BOLTON
TAXI drivers went on strike today over an ongoing licensing dispute.
The group of nearly 100 people gathered outside Bolton Town Hall and presented a petition to Bolton Council.
Asif Vali, chairman of the Private Hire Operators Association, led the protests, which focused on changes to the council policy which could see some drivers lose their licenses.
Town Hall bosses have said the issue is a matter of public safety and the changes are about dealing with a minority of drivers.
Mr Vali said that the protesters agreed that any sex offenders should have their licenses taken away but that it was “unfair” to target those with lesser spent or historical convictions.
He added: “Some of these convictions are going back 15, 20 or 25 years when drivers were younger, and they did silly things like we all do.”
He went on to say that the drivers had gathered more than 700 signatures and wanted to meet with council bosses within the week.
But Cllr Nick Peel, cabinet member for environmental services, says the council will not be swayed by strike action.
He said: “It’s a complete fabrication that licenses are being taken away for minor issues. I want to make it absolutely clear that we will not back down.”
A council spokesman said that they had been in contact with both the Private Hire Operators Association and Hackney Drivers Association and would be discussing the issues.
They added: “The policy enables Licensing Committee to consider police intelligence, criminal convictions and complaints when making a decision about granting or renewing a license.
“We would like to reassure the public that we will continue to take robust action and if they have concerns about drivers they can report these to us.
“Similarly if a driver is unhappy with any licensing decision they have the right of appeal to both Bolton Magistrates and Crown Courts.”
The policy changes came into force in 2016 but several drivers had their licenses revoked after a council review earlier this year.
Strike action had been threatened last week, and Mr Vali says that the strike could just be the first move in further action.
However, the decision was not supported by all taxi and private hire drivers, with Charles Oakes, who runs the Hackney Drivers Association, criticising the strike.
He said: “Nothing ever comes about in this trade because of striking. All you are doing is hurting the people that you are suppose to be doing a service for.
“Sometimes councils don’t get it right but striking is not the answer.”
http://bit.ly/2qmZeRM
Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Monday, 9 April 2018
BOLTON
Taxi drivers are prepared to take industrial action tomorrow over the council's licensing policy.
The announcement of a potential strike comes after town hall chiefs carried out a review, which resulted in a number of drivers having their licences revoked after historical convictions were discovered.
Asif Vali, chairman of the Private Hire Operators Association, said drivers were prepared to take industrial action tomorrow at 11.00 am to hand over a petition, signed by over 800 private hire drivers.
Mr Vali said: "Private Hire drivers consider the new policy to be unfair and unreasonable.
"It has been implemented with a lack of balance and transparency to the detriment of individual drivers and the Private Hire trade, without any evidence that it will contribute to the safety of passengers."
"The Council have been aware for some years of the past offences of some drivers as CRB/DBS and Enhanced CRB/DBS checks have been carried out.
"The change in policy has now resulted in the immediate revocation of some drivers licenses even though the council have been aware of past offences, for example, when these drivers have appeared before the Licensing Sub-Committee who permitted them to continue to drive, deeming them fit and proper persons."
But Cllr Nick Peel, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The licensing authority in Bolton is determined to do its best to get rid of that small minority of drivers who are giving the rest bad name, and if the Private Hire Association thinks that by taking strike action it will deter us then they have got it completely wrong.”
http://bit.ly/2HqYUc9
------------------------------------------
HECKMONDWIKE
A taxi driver who sped away from police said he panicked because he had used cocaine earlier.
The officers were forced to chase Nasser Iqbal as he accelerated to 20mph above the speed limit, ignoring a give way sign and hitting a kerb.
The 35-year-old has since lost his job as a taxi driver after pleading guilty to dangerous driving.
Iqbal had caught the attention of police as he drove around Heckmondwike shortly before 1am on March 7.
The officers were heading in the opposite direction but turned around and followed his VW Golf.
Prosecutor Andy Wills said: “They activated their blue lights and sirens but instead the vehicle accelerated away.
“(Iqbal) was driving in excess of 50mph in a 30mph limit area.”
He continued to ignore the speed limit as he turned onto Redfearn Avenue, then Wood Avenue and immediately onto Hadfield Road.
Iqbal continued at an increased speed through a give way sign, making no attempt to slow down.
Mr Wills said that he then headed onto Leeside Road where he hit a kerb and continued to accelerate for a while before pulling over and stopping of his own accord.
The prosecutor told magistrates: “He said he didn’t stop because he was scared as he’d used cocaine earlier in the day.
“The defendant told the officers: ‘I drove away. I thought I could get away and I put my hands up - I’m sorry.”
Despite admitting to taking the class A drug an impairment test showed that Iqbal, of Pilgrim Crescent in Dewsbury Moor, was not under the influence while he was driving.
He held a previous related conviction dating back to 2006 for failing to supply a specimen of breath for analysis.
Paul Blanchard, mitigating, said that his client had taken cocaine the night previously while he was out with friends.
He told magistrates that Iqbal previously had an “intense cocaine habit” but has not used the drug since his arrest in March.
Mr Blanchard said that Iqbal was working as a taxi driver but lost his job following the offence and is currently claiming benefits.
He added: “Police didn’t have to take significant action to bring him to a stop.
“It seems to have been a relatively short pursuit and no vehicles had to take evasive action.”
http://bit.ly/2uWL5iO
Taxi drivers are prepared to take industrial action tomorrow over the council's licensing policy.
The announcement of a potential strike comes after town hall chiefs carried out a review, which resulted in a number of drivers having their licences revoked after historical convictions were discovered.
Asif Vali, chairman of the Private Hire Operators Association, said drivers were prepared to take industrial action tomorrow at 11.00 am to hand over a petition, signed by over 800 private hire drivers.
Mr Vali said: "Private Hire drivers consider the new policy to be unfair and unreasonable.
"It has been implemented with a lack of balance and transparency to the detriment of individual drivers and the Private Hire trade, without any evidence that it will contribute to the safety of passengers."
"The Council have been aware for some years of the past offences of some drivers as CRB/DBS and Enhanced CRB/DBS checks have been carried out.
"The change in policy has now resulted in the immediate revocation of some drivers licenses even though the council have been aware of past offences, for example, when these drivers have appeared before the Licensing Sub-Committee who permitted them to continue to drive, deeming them fit and proper persons."
But Cllr Nick Peel, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The licensing authority in Bolton is determined to do its best to get rid of that small minority of drivers who are giving the rest bad name, and if the Private Hire Association thinks that by taking strike action it will deter us then they have got it completely wrong.”
http://bit.ly/2HqYUc9
------------------------------------------
HECKMONDWIKE
A taxi driver who sped away from police said he panicked because he had used cocaine earlier.
The officers were forced to chase Nasser Iqbal as he accelerated to 20mph above the speed limit, ignoring a give way sign and hitting a kerb.
The 35-year-old has since lost his job as a taxi driver after pleading guilty to dangerous driving.
Iqbal had caught the attention of police as he drove around Heckmondwike shortly before 1am on March 7.
The officers were heading in the opposite direction but turned around and followed his VW Golf.
Prosecutor Andy Wills said: “They activated their blue lights and sirens but instead the vehicle accelerated away.
“(Iqbal) was driving in excess of 50mph in a 30mph limit area.”
He continued to ignore the speed limit as he turned onto Redfearn Avenue, then Wood Avenue and immediately onto Hadfield Road.
Iqbal continued at an increased speed through a give way sign, making no attempt to slow down.
Mr Wills said that he then headed onto Leeside Road where he hit a kerb and continued to accelerate for a while before pulling over and stopping of his own accord.
The prosecutor told magistrates: “He said he didn’t stop because he was scared as he’d used cocaine earlier in the day.
“The defendant told the officers: ‘I drove away. I thought I could get away and I put my hands up - I’m sorry.”
Despite admitting to taking the class A drug an impairment test showed that Iqbal, of Pilgrim Crescent in Dewsbury Moor, was not under the influence while he was driving.
He held a previous related conviction dating back to 2006 for failing to supply a specimen of breath for analysis.
Paul Blanchard, mitigating, said that his client had taken cocaine the night previously while he was out with friends.
He told magistrates that Iqbal previously had an “intense cocaine habit” but has not used the drug since his arrest in March.
Mr Blanchard said that Iqbal was working as a taxi driver but lost his job following the offence and is currently claiming benefits.
He added: “Police didn’t have to take significant action to bring him to a stop.
“It seems to have been a relatively short pursuit and no vehicles had to take evasive action.”
http://bit.ly/2uWL5iO
Sunday, 8 April 2018
Hartlepool MP Mike Hill has welcomed a decision by Hartlepool licensing chiefs to look at taxi laws to help keep convicted drivers off the roads.
The Mail reported last week how councillors hope to address loopholes which currently allow drivers convicted of crimes and have had their licences revoked to continue working by getting one from a neighbouring licensing authority or to drive larger minibuses instead.
Concerns were raised on the issue at the last meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council’s licensing committee.
Councillor Rob Cook, who represents De Bruce ward, quoted a recent article by the Local Government Association (LGA) which stated it will continue to campaign for more rigorous laws after an attempt to change the law in Parliament failed.
Despite the failure, a database of drivers who have been banned, refused or had a licence suspended is due to come into effect.
But a failed Private Members’ Bill would have boosted enforcement powers of local authorities.
Now, town MP Mike Hill has given his backing to councillors looking to address the issue.
He said: “The council are absolutely right to expose this loophole and seek to tighten up on local taxi licensing regulations.
“Long established local taxi companies in Hartlepool have worked hard to maintain good reputations and always aim to recruit the right people, but you can never be sure and especially in light of the John Worboys case it’s wise to be vigilant.
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there should be a red flag system introduced via a national database to alert potential employers and licensing authorities that an applicant has a conviction or ban.
“That way we are not only protecting the public, but also legitimate licenced taxi companies themselves.
“The fact also that a loophole in the law allows for drivers with convictions to drive minibuses as public hire vehicles needs to be addressed and I will be doing my very best to support any measures to rectify this.”
http://bit.ly/2v2TTnc
----------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK
An illegal taxi driver has been arrested for trying to kidnap a woman after allegedly hustling her into his car at JFK then locking the doors when she tried to leave.
Livery driver Daniel Todaro, 61, was arrested after approaching the woman at 1am on Friday and offering her a ride.
He was already banned from the New York City airport but had returned to pose as a legitimate taxi driver.
After leading the woman to his car, the pair got into an argument once inside.
The woman was heard screaming by police who approached the vehicle after Todaro allegedly locked the doors.
He tried to flee but was caught.
He was charged with unlawful imprisonment, criminal trespass and unlawful solicitation.
He was released without bond on Sunday.
https://dailym.ai/2qj7aCz
-------------------------------------------------
A main Huddersfield road was shut after a man was knocked unconscious in a road accident.
The pedestrian in his mid 30s was injured when he was struck by a taxi close to a pedestrian crossing in Salendine Nook early today.
The accident happened just before 4am on New Hey Road near to Salendine Nook High School and involved a grey-coloured VW Jetta taxi.
The car is operated by Woods Taxis which is based at the nearby Salendine Nook Shopping Centre
West Yorkshire Police Duty Inspector Carlton Young said that in the immediate aftermath several drivers blocked the road off to protect the injured man.
New Hey Road was shut from its junction with Crosland Road towards the M62 roundabout while police accident investigators worked at the scene.
Traffic was diverted on to Lindley Moor Road.
A 37-year-old man who lives on New Road said: “I heard anti-lock brakes kicking in and then a thud. I rang the police and a guy in an Audi TT was trying to help the injured man. His head banged on the windscreen and he was out cold for 20 minutes. There was some blood but not that much. I think the taxi driver decelerated at the last minute.”
http://bit.ly/2HliG8K
The Mail reported last week how councillors hope to address loopholes which currently allow drivers convicted of crimes and have had their licences revoked to continue working by getting one from a neighbouring licensing authority or to drive larger minibuses instead.
Concerns were raised on the issue at the last meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council’s licensing committee.
Councillor Rob Cook, who represents De Bruce ward, quoted a recent article by the Local Government Association (LGA) which stated it will continue to campaign for more rigorous laws after an attempt to change the law in Parliament failed.
Despite the failure, a database of drivers who have been banned, refused or had a licence suspended is due to come into effect.
But a failed Private Members’ Bill would have boosted enforcement powers of local authorities.
Now, town MP Mike Hill has given his backing to councillors looking to address the issue.
He said: “The council are absolutely right to expose this loophole and seek to tighten up on local taxi licensing regulations.
“Long established local taxi companies in Hartlepool have worked hard to maintain good reputations and always aim to recruit the right people, but you can never be sure and especially in light of the John Worboys case it’s wise to be vigilant.
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there should be a red flag system introduced via a national database to alert potential employers and licensing authorities that an applicant has a conviction or ban.
“That way we are not only protecting the public, but also legitimate licenced taxi companies themselves.
“The fact also that a loophole in the law allows for drivers with convictions to drive minibuses as public hire vehicles needs to be addressed and I will be doing my very best to support any measures to rectify this.”
http://bit.ly/2v2TTnc
----------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK
An illegal taxi driver has been arrested for trying to kidnap a woman after allegedly hustling her into his car at JFK then locking the doors when she tried to leave.
Livery driver Daniel Todaro, 61, was arrested after approaching the woman at 1am on Friday and offering her a ride.
He was already banned from the New York City airport but had returned to pose as a legitimate taxi driver.
After leading the woman to his car, the pair got into an argument once inside.
The woman was heard screaming by police who approached the vehicle after Todaro allegedly locked the doors.
He tried to flee but was caught.
He was charged with unlawful imprisonment, criminal trespass and unlawful solicitation.
He was released without bond on Sunday.
https://dailym.ai/2qj7aCz
-------------------------------------------------
A main Huddersfield road was shut after a man was knocked unconscious in a road accident.
The pedestrian in his mid 30s was injured when he was struck by a taxi close to a pedestrian crossing in Salendine Nook early today.
The accident happened just before 4am on New Hey Road near to Salendine Nook High School and involved a grey-coloured VW Jetta taxi.
The car is operated by Woods Taxis which is based at the nearby Salendine Nook Shopping Centre
West Yorkshire Police Duty Inspector Carlton Young said that in the immediate aftermath several drivers blocked the road off to protect the injured man.
New Hey Road was shut from its junction with Crosland Road towards the M62 roundabout while police accident investigators worked at the scene.
Traffic was diverted on to Lindley Moor Road.
A 37-year-old man who lives on New Road said: “I heard anti-lock brakes kicking in and then a thud. I rang the police and a guy in an Audi TT was trying to help the injured man. His head banged on the windscreen and he was out cold for 20 minutes. There was some blood but not that much. I think the taxi driver decelerated at the last minute.”
http://bit.ly/2HliG8K
Friday, 6 April 2018
WOLVERHAMPTON
Fury at 'joke' loophole as 4,000 out-of-town taxi drivers given Wolverhampton licences
More than 4,000 taxi drivers from outside Wolverhampton have been granted licences in one year by the city's council – up from 60 just five years ago.
Drivers from across the country are flocking to the city council for licences because of its fast online application process, which takes 20 working days or less and costs just £69, and the fact that once they have their licence they are not required to operate in Wolverhampton.
It has been branded a ‘joke’ by Shaz Saleem – who is the adviser for the West Midland Drivers’ Association, which looks after 4,000 drivers.
Mr Saleem said customers across the Black Country are being put at risk by the council’s poor standards.
Mr Saleem also said some taxi drivers were taking advantage of a ‘loophole’ in cross-border rules, which allows applicants to receive new licences in Wolverhampton despite having it revoked by other councils.
Cost
Drivers cannot apply online in Walsall or Sandwell. But they can submit their application online in Dudley.
However they are all more expensive than Wolverhampton.
In Walsall an application for a private hire licence costs £102, in Sandwell it is £153 and Dudley £242.77.
Licensing manager at Wolverhampton council Chris Howell said: “Wolverhampton council has invested in a state-of-the-art online system which enables us to process licences much faster than most other areas.
“This makes us an attractive proposition to drivers and we cannot turn them away, providing they meet our stringent standards.
"Our standards are among the best anywhere in the country and have been recognised by the Home Office which has urged other areas to adopt our guidelines."
Lucrative
It has proved lucrative for the council which made £1.29 million from taxi licensing in 2016/17.
Figures released following a freedom of information request revealed 4,168 private hire licences – for cars that have to be booked in advance by passengers – were issued to people living out of the city by the council last year.
It is a 6,847 per cent rise from 2013. Meanwhile 927 private hire licences were handed to drivers living in Wolverhampton.
In 2013, the council issued 60 private hire licences to drivers outside the city and 510 to Wolverhampton residents, the data showed.
Mr Saleem, the chairman of Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association, said: “It’s a joke. Across the Black Country, this is a serious issue.
"Public safety has to be the most important thing.”
Liberal Democrat campaigner Mr Jenkins said: “The council is handing out licences like sweets.”
Deregulation
The Deregulation Act 2015 means private hire operators and drivers can choose where they apply for their licences.
All applicants are required to undertake a ‘robust’ driver training programme and pass a written assessment, the council said.
Figures also showed Hackney Carriage licences – for black cabs that can be hailed on the street – were dished out to 155 Wolverhampton residents last year and just 26 to people out of the area.
In 2013, the council issued 144 of these licences to city residents and 20 to drivers outside the city.
http://bit.ly/2qaY0YI
Fury at 'joke' loophole as 4,000 out-of-town taxi drivers given Wolverhampton licences
More than 4,000 taxi drivers from outside Wolverhampton have been granted licences in one year by the city's council – up from 60 just five years ago.
Drivers from across the country are flocking to the city council for licences because of its fast online application process, which takes 20 working days or less and costs just £69, and the fact that once they have their licence they are not required to operate in Wolverhampton.
It has been branded a ‘joke’ by Shaz Saleem – who is the adviser for the West Midland Drivers’ Association, which looks after 4,000 drivers.
Mr Saleem said customers across the Black Country are being put at risk by the council’s poor standards.
Mr Saleem also said some taxi drivers were taking advantage of a ‘loophole’ in cross-border rules, which allows applicants to receive new licences in Wolverhampton despite having it revoked by other councils.
Cost
Drivers cannot apply online in Walsall or Sandwell. But they can submit their application online in Dudley.
However they are all more expensive than Wolverhampton.
In Walsall an application for a private hire licence costs £102, in Sandwell it is £153 and Dudley £242.77.
Licensing manager at Wolverhampton council Chris Howell said: “Wolverhampton council has invested in a state-of-the-art online system which enables us to process licences much faster than most other areas.
“This makes us an attractive proposition to drivers and we cannot turn them away, providing they meet our stringent standards.
"Our standards are among the best anywhere in the country and have been recognised by the Home Office which has urged other areas to adopt our guidelines."
Lucrative
It has proved lucrative for the council which made £1.29 million from taxi licensing in 2016/17.
Figures released following a freedom of information request revealed 4,168 private hire licences – for cars that have to be booked in advance by passengers – were issued to people living out of the city by the council last year.
It is a 6,847 per cent rise from 2013. Meanwhile 927 private hire licences were handed to drivers living in Wolverhampton.
In 2013, the council issued 60 private hire licences to drivers outside the city and 510 to Wolverhampton residents, the data showed.
Mr Saleem, the chairman of Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association, said: “It’s a joke. Across the Black Country, this is a serious issue.
"Public safety has to be the most important thing.”
Liberal Democrat campaigner Mr Jenkins said: “The council is handing out licences like sweets.”
Deregulation
The Deregulation Act 2015 means private hire operators and drivers can choose where they apply for their licences.
All applicants are required to undertake a ‘robust’ driver training programme and pass a written assessment, the council said.
Figures also showed Hackney Carriage licences – for black cabs that can be hailed on the street – were dished out to 155 Wolverhampton residents last year and just 26 to people out of the area.
In 2013, the council issued 144 of these licences to city residents and 20 to drivers outside the city.
http://bit.ly/2qaY0YI
Thursday, 5 April 2018
SOUTH WALES
TAXI firm V Cars is apparently having trouble with its new app software since launching it nearly a month ago, which has resulted in a potential backlash against the company.
Since switching its bookings app to one called ‘icabbi’ there have been claims that customers are being overcharged. With the new app, the meter cannot be manually adjusted when a driver notices an error.
V Cars was last year taken over by a group owned by Veezu, a company which established itself in 2013.
A driver for the taxi firm, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “With the new owners taking over it seems the drivers are being overlooked and it is us [the drivers] who are feeling the backlash from this.
“The app is screwing up everything. It is overcharging customers and even taking us to the wrong address on some occasions.
“If I am being honest it is sad to see a firm like this going that way.”
Now drivers from V Cars say they are planning a protest next week outside the company’s offices at Groundwell to show their dissatisfaction at how they are being treated.
It is alleged that several drivers have left the firm, and that others fear for their jobs.
A group called the The V Cars Driver Association has backed the idea of a protest.
Another driver who contacted the Adver, also wishing to remain anonymous, told of the preparations he has made ahead of the protest.
“To be ready for this I will need to get legal help and advice. I am already looking to contact other taxi associations around the UK. Any information I can get will help me greatly.”
When asked about problems with the app, Ryan Owen, managing director for South West and Wales at Veezu, replied: “V-Cars is committed to providing the best possible service for customers, and the drivers that work with us, and takes any allegations of over-charging extremely seriously.
“If a driver has a query on a specific fare, they can contact the call centre at any time to amend the job and rectify any issue.
“We have thoroughly tested the performance of the new app over the last three weeks and have not found any problems, nor have we received any direct complaints about this issue.
“If any customers feel that they may have been over-charged for their journey, we encourage them to call the main V-Cars number to allow us to look into their concern as a matter of priority.”
http://bit.ly/2GCFRtP
---------------------------------------------
ATHENS (Reuters) - Ride-hailing service Uber said on Thursday it would suspend its licensed service in Greece after the approval of local legislation which imposes stricter regulation on the sector.
Uber, which operates a licensed service in the Greek capital, has faced opposition from local taxi drivers who accuse it of taking their business.
“New local regulations were voted on recently with provisions that impact ride-sharing services,” Uber said in a blog post. “We have to assess if and how we can operate within this new framework and so will be suspending uberX in Athens from next Tuesday until we can find an appropriate solution.”
Uber operates two services in Athens: UberX, which uses professional licensed drivers, and UberTAXI, which uses taxi drivers.
The new regulations require each trip to start and end in the fleet partner’s designated headquarters or parking area, something Uber does not do. A digital registry of all ride-sharing platforms and their passengers will also be created.
The company launched in Europe in 2011, angering some local authorities and taxi drivers who said it did not abide by the same rules on insurance, licensing and safety.
Following widespread protests, court battles and bans, Uber has taken a more emollient stance under its new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, suspending operations in various cities in order to comply with local regulations.
UberX launched in Athens in 2015 and more than 450,000 people have used its smartphone app to book a ride. News of the new regulation last year angered some Athenians and tens of thousands signed a petition launched by Beat - a local ride-sharing service - in favor of ride-hailing services.
UberX drivers have to be employed by fleet partners such as car rental companies or tourist agencies and their cars could not be more than seven years old.
The data registry and return-to-garage requirement will only apply to ride-hailing services like Uber and Beat, while taxi drivers will be able to use cars that are up to 22 years old.
https://reut.rs/2EnxBw1
TAXI firm V Cars is apparently having trouble with its new app software since launching it nearly a month ago, which has resulted in a potential backlash against the company.
Since switching its bookings app to one called ‘icabbi’ there have been claims that customers are being overcharged. With the new app, the meter cannot be manually adjusted when a driver notices an error.
V Cars was last year taken over by a group owned by Veezu, a company which established itself in 2013.
A driver for the taxi firm, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “With the new owners taking over it seems the drivers are being overlooked and it is us [the drivers] who are feeling the backlash from this.
“The app is screwing up everything. It is overcharging customers and even taking us to the wrong address on some occasions.
“If I am being honest it is sad to see a firm like this going that way.”
Now drivers from V Cars say they are planning a protest next week outside the company’s offices at Groundwell to show their dissatisfaction at how they are being treated.
It is alleged that several drivers have left the firm, and that others fear for their jobs.
A group called the The V Cars Driver Association has backed the idea of a protest.
Another driver who contacted the Adver, also wishing to remain anonymous, told of the preparations he has made ahead of the protest.
“To be ready for this I will need to get legal help and advice. I am already looking to contact other taxi associations around the UK. Any information I can get will help me greatly.”
When asked about problems with the app, Ryan Owen, managing director for South West and Wales at Veezu, replied: “V-Cars is committed to providing the best possible service for customers, and the drivers that work with us, and takes any allegations of over-charging extremely seriously.
“If a driver has a query on a specific fare, they can contact the call centre at any time to amend the job and rectify any issue.
“We have thoroughly tested the performance of the new app over the last three weeks and have not found any problems, nor have we received any direct complaints about this issue.
“If any customers feel that they may have been over-charged for their journey, we encourage them to call the main V-Cars number to allow us to look into their concern as a matter of priority.”
http://bit.ly/2GCFRtP
---------------------------------------------
ATHENS (Reuters) - Ride-hailing service Uber said on Thursday it would suspend its licensed service in Greece after the approval of local legislation which imposes stricter regulation on the sector.
Uber, which operates a licensed service in the Greek capital, has faced opposition from local taxi drivers who accuse it of taking their business.
“New local regulations were voted on recently with provisions that impact ride-sharing services,” Uber said in a blog post. “We have to assess if and how we can operate within this new framework and so will be suspending uberX in Athens from next Tuesday until we can find an appropriate solution.”
Uber operates two services in Athens: UberX, which uses professional licensed drivers, and UberTAXI, which uses taxi drivers.
The new regulations require each trip to start and end in the fleet partner’s designated headquarters or parking area, something Uber does not do. A digital registry of all ride-sharing platforms and their passengers will also be created.
The company launched in Europe in 2011, angering some local authorities and taxi drivers who said it did not abide by the same rules on insurance, licensing and safety.
Following widespread protests, court battles and bans, Uber has taken a more emollient stance under its new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, suspending operations in various cities in order to comply with local regulations.
UberX launched in Athens in 2015 and more than 450,000 people have used its smartphone app to book a ride. News of the new regulation last year angered some Athenians and tens of thousands signed a petition launched by Beat - a local ride-sharing service - in favor of ride-hailing services.
UberX drivers have to be employed by fleet partners such as car rental companies or tourist agencies and their cars could not be more than seven years old.
The data registry and return-to-garage requirement will only apply to ride-hailing services like Uber and Beat, while taxi drivers will be able to use cars that are up to 22 years old.
https://reut.rs/2EnxBw1
Wednesday, 4 April 2018
Detectives in Westminster are appealing for witnesses and information after a woman was repeatedly hit with a bottle in the back of a taxi in central London.
The victim, a woman aged in her 20s, had been out with family when she hailed a London Black Taxi outside the Palace Theatre in Shaftsbury Avenue at about 02:35hrs on Sunday, 18 March.
The victim and her family got into the taxi when two unknown men got in and asked if they could be dropped around the corner. The taxi driver declined as there were too many passengers and he would lose his licence.
One of the men got out, but the other refused and got into an argument with the victim. The suspect then started to push one of victim’s relatives. The victim pulled the suspect off her relative. The suspect then pulled out a small glass bottle of vodka and repeatedly hit the victim over the head with it until he was dragged off.
The victim collapsed onto the floor of the taxi and the suspect fled the scene.
The taxi driver took the victim to a north London hospital. She required stitches before being discharged later that day.
The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, with short light brown curly hair. He was wearing a light blue checkered shirt and jeans; he spoke with an Irish accent.
Detectives from Westminster’s Serious Crime Unit are investigating and are keen to speak to the taxi driver.
He is described as an Asian man, aged about 40 to 50 years old, with short dark hair. He was wearing a light blue shirt.
Any witnesses or with anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 7321 8296 or 101 or Tweet @MetCC.
Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
http://news.met.police.uk/news/appeal-for-taxi-driver-to-contact-police-301234
-------------------------------------------------
Taxi passenger who produced knife over £25 fare for journey to East Kilbride jailed
Douglas Ross, 43, was locked-up for 18-months after the taxi driver told the court he feared he would suffer a heart attack during the ordeal.
A taxi passenger who produced a knife after complaining about the £25 fare between Strathaven and East Kilbride has been jailed for 18 months.
Qamar Fariyad said Douglas Ross held the blade at his neck and he felt so stressed he was sure he was going to suffer a heart attack.
Ross (43) denied assaulting and robbing the 30-year-old driver.
On the second day of the trial the charge was dropped after he admitted threatening or abusive behaviour which included shouting and swearing repeatedly at the cabbie and producing the blade.
Mr Fariyad, of Motherwell, told the jury he picked up Ross from an address in Kirk Street, Strathaven, late one night last September.
He was going to the Lindsay House homeless unit in East Kilbride to see if he could find a bed there.
Mr Fariyad told Callum Forsyth, prosecuting: “He asked how much I would charge and I said £25.
“He told me he would pay before we left. We were just chatting and then when we left Strathaven and were on a dark road he asked if he could use my phone. I gave him the phone and immediately he started swearing and screaming at me, asking why I was charging £25.
“Then he took a knife and held it very close to my neck. I was very frightened. I said I was a poor man working day and night for my family and I would give him back his money.
“He told me to forget about it, but he kept the knife at my neck. He was threatening me and banging on the dashboard. I felt I was going to have a heart attack.”
The cabbie said he eventually reached East Kilbride town centre and managed to get him out of his taxi. He said Ross walked towards Lindsay House in Kittoch Street.
Ross, a prisoner at HMP Addiewell, also admitted illegal possession of a knife at the homeless unit, shouting abuse, demanding accommodation there, producing the knife and threatening to harm himself.
Defence agent Charles Ferguson described his client as a Jekyll and Hyde character. The solicitor explained: “He lives with his partner and is usually in a full-time job. His life is settled and he plays golf in his spare time.
“However, he has mental health difficulties which result in him using alcohol and drugs, and going off the rails. Anger management is another issue and he has had counselling for this.”
Sheriff Ray Small accepted Ross had no intention of robbing the taxi driver and the only person he planned to hurt with the knife was himself.
But the sheriff added: “It is still an offence to have a knife in public and you were on a community payback order for having a knife when this happened.
“Custody is the only appropriate sentence and to protect the public from serious harm when you get out there will also be a nine-month supervised release order.
“You must attend for alcohol or drug counselling as directed and if you breach the order you will be returned to prison.”
The 18-month sentence was backdated to September 19 at the sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/taxi-passenger-who-produced-knife-12295934
The victim, a woman aged in her 20s, had been out with family when she hailed a London Black Taxi outside the Palace Theatre in Shaftsbury Avenue at about 02:35hrs on Sunday, 18 March.
The victim and her family got into the taxi when two unknown men got in and asked if they could be dropped around the corner. The taxi driver declined as there were too many passengers and he would lose his licence.
One of the men got out, but the other refused and got into an argument with the victim. The suspect then started to push one of victim’s relatives. The victim pulled the suspect off her relative. The suspect then pulled out a small glass bottle of vodka and repeatedly hit the victim over the head with it until he was dragged off.
The victim collapsed onto the floor of the taxi and the suspect fled the scene.
The taxi driver took the victim to a north London hospital. She required stitches before being discharged later that day.
The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, with short light brown curly hair. He was wearing a light blue checkered shirt and jeans; he spoke with an Irish accent.
Detectives from Westminster’s Serious Crime Unit are investigating and are keen to speak to the taxi driver.
He is described as an Asian man, aged about 40 to 50 years old, with short dark hair. He was wearing a light blue shirt.
Any witnesses or with anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 7321 8296 or 101 or Tweet @MetCC.
Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
http://news.met.police.uk/news/appeal-for-taxi-driver-to-contact-police-301234
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Taxi passenger who produced knife over £25 fare for journey to East Kilbride jailed
Douglas Ross, 43, was locked-up for 18-months after the taxi driver told the court he feared he would suffer a heart attack during the ordeal.
A taxi passenger who produced a knife after complaining about the £25 fare between Strathaven and East Kilbride has been jailed for 18 months.
Qamar Fariyad said Douglas Ross held the blade at his neck and he felt so stressed he was sure he was going to suffer a heart attack.
Ross (43) denied assaulting and robbing the 30-year-old driver.
On the second day of the trial the charge was dropped after he admitted threatening or abusive behaviour which included shouting and swearing repeatedly at the cabbie and producing the blade.
Mr Fariyad, of Motherwell, told the jury he picked up Ross from an address in Kirk Street, Strathaven, late one night last September.
He was going to the Lindsay House homeless unit in East Kilbride to see if he could find a bed there.
Mr Fariyad told Callum Forsyth, prosecuting: “He asked how much I would charge and I said £25.
“He told me he would pay before we left. We were just chatting and then when we left Strathaven and were on a dark road he asked if he could use my phone. I gave him the phone and immediately he started swearing and screaming at me, asking why I was charging £25.
“Then he took a knife and held it very close to my neck. I was very frightened. I said I was a poor man working day and night for my family and I would give him back his money.
“He told me to forget about it, but he kept the knife at my neck. He was threatening me and banging on the dashboard. I felt I was going to have a heart attack.”
The cabbie said he eventually reached East Kilbride town centre and managed to get him out of his taxi. He said Ross walked towards Lindsay House in Kittoch Street.
Ross, a prisoner at HMP Addiewell, also admitted illegal possession of a knife at the homeless unit, shouting abuse, demanding accommodation there, producing the knife and threatening to harm himself.
Defence agent Charles Ferguson described his client as a Jekyll and Hyde character. The solicitor explained: “He lives with his partner and is usually in a full-time job. His life is settled and he plays golf in his spare time.
“However, he has mental health difficulties which result in him using alcohol and drugs, and going off the rails. Anger management is another issue and he has had counselling for this.”
Sheriff Ray Small accepted Ross had no intention of robbing the taxi driver and the only person he planned to hurt with the knife was himself.
But the sheriff added: “It is still an offence to have a knife in public and you were on a community payback order for having a knife when this happened.
“Custody is the only appropriate sentence and to protect the public from serious harm when you get out there will also be a nine-month supervised release order.
“You must attend for alcohol or drug counselling as directed and if you breach the order you will be returned to prison.”
The 18-month sentence was backdated to September 19 at the sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/taxi-passenger-who-produced-knife-12295934
Tuesday, 3 April 2018
LIVERPOOL
A new black cab app has launched in Merseyside - hoping to improve the reputation of the trade and stop customers from being ripped off.
Yesterday the ECHO published shocking footage of young hairdresser Kayleigh Dixon being dragged along Dale Street by a taxi after its driver drove away with the door still open.
It followed an argument in which Kayleigh alleges that she and her friends were being quoted an extortionate fare by the driver, who she said would not engage his meter for the journey.
There have been frequent complaints made about a minority of drivers in Liverpool who are said to be over-charging and “cherry picking” fares - and now a group of cabbies have come together to launch the new Merseyride app, which they hope will improve the trade.
In a revolutionary move, customers who download the Merseyride app will be able to plot their cab’s route beforehand and be given estimated fares up front.
Similarly to the Uber app - users will be able to pay by debit card - as well as the traditional cash method.
But in contrast to Uber, Merseyride will not use a crowd-surging policy in which customers are asked to pay more during busy periods.
The app - which has been endorsed by Liverpool council - will actually offer three different routes for customers, prices and estimated distances for customers to choose from.
It is also hoped that the app will be more convenient than flagging down a cab.
The app will give customers estimated fares before journeys and bring hackney cabs to their doors
A statement from the company said: “By asking the customer to put their destination into the app before they can proceed with the booking we can plan where drivers will be in time.
“So if a driver is heading to Garston and another customer is looking for a taxi from Allerton we can tell them that a taxi is available within 8 minutes, for example.
“If the passenger then goes onto complete the booking we can inform the driver that there is an upcoming job 3 minutes from the current drop off.”
The app - which has been endorsed by Liverpool council - will actually offer three different routes for customers, prices and estimated distances for customers to choose from.
The app will use live traffic information to estimate waiting times.
Kevin Melvin is a cabbie with 28 years experience and is the secretary of the new app committee.
He said: “The perception that people have at the moment is that they get in a Hackney cab and it’s already three times the price of a private hire - and that is not true.
“We hope this app will change people’s views - we are trying to do something good for the trade.
“Unlike apps like Uber there will be no surge charges - and also unlike them the money we make will go back into the local economy.”
On the drivers who are currently over-charging and cherry picking, he added: “They might not think they are breaking the law but I do - they are killing the trade.
“Everyone will be welcome to use the app and drivers can become shareholders or not - in the future we would like to expand into other boroughs as well.”
Speaking about the Dale Street incident, Merseyride chairman Kevin Lawrence said: “Public safety is paramount to us as a trade and these incidents show us as a trade in a bad light, we are doing everything in our power to invest and improve the trade and raise the standard.”
The app can be downloaded using Apple Store or Google Play store.
http://bit.ly/2GSETgA
--------------------------------------
Most drivers at Derby taxi firm stay away from work on sick 'Punish a Muslim' day
A Derby taxi firm lost 70% of its drivers today because they were too scared to work due to sick "Punish a Muslim" hate campaign.
The phrase was coined in an anonymous letter sent to homes and businesses across the country last month which suggested people could win "points" for a range of abuse aimed at Muslims on April 3.
Muddasser Ahmed, the owner of PJ Cars in Derby, said around 35 drivers were too worried to work, the equivalent of 70% of his work force.
Mr Ahmed said: "Seventy per cent of our fleet is off and they are saying they don’t want to risk going into work.
"We don’t know what to do. Our phones are switched off because we have no cars to offer.
"Nothing is going to happen. My message to my drivers is come to work, please.
"We are absolutely struggling. I have never seen anything like this before. Two or three days ago drivers were saying to us 'make sure you close the office'.
"This is the impact it’s having. I am very annoyed because it’s definitely affecting us."
Mr Ahmed said he was worried his customers were being left "stranded" because of the issue.
He added: "The customers are losing out. I’m trying to encourage the drivers and tell them nothing will happen. At least pick up the regular customers who they know."
Bosses at Albatross Cars, in Midland Road, Derby, said drivers were being offered safety advice because of the letter.
Faz Manfha, operations manager at the firm, said the letter was "absolutely disgusting".
He added: "For them to target Muslim people is vile."
http://bit.ly/2ItE3E9
------------------------------------------------
BOLTON
Surgeons tried 15 times to save biker's leg after this sickening collision with a taxi
Taxi driver Mohammad Bhatti, 58, has now been banned from driving for six months following the collision which happened in Bolton
This sickening collision led to a biker having part of his leg amputated.
The crash was captured on CCTV and shows the victim flung from his motorcycle after a taxi turned into his path.
Almost five months on, police said the 42-year-old’s life has ‘completely changed’.
He continues to attend physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions and has been forced to live in supported accommodation while special adaptations are made to his home.
Police said surgeons tried 15 times to save his leg, but were eventually forced to partially amputate.
Taxi driver Mohammad Bhatti, 58, of Gilnow Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty at Bolton magistrates’ court to a charge of driving without due care and attention and was sentenced on Tuesday.
Police said he was handed the maximum sentence the court could impose for the offence, a six-month driving ban.
PC Michael Cartwright, of GMP’s Road Policing Unit, said: “As you will see from the footage, this was an awful collision that has left the victim with life-changing injuries.
“Since this collision, he has had to live in supported accommodation while special adaptations are made to his home because of his disability. He also continues to attend physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions.
http://bit.ly/2GRxKgx
A new black cab app has launched in Merseyside - hoping to improve the reputation of the trade and stop customers from being ripped off.
Yesterday the ECHO published shocking footage of young hairdresser Kayleigh Dixon being dragged along Dale Street by a taxi after its driver drove away with the door still open.
It followed an argument in which Kayleigh alleges that she and her friends were being quoted an extortionate fare by the driver, who she said would not engage his meter for the journey.
There have been frequent complaints made about a minority of drivers in Liverpool who are said to be over-charging and “cherry picking” fares - and now a group of cabbies have come together to launch the new Merseyride app, which they hope will improve the trade.
In a revolutionary move, customers who download the Merseyride app will be able to plot their cab’s route beforehand and be given estimated fares up front.
Similarly to the Uber app - users will be able to pay by debit card - as well as the traditional cash method.
But in contrast to Uber, Merseyride will not use a crowd-surging policy in which customers are asked to pay more during busy periods.
The app - which has been endorsed by Liverpool council - will actually offer three different routes for customers, prices and estimated distances for customers to choose from.
It is also hoped that the app will be more convenient than flagging down a cab.
The app will give customers estimated fares before journeys and bring hackney cabs to their doors
A statement from the company said: “By asking the customer to put their destination into the app before they can proceed with the booking we can plan where drivers will be in time.
“So if a driver is heading to Garston and another customer is looking for a taxi from Allerton we can tell them that a taxi is available within 8 minutes, for example.
“If the passenger then goes onto complete the booking we can inform the driver that there is an upcoming job 3 minutes from the current drop off.”
The app - which has been endorsed by Liverpool council - will actually offer three different routes for customers, prices and estimated distances for customers to choose from.
The app will use live traffic information to estimate waiting times.
Kevin Melvin is a cabbie with 28 years experience and is the secretary of the new app committee.
He said: “The perception that people have at the moment is that they get in a Hackney cab and it’s already three times the price of a private hire - and that is not true.
“We hope this app will change people’s views - we are trying to do something good for the trade.
“Unlike apps like Uber there will be no surge charges - and also unlike them the money we make will go back into the local economy.”
On the drivers who are currently over-charging and cherry picking, he added: “They might not think they are breaking the law but I do - they are killing the trade.
“Everyone will be welcome to use the app and drivers can become shareholders or not - in the future we would like to expand into other boroughs as well.”
Speaking about the Dale Street incident, Merseyride chairman Kevin Lawrence said: “Public safety is paramount to us as a trade and these incidents show us as a trade in a bad light, we are doing everything in our power to invest and improve the trade and raise the standard.”
The app can be downloaded using Apple Store or Google Play store.
http://bit.ly/2GSETgA
--------------------------------------
Most drivers at Derby taxi firm stay away from work on sick 'Punish a Muslim' day
A Derby taxi firm lost 70% of its drivers today because they were too scared to work due to sick "Punish a Muslim" hate campaign.
The phrase was coined in an anonymous letter sent to homes and businesses across the country last month which suggested people could win "points" for a range of abuse aimed at Muslims on April 3.
Muddasser Ahmed, the owner of PJ Cars in Derby, said around 35 drivers were too worried to work, the equivalent of 70% of his work force.
Mr Ahmed said: "Seventy per cent of our fleet is off and they are saying they don’t want to risk going into work.
"We don’t know what to do. Our phones are switched off because we have no cars to offer.
"Nothing is going to happen. My message to my drivers is come to work, please.
"We are absolutely struggling. I have never seen anything like this before. Two or three days ago drivers were saying to us 'make sure you close the office'.
"This is the impact it’s having. I am very annoyed because it’s definitely affecting us."
Mr Ahmed said he was worried his customers were being left "stranded" because of the issue.
He added: "The customers are losing out. I’m trying to encourage the drivers and tell them nothing will happen. At least pick up the regular customers who they know."
Bosses at Albatross Cars, in Midland Road, Derby, said drivers were being offered safety advice because of the letter.
Faz Manfha, operations manager at the firm, said the letter was "absolutely disgusting".
He added: "For them to target Muslim people is vile."
http://bit.ly/2ItE3E9
------------------------------------------------
BOLTON
Surgeons tried 15 times to save biker's leg after this sickening collision with a taxi
Taxi driver Mohammad Bhatti, 58, has now been banned from driving for six months following the collision which happened in Bolton
This sickening collision led to a biker having part of his leg amputated.
The crash was captured on CCTV and shows the victim flung from his motorcycle after a taxi turned into his path.
Almost five months on, police said the 42-year-old’s life has ‘completely changed’.
He continues to attend physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions and has been forced to live in supported accommodation while special adaptations are made to his home.
Police said surgeons tried 15 times to save his leg, but were eventually forced to partially amputate.
Taxi driver Mohammad Bhatti, 58, of Gilnow Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty at Bolton magistrates’ court to a charge of driving without due care and attention and was sentenced on Tuesday.
Police said he was handed the maximum sentence the court could impose for the offence, a six-month driving ban.
PC Michael Cartwright, of GMP’s Road Policing Unit, said: “As you will see from the footage, this was an awful collision that has left the victim with life-changing injuries.
“Since this collision, he has had to live in supported accommodation while special adaptations are made to his home because of his disability. He also continues to attend physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions.
http://bit.ly/2GRxKgx
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