NATIONWIDE
One in every 100 workers in England now driving a minicab or taxi following the Uber revolution, figures suggest. There are now some 362,600 licensed drivers of taxis or private hire vehicles in England, a rise of 50 per cent since the mid-2000s, the data shows (file image)
Figures suggest the increase is based on minicabs booked in advance via online apps or over the phone, as opposed to taxi cabs hailed on the street, which has seen an overall decrease in the past year.
Uber, launched in 2012, allows drivers who use the app to log on or off whenever convenient and drive at hours that suit them, making it a popular method of adding a second source of income to households.
The one in 100 statistic comes as separate date shows the working-age population to be about 34.3 million, The Times reported.
Despite the income boost to drivers, critics point to the rise in congestion and pollution following the minicab boon.
London mayor Sadiq Khan announced that all minicab drivers would be forced to pay congestion charges and the daily ultra-low emission zone fee to operate in central London.
Figures suggest the increase is based on minicabs booked in advance via online apps or over the phone, as opposed to taxi cabs hailed on the street, which has seen an overall decrease in the past year
The figures come after the government commissioned a review into the industry amid concerns over regulation.
In 2017, Transport for London withdrew Uber's licence over fears about passenger safety and driver vetting.
Nearly 1 million people signed a petition demanding the decision be reversed, forcing TfL to give the American firm a 15-month licence, which was extended this week until the end of November.
Uber says that it has increased safety features and better protections for drivers.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, said yesterday: 'The number of private hire vehicles across the country is a major problem.
'Most of the drivers are earning less than minimum wage and having to work extraordinarily long hours to keep the wolf from the door.
'Report after report has also identified how private hire vehicles, particularly in London, are a major cause of congestion.'
https://dailym.ai/2md51dD
------------------------------------
Thursday 26 September 2019
Wednesday 25 September 2019
BRISTOL AIRPORT
Drivers who use the Uber app will use a new waiting zone at Bristol Airport from next month, helping to reduce the number of vehicles parking in lanes and laybys in local villages.
The transport giant will ‘geo-fence’ the new area, which is located just off the A38 roundabout serving the Airport’s Silver Zone car park. This means that drivers can only be dispatched to the terminal to pick up passengers if they are in the waiting zone.
The waiting zone will open next month and comes in response to calls for action from neighbouring communities concerned about the impact of inconsiderate parking by taxis and other vehicles causing disturbance and even obstructing access to properties.
The waiting zone will also be open to private cars, providing an hour’s free period as an alternative to the existing Drop and Go area adjacent to the terminal. A shuttle bus will operate between the terminal and the waiting zone every ten minutes. The Airport’s official taxi partner, Arrow Cars, will continue to drop off and pick up directly outside the terminal.
“We are delighted that drivers who use the Uber app will be using this new facility,” said Tom Hack, Head of Commercial at Bristol Airport. “It will help to reduce disturbance to our neighbours while providing drivers with a safe and secure place to wait between fares.”
Eugenie Teasley, Uber Head of Cities, South England said: "We are really excited to be working with Bristol Airport. It is our goal to move people from A to B, all at the touch of a button, and by working with Bristol Airport, we hope to make it easier for people to get to and from the airport.
https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2019/9/uber-commits-to-using-new-airport-waiting-zone
-----------------------------
EAST MIDLANDS
An operation run by several different agencies has seen hundreds of taxis thoroughly assessed as part of safety checks to further protect passengers across Rushcliffe and neighbouring districts.
Drivers were stopped on Friday at East Midlands Airport for compliance checks to ensure their vehicles were operating in line with licensing policy, legislation and requirements on road safety.
Of the 135 taxis stopped from across the region, six were given prohibition notices for issues such as tyre defects, vehicle offence reports were made for infringements such as faulty headlights and one vehicle with no insurance was immediately seized.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr, Rob Inglis, attended the operation to join members of the council’s licensing team, other local authorities, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and Leicestershire Police.
He said: “We were delighted to join local partners at the Airport to support this operation as the safety of residents and members of the public when using a taxi is of paramount importance.
“Officers carried out relevant checks ensuring vehicles met specified standards, drivers were fit and proper to drive and that the vehicle was roadworthy and insured.
“These random checks are vital to ensure standards are maintained and those who flout the rules are identified.”
-------------------------------------
Drivers who use the Uber app will use a new waiting zone at Bristol Airport from next month, helping to reduce the number of vehicles parking in lanes and laybys in local villages.
The transport giant will ‘geo-fence’ the new area, which is located just off the A38 roundabout serving the Airport’s Silver Zone car park. This means that drivers can only be dispatched to the terminal to pick up passengers if they are in the waiting zone.
The waiting zone will open next month and comes in response to calls for action from neighbouring communities concerned about the impact of inconsiderate parking by taxis and other vehicles causing disturbance and even obstructing access to properties.
The waiting zone will also be open to private cars, providing an hour’s free period as an alternative to the existing Drop and Go area adjacent to the terminal. A shuttle bus will operate between the terminal and the waiting zone every ten minutes. The Airport’s official taxi partner, Arrow Cars, will continue to drop off and pick up directly outside the terminal.
“We are delighted that drivers who use the Uber app will be using this new facility,” said Tom Hack, Head of Commercial at Bristol Airport. “It will help to reduce disturbance to our neighbours while providing drivers with a safe and secure place to wait between fares.”
Eugenie Teasley, Uber Head of Cities, South England said: "We are really excited to be working with Bristol Airport. It is our goal to move people from A to B, all at the touch of a button, and by working with Bristol Airport, we hope to make it easier for people to get to and from the airport.
https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2019/9/uber-commits-to-using-new-airport-waiting-zone
-----------------------------
EAST MIDLANDS
An operation run by several different agencies has seen hundreds of taxis thoroughly assessed as part of safety checks to further protect passengers across Rushcliffe and neighbouring districts.
Drivers were stopped on Friday at East Midlands Airport for compliance checks to ensure their vehicles were operating in line with licensing policy, legislation and requirements on road safety.
Of the 135 taxis stopped from across the region, six were given prohibition notices for issues such as tyre defects, vehicle offence reports were made for infringements such as faulty headlights and one vehicle with no insurance was immediately seized.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr, Rob Inglis, attended the operation to join members of the council’s licensing team, other local authorities, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and Leicestershire Police.
He said: “We were delighted to join local partners at the Airport to support this operation as the safety of residents and members of the public when using a taxi is of paramount importance.
“Officers carried out relevant checks ensuring vehicles met specified standards, drivers were fit and proper to drive and that the vehicle was roadworthy and insured.
“These random checks are vital to ensure standards are maintained and those who flout the rules are identified.”
-------------------------------------
Tuesday 24 September 2019
SANDWELL
A taxi driver who begged female passengers not to report him for making repeated sexual remarks has had his private hire licence withdrawn.
Sandwell councillors refused to renew the unnamed man’s permit at a closed meeting of the borough’s licensing committee after hearing he had since been convicted of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
Minutes of the August meeting of the licensing subcommittee showed the driver – referred to only as Mr L H – had picked up the women outside Birmingham’s New Street railway station in February offering to drive them to Lichfield for £35.
Read More
Top stories - Black Country
During the journey he made indecent and inappropriate comments towards the passengers and allegedly unplugged a camera inside the vehicle.
They asked him several times to stop and later told police that they did nothing to encourage the behaviour. When women got out of the car, they took a photograph of the vehicle’s licence plate at which point he pleaded with them not to report him.
He also knocked on the door of the house where he had dropped off the passengers and begged the mother not to let her daughter call the police as he did not want to lose his licence.
He was later arrested before being convicted in June for using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Through his solicitor Mr L H admitted to councillors he did engage in inappropriate discussions with the passengers and he apologised to the passengers and their family for his behaviour.
Members of the committee were told that in June last year he was allowed to keep his private hire licence after he was cleared of an alleged sexual assault by a court – but was cautioned by councillors about his future conduct.
After taking advice from their legal advisor councillors refused to renew his taxi permit saying he was not a fit and proper person and he had exhibited inappropriate behaviour despite being previously warned.
https://bit.ly/2l0oxcX
-------------------------------------
BOLTON
A cab driver has been suspended for 12 weeks after he was spotted making an illegal U-turn in the centre of Bolton .
The driver was also accused of overcharging a passenger in June 2016.
He was also issued a “significant” fine and penalty points after failing to present personal details when asked by authorities in January 2018 following an alleged speeding offence.
Bolton Council's licensing sub-committee heard his explanation of events that led up to the offence.
He admitted to receiving the request for information but had failed to respond to the police as he claimed he had not been speeding.
Councillors were concerned the driver had been using the vehicle as a taxi at the time of the speeding incident, according to minutes from the meeting in August.
They said: “Members also referred to the second complaint which the driver admitted to and were concerned that making an illegal U- turn on Bradford Street was an extremely dangerous manoeuvre and could have put himself and other members of the public in danger.”
https://bit.ly/2mwUry9
-----------------------------------
EDINBURGH
Taxi drivers in the Capital have demanded that more is done to reduce “flagrant breaches” of regulations by private hire drivers in the city and that current numbers should be a “cause for concern”.
Their union also hit out at the council’s reticence to include adequate enforcement as part of its regulation of the trade and called for a dedicated enforcement team.
According to a freedom of information request, Edinburgh City Council dealt with 1,455 complaints against private hire car operators and private hire car driving licence-holders in the last two years.
The demand by Unite Edinburgh’s taxi branch is part of a wider petition which will be presented to councillors at the City Chambers on Friday.
More than 500 drivers across the city have signed the petition which calls for a cap on the number of private hire vehicles in the capital.
Chair of the Unite Edinburgh cab branch, Scott Blair, said that “serious concerns” have been raised by drivers in the city about the conduct of private hire drivers.
He added that the potential extra emissions and congestion were also of concern to members.
Drivers are due to show support of the petition outside the City Chambers on Wednesday by attaching banners with their demands to a trailer.
He said: “The number of licenses in Edinburgh should be a cause of concern for cab drivers, private hire drivers and passengers.
“Serious concerns have been raised regarding the flagrant breaches of regulations that occur throughout the City particularly at the weekends.”
Drivers are due to show support of the petition outside the City Chambers on Wednesday by attaching banners with their demands to a trailer.
Mr Blair added: “The refusal of Edinburgh City Council to include enforcement as part of its regulation of the trade puts the public at risk from unscrupulous and illegal operators.
“Drivers and the public are rightly demanding a dedicated enforcement team. As ambassadors for Edinburgh, we play a vital role in supporting Edinburgh as a destination of choice for tourists and residents.
“Councils across Scotland and the wider UK have taken the lead, it's time for Edinburgh to follow.”
Licensing Sub-Committee Convener, Cllr Catherine Fullerton, said: “The Council have officers, including staff operating out of the taxi examination centre, working in partnership with Police Scotland to monitor and inspect the private hire and taxi trades across the city, ensuring the safety of the public and that the high standards we have are maintained.
"Periodic spot checks are carried out on the taxi and private hire trade and any complaints are investigated. All licensed private hire and taxi drivers undergo full checks to ensure that the Licensing Authority are satisfied that drivers are ‘fit and proper’.
"We would strongly encourage all members of the public to make sure they get into licensed taxis or pre-book their private hire car journey."
https://bit.ly/2l2vQko
A taxi driver who begged female passengers not to report him for making repeated sexual remarks has had his private hire licence withdrawn.
Sandwell councillors refused to renew the unnamed man’s permit at a closed meeting of the borough’s licensing committee after hearing he had since been convicted of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
Minutes of the August meeting of the licensing subcommittee showed the driver – referred to only as Mr L H – had picked up the women outside Birmingham’s New Street railway station in February offering to drive them to Lichfield for £35.
Read More
Top stories - Black Country
During the journey he made indecent and inappropriate comments towards the passengers and allegedly unplugged a camera inside the vehicle.
They asked him several times to stop and later told police that they did nothing to encourage the behaviour. When women got out of the car, they took a photograph of the vehicle’s licence plate at which point he pleaded with them not to report him.
He also knocked on the door of the house where he had dropped off the passengers and begged the mother not to let her daughter call the police as he did not want to lose his licence.
He was later arrested before being convicted in June for using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Through his solicitor Mr L H admitted to councillors he did engage in inappropriate discussions with the passengers and he apologised to the passengers and their family for his behaviour.
Members of the committee were told that in June last year he was allowed to keep his private hire licence after he was cleared of an alleged sexual assault by a court – but was cautioned by councillors about his future conduct.
After taking advice from their legal advisor councillors refused to renew his taxi permit saying he was not a fit and proper person and he had exhibited inappropriate behaviour despite being previously warned.
https://bit.ly/2l0oxcX
-------------------------------------
BOLTON
A cab driver has been suspended for 12 weeks after he was spotted making an illegal U-turn in the centre of Bolton .
The driver was also accused of overcharging a passenger in June 2016.
He was also issued a “significant” fine and penalty points after failing to present personal details when asked by authorities in January 2018 following an alleged speeding offence.
Bolton Council's licensing sub-committee heard his explanation of events that led up to the offence.
He admitted to receiving the request for information but had failed to respond to the police as he claimed he had not been speeding.
Councillors were concerned the driver had been using the vehicle as a taxi at the time of the speeding incident, according to minutes from the meeting in August.
They said: “Members also referred to the second complaint which the driver admitted to and were concerned that making an illegal U- turn on Bradford Street was an extremely dangerous manoeuvre and could have put himself and other members of the public in danger.”
https://bit.ly/2mwUry9
-----------------------------------
EDINBURGH
Taxi drivers in the Capital have demanded that more is done to reduce “flagrant breaches” of regulations by private hire drivers in the city and that current numbers should be a “cause for concern”.
Their union also hit out at the council’s reticence to include adequate enforcement as part of its regulation of the trade and called for a dedicated enforcement team.
According to a freedom of information request, Edinburgh City Council dealt with 1,455 complaints against private hire car operators and private hire car driving licence-holders in the last two years.
The demand by Unite Edinburgh’s taxi branch is part of a wider petition which will be presented to councillors at the City Chambers on Friday.
More than 500 drivers across the city have signed the petition which calls for a cap on the number of private hire vehicles in the capital.
Chair of the Unite Edinburgh cab branch, Scott Blair, said that “serious concerns” have been raised by drivers in the city about the conduct of private hire drivers.
He added that the potential extra emissions and congestion were also of concern to members.
Drivers are due to show support of the petition outside the City Chambers on Wednesday by attaching banners with their demands to a trailer.
He said: “The number of licenses in Edinburgh should be a cause of concern for cab drivers, private hire drivers and passengers.
“Serious concerns have been raised regarding the flagrant breaches of regulations that occur throughout the City particularly at the weekends.”
Drivers are due to show support of the petition outside the City Chambers on Wednesday by attaching banners with their demands to a trailer.
Mr Blair added: “The refusal of Edinburgh City Council to include enforcement as part of its regulation of the trade puts the public at risk from unscrupulous and illegal operators.
“Drivers and the public are rightly demanding a dedicated enforcement team. As ambassadors for Edinburgh, we play a vital role in supporting Edinburgh as a destination of choice for tourists and residents.
“Councils across Scotland and the wider UK have taken the lead, it's time for Edinburgh to follow.”
Licensing Sub-Committee Convener, Cllr Catherine Fullerton, said: “The Council have officers, including staff operating out of the taxi examination centre, working in partnership with Police Scotland to monitor and inspect the private hire and taxi trades across the city, ensuring the safety of the public and that the high standards we have are maintained.
"Periodic spot checks are carried out on the taxi and private hire trade and any complaints are investigated. All licensed private hire and taxi drivers undergo full checks to ensure that the Licensing Authority are satisfied that drivers are ‘fit and proper’.
"We would strongly encourage all members of the public to make sure they get into licensed taxis or pre-book their private hire car journey."
https://bit.ly/2l2vQko
Monday 23 September 2019
A Peterborough taxi company is offering Thomas Cook staff free trips to interviews as the city continues to unite around the employees who have lost their jobs today following the travel giant’s collapse.
Peterborough Cars posted on Facebook: “To anybody who has lost their jobs today with Thomas Cook our hearts at Peterborough Cars go to you. We will be offering you free taxis to any new interviews you may have as long as we have proof that you were a part of Thomas Cook and correspondence on interviews. We support you all and hope you all land on your feet sooner rather than later. DM us for more info.”
https://bit.ly/2mLJ9pX
---------------------------------------------------
St Albans Catholic High School assistant headteacher Jason Horne sent out a letter on Friday, January 11 informing parents of the incidents and asking them to speak with their children so they are aware of the potential safety concerns.
He said a man driving a silver car had first tried to tempt a student into a vehicle on Monday, January 7.
Mr Horne said: “This apparent taxi did make contact with a year-seven student along Digby Road after school on Monday.
“We initially found out about it on Tuesday morning.
“We spoke to students about it and having invited the student involved to give some details.”
He also said the police had been contacted.
Mr Horne said the students were told to be vigilant and extra staff were put on after school.
“Then on Thursday after school, we had another student approached - which we assume was the same car - at a bus stop in Woodbridge Road East,” he said.
“One of our students was stood on the pavement and a silver car pulled over, wound down the window and a man said: ‘I’m a taxi, your mum has called because your bus is late.’
“Because we had already alerted the students about the issue, that helped her realise this was not right so she ran off.”
The school found out about the latest incident on Friday, prompting a letter to be sent out.
Mr Horne said the purpose of the letter was to be transparent with parents, so they knew what had happened and could speak to their children.
The school also contacted other schools in the area to make them aware of the incidents.
https://bit.ly/2l3gXOR
-------------------------------------------------------------
NEWCASTLE
A taxi driver back at work for another day after driving until 3am in the morning ploughed into the back of stationary traffic at full speed.
Daniel Beraki worked until 3am, then started work again at 11am and smashed into traffic at 70mph with two passengers in his car at 5pm that evening.
Beraki crashed on the A167 Central Motorway heading towards Newcastle after picking up two passengers at Newcastle airport on July 1 this year.
The 38-year-old, of Westgate Court, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, reports ChronicleLive.
Lee Poppett, prosecuting, said the driver at the back of the queue had tried to get out of the way.
He said: "Seeing Mr Beraki's vehicle approaching in her rear view mirror, she believed the vehicle was travelling at high speed and didn't appear to have made an attempt to stop.
"She describes taking her hand break off and attempting to move out of the way, then feeling an impact to the rear of her vehicle which caused her airbags to deploy.
"As is perhaps not unusual for 5.30pm on Monday afternoon, the traffic was stationary when Mr Beraki's motor vehicle collided with it.
"That caused a knock on effect in terms of further collisions with four other motor vehicles subsequently getting involved in the collision."
Five cars were seriously damaged with drivers suffering minor injuries, and the road was closed for three hours.
Mark Richardson, representing Beraki, said he may have experienced "micro-sleep" due to exhaustion.
"This was a serious road traffic collision, however it didn't involve any prolonged bad driving, there was no element here of him being pursued by the police, there was no danger to pedestrians, he was not under the influence of drink or drugs," he said.
"The most likely explanation for this offence is a momentary lapse of concentration.
"We've heard he was working as a taxi driver: at the time he had finished his shift at 3am but returned to work at 11am and worked continuously until 5.30pm when this accident took place. He has pushed his body and mind to the limit."
Mr Richardson said churchgoer Beraki has seen his marriage collapse after the crash.
Magistrate Stephen Groves sentenced Beraki to 12-weeks in prison, suspended for a year and Beraki was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for 18 months.
https://bit.ly/2mmB9Lx
-----------------------------------------
Austria’s Federal Competition Authority (BWB) are to launch an investigation in to the taxi and private hire industry after concerns the sector was becoming ‘distorted’.
The BWB announced that they are to carry out general investigations of the industry as there may be suggestions that competition within the sector is restricted or distorted.
The taxi and rental (private hire) markets were merged with the amendment of a new traffic law. This means the same regulations now apply to both trades, which the BWB say could lead to disruption of innovative business models.
The objective of the study put forward by the BWB is to create an objective market analysis and recommendations that will enable sound and sustainable decision-making for regulatory action.
They claim that on the one hand, regulation should allow for innovative business models of the shared economy and, on the other hand, ensure security for consumers. In particular, the associated effects on consumers and a possible restriction of the innovation potential in this market are of central importance.
The industry survey is based on requests for information from market participants, economic analysts of the BWB, scientific literature as well as reports and investigations by national competition authorities. In addition, intensive discussions are held with companies, interest groups and other institutions active in the taxi and rental business.
"Connecting old and modern business models in one market is a challenge. This can be well observed by the taxi market. In order for companies to retain their capacity for innovation, the right level of regulation is important. BWB is pleased to make its expertise available with regard to the long-term effects on competition and the ability to innovate. ", Explains CEO of BWB, Dr. Ing. Theodor Thanner.
------------------------------------------
BASILDON Council will decide next week whether to write to online taxi firm Uber and ask it to either ‘withdraw from Basildon’ or apply for a specific licence to operate in the borough.
A council report said an influx of London-licensed Uber drivers was damaging the earnings of local drivers – and added that the London drivers were not subjected to the same checks as local drivers.
The document, to be considered by Basildon’s Licensing Committee next week, said it was ‘not unlawful’ for London Uber drivers to operate in Basildon.
However, it added that the council was powerless to take action against Uber drivers who behaved improperly, because it is not responsible for their licences.
It said: “Drivers are not under the same level of scrutiny when operating away from their licensing area…This may result in private hire vehicles flooding the market and Basildon Council being unable to undertake enforcement and compliance checks to secure the safety of the travelling public.”
The committee will also decide next week whether to write letters of concern to Government and to Transport for London (TfL), which is responsible for Uber licences.
The report said Basildon had ‘witnessed an increase in private hire vehicles licensed by other local authorities working within the borough boundary over the past two to three years’. Most of them were Uber drivers licensed by TfL.
It stated: “The feedback from local licensed Hackney Carriage and private hire trade is that this operation is significantly impacting their business activities and therefore their income.
http://bit.ly/2mhuWAC
Peterborough Cars posted on Facebook: “To anybody who has lost their jobs today with Thomas Cook our hearts at Peterborough Cars go to you. We will be offering you free taxis to any new interviews you may have as long as we have proof that you were a part of Thomas Cook and correspondence on interviews. We support you all and hope you all land on your feet sooner rather than later. DM us for more info.”
https://bit.ly/2mLJ9pX
---------------------------------------------------
St Albans Catholic High School assistant headteacher Jason Horne sent out a letter on Friday, January 11 informing parents of the incidents and asking them to speak with their children so they are aware of the potential safety concerns.
He said a man driving a silver car had first tried to tempt a student into a vehicle on Monday, January 7.
Mr Horne said: “This apparent taxi did make contact with a year-seven student along Digby Road after school on Monday.
“We initially found out about it on Tuesday morning.
“We spoke to students about it and having invited the student involved to give some details.”
He also said the police had been contacted.
Mr Horne said the students were told to be vigilant and extra staff were put on after school.
“Then on Thursday after school, we had another student approached - which we assume was the same car - at a bus stop in Woodbridge Road East,” he said.
“One of our students was stood on the pavement and a silver car pulled over, wound down the window and a man said: ‘I’m a taxi, your mum has called because your bus is late.’
“Because we had already alerted the students about the issue, that helped her realise this was not right so she ran off.”
The school found out about the latest incident on Friday, prompting a letter to be sent out.
Mr Horne said the purpose of the letter was to be transparent with parents, so they knew what had happened and could speak to their children.
The school also contacted other schools in the area to make them aware of the incidents.
https://bit.ly/2l3gXOR
-------------------------------------------------------------
NEWCASTLE
A taxi driver back at work for another day after driving until 3am in the morning ploughed into the back of stationary traffic at full speed.
Daniel Beraki worked until 3am, then started work again at 11am and smashed into traffic at 70mph with two passengers in his car at 5pm that evening.
Beraki crashed on the A167 Central Motorway heading towards Newcastle after picking up two passengers at Newcastle airport on July 1 this year.
The 38-year-old, of Westgate Court, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, reports ChronicleLive.
Lee Poppett, prosecuting, said the driver at the back of the queue had tried to get out of the way.
He said: "Seeing Mr Beraki's vehicle approaching in her rear view mirror, she believed the vehicle was travelling at high speed and didn't appear to have made an attempt to stop.
"She describes taking her hand break off and attempting to move out of the way, then feeling an impact to the rear of her vehicle which caused her airbags to deploy.
"As is perhaps not unusual for 5.30pm on Monday afternoon, the traffic was stationary when Mr Beraki's motor vehicle collided with it.
"That caused a knock on effect in terms of further collisions with four other motor vehicles subsequently getting involved in the collision."
Five cars were seriously damaged with drivers suffering minor injuries, and the road was closed for three hours.
Mark Richardson, representing Beraki, said he may have experienced "micro-sleep" due to exhaustion.
"This was a serious road traffic collision, however it didn't involve any prolonged bad driving, there was no element here of him being pursued by the police, there was no danger to pedestrians, he was not under the influence of drink or drugs," he said.
"The most likely explanation for this offence is a momentary lapse of concentration.
"We've heard he was working as a taxi driver: at the time he had finished his shift at 3am but returned to work at 11am and worked continuously until 5.30pm when this accident took place. He has pushed his body and mind to the limit."
Mr Richardson said churchgoer Beraki has seen his marriage collapse after the crash.
Magistrate Stephen Groves sentenced Beraki to 12-weeks in prison, suspended for a year and Beraki was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for 18 months.
https://bit.ly/2mmB9Lx
-----------------------------------------
Austria’s Federal Competition Authority (BWB) are to launch an investigation in to the taxi and private hire industry after concerns the sector was becoming ‘distorted’.
The BWB announced that they are to carry out general investigations of the industry as there may be suggestions that competition within the sector is restricted or distorted.
The taxi and rental (private hire) markets were merged with the amendment of a new traffic law. This means the same regulations now apply to both trades, which the BWB say could lead to disruption of innovative business models.
The objective of the study put forward by the BWB is to create an objective market analysis and recommendations that will enable sound and sustainable decision-making for regulatory action.
They claim that on the one hand, regulation should allow for innovative business models of the shared economy and, on the other hand, ensure security for consumers. In particular, the associated effects on consumers and a possible restriction of the innovation potential in this market are of central importance.
The industry survey is based on requests for information from market participants, economic analysts of the BWB, scientific literature as well as reports and investigations by national competition authorities. In addition, intensive discussions are held with companies, interest groups and other institutions active in the taxi and rental business.
"Connecting old and modern business models in one market is a challenge. This can be well observed by the taxi market. In order for companies to retain their capacity for innovation, the right level of regulation is important. BWB is pleased to make its expertise available with regard to the long-term effects on competition and the ability to innovate. ", Explains CEO of BWB, Dr. Ing. Theodor Thanner.
------------------------------------------
BASILDON Council will decide next week whether to write to online taxi firm Uber and ask it to either ‘withdraw from Basildon’ or apply for a specific licence to operate in the borough.
A council report said an influx of London-licensed Uber drivers was damaging the earnings of local drivers – and added that the London drivers were not subjected to the same checks as local drivers.
The document, to be considered by Basildon’s Licensing Committee next week, said it was ‘not unlawful’ for London Uber drivers to operate in Basildon.
However, it added that the council was powerless to take action against Uber drivers who behaved improperly, because it is not responsible for their licences.
It said: “Drivers are not under the same level of scrutiny when operating away from their licensing area…This may result in private hire vehicles flooding the market and Basildon Council being unable to undertake enforcement and compliance checks to secure the safety of the travelling public.”
The committee will also decide next week whether to write letters of concern to Government and to Transport for London (TfL), which is responsible for Uber licences.
The report said Basildon had ‘witnessed an increase in private hire vehicles licensed by other local authorities working within the borough boundary over the past two to three years’. Most of them were Uber drivers licensed by TfL.
It stated: “The feedback from local licensed Hackney Carriage and private hire trade is that this operation is significantly impacting their business activities and therefore their income.
http://bit.ly/2mhuWAC
Saturday 21 September 2019
BOLTON
A CABBIE has been suspended for 12 weeks after he was spotted making an illegal U-turn.
The taxi driver was also accused of overcharging a passenger in June 2016.
He was also issued a "significant" fine and penalty points after failing to present personal details when asked by authorities in January 2018 following an alleged speeding offence.
The licensing sub-committee heard his explanation of events that led up to the offence.
He admitted to receiving the request for information but had failed to respond to the police as he claimed he had not been speeding.
Councillors were concerned that the driver had been using the vehicle as a taxi at the time of the speeding incident, according to minutes from the meeting in August.
They said: "Members also referred to the second complaint which the driver admitted to and were concerned that making an illegal U- turn on Bradford Street was an extremely dangerous manoeuvre and could have put himself and other members of the public in danger."
https://bit.ly/2msPAhl
-------------------------------------
BOLTON AGAIN
A taxi driver has lost his licence after he was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.
Allegations that he kissed the passenger and asked, "would you like me to take you to bed", were made to the police in July 2017.
The victim reported the incident to the police the day after it took place but decided not to pursue the matter.
The allegations resurfaced when the driver applied to renew his licence to drive a private hire vehicle.
He failed to attend hearings on July 16 and August 20.
The applicant had been informed after the first meeting that his application may be determined in his absence if he failed to attend the re-arranged meeting.
Councillors on the licensing sub-committee in Bolton refused to renew his private hire licence at a town hall hearing last month.
They were not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, according to minutes from the meeting released this week.
They said: "Following consideration of all the evidence the sub-committee noted a serious allegation of sexual assault against the applicant. Drivers are placed in a position of trust and have a duty to conduct themselves in a lawful and professional manner at all times."
https://bit.ly/2muF4Gx
--------------------------------------
SCOTTISH TUK TUK
A tuk-tuk taxi service in Dumfries and Galloway has led concerns from the local council and police service.
The Dumfries and Galloway Council received an inquiry relating to the application for a licence by a possible tuk-tuk taxi service, which has raised police safety concerns.
Responding to the report sent to the local authority's licensing panel, the police expressed fears over the lack of doors in the three-wheeled vehicle alongside fears of the motor tipping over at roundabouts or when taking sharp turns due to its design.
The panel is asked to decide whether the tuk-tuk, which has the basic construction of a motor-cycle and is built on an open frame, is suitable to be used as a taxi or private hire.
Traditionally used in countries with warmer climates, the tuk-tuk, or auto rickshaw as it is known in India, is named after the sound the stuttering engine makes.
In the early 2000s, tuk-tuks made their debut in London, where the vehicle used as a taxi prompted backlash from lack-cab drivers who argued this form of "third world" transport was unsuitable in the busy capital, and should be considered death traps.
The autorick could now pave its way onto roads in Southern Scotland, if the lcience request is approved by the council.
However, with a maximum speed of 40 mph, those opposing its introduction argue it could increase the risk of accidents and obstruct other vehicles on rural roads.
The vehicle has no airbags built in and police has argued the lack of protection systems would present a significant risk of injury or worse to any occupants.
https://bit.ly/2mlG1AC
A CABBIE has been suspended for 12 weeks after he was spotted making an illegal U-turn.
The taxi driver was also accused of overcharging a passenger in June 2016.
He was also issued a "significant" fine and penalty points after failing to present personal details when asked by authorities in January 2018 following an alleged speeding offence.
The licensing sub-committee heard his explanation of events that led up to the offence.
He admitted to receiving the request for information but had failed to respond to the police as he claimed he had not been speeding.
Councillors were concerned that the driver had been using the vehicle as a taxi at the time of the speeding incident, according to minutes from the meeting in August.
They said: "Members also referred to the second complaint which the driver admitted to and were concerned that making an illegal U- turn on Bradford Street was an extremely dangerous manoeuvre and could have put himself and other members of the public in danger."
https://bit.ly/2msPAhl
-------------------------------------
BOLTON AGAIN
A taxi driver has lost his licence after he was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.
Allegations that he kissed the passenger and asked, "would you like me to take you to bed", were made to the police in July 2017.
The victim reported the incident to the police the day after it took place but decided not to pursue the matter.
The allegations resurfaced when the driver applied to renew his licence to drive a private hire vehicle.
He failed to attend hearings on July 16 and August 20.
The applicant had been informed after the first meeting that his application may be determined in his absence if he failed to attend the re-arranged meeting.
Councillors on the licensing sub-committee in Bolton refused to renew his private hire licence at a town hall hearing last month.
They were not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, according to minutes from the meeting released this week.
They said: "Following consideration of all the evidence the sub-committee noted a serious allegation of sexual assault against the applicant. Drivers are placed in a position of trust and have a duty to conduct themselves in a lawful and professional manner at all times."
https://bit.ly/2muF4Gx
--------------------------------------
SCOTTISH TUK TUK
A tuk-tuk taxi service in Dumfries and Galloway has led concerns from the local council and police service.
The Dumfries and Galloway Council received an inquiry relating to the application for a licence by a possible tuk-tuk taxi service, which has raised police safety concerns.
Responding to the report sent to the local authority's licensing panel, the police expressed fears over the lack of doors in the three-wheeled vehicle alongside fears of the motor tipping over at roundabouts or when taking sharp turns due to its design.
The panel is asked to decide whether the tuk-tuk, which has the basic construction of a motor-cycle and is built on an open frame, is suitable to be used as a taxi or private hire.
Traditionally used in countries with warmer climates, the tuk-tuk, or auto rickshaw as it is known in India, is named after the sound the stuttering engine makes.
In the early 2000s, tuk-tuks made their debut in London, where the vehicle used as a taxi prompted backlash from lack-cab drivers who argued this form of "third world" transport was unsuitable in the busy capital, and should be considered death traps.
The autorick could now pave its way onto roads in Southern Scotland, if the lcience request is approved by the council.
However, with a maximum speed of 40 mph, those opposing its introduction argue it could increase the risk of accidents and obstruct other vehicles on rural roads.
The vehicle has no airbags built in and police has argued the lack of protection systems would present a significant risk of injury or worse to any occupants.
https://bit.ly/2mlG1AC
Wednesday 18 September 2019
Renfrewshire residents will be consulted on potential changes to the way taxis and private hire cars are licensed.
Councillors on Renfrewshire Council’s Regulatory Functions Board approved a consultation period to seek views on a range of issues including the minimum size of private hire cars, the number of passengers allowed in wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles, and the maximum age of vehicles licensed .
Currently, taxis may be licensed for up to eight years, but the proposed changes would see zero emissions and electric taxis able to be licensed for up to 15 years and electric private hire vehicles up to 10 years.
Under the proposals, taxis and private hire vehicles would be able to be no older than five years old when first licensed and private hire vehicles could be required to have a minimum of five seats and meet a new minimum luggage capacity.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles will also be consulted upon to identify whether rear-loading should continue and if a single, solid ramp should be required for those vehicles.
Councillor John McNaughtan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Regulatory Functions Board, said: “We want to find out what our communities think about the current taxi and private hire licensing requirements and whether these need to change or be updated.
“In recognising that there is a climate emergency, we want to encourage a move from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to electric.
“We are investigating how we can make it more appealing for taxi and private hire operators to use these low-emission vehicles and allowing them to be licensed for a longer period could be one of those ways.
“The consultation takes in a wide range of issues, including making taxi and private hire vehicles easier and more comfortable to use for everyone, so please submit your views and have your say on the future of taxi licensing in Renfrewshire.”
The consultation period will last for eight weeks and the responses will be returned to the Board for consideration
-----------------------------------------------
Bolt, the on-demand transportation platform, has announced journeys taken using its platform in Europe will be carbon neutral by offsetting emissions.
The Estonia-headquartered company revealed a number of commitments as part of its environmental strategy, called ‘Green Plan’. With a €10 million-euro investment up to 2025, Bolt will offset its contribution to the European transportation sector’s carbon dioxide emissions by at least five million tonnes.
From 2020, Bolt will add more ‘green’ ride-types to the platform in Europe for passengers to choose from, as well as offsetting the global emissions from its offices. The commitments include introducing electric scooters to more cities and allowing Bolt riders to donate and contribute to green initiatives from inside the app.
In 2016, road transport accounted for 20% of Europe's carbon dioxide emissions, with passenger cars contributing 44% of these. Emissions increased by 28.3% between 1990 and 2016, according to the European Environment Agency. Europe is aiming for the transport industry to be climate neutral in the second half of the century.
Markus Villig, CEO and founder of Bolt, said: “The facts show climate change is real and greenhouse gas emissions are the biggest cause of it. Today, road transportation makes up about 20% of Europe’s total greenhouse gas emissions. As Bolt is a part of that ecosystem, we need to hold ourselves responsible for being part of the solution.
“We are working every day to accelerate the shift to shared and efficiently-used vehicles – electric cars, bikes, scooters and other types of vehicles that are yet to be invented. But we need to face the reality that our current transition is not fast enough. So, while we look to reduce emissions by adding more shared and electric vehicles to our fleets across cities, carbon offsetting takes immediate action to reduce emissions today and acts as a driver across the company to speed up the transition.
“We’re in the unique and fortunate position of being able to act as a driving force for change both in and outside our industry and we hope that this action sets an example for other companies to follow, so we can all share the responsibility moving forward.”
Bolt will offset the emissions from ride-hailing trips for journeys taken within and between Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Bolt will work with Natural Capital Partners, experts in the delivery of solutions for positive impact on carbon and renewable energy, to deliver its carbon neutrality.
Jonathan Shopley, Managing Director, External Affairs at Natural Capital Partners, said: “Carbon neutral action is increasingly important across all sectors to rapidly deliver the emissions reductions required to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. We are delighted to work with such a disruptive company which is making this commitment to an immediate, positive impact on our climate.
“Bolt currently serves 25 million customers in over 30 countries globally and has grown to be an on-demand transportation leader in Europe and Africa. Last year, it became the first company to bring ride-hailing and scooter sharing together in a single app, enabling ride-hailing customers to opt for quicker and greener rides in congested city centres.”
------------------------------------
CARDIFF
As Fresher’s Week kicks off and thousands of students arrive in the Welsh capital, Dragon Taxis has pledged to support university students throughout the new academic year with its Safe Taxi Scheme. Working in collaboration with Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Safe Taxi Scheme ensures that all students can get a lift back to their halls after a night out, even if they don’t have money for the fare on them.
Between the hours of 10pm and 6am, seven days a week, students from participating universities can book a taxi journey for up to four passengers, to the value of £20, and pay via their Student Union within 48 hours.
Now in its seventh successful year in Cardiff, the scheme was recently launched in Bath and Bristol by Dragon Taxis group operator Veezu, and also has an arm in Leeds. Veezu is the leading private hire operator in the UK with 3,500 driver partners covering 12.6 million passenger journeys per year.
Ryan Owen, Managing Director of Dragon Taxis, said: “Starting university and moving to a new area on your own can be daunting. Freshers, some of whom may never have been to Cardiff before, are finding their feet and their way around. We’re here, if they find themselves a bit lost without having to worry about having enough change on them or searching for a cash machine. Our emergency service will ensure they get home safe and they can settle their bill with their SU over the next few days.”
https://wales247.co.uk/cardiff-taxi-service-to-keep-freshers-safe/
---------------------------------
Monday 16 September 2019
BURY
More than 50 taxi drivers turned up at the town hall this week to share their concerns about the licensing authority.
They told councillors that they want a new independent MOT testing station , financial support to upgrade their vehicles if pollution charges come into force and reassurance for drivers who fear for their safety.
Bury Private Hire Driver Association secretary Muhammad Sajjad explained the cabbies’ concerns during public question time at Wednesday’s council meeting.
He said: “Our members provide a fantastic service to the community all year-round. However, from the last five years, taxi drivers keep demanding an independent MOT station and they raise their very serious concerns, but the licensing department completely fail to understand or provide the services to the paying customers.
“In the last five years, drivers paid around £1.9m in the shape of fees and our demand was independent MOT station , better value for our hard-earned money but we haven’t got that. Years and years have gone by and we still have the same demands.”
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bury-taxi-drivers-descend-lists-16927096
-------------------------------------
LONDON
Cast your mind back to 2011. In order to get around London you might have hailed a black cab or booked one over the phone using a service like Addison Lee.
Then Uber arrived and completely changed the game, allowing you to book a car almost instantly using its app. Now, there are 3.5 million Uber users in London, with the company taking in an estimated £1 billion in bookings across the UK.
But Uber’s reign as one of the city's top transport apps could be waning. It feels like almost every week a new start-up comes in to try and take Uber’s place.
Here’s everything you need to know about the next-generation London ride-hailing apps and how they work.
Bolt
Formerly Taxify, Bolt arrived in London in 2017 before being kicked out a few days later by TfL for failing to acquire the right licensing. It relaunched as Bolt earlier this year and is already starting to pick up momentum.
Rides start with a £2.50 base fee, plus £1.25 per mile and £0.15 per minute.
Bolt arrived in London earlier this year (Bolt)
In its native Estonia, Bolt has recently launched a food delivery service in Tallin, just like Uber Eats. It’s going to be expanding the services to Latvia, Lithuania and South Africa, but no word on a London launch just yet.
Kabbee is a little different to the other Uber alternatives in that instead of having its own cars and services, the app pulls together over 50 cab fleets from across the city to utilise London’s minicab services.
It specialises in airport rides and promises to be 28 per cent cheaper than Uber. In addition, it offers fixed fairs and no surge pricing.
Kapten
French start-up Kapten is backed by Daimler and BMW so you know it means business. It launched in London in May this year, offering 50 per cent off new rides and says that, in general, its rides are 20 per cent cheaper than its competitors.
One way that Kapten is able to keep fares lower for customers is that it covers the congestion charge on behalf of its drivers, saving riders at least £2 per trip. It also operates a loyalty programme, rewarded customers with free rides and access to new benefits the more they use the app.
Kapten now has 16,000 drivers in London and steadily catching up to Uber’s 40,000.
ViaVan
A fan of the Uber Pool feature? Then ViaVan is one for you. A joint venture between ride-sharing start-up Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan is like an on-demand bus so you don’t feel guilty by clogging up the roads for a solo journey.
Since launching in London last April, ViaVan has provided more than seven million rides as well as saving three million vehicle kilometres thanks to its pooling feature. In July, TfL granted the venture a license for an additional three years so it’s certainly here to stay.
Wheely
If you’re looking for a little luxury when it comes to hailing a ride, then Wheely is the one for you. The preferred ride of the fashion crowd, the company is launching in Paris this week to coincide with Paris Fashion Week.
Wheely's chauffeurs go through a rigorous selection process to ensure they offer a high standard of service (Wheely)
Based in London, Wheely doesn't work with taxis or cabs, but instead offers a chauffeur car service, with all its drivers picked through an accreditation process to ensure they offer the highest level of service. As well, each ride takes place in a new Mercedes-Benz to make your morning ride to work that little bit slicker.
Xooox
Pronounced ‘zooks’, Xoox is a little like Kabbee in that it pulls together a list of available taxis and private hires in London. Customers are able to compare prices and times from different firms, as well as car size and even emissions output, before booking a ride in the app.
It works for drivers too: they don’t have to pay commission to Xooox for rides, and are able to set their own prices and travel boundaries.
https://bit.ly/2kDC8Xw
More than 50 taxi drivers turned up at the town hall this week to share their concerns about the licensing authority.
They told councillors that they want a new independent MOT testing station , financial support to upgrade their vehicles if pollution charges come into force and reassurance for drivers who fear for their safety.
Bury Private Hire Driver Association secretary Muhammad Sajjad explained the cabbies’ concerns during public question time at Wednesday’s council meeting.
He said: “Our members provide a fantastic service to the community all year-round. However, from the last five years, taxi drivers keep demanding an independent MOT station and they raise their very serious concerns, but the licensing department completely fail to understand or provide the services to the paying customers.
“In the last five years, drivers paid around £1.9m in the shape of fees and our demand was independent MOT station , better value for our hard-earned money but we haven’t got that. Years and years have gone by and we still have the same demands.”
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bury-taxi-drivers-descend-lists-16927096
-------------------------------------
LONDON
Cast your mind back to 2011. In order to get around London you might have hailed a black cab or booked one over the phone using a service like Addison Lee.
Then Uber arrived and completely changed the game, allowing you to book a car almost instantly using its app. Now, there are 3.5 million Uber users in London, with the company taking in an estimated £1 billion in bookings across the UK.
But Uber’s reign as one of the city's top transport apps could be waning. It feels like almost every week a new start-up comes in to try and take Uber’s place.
Here’s everything you need to know about the next-generation London ride-hailing apps and how they work.
Bolt
Formerly Taxify, Bolt arrived in London in 2017 before being kicked out a few days later by TfL for failing to acquire the right licensing. It relaunched as Bolt earlier this year and is already starting to pick up momentum.
Rides start with a £2.50 base fee, plus £1.25 per mile and £0.15 per minute.
Bolt arrived in London earlier this year (Bolt)
In its native Estonia, Bolt has recently launched a food delivery service in Tallin, just like Uber Eats. It’s going to be expanding the services to Latvia, Lithuania and South Africa, but no word on a London launch just yet.
Kabbee is a little different to the other Uber alternatives in that instead of having its own cars and services, the app pulls together over 50 cab fleets from across the city to utilise London’s minicab services.
It specialises in airport rides and promises to be 28 per cent cheaper than Uber. In addition, it offers fixed fairs and no surge pricing.
Kapten
French start-up Kapten is backed by Daimler and BMW so you know it means business. It launched in London in May this year, offering 50 per cent off new rides and says that, in general, its rides are 20 per cent cheaper than its competitors.
One way that Kapten is able to keep fares lower for customers is that it covers the congestion charge on behalf of its drivers, saving riders at least £2 per trip. It also operates a loyalty programme, rewarded customers with free rides and access to new benefits the more they use the app.
Kapten now has 16,000 drivers in London and steadily catching up to Uber’s 40,000.
ViaVan
A fan of the Uber Pool feature? Then ViaVan is one for you. A joint venture between ride-sharing start-up Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan is like an on-demand bus so you don’t feel guilty by clogging up the roads for a solo journey.
Since launching in London last April, ViaVan has provided more than seven million rides as well as saving three million vehicle kilometres thanks to its pooling feature. In July, TfL granted the venture a license for an additional three years so it’s certainly here to stay.
Wheely
If you’re looking for a little luxury when it comes to hailing a ride, then Wheely is the one for you. The preferred ride of the fashion crowd, the company is launching in Paris this week to coincide with Paris Fashion Week.
Wheely's chauffeurs go through a rigorous selection process to ensure they offer a high standard of service (Wheely)
Based in London, Wheely doesn't work with taxis or cabs, but instead offers a chauffeur car service, with all its drivers picked through an accreditation process to ensure they offer the highest level of service. As well, each ride takes place in a new Mercedes-Benz to make your morning ride to work that little bit slicker.
Xooox
Pronounced ‘zooks’, Xoox is a little like Kabbee in that it pulls together a list of available taxis and private hires in London. Customers are able to compare prices and times from different firms, as well as car size and even emissions output, before booking a ride in the app.
It works for drivers too: they don’t have to pay commission to Xooox for rides, and are able to set their own prices and travel boundaries.
https://bit.ly/2kDC8Xw
Sunday 15 September 2019
The Joke that is Wolverhampton
Public safety officers at the council want to make members of the public more aware of the difference between hiring private hire cars and black Hackney cabs on the street – by launching the Get Home Safe campaign.
It aims to warn people not to be taken in by people pretending to be taxi drivers and the risks involved in making their journey home safely.
In a report to members, licensing services manager for the council, Chris Howell, said: “Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and not flagged down. Hackney carriage vehicles can be flagged down in the street.
“However, people need to be aware that it is an offence for a private hire driver to ply for trade on the street.
“In most cases, passengers travelling in an un-booked private hire vehicle will not be insured. Therefore, this greatly increases the risk to the public.
Dangers
“Also, as the journey is not booked on the operator’s system, no-one else is aware that a journey is taking place – which potentially puts the passengers at a significant increase of risk.
“At the end of an evening out, most often people just want to get home as quickly as possible and do not always think about the dangers of not pre-booking a private hire vehicle,” he added.
“In addition to this, some people’s judgement may be impaired because of drink or drugs. And a lot of younger people may not even be aware pre-booking is a requirement these days.”
The council’s campaign is mainly being targeted at students in the city and will run during "freshers’ week", starting on September 22.
A number of stalls promoting the venture have already been hired at the intake student fairs being held in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford.
These will contain information on how to book a private hire vehicle or flag down a Hackney cab safely, along with a range of the council’s branded Get Home Safe merchandise.
A poster has also been designed to promote the campaign, which will be displayed inside all licensed premises in the city centre during the week.
https://bit.ly/2kMxJS2
Public safety officers at the council want to make members of the public more aware of the difference between hiring private hire cars and black Hackney cabs on the street – by launching the Get Home Safe campaign.
It aims to warn people not to be taken in by people pretending to be taxi drivers and the risks involved in making their journey home safely.
In a report to members, licensing services manager for the council, Chris Howell, said: “Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and not flagged down. Hackney carriage vehicles can be flagged down in the street.
“However, people need to be aware that it is an offence for a private hire driver to ply for trade on the street.
“In most cases, passengers travelling in an un-booked private hire vehicle will not be insured. Therefore, this greatly increases the risk to the public.
Dangers
“Also, as the journey is not booked on the operator’s system, no-one else is aware that a journey is taking place – which potentially puts the passengers at a significant increase of risk.
“At the end of an evening out, most often people just want to get home as quickly as possible and do not always think about the dangers of not pre-booking a private hire vehicle,” he added.
“In addition to this, some people’s judgement may be impaired because of drink or drugs. And a lot of younger people may not even be aware pre-booking is a requirement these days.”
The council’s campaign is mainly being targeted at students in the city and will run during "freshers’ week", starting on September 22.
A number of stalls promoting the venture have already been hired at the intake student fairs being held in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford.
These will contain information on how to book a private hire vehicle or flag down a Hackney cab safely, along with a range of the council’s branded Get Home Safe merchandise.
A poster has also been designed to promote the campaign, which will be displayed inside all licensed premises in the city centre during the week.
https://bit.ly/2kMxJS2
UBERK
Uber may seem like a cheap way to travel, but it comes with a huge cost to Londoners.
In September 2017, the Mayor of London rightly refused to renew Uber’s licence in London on grounds of blatant disregard for passenger safety and failure to comply with TfL regulations.
When Westminster Magistrates Court overturned the Mayor’s decision last year, Uber said it had cleaned up its act and deserved a second chance, but has since continued to let Londoners down. The firm does not deserve a place on our streets.
This is why we’re calling on the Mayor of London to refuse to grant Uber another licence when its probationary licence expires in September this year.
Join our call today and ask the Mayor of London to ban Uber once and for all.
http://www.realcostofuber.com/
Uber may seem like a cheap way to travel, but it comes with a huge cost to Londoners.
In September 2017, the Mayor of London rightly refused to renew Uber’s licence in London on grounds of blatant disregard for passenger safety and failure to comply with TfL regulations.
When Westminster Magistrates Court overturned the Mayor’s decision last year, Uber said it had cleaned up its act and deserved a second chance, but has since continued to let Londoners down. The firm does not deserve a place on our streets.
This is why we’re calling on the Mayor of London to refuse to grant Uber another licence when its probationary licence expires in September this year.
Join our call today and ask the Mayor of London to ban Uber once and for all.
http://www.realcostofuber.com/
Tuesday 10 September 2019
LEVC presents TX Shuttle as electrified mobility offering
Based on London’s new black cab, the TX Shuttle is aimed at airport transfer services and private hire firms
London taxi maker LEVC has shown a shuttle-style reworking of its TX electrified cab at the Frankfurt motor show.
Called the TX Shuttle, the new model uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and 147bhp electric motor as the TX for an electric-only range of 80 miles and overall range of 377 miles.
The company says it “sees major demand in Europe for shuttle versions of the TX taxi”, and has adapted the vehicle to suit airport transfer services and minicab firms.
All the news from the Frankfurt motor show
The model’s six-seat interior receives minimal visual alterations over the standard model, but gains charging points, on-board Wi-Fi and a panoramic roof. LEVC says mobility and shuttle services have “the opportunity to specify the taxi to suit their own unique needs”, suggesting firms like Uber and Lyft could adopt the new model.
The launch comes as LEVC targets increased sales across Europe. In July, the Coventry-based firm celebrated the completion of its 2500th TX taxi, but aims to rapidly ramp up production figures by exporting 70% of its cars before 2022.
The firm has already sold TX models in Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong and Malaysia, but claims to have identified sales opportunities in Denmark, France and Germany, where the TX has recently been selected to front a new mobility service in the city of Offenbach.
CEO Joerg Hoffman said: “The time is right for a new green mobility provider, cities are faced with ever-growing populations and the challenge of air quality. With our zero emission TX Taxi, TX Shuttle and LCV, we can change the way people and goods are moved around an urban area.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-frankfurt-motor-show/levc-presents-tx-shuttle-electrified-mobility-offering
http://mcrblackcab.proboards.com/thread/7478/london-trade-less-happy
Based on London’s new black cab, the TX Shuttle is aimed at airport transfer services and private hire firms
London taxi maker LEVC has shown a shuttle-style reworking of its TX electrified cab at the Frankfurt motor show.
Called the TX Shuttle, the new model uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and 147bhp electric motor as the TX for an electric-only range of 80 miles and overall range of 377 miles.
The company says it “sees major demand in Europe for shuttle versions of the TX taxi”, and has adapted the vehicle to suit airport transfer services and minicab firms.
All the news from the Frankfurt motor show
The model’s six-seat interior receives minimal visual alterations over the standard model, but gains charging points, on-board Wi-Fi and a panoramic roof. LEVC says mobility and shuttle services have “the opportunity to specify the taxi to suit their own unique needs”, suggesting firms like Uber and Lyft could adopt the new model.
The launch comes as LEVC targets increased sales across Europe. In July, the Coventry-based firm celebrated the completion of its 2500th TX taxi, but aims to rapidly ramp up production figures by exporting 70% of its cars before 2022.
The firm has already sold TX models in Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong and Malaysia, but claims to have identified sales opportunities in Denmark, France and Germany, where the TX has recently been selected to front a new mobility service in the city of Offenbach.
CEO Joerg Hoffman said: “The time is right for a new green mobility provider, cities are faced with ever-growing populations and the challenge of air quality. With our zero emission TX Taxi, TX Shuttle and LCV, we can change the way people and goods are moved around an urban area.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-frankfurt-motor-show/levc-presents-tx-shuttle-electrified-mobility-offering
http://mcrblackcab.proboards.com/thread/7478/london-trade-less-happy
Thursday 5 September 2019
TROWBRIDGE
Five people, including a taxi driver with serious injuries, were taken to hospital following a crash involving three vehicles outside the entrance to St John's RC Primary School in Trowbridge this afternoon.
One woman was cut free from a blue Honda Accord and a black Ford Galaxy taxi containing a driver and his passengers is understood to have overturned.
It is understood the taxi driver has been taken by land ambulance to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
It is not known how badly his passengers - believed to be a family - have been hurt in the crash.
A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “We were called at 2.24pm about a road traffic incident on Wingfield Road, Trowbridge.
"Our crews treated and conveyed five patients by land ambulances to hospital. None were thought to be too seriously injured.”
It is understood the driver works for Eagle Taxis based in Silver Street, Trowbridge. The company's vehicles operate mostly from Trowbridge Railway Station.
A spokesman for the company confirmed one of their drivers was involved but could not give more details.
Crews from Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge fire stations are at the accident scene and Wiltshire Police have closed the road.
Delays along the A366 Wingfield Road are likely. Drivers are being warned to avoid the area if possible.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We're currently dealing with a three-vehicle road traffic collision on the A366 Wingfield Road in Trowbridge.
"It happened close to the entrance of St John's RC Primary School and the road is currently blocked.
"Please could motorists avoid the area and find alternative routes."
St John's School staff contacted parents just after lunchtime today asking them to delay picking up their children.
https://bit.ly/2m3QOiX
--------------------------------------
LEVC
The Warwickshire-headquartered company famous for its London black taxis has appointed a new communications director.
Andrea Baker will be responsible for PR, marketing communications and product marketing at LEVC and will report to chief executive Joerg Hofmann.
With more than 20 years of communications experience in the automotive industry, Baker joins LEVC from Bentley Motors where she has led the media communications team since 2012.
Prior to Bentley, she worked as head of PR for Porsche Cars GB and head of PR, events and sponsorship for Volvo Cars UK.
Hofmann said: "Andrea brings with her a wealth of experience and a track record of success in building a brand profile.
"She will be working closely with Leighton King, our commercial director, to spearhead LEVC’s export strategy across Europe for the iconic electric TX Taxi and TX Shuttle as well as preparing markets for the launch of the new electric LCV urban delivery van next year."
https://bit.ly/2kv0d2o
--------------------------------------
SHEFFIELD
Former councillor Ibrar Hussain, speaking on behalf of taxi drivers, told a council meeting that a new electric black cab costs £58,000.
He presented a petition with 178 signatures from taxi drivers worried about plans for a Clean Air Zone around the city centre and said almost 80 per cent of taxi drivers took part in a recent consultation on the plans.
“I set up this petition online in the last few days and what a fantastic response from the taxi trade,” he said.
“The biggest concern is Euro 6 vehicles. The trade is 3,000 drivers – 1,900 private hire and 857 black cabs but 100-plus have surrendered their licence because they can’t afford to buy new vehicles or continue.
“If Euro 6 diesel vehicles are not allowed, the black cab trade will be decimated because the new electric vehicles are £58,000 onwards. Private hire will also be very badly affected.”
The zone, around the ring road and inner ring road, would see a charge of £50 a day for buses and £10 a day for taxis, lorries, vans and coaches.
It’s an attempt to slash the levels of nitrogen dioxide amid pressure from the Government but the council needs £50m to go ahead with it.
Mr Hussain added: “This petition is asking the scrutiny board to look at the detail and breakdown of the responses and, as a trade, we want to put our representation and ideas before a submission is made to the government in December.
“We need to work together in true partnership because this is about people’s livelihoods not politics. Lessons need to be learned from other zones in other cities which are allowing Euro 6 vehicles.
“This has to be phased in, has to be worked on together and has to be done in a true partnership.
“With the shenanigans in Westminster we don’t even know if the zone will go ahead because it’s a proposal so let’s not have a knee jerk reaction but a collective decision making that will result in us pulling together so decisions that affect people are done properly.”
Coun Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport, said there had been an “amazing” response to the consultation, which will now be analysed.
“This is the end of the official consultation but I have a commitment to continue to meet with the taxi trade and small businesses affected with vans. I have a continued commitment to work with them up to our submission.
“We want to reduce pollution rather than just collect fines. If we collected nothing from the zone I would consider that a success. It’s not about taxing people it’s about tackling the vehicles creating the most pollution.”
https://bit.ly/2k0rvNW
Five people, including a taxi driver with serious injuries, were taken to hospital following a crash involving three vehicles outside the entrance to St John's RC Primary School in Trowbridge this afternoon.
One woman was cut free from a blue Honda Accord and a black Ford Galaxy taxi containing a driver and his passengers is understood to have overturned.
It is understood the taxi driver has been taken by land ambulance to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
It is not known how badly his passengers - believed to be a family - have been hurt in the crash.
A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “We were called at 2.24pm about a road traffic incident on Wingfield Road, Trowbridge.
"Our crews treated and conveyed five patients by land ambulances to hospital. None were thought to be too seriously injured.”
It is understood the driver works for Eagle Taxis based in Silver Street, Trowbridge. The company's vehicles operate mostly from Trowbridge Railway Station.
A spokesman for the company confirmed one of their drivers was involved but could not give more details.
Crews from Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge fire stations are at the accident scene and Wiltshire Police have closed the road.
Delays along the A366 Wingfield Road are likely. Drivers are being warned to avoid the area if possible.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We're currently dealing with a three-vehicle road traffic collision on the A366 Wingfield Road in Trowbridge.
"It happened close to the entrance of St John's RC Primary School and the road is currently blocked.
"Please could motorists avoid the area and find alternative routes."
St John's School staff contacted parents just after lunchtime today asking them to delay picking up their children.
https://bit.ly/2m3QOiX
--------------------------------------
LEVC
The Warwickshire-headquartered company famous for its London black taxis has appointed a new communications director.
Andrea Baker will be responsible for PR, marketing communications and product marketing at LEVC and will report to chief executive Joerg Hofmann.
With more than 20 years of communications experience in the automotive industry, Baker joins LEVC from Bentley Motors where she has led the media communications team since 2012.
Prior to Bentley, she worked as head of PR for Porsche Cars GB and head of PR, events and sponsorship for Volvo Cars UK.
Hofmann said: "Andrea brings with her a wealth of experience and a track record of success in building a brand profile.
"She will be working closely with Leighton King, our commercial director, to spearhead LEVC’s export strategy across Europe for the iconic electric TX Taxi and TX Shuttle as well as preparing markets for the launch of the new electric LCV urban delivery van next year."
https://bit.ly/2kv0d2o
--------------------------------------
SHEFFIELD
Former councillor Ibrar Hussain, speaking on behalf of taxi drivers, told a council meeting that a new electric black cab costs £58,000.
He presented a petition with 178 signatures from taxi drivers worried about plans for a Clean Air Zone around the city centre and said almost 80 per cent of taxi drivers took part in a recent consultation on the plans.
“I set up this petition online in the last few days and what a fantastic response from the taxi trade,” he said.
“The biggest concern is Euro 6 vehicles. The trade is 3,000 drivers – 1,900 private hire and 857 black cabs but 100-plus have surrendered their licence because they can’t afford to buy new vehicles or continue.
“If Euro 6 diesel vehicles are not allowed, the black cab trade will be decimated because the new electric vehicles are £58,000 onwards. Private hire will also be very badly affected.”
The zone, around the ring road and inner ring road, would see a charge of £50 a day for buses and £10 a day for taxis, lorries, vans and coaches.
It’s an attempt to slash the levels of nitrogen dioxide amid pressure from the Government but the council needs £50m to go ahead with it.
Mr Hussain added: “This petition is asking the scrutiny board to look at the detail and breakdown of the responses and, as a trade, we want to put our representation and ideas before a submission is made to the government in December.
“We need to work together in true partnership because this is about people’s livelihoods not politics. Lessons need to be learned from other zones in other cities which are allowing Euro 6 vehicles.
“This has to be phased in, has to be worked on together and has to be done in a true partnership.
“With the shenanigans in Westminster we don’t even know if the zone will go ahead because it’s a proposal so let’s not have a knee jerk reaction but a collective decision making that will result in us pulling together so decisions that affect people are done properly.”
Coun Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport, said there had been an “amazing” response to the consultation, which will now be analysed.
“This is the end of the official consultation but I have a commitment to continue to meet with the taxi trade and small businesses affected with vans. I have a continued commitment to work with them up to our submission.
“We want to reduce pollution rather than just collect fines. If we collected nothing from the zone I would consider that a success. It’s not about taxing people it’s about tackling the vehicles creating the most pollution.”
https://bit.ly/2k0rvNW
Wednesday 4 September 2019
GLASGOW
A petition has been launched for a Glasgow taxi driver to be given his license back after it was suspended following an altercation with a passenger.
Kenneth Clark picked the female passenger up outside Glasgow Central Station. She asked to be taken to the bank, but on realising the driver was going to the wrong branch the woman became aggressive and started spitting at the visor.
The driver stopped the taxi and the woman got out and began kicking and punching at the vehicle, before also attacking Kenneth.
Kenneth then punched the woman in what he claimed was self defence when he was brought before the Glasgow City Council licensing committee last week.
Police Scotland did not press charges against Kenneth. A woman was arrested and charged following the incident in connection with an assault and vandalism.
A spokesperson for the police said: "Police were made aware of an incident in South Frederick Street, Glasgow, in March 2019. Extensive inquiries were carried out and a 28-year-old woman was arrested, charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with an assault and vandalism."
Following discussions and viewing a video of the incident, councillors decided to suspend Kenneth's license following the discussion.
Now, a campaign has been set up supporting the taxi driver and calling for him to have his license returned to him.
https://bit.ly/2lCFdqY
-------------------------------
RUNCORN
A passenger racially abused a taxi driver and smashed up his car in a row over the price of the fare.
Mark Stephen Davies, 32, from Porthleven Road, Runcorn pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and criminal damage.
Davies and a woman were picked up by a Hungarian taxi driver, at an address in West Bank, Widnes, on March 20.
However when the taxi pulled up at its destination - in Riding Lane, Runcorn - Davies got into an argument with the driver over the fare price.
Chester Crown Court, on August 23, heard how Davies objected to the price and paying the toll fee and an argument between him and the driver began.
He then racially abused and assaulted the driver before smashing one of the car's rear windows and wing mirrors before fleeing the scene.
In court Davies was jailed for nine months for racially aggravated assault and racially aggravated criminal damage.
https://bit.ly/2k3nx7p
------------------------------------------
A Sheffield taxi driver has narrowly avoided being sent to prison, after he drove at a cyclist in a 'moment of madness' and caused her to fall off her bike.
The incident took place at just after 9am on January 26 last year, when defendant Iftikhar Ahmed was driving his Volkswagon Passat taxi up Ecclesall Road.
During a hearing held today, Sheffield Crown Court was told how a cyclist riding in front of Ahmed indicated that she was about to overtake a bus that had stopped to allow passengers to alight.
"The taxi you were driving drove forward and blocked her away around the bus. She said that was in spite of the traffic in front of you," Recorder Keir Monteith told Ahmed, of Joshua Road, Nether Edge.
The incident took place in Ecclesall Road in January last year
He added: "She hit the near side passenger window to talk to you. You opened the window and shouted something aggressive, and she was very frank with the police, and this court, in saying she called you a psycho."
Following the altercation, the bus and the cyclist both began to move off, but Ahmed, 46, drove straight at the cyclist in what Recorder Monteith described as a 'moment of madness'.
https://bit.ly/2lwFkEr
------------------------------------
WILTSHIRE Council has ruled out a separate lower taxi tariff scheme for Salisbury.
It comes as county chiefs have asked Wiltshire’s taxi drivers to come up with their own new county-wide tariff scheme.
However, some city businesses and councillors believe that having one tariff, including a standard late night charge, is “not fair” and is “putting drivers in the city at a disadvantage”.
Some connected to Salisbury’s night life also claimed that having a lower tariff rate to the rest of the county would draw more punters in.
But Wiltshire Council this week confirmed its plans to keep a single tariff in place.
In response, Salisbury councillor Atiqul Hoque said that while the rest of the county approves of a standard tariff, drivers in Salisbury want more flexibility.
He said: “The Wiltshire tariff is a concern for the late night economy in Salisbury. “The fundamental difference is everybody else is happy with the one tariff apart from in Salisbury.”
According to Wiltshire Council, the county currently uses a five-tariffs system which sees drivers charge a maximum £2 for every mile and rising to £3 after 10.30pm and £4 a mile after 2.30am.
However, these tariffs have been slammed by city taxi company All The Sevens - which itself uses a separate payment system.
Its director Gary Taylor said: “The problem lies with Wiltshire Council and the stupidly high tariffs they have set.
“We still operate on the old three-tariff system, which is day time, night time, and a separate tariff for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.
“The council set a five-tariff system, whereby independent taxi drivers in the taxi rank can charge higher prices. They are not doing anything wrong, because its within the system, but people coming out of a nightclub in Salisbury wouldn’t always think to phone a taxi company, they just go to the first cab on the rank and may end up getting charged more.”
He added: “I do feel sorry for the people of Salisbury, and its late night economy, because they and it are suffering.
“These independent drivers, and again they are not doing anything wrong, are charging hugely inflated prices, especially after 2.30am.”
Trade representatives have until December 10 to put forward a new proposal for taxi charges in Wiltshire.
Visit: wiltshire.gov.uk
A petition has been launched for a Glasgow taxi driver to be given his license back after it was suspended following an altercation with a passenger.
Kenneth Clark picked the female passenger up outside Glasgow Central Station. She asked to be taken to the bank, but on realising the driver was going to the wrong branch the woman became aggressive and started spitting at the visor.
The driver stopped the taxi and the woman got out and began kicking and punching at the vehicle, before also attacking Kenneth.
Kenneth then punched the woman in what he claimed was self defence when he was brought before the Glasgow City Council licensing committee last week.
Police Scotland did not press charges against Kenneth. A woman was arrested and charged following the incident in connection with an assault and vandalism.
A spokesperson for the police said: "Police were made aware of an incident in South Frederick Street, Glasgow, in March 2019. Extensive inquiries were carried out and a 28-year-old woman was arrested, charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with an assault and vandalism."
Following discussions and viewing a video of the incident, councillors decided to suspend Kenneth's license following the discussion.
Now, a campaign has been set up supporting the taxi driver and calling for him to have his license returned to him.
https://bit.ly/2lCFdqY
-------------------------------
RUNCORN
A passenger racially abused a taxi driver and smashed up his car in a row over the price of the fare.
Mark Stephen Davies, 32, from Porthleven Road, Runcorn pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and criminal damage.
Davies and a woman were picked up by a Hungarian taxi driver, at an address in West Bank, Widnes, on March 20.
However when the taxi pulled up at its destination - in Riding Lane, Runcorn - Davies got into an argument with the driver over the fare price.
Chester Crown Court, on August 23, heard how Davies objected to the price and paying the toll fee and an argument between him and the driver began.
He then racially abused and assaulted the driver before smashing one of the car's rear windows and wing mirrors before fleeing the scene.
In court Davies was jailed for nine months for racially aggravated assault and racially aggravated criminal damage.
https://bit.ly/2k3nx7p
------------------------------------------
A Sheffield taxi driver has narrowly avoided being sent to prison, after he drove at a cyclist in a 'moment of madness' and caused her to fall off her bike.
The incident took place at just after 9am on January 26 last year, when defendant Iftikhar Ahmed was driving his Volkswagon Passat taxi up Ecclesall Road.
During a hearing held today, Sheffield Crown Court was told how a cyclist riding in front of Ahmed indicated that she was about to overtake a bus that had stopped to allow passengers to alight.
"The taxi you were driving drove forward and blocked her away around the bus. She said that was in spite of the traffic in front of you," Recorder Keir Monteith told Ahmed, of Joshua Road, Nether Edge.
The incident took place in Ecclesall Road in January last year
He added: "She hit the near side passenger window to talk to you. You opened the window and shouted something aggressive, and she was very frank with the police, and this court, in saying she called you a psycho."
Following the altercation, the bus and the cyclist both began to move off, but Ahmed, 46, drove straight at the cyclist in what Recorder Monteith described as a 'moment of madness'.
https://bit.ly/2lwFkEr
------------------------------------
WILTSHIRE Council has ruled out a separate lower taxi tariff scheme for Salisbury.
It comes as county chiefs have asked Wiltshire’s taxi drivers to come up with their own new county-wide tariff scheme.
However, some city businesses and councillors believe that having one tariff, including a standard late night charge, is “not fair” and is “putting drivers in the city at a disadvantage”.
Some connected to Salisbury’s night life also claimed that having a lower tariff rate to the rest of the county would draw more punters in.
But Wiltshire Council this week confirmed its plans to keep a single tariff in place.
In response, Salisbury councillor Atiqul Hoque said that while the rest of the county approves of a standard tariff, drivers in Salisbury want more flexibility.
He said: “The Wiltshire tariff is a concern for the late night economy in Salisbury. “The fundamental difference is everybody else is happy with the one tariff apart from in Salisbury.”
According to Wiltshire Council, the county currently uses a five-tariffs system which sees drivers charge a maximum £2 for every mile and rising to £3 after 10.30pm and £4 a mile after 2.30am.
However, these tariffs have been slammed by city taxi company All The Sevens - which itself uses a separate payment system.
Its director Gary Taylor said: “The problem lies with Wiltshire Council and the stupidly high tariffs they have set.
“We still operate on the old three-tariff system, which is day time, night time, and a separate tariff for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.
“The council set a five-tariff system, whereby independent taxi drivers in the taxi rank can charge higher prices. They are not doing anything wrong, because its within the system, but people coming out of a nightclub in Salisbury wouldn’t always think to phone a taxi company, they just go to the first cab on the rank and may end up getting charged more.”
He added: “I do feel sorry for the people of Salisbury, and its late night economy, because they and it are suffering.
“These independent drivers, and again they are not doing anything wrong, are charging hugely inflated prices, especially after 2.30am.”
Trade representatives have until December 10 to put forward a new proposal for taxi charges in Wiltshire.
Visit: wiltshire.gov.uk
Tuesday 3 September 2019
THIS WEEK IN PARLIAMENT
Wes Streeting Labour, Ilford North
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals on the regulatory reform of the taxi and private hire industry.
(Citation: HC Deb, 3 September 2019, cW)
George Freeman Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Government will bring forward legislation in line with the commitments made in the response to the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing when time allows. We encourage licensing authorities to make full use of their extensive existing powers to protect passengers.
-------------------------------
David Kurten Brexit Alliance
It has been reported that that Uber Eats are operating out of Uber's office in Aldgate. Can the Mayor confirm whether or not Uber Britannia is also operating from the same Aldgate office and state whether this would be a breach of section 2.1 of the 1998 Private Hire Act?
Sadiq Khan Mayor of London
Uber London Limited is a London licensed private hire operator and accepts bookings at its licensed operating centre in accordance with the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998.
Not all private hire operators run their business from a premises used solely for the purpose of providing a private hire service. Operators may apply to be licensed in premises that is shared with another business, whether their own or that of a third party. Guidance on Transport for London’s (TfL’s) website (www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-operator-licence) states that it will consider applications where premises are shared on a case-by-case basis.
Where premises are shared, consideration is given to the type of service being offered, whether public access is required and whether each service is clearly separable within the layout of the property.
Wes Streeting Labour, Ilford North
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals on the regulatory reform of the taxi and private hire industry.
(Citation: HC Deb, 3 September 2019, cW)
George Freeman Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Government will bring forward legislation in line with the commitments made in the response to the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing when time allows. We encourage licensing authorities to make full use of their extensive existing powers to protect passengers.
-------------------------------
David Kurten Brexit Alliance
It has been reported that that Uber Eats are operating out of Uber's office in Aldgate. Can the Mayor confirm whether or not Uber Britannia is also operating from the same Aldgate office and state whether this would be a breach of section 2.1 of the 1998 Private Hire Act?
Sadiq Khan Mayor of London
Uber London Limited is a London licensed private hire operator and accepts bookings at its licensed operating centre in accordance with the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998.
Not all private hire operators run their business from a premises used solely for the purpose of providing a private hire service. Operators may apply to be licensed in premises that is shared with another business, whether their own or that of a third party. Guidance on Transport for London’s (TfL’s) website (www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-operator-licence) states that it will consider applications where premises are shared on a case-by-case basis.
Where premises are shared, consideration is given to the type of service being offered, whether public access is required and whether each service is clearly separable within the layout of the property.
A Runcorn man has been jailed for nine months after racially abusing and assaulting a Hungarian taxi driver.
Mark Stephen Davies, 32, from Porthleven Road, Runcorn appeared at Chester Crown Court on 23 August to be sentenced after pleading guilty to racially aggravated assault and racially aggravated criminal damage.
At around 7pm on 20 March, a taxi driver collected Davies and a woman from an address in West Bank, Widnes.
They stopped in Ridding Lane Runcorn and the fare was put to Davies who objected to the price and paying the toll fee. An argument between him and the taxi driver ensued. Davies then became racially abusive toward the taxi driver and assaulted him.
He also smashed small rear window of vehicle and offside driver wing mirror before making off.
DC Phil Brown said: “The taxi driver was simply doing his job and should not have been racially abused or assaulted in the course of his work. I hope that Davies now realises that we will not put up with behaviour that insults or discriminates against people who should be welcomed in our community and that the Police will take strong action against such behaviour.”
https://bit.ly/2lZsTkH
---------------------------------
LONDON
A Transport for London (TfL) study and survey by Loughborough University looking into fatigue amongst London bus drivers found that 21% of respondents had to ‘fight sleepiness’ two to three times a week.
It also found drivers are doing extra hours because of low levels of pay.
The London Assembly Transport Committee is currently investigating bus safety in the capital and will be considering this report to form part of its final recommendations to the Mayor and TfL.
In response, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Florence Eshalomi, said:
“We welcome this report by Loughborough University. The findings in this study are very concerning.
“The Mayor and TfL must urgently review the state of affairs for bus drivers in London.
“Figures like 36% of survey respondents having a ‘close call’ because of tiredness in the last 12 months is far too high. It is dangerous for the driver, passengers and other road users.
“The Transport Committee will be keeping a close eye on this issue during our ongoing investigation into bus safety.”
https://bit.ly/2kteE75
------------------------------------
UBERK Kiosk, coming soon to an Airport near you
Ride-sharing giants Uber have rolled out a ride-booking kiosk at Toronto's Pearson International Airport which allows passengers to order a car without the need of a smartphone.
The company says the 'Arcade like' kiosks are designed to create greater access for travellers who might have a difficult time using the app because of language or tech issues.
Uber said: “At this time, people are limited by phone, network availability, and limited data plans in using our services. For instance, according to the Pew Research Center, 23 percent of American adults do not have smartphones.
“This is a market full of people missing out on the opportunity to use our products, services, and driver partner programs. Kiosks can be a dependable resource for a number of people, including those who may need a ride from point A to point B, without a smartphone or data connection.
“Additionally, travelers in foreign countries with no data plan could book rides from a kiosk, if we incorporate that capability.”
Uber already have interactive kiosks placed in malls around the San Francisco Bay Area, focused on recruiting new drivers to the platform and assisting current drivers.
---------------------------------------
LONDON
Taxi drivers should NOT be expected to offer ‘cash-back’ facility to passengers says London Mayor
London taxi drivers should not be expected to offer a ‘cash-back’ facility whilst working said the London Mayor.
Sadiq Khan has ruled out the service being offered to passengers due to the risks attached carrying large sums of money.
The news comes following a question put forward by London Assembly Member Davis Kurten. He asked the Mayor who decides whether cashback is a facility that can be provided, and what mechanisms does TfL have to stop a taxi driver providing this?
Khan responded by saying: “Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the conditions of fitness for London cabs including that cabs must be fitted with an approved card payment device. The list of approved devices and their specifications is published on TfL’s website.
“Card payment devices do not currently provide for cashback and I would be concerned about taxi drivers needing to carry large amounts of money"
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