hire vehicle without valid insurance, plying for hire without a hackney carriage licence and carrying more passengers than is lawful.
Mr Khan voluntarily surrendered his dual driver’s taxi licence prior to this successful prosecution.
Mr Khan attended Harrogate Magistrates Court last month (Tuesday 23 July) and pleaded guilty to all three offences and received eight penalty points for driving without insurance, along with a fine of £290. Costs of £400 were awarded to the borough council along with a victim surcharge of £30.
Mr Khan was reported to the council after being seen loading five passengers into his private hire vehicle on Kings Road, Harrogate in January. The vehicle was only manufactured and licensed to carry four passengers.
The council investigated the report and also found that Mr Khan was plying for hire without a hackney carriage licence and therefore invalidating his insurance which constituted a separate offence.
www.harrogate-news.co.uk
-------------------------------------
LIVERPOOL/ISTANBUL
Liverpool FC fans travelling to Istanbul are being warned of "taxi scams" in Istanbul ahead of the UEFA Super Cup next week.
The Reds will face Chelsea FC at Beşiktaş Park on Wednesday, August 14 - and the important guidance has been issued for fans travelling over.
One of the main warnings included in the travel advice concerns taxi drivers ripping off passengers in Istanbul amid fears fans could be stung by high prices.
The guidance says: "There have been reports of taxi drivers trying to overcharge passengers in Istanbul. To reduce the risk of this happening, only use licensed taxi companies and ask the driver to switch the meter on at the beginning of your journey."
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
-------------------------------------
LEEDS
You could soon be on camera every time you take a taxi trip in Leeds, as plans to install CCTV in every taxi and private hire vehicle in the city are being explored.
Leeds City Council wants to set up a working group to figure out whether setting up and maintaining CCTV equipment in all the city's taxis would be practical.
Under the current system, the council encourages drivers to install cameras in their vehicles and offers to subsidise the cost of installation (up to £250) but it cannot make them do it.
Leeds City Council states that mandatory CCTV systems introduced by other councils have had 'positive' results for drivers and passengers and that they could 'increase the level of reporting of sexual offences' in Leeds.
But the council also accepts there are privacy and data protection concerns and the scheme could be very expensive, as it may have to continue subsidising installations costs.
The plans are part of a wider project, which looks to align the taxi policies of all councils in West Yorkshire and York.
They want to set the same rules on CCTV in vehicles, driver training, previous convictions policies and vehicle specifications.
www.leeds-live.co.uk
---------------------------------------
BRUSSELS
Passengers wishing to hail a taxi ride from Brussels Airport to the city centre will have to pay one of the highest fares per kilometre in Europe, a new industry report showed.
At 105 euro per ride, Milan’s Bergamo topped the list of Europe’s top 50 busiest airports, with London’s Stanstead and Luton airports following closely behind, at 104 and 99 euro per ride, respectively.
At 45 euro per ride, a taxi trip from Brussels Airport falls in line with the European average (40 euro per ride) and appears to be significantly cheaper than taxi fares at Milan or London, the report found.
But at three euro per kilometre, taxi fares from Brussels airport significantly more expensive than those at the aforementioned airports, which fall out of the top ten most expensive ones in the price-per-kilometre ranking.
Only five airports in the ranking have more expensive fares per kilometre than Brussels Airport, with the most expensive ones being Switzerland’s Geneva and Zurich airports, at 6 and 5.25 euro per kilometre each.
The report also found that a growing number of airports in Europe were offering fixed prices for rides into the city, including Milan Malpensa Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Madrid
The Brussels Times
----------- ---------------------------
Seven Somerset taxi drivers have had their licences revoked after failing to complete proper background checks.
Anyone wishing to drive a taxi, Hackney carriage or operate a private hire service must complete an interim check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), to flag up any criminal convictions or other details which make them unfit to serve the public.
A Sedgemoor District Council licensing panel has decided to revoke the licence of seven drivers after they failed to complete these checks or respond to multiple attempts by officers to contact them.
Several of the drivers have already moved away from the area - and one has left the UK altogether.
The drivers were named in the agenda papers for the council's licensing panel, which met in Bridgwater on Tuesday morning (August 6).
None of the drivers attended the hearing in person, and no representations were made on their behalf, besides comments by the council's licensing officers.
www.somersetlive.co.uk
A man who was formerly registered as a taxi driver in Rossendale has been prosecuted and fined after he was discovered working without a licence.
52 year old Mohammed Iqbal's hackney carriage licence had been revoked in Spetember 2018 by Rossendale Borough Council after it was discovered that he had failed to disclose a driving conviction which led to him being disqualified from driving.
Iqbal was then caught plying for hire in his Mercedes, which was registered as a taxi, in South Street, Bacup.
Iqbal, of Burnley Road, Todmorden, pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court and was fined £266 for the offence. He was also ordered to pay £296.30 in legal costs as well as £210 investigation costs.
Rossendale Council have come under scrutiny in the past regarding how licences are issued in the borough, however the Lancashire Telegraph reported that Councillor Steve Hughes, Rossendale Council's communities boss assured the public that the council insists on the highest standards from their cabbies, with safety being paramount.
www.halifaxcourier.co.uk
------------------------------------
Cowdenbeath
Emergency services raced to Woodend Industrial Estate, Broad Street, on Tuesday morning after the blaze broke out at Cowdenbeath Taxi Service shortly before 8am.
The incident, which was still ongoing shortly before the Times went to print, saw seven fire appliances attend to bring the outbreak under control after the alarm was raised by members of the public.
Local residents on social media said that they had heard several explosions, causing their houses to shake, as a result of the incident, in which it is believed there have been no injuries.
In a post on their Facebook page, the firm said: "As most will know we have had a fire in our yard this morning.
"All our staff are ok and safe. We are still out working from a remote location and will continue to offer the same service as much as possible.
"Thanks for all the messages of concern."
The firm confirmed that they had three members of staff on site at the time of the incident and, in stressing that they would be looked after, thanked the public for their messages of concern.
On Twitter, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Lesley Laird said that she was awaiting an official report from the emergency services, wrote: "Thankfully, those near the explosion at the time managed to escape without injury, but I understand the damage to some units has been devastating."
Residents living close to the industrial estate, which contains a large number of businesses, posted their shock on social media.
One user said wrote: "The first explosion shook my house. Hope everyone is ok. It looks bad."
Another wrote: "I live at the back of it and the whole house shook."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were unable to provide a further update on the incident before the Times went to print, but had confirmed they were tackling a fire "at a business premises in Woodend Industrial Estate, Cowdenbeath", adding: "Operations Control mobilised seven fire appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 7.59am."
https://www.centralfifetimes.com/news/17822030.cowdenbeath-company-39-s-blow/
--------------------------------------------
HARROGATE
Mr Ibrarh Khan (29) of Carr Bottom Avenue, Bradford has been prosecuted by Harrogate Borough Council for using a licensed private hire vehicle without valid insurance, plying for hire without a hackney carriage licence and carrying more passengers than is lawful.
Mr Khan voluntarily surrendered his dual driver’s taxi licence prior to this successful prosecution.
Mr Khan attended Harrogate Magistrates Court last month (Tuesday 23 July) and pleaded guilty to all three offences and received eight penalty points for driving without insurance, along with a fine of £290. Costs of £400 were awarded to the borough council along with a victim surcharge of £30.
Mr Khan was reported to the council after being seen loading five passengers into his private hire vehicle on Kings Road, Harrogate in January. The vehicle was only manufactured and licensed to carry four passengers.
The council investigated the report and also found that Mr Khan was plying for hire without a hackney carriage licence and therefore invalidating his insurance which constituted a separate offence.
www.harrogate-news.co.uk
-------------------------------------
LIVERPOOL/ISTANBUL
Liverpool FC fans travelling to Istanbul are being warned of "taxi scams" in Istanbul ahead of the UEFA Super Cup next week.
The Reds will face Chelsea FC at Beşiktaş Park on Wednesday, August 14 - and the important guidance has been issued for fans travelling over.
One of the main warnings included in the travel advice concerns taxi drivers ripping off passengers in Istanbul amid fears fans could be stung by high prices.
The guidance says: "There have been reports of taxi drivers trying to overcharge passengers in Istanbul. To reduce the risk of this happening, only use licensed taxi companies and ask the driver to switch the meter on at the beginning of your journey."
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
-------------------------------------
LEEDS
You could soon be on camera every time you take a taxi trip in Leeds, as plans to install CCTV in every taxi and private hire vehicle in the city are being explored.
Leeds City Council wants to set up a working group to figure out whether setting up and maintaining CCTV equipment in all the city's taxis would be practical.
Under the current system, the council encourages drivers to install cameras in their vehicles and offers to subsidise the cost of installation (up to £250) but it cannot make them do it.
Leeds City Council states that mandatory CCTV systems introduced by other councils have had 'positive' results for drivers and passengers and that they could 'increase the level of reporting of sexual offences' in Leeds.
But the council also accepts there are privacy and data protection concerns and the scheme could be very expensive, as it may have to continue subsidising installations costs.
The plans are part of a wider project, which looks to align the taxi policies of all councils in West Yorkshire and York.
They want to set the same rules on CCTV in vehicles, driver training, previous convictions policies and vehicle specifications.
www.leeds-live.co.uk
---------------------------------------
BRUSSELS
Passengers wishing to hail a taxi ride from Brussels Airport to the city centre will have to pay one of the highest fares per kilometre in Europe, a new industry report showed.
At 105 euro per ride, Milan’s Bergamo topped the list of Europe’s top 50 busiest airports, with London’s Stanstead and Luton airports following closely behind, at 104 and 99 euro per ride, respectively.
At 45 euro per ride, a taxi trip from Brussels Airport falls in line with the European average (40 euro per ride) and appears to be significantly cheaper than taxi fares at Milan or London, the report found.
But at three euro per kilometre, taxi fares from Brussels airport significantly more expensive than those at the aforementioned airports, which fall out of the top ten most expensive ones in the price-per-kilometre ranking.
Only five airports in the ranking have more expensive fares per kilometre than Brussels Airport, with the most expensive ones being Switzerland’s Geneva and Zurich airports, at 6 and 5.25 euro per kilometre each.
The report also found that a growing number of airports in Europe were offering fixed prices for rides into the city, including Milan Malpensa Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Madrid
The Brussels Times
----------- ---------------------------
Seven Somerset taxi drivers have had their licences revoked after failing to complete proper background checks.
Anyone wishing to drive a taxi, Hackney carriage or operate a private hire service must complete an interim check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), to flag up any criminal convictions or other details which make them unfit to serve the public.
A Sedgemoor District Council licensing panel has decided to revoke the licence of seven drivers after they failed to complete these checks or respond to multiple attempts by officers to contact them.
Several of the drivers have already moved away from the area - and one has left the UK altogether.
The drivers were named in the agenda papers for the council's licensing panel, which met in Bridgwater on Tuesday morning (August 6).
None of the drivers attended the hearing in person, and no representations were made on their behalf, besides comments by the council's licensing officers.
www.somersetlive.co.uk
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