GOOGLE MAPS

There are many reasons why Apple's overhauled web mapping service still has a long way to go before challenging the popularity of Google Maps and Waze, with a big one perfectly illustrated by a new feature that appears to be rolling out across a number of different global markets as we speak.

Then again, Big G didn't make a lot of noise when moving the feature out of testing and into the wild in India in the first place, as Google Maps just so happened to be in the midst of a wider update process back in June as well. In any case, if you notice the option being added to the wildly popular mapping and navigation app on your Android handset, you should definitely take it for a test drive the next time you hop into a cab.

Basically, you can track your trip to make sure your taxi driver doesn't go off route for some shady reason, and in case that happens, your phone will buzz with a prominent notification to warn you of a possible danger to your wellbeing or just the risk of getting fleeced. This way, you can quickly tell if you're about to be overcharged (or worse) without having to keep an eye on your route from the beginning to the end of a suspicious trip. And don't worry, false alarms shouldn't be a problem, as Google Maps will only alert you if your driver deviates from the best available route by more than 500 meters (546 yards).

It's honestly surprising that this incredibly useful Stay Safer tool is still not available for Google Maps users worldwide, but it's certainly nice to hear it's rolling out in more places, including the US.


https://citylodge.org/google/google-maps-feature-stay-safer-cab-rides-28842842
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 THAMES VALLEY

People travelling by taxi as the nights draw in are advised that the council has been spot-checking drivers to make sure they are hitting high standards.

Cherwell District Council licensing officers and Thames Valley Police traffic officers stopped 18 cars in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington on October 9. Two thirds of the drivers were fully compliant with the conditions of their licences.

It compares well with the results of previous spot-checks which had seen drivers suspended over safety issues.

Six drivers were issued with improvement notices for minor infringements, such as display of tariff cards and standards of upholstery, none of which would have affected public safety.

Cllr Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s executive member with responsibility for licensing, said: “In the two and a half years since we launched our new taxi policy we have been consistently training and checking taxi drivers, to make sure they offer a safe, reliable and pleasant experience.

“We can’t be complacent about safety and the experience of taxi customers, but this operation shows a big improvement, with no need to suspend drivers’ licences, which had happened in the past.”

The Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy came into effect in January 2017, introducing a penalty points scheme to keep track of infringements and strengthening the council’s power to revoke licences in cases of serious or repeated offences.

Council officers checked that the vehicles’ plates matched the drivers’ registration documents and that the latter were up to date. They also ensured that hackney meters were sealed, and roof lights switched on.

During the same week, the team investigated a complaint against a vehicle trading from a layby near Caversfield. It was found to be untaxed, uninsured, unroadworthy and not registered with the DVLA. It was seized by the police and the driver will face prosecution.

The council plans to run further taxi spot-checking operations at regular intervals over the coming months.

http://bit.ly/2NcY6uq