Shock as Coventry taxi firm announces 70 job losses
The announcement came just 24 hours after Prince Charles visited the new factory in Ansty
Workers at the London Electric Vehicle Company, which builds world famous black cabs, have been told today to expect job losses.
Managers called production staff together this afternoon to inform them of plans to reduce the workforce by 70 - around a fifth of the total headcount.
It comes just 24 hours after Prince Charles was given a guided tour of the plant in Ansty, on the edge of the city.
One production worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "We all knew this was coming, but we didn't know the amount.
"There will be another meeting tomorrow where we will find out the criteria - who is going.
"We knew that this would be announced as soon as Prince Charles had left.
"We have put our heart and soul into that new building for Coventry, to do Coventry proud again.
"There are some brilliant workers there, the management are not fit to run a factory in Coventry.
"The production manager called us all together today and said there were 70 to go.
"They are looking at five weeks until we don't have a job.
"Because it is a new company, 80 per cent of the workers are new.
"The workers from Holyhead Road can carry their service on, but it will all be new workers that go.
"Our prospects are bleak now in Coventry."
A spokesman for the London Electric Vehicle Company said: “2019 will be a challenging year for UK automotive.
"To prepare the business we are reducing the number of agency staff and making productivity improvements.
"We still expect demand for our premium electric taxi to continue to grow over the coming years.”
Black cabs are built by the company, formerly the London Taxi Company based in Holyhead Road, Coundon.
Two years ago, the firm - owned by Chinese car manufacturer Geely, moved production to a brand new factory at Ansty Park.
It was the site of a Royal visit by the Prince of Wales yesterday, who looked around tracks building new zero-emission cabs.
https://bit.ly/2CQNbBt
Tuesday, 29 January 2019
Monday, 28 January 2019
London private hire firm Addison Lee has bought 1,200 Volkswagen Sharans – a deal so large, it instantly means more than 1 in 5 of the firm’s taxis will now be a Sharan.
The first deliveries will begin this week; they’re all Sharan SE 2.0 TDI Bluemotion 150 models, with traffic-friendly DSG automatic gearboxes.
They’re also all painted in Addison Lee’s trademark black, joining the firm’s thousands of black Ford Galaxy people carriers.
Bosses at the firm are impressed by the Sharan’s electric sliding rear doors, which they reckon will boost safety for passengers. The full-size MPV is a seven-seater, ticking the practicality box.
As for Volkswagen UK, its head of fleet Michael O’Shea said it was “very pleased to be working with such a prominent name as Addison Lee Group”. He also stressed the significance of the “multi-million pound deal”.
Addison Lee has bought the Sharans now ahead of Transport for London’s new Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which goes live on 8 April.
Although the VW people carriers are diesels, rather than plug-in hybrids, they meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, so will comply with the new rules (although still be banned from Tottenham Court Road from March).
Lisa Burger, Addison Lee Group’s COO, said the deal “will make our entire fleet compliant with TfL’s low emission standards and start the process of moving towards a zero-emissions capable fleet”.
It remains to be seen if, in the future, future deals could involve Addison Lee-branded versions of the new all-electric Volkswagen ID Buzz…
https://bit.ly/2B9AyRY
The first deliveries will begin this week; they’re all Sharan SE 2.0 TDI Bluemotion 150 models, with traffic-friendly DSG automatic gearboxes.
They’re also all painted in Addison Lee’s trademark black, joining the firm’s thousands of black Ford Galaxy people carriers.
Bosses at the firm are impressed by the Sharan’s electric sliding rear doors, which they reckon will boost safety for passengers. The full-size MPV is a seven-seater, ticking the practicality box.
As for Volkswagen UK, its head of fleet Michael O’Shea said it was “very pleased to be working with such a prominent name as Addison Lee Group”. He also stressed the significance of the “multi-million pound deal”.
Addison Lee has bought the Sharans now ahead of Transport for London’s new Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which goes live on 8 April.
Although the VW people carriers are diesels, rather than plug-in hybrids, they meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, so will comply with the new rules (although still be banned from Tottenham Court Road from March).
Lisa Burger, Addison Lee Group’s COO, said the deal “will make our entire fleet compliant with TfL’s low emission standards and start the process of moving towards a zero-emissions capable fleet”.
It remains to be seen if, in the future, future deals could involve Addison Lee-branded versions of the new all-electric Volkswagen ID Buzz…
https://bit.ly/2B9AyRY
Sunday, 27 January 2019
A Teesside taxi driver has called for a cap on private hire vehicles - saying he has to work a 40-hour a week before earning a single penny.
Private hire firms are flooding Teesside's roads with cars, sending drivers "spiralling into debt as they struggle to make ends meet", he has claimed.
The driver from Middlesbrough, who did not want to be named for fear of losing his job, said he's had a black eye and been beaten by passengers over the years, battling depression as he feels stuck in a job that pays a pittance.
He's calling for a limit on the number of licences issued - but Middlesbrough Council says there is no current legislation to enforce such a cap.
'I pay £70 before getting into the car'
The driver said: "I have to do a 70-odd hour shift just to make a couple of hundred pounds.
"The first 41 hours, you give it to the company. I pay £65 to £70 a day before I even get in the car.
"The car costs £260 in rent. The licence is £300 every three years.
"It's £120 in diesel a week. You're out doing six to 12 hour shifts and still not covering your money."
But the driver said there's "no unity", and although others are angry "nobody sticks together".
He added: "So what can you do? You just have to plod on.
"It stresses me out, there's no other job out there where you have to work 40 hours for them rather than yourself.
"We don't get sick pay, holidays, I could quit the job but what would I do.
"The council gets money for every car on the road, they should stop issuing badges but it's business for them.
"Middlesbrough doesn't need any more drivers."
https://bit.ly/2UnHCSo
----------------------------------------------
PLYMOUTH
Hundreds of taxi drivers have taken to the streets of Plymouth to protest against a planned hike in licence costs.
Cabbies are holding a drive slow protest through the city centre from Milehouse Park and Ride.
The planned changes, unveiled by the council's licensing department, would cover holes in the authority's budget.
For hackney drivers, it's proposed that a one-year black cab licence jumps from £210 to £324 and a one-year driver’s licence - which they also need to apply for - goes from £112 to £165.
A one year private hire cab licence for private hire drivers - those employed by a private firm - is proposed to jump from £117 to £170 with a one-year driver’s licence going from £82 to £120.
But cabbies are uniting this weekend to stage a 'peaceful protest' over the proposed increases - although Plymouth City Council say the fee hike is still at the consultation phase.
Jason says his licence is set to increase by 95 per cent if it goes ahead.
The private hire taxi driver said: "We are all protesting this extreme rise. It's more outage than we're getting innage.
"It's hard to make a living as it is . We want them [the council] to know we are sticking together. we are being forced to make a stand. A 95 per cent rise is unfathomable.
"There have been quite a few taxi drivers who have said they aren't going to renew [their licences]."
https://bit.ly/2TjH2EU
Private hire firms are flooding Teesside's roads with cars, sending drivers "spiralling into debt as they struggle to make ends meet", he has claimed.
The driver from Middlesbrough, who did not want to be named for fear of losing his job, said he's had a black eye and been beaten by passengers over the years, battling depression as he feels stuck in a job that pays a pittance.
He's calling for a limit on the number of licences issued - but Middlesbrough Council says there is no current legislation to enforce such a cap.
'I pay £70 before getting into the car'
The driver said: "I have to do a 70-odd hour shift just to make a couple of hundred pounds.
"The first 41 hours, you give it to the company. I pay £65 to £70 a day before I even get in the car.
"The car costs £260 in rent. The licence is £300 every three years.
"It's £120 in diesel a week. You're out doing six to 12 hour shifts and still not covering your money."
But the driver said there's "no unity", and although others are angry "nobody sticks together".
He added: "So what can you do? You just have to plod on.
"It stresses me out, there's no other job out there where you have to work 40 hours for them rather than yourself.
"We don't get sick pay, holidays, I could quit the job but what would I do.
"The council gets money for every car on the road, they should stop issuing badges but it's business for them.
"Middlesbrough doesn't need any more drivers."
https://bit.ly/2UnHCSo
----------------------------------------------
PLYMOUTH
Hundreds of taxi drivers have taken to the streets of Plymouth to protest against a planned hike in licence costs.
Cabbies are holding a drive slow protest through the city centre from Milehouse Park and Ride.
The planned changes, unveiled by the council's licensing department, would cover holes in the authority's budget.
For hackney drivers, it's proposed that a one-year black cab licence jumps from £210 to £324 and a one-year driver’s licence - which they also need to apply for - goes from £112 to £165.
A one year private hire cab licence for private hire drivers - those employed by a private firm - is proposed to jump from £117 to £170 with a one-year driver’s licence going from £82 to £120.
But cabbies are uniting this weekend to stage a 'peaceful protest' over the proposed increases - although Plymouth City Council say the fee hike is still at the consultation phase.
Jason says his licence is set to increase by 95 per cent if it goes ahead.
The private hire taxi driver said: "We are all protesting this extreme rise. It's more outage than we're getting innage.
"It's hard to make a living as it is . We want them [the council] to know we are sticking together. we are being forced to make a stand. A 95 per cent rise is unfathomable.
"There have been quite a few taxi drivers who have said they aren't going to renew [their licences]."
https://bit.ly/2TjH2EU
Friday, 25 January 2019
Transpennine Express to offer Onboard Taxi
Share Booking
Transport infotainment platform provider Gomedia has partnered with shared travel specialist Moses Mobility to provide rail passengers with an onboard tool to book taxis whilst on the train.
By integrating Moses Mobility’s on-demand taxi sharing service into Gomedia’s onboard Passenger Information System, passengers can book their ride during their train journey.
The companies say the solution realises the Mobility-as-a-Service concept for the last mile of a passenger’s journey.
In addition to the passenger booking capability, taxi drivers will receive updates about the train’s expected arrival time.
Moses Mobility has partnered with a number of ride-hailing services, including Uber and Gett, to offer a journey-matching service that identifies passengers who are travelling to similar destinations and offers them “just in time” shared taxi rides from the station to their end destination.
The company says the same technology can be used during rail disruptions to help move passengers more simply, reliably and cost-effectively.
Gomedia currently works with a number of rail operators, such as Transpennine Express, c2c, Eurostar and Virgin Trains, as well as Greyhound Buses in the US.
Roger Matthews, MD of Gomedia, said: “Giving passengers the option to book shared taxi travel at any time during their journey, safe in the knowledge that their driver will be updated with the latest arrival information, reducing wait times and additional charges, is a major step in delivering the first truly connected rail journey. Shared rides will soon become the norm and we’re excited to be partnering with Moses to be at the fore as this technology evolves and transport planning becomes smarter.
“The rail operators we’re working with have been impressed by how seamlessly the process helps passengers complete their onward journeys and we’re looking forward to seeing how this evolves.”
Terry Yoell, director of Moses, added: “Moses wants to break the perception that taxis are a luxury and make them part of everyday travel. Tomorrow’s trains will form the backbone of a larger Mobility-as-a-Service transport system that relies on fleets of autonomous vehicles for the first and last mile. Sharing these journeys will be essential if we want to reduce travel costs and tackle congestion.”
Moses will be available through Gomedia’s Passenger Information System in 2019.
https://bit.ly/2sOHWhi
Share Booking
Transport infotainment platform provider Gomedia has partnered with shared travel specialist Moses Mobility to provide rail passengers with an onboard tool to book taxis whilst on the train.
By integrating Moses Mobility’s on-demand taxi sharing service into Gomedia’s onboard Passenger Information System, passengers can book their ride during their train journey.
The companies say the solution realises the Mobility-as-a-Service concept for the last mile of a passenger’s journey.
In addition to the passenger booking capability, taxi drivers will receive updates about the train’s expected arrival time.
Moses Mobility has partnered with a number of ride-hailing services, including Uber and Gett, to offer a journey-matching service that identifies passengers who are travelling to similar destinations and offers them “just in time” shared taxi rides from the station to their end destination.
The company says the same technology can be used during rail disruptions to help move passengers more simply, reliably and cost-effectively.
Gomedia currently works with a number of rail operators, such as Transpennine Express, c2c, Eurostar and Virgin Trains, as well as Greyhound Buses in the US.
Roger Matthews, MD of Gomedia, said: “Giving passengers the option to book shared taxi travel at any time during their journey, safe in the knowledge that their driver will be updated with the latest arrival information, reducing wait times and additional charges, is a major step in delivering the first truly connected rail journey. Shared rides will soon become the norm and we’re excited to be partnering with Moses to be at the fore as this technology evolves and transport planning becomes smarter.
“The rail operators we’re working with have been impressed by how seamlessly the process helps passengers complete their onward journeys and we’re looking forward to seeing how this evolves.”
Terry Yoell, director of Moses, added: “Moses wants to break the perception that taxis are a luxury and make them part of everyday travel. Tomorrow’s trains will form the backbone of a larger Mobility-as-a-Service transport system that relies on fleets of autonomous vehicles for the first and last mile. Sharing these journeys will be essential if we want to reduce travel costs and tackle congestion.”
Moses will be available through Gomedia’s Passenger Information System in 2019.
https://bit.ly/2sOHWhi
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
A Birmingham taxi driver who was a "trusted courier" in a drug smuggling racket has been jailed - after £400,000-worth of cocaine was found behind the passenger seat.
Tanzeel Rehman was returning from a trip to Luton with a consignment of high-purity cocaine when he was stopped as he left the M6 at Castle Bromwich.
National Crime Agency officers who had been monitoring his journey found four one-kilo blocks of cocaine, with a purity of 98 per cent, behind the passenger seat.
No figure was given during Rehman’s hearing but other recent cases suggest the drug could have been worth at least £400,000 once it had been divided into street deals.
Rehman, 24, of Kemp Road, Stechford, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after pleading guilty at Warwick Crown Court to possessing cocaine with intent to supply it.
Simon Burch, prosecuting, said four individual wraps of cocaine, for Rehman's use, were also found in a tin in the driver's door.
Warwick Crown Court heard traffic cameras showed Rehman had driven to Luton and meet someone in another car, which was "clearly where an exchange took place".
Simon Burch, prosecuting, said Rehman, who had no previous convictions, then immediately set off to drive back to the Midlands.
He added: “We are unable to prove anything other than that the defendant was a courier.”
Rehman's taxi was stopped at junction 5 of the M6.
https://bit.ly/2WeAYiX
Tanzeel Rehman was returning from a trip to Luton with a consignment of high-purity cocaine when he was stopped as he left the M6 at Castle Bromwich.
National Crime Agency officers who had been monitoring his journey found four one-kilo blocks of cocaine, with a purity of 98 per cent, behind the passenger seat.
No figure was given during Rehman’s hearing but other recent cases suggest the drug could have been worth at least £400,000 once it had been divided into street deals.
Rehman, 24, of Kemp Road, Stechford, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after pleading guilty at Warwick Crown Court to possessing cocaine with intent to supply it.
Simon Burch, prosecuting, said four individual wraps of cocaine, for Rehman's use, were also found in a tin in the driver's door.
Warwick Crown Court heard traffic cameras showed Rehman had driven to Luton and meet someone in another car, which was "clearly where an exchange took place".
Simon Burch, prosecuting, said Rehman, who had no previous convictions, then immediately set off to drive back to the Midlands.
He added: “We are unable to prove anything other than that the defendant was a courier.”
Rehman's taxi was stopped at junction 5 of the M6.
https://bit.ly/2WeAYiX
Around 200 Edinburgh taxi drivers met to discuss controversial proposals which would force firms replace all black cabs which are more than 10-years-old.
Union Unite Scotland say that a "crisis" is facing the trade in Edinburgh as an estimated £28.3 million investment would be required to meet this demand.
The measure is being introduced by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of their Taxi and Private Hire Cars Age Limitation and Emission Standards policy.
The aim is to improve emissions standards in the city.
However Unite say that firms are being forced to fork out up to £60,000 or face being "forced off the road".
And it is one of a number of reasons cab drivers are looking to create a new union branch in the capital – the first time this has happened.
Mark Lyon, the union's regional industrial officer, also said that drivers in the city were growing frustrated at growing instances of 'pirate' taxi drivers.
He said: "There is a crisis facing the taxi trade in Edinburgh. The meeting involving Unite Scotland was very positive and attended by hundreds across the different sectors in the trade.
"A number of key issues were discussed such as illegal plying for hire, no dedicated inspectors to deter pirating, and the massive costs associated with the city council's emissions policy.
"As such the drivers present resolved to work together by creating a new Unite branch, to initiate an organising campaign to put pressure on the relevant authorities and to drive up standards."
Mr Lyon was present at last night's meeting at the taxi drivers' club in Bonnington, told Edinburgh Live: "It was an emotional meeting. The room was packed out and there was standing room only.
"All the major taxi companies in the city were involved, and people are really upset over what is going on"
A spokesperson for the City of Edinburgh Council said: "Licensing Sub-Committee Convener, Councillor Catherine Fullerton, said: “Air pollution is a real concern in Edinburgh and in cities around the country, and this is something the council is working to address through a range of measures, including plans to introduce a Low Emission Zone.
“In March 2018 Regulatory Committee agreed to introduce an age limit and emission standards for all taxis and private hire cars, with a view to reducing the number of polluting vehicles on our roads and bringing Edinburgh in line with most other cities in the UK, where age limits have been introduced to licensed taxi fleets.
“There has been extensive public consultation and detailed dialogue with the taxi trade going back to June 2016, during which time representatives of taxi businesses raised a number of concerns.
"These were reflected in changes made by the Licensing Sub-Committee and include setting out a 10 year instead of five year age limit originally proposed as well as extending the life of taxis which are converted to less polluting engines.”
https://bit.ly/2FL6O1H
-------------------------------------------
BARCELONA AND MADRID
A taxi drivers’ strike has caused major disruption in Madrid and Barcelona and cast doubt on the efforts of ride-sharing firms like Uber to consolidate their business in Spain.
Taxi drivers in Barcelona went on strike on Friday, in protest at what they claimed was a failure by authorities to regulate the activities of digital ride-sharing companies. On Monday, Madrid taxi drivers joined the action, calling for a similar clampdown.
With Madrid’s annual international tourism fair beginning on Wednesday, the protest caused substantial logistical problems. Hundreds of taxi drivers parked their cars outside the conference centre in northern Madrid where the event was taking place, hampering the arrival of participants and forcing King Felipe to enter through a side door.
There were some clashes as police attempted to clear the ring road around Madrid, which had been blocked by taxi drivers.
Existing Spanish legislation allows only one licence to be issued for so-called private driven vehicles (VTCs), such as those operated by Uber and its competitor Cabify, for every 30 taxis in circulation. The Spanish government has delegated the implementation of this rule to regional administrations.
However, taxi associations claim the ratio is not respected and that many more VTCs are in circulation. They also complain that the ride-sharing vehicles skirt the law in other ways, for example by fishing for customers in the street without being formally hailed.
‘Unsustainable situation’
“This country is facing an unsustainable situation, particularly so in Madrid due to the excess of VTC licences being used by Uber and Cabify,” taxi federation spokesman José Miguel Fúnez told The Irish Times. “We won’t give way on this.”
In an effort to defuse the situation in Barcelona, the Catalan regional government has proposed new regulations, which include ensuring customers have to request the services of ride-sharing firms at least an hour before travelling. Taxi drivers in Barcelona were considering whether to accept the offer on Wednesday. Mr Fúnez said Madrid drivers would accept a similar offer if it available for them.
However, Uber and Cabify, which operates in Spain, Portugal and Latin America, have criticised the Catalan government’s proposal. They have suggested that they would feel forced to withdraw their business from Barcelona if it were implemented, putting 3,500 drivers out of work.
“If [the plan] we have seen so far is approved, that would be tantamount to expelling our company from that territory,” said the chief executive of Cabify, Juan de Antonio.
https://bit.ly/2U5PGXE
Union Unite Scotland say that a "crisis" is facing the trade in Edinburgh as an estimated £28.3 million investment would be required to meet this demand.
The measure is being introduced by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of their Taxi and Private Hire Cars Age Limitation and Emission Standards policy.
The aim is to improve emissions standards in the city.
However Unite say that firms are being forced to fork out up to £60,000 or face being "forced off the road".
And it is one of a number of reasons cab drivers are looking to create a new union branch in the capital – the first time this has happened.
Mark Lyon, the union's regional industrial officer, also said that drivers in the city were growing frustrated at growing instances of 'pirate' taxi drivers.
He said: "There is a crisis facing the taxi trade in Edinburgh. The meeting involving Unite Scotland was very positive and attended by hundreds across the different sectors in the trade.
"A number of key issues were discussed such as illegal plying for hire, no dedicated inspectors to deter pirating, and the massive costs associated with the city council's emissions policy.
"As such the drivers present resolved to work together by creating a new Unite branch, to initiate an organising campaign to put pressure on the relevant authorities and to drive up standards."
Mr Lyon was present at last night's meeting at the taxi drivers' club in Bonnington, told Edinburgh Live: "It was an emotional meeting. The room was packed out and there was standing room only.
"All the major taxi companies in the city were involved, and people are really upset over what is going on"
A spokesperson for the City of Edinburgh Council said: "Licensing Sub-Committee Convener, Councillor Catherine Fullerton, said: “Air pollution is a real concern in Edinburgh and in cities around the country, and this is something the council is working to address through a range of measures, including plans to introduce a Low Emission Zone.
“In March 2018 Regulatory Committee agreed to introduce an age limit and emission standards for all taxis and private hire cars, with a view to reducing the number of polluting vehicles on our roads and bringing Edinburgh in line with most other cities in the UK, where age limits have been introduced to licensed taxi fleets.
“There has been extensive public consultation and detailed dialogue with the taxi trade going back to June 2016, during which time representatives of taxi businesses raised a number of concerns.
"These were reflected in changes made by the Licensing Sub-Committee and include setting out a 10 year instead of five year age limit originally proposed as well as extending the life of taxis which are converted to less polluting engines.”
https://bit.ly/2FL6O1H
-------------------------------------------
BARCELONA AND MADRID
A taxi drivers’ strike has caused major disruption in Madrid and Barcelona and cast doubt on the efforts of ride-sharing firms like Uber to consolidate their business in Spain.
Taxi drivers in Barcelona went on strike on Friday, in protest at what they claimed was a failure by authorities to regulate the activities of digital ride-sharing companies. On Monday, Madrid taxi drivers joined the action, calling for a similar clampdown.
With Madrid’s annual international tourism fair beginning on Wednesday, the protest caused substantial logistical problems. Hundreds of taxi drivers parked their cars outside the conference centre in northern Madrid where the event was taking place, hampering the arrival of participants and forcing King Felipe to enter through a side door.
There were some clashes as police attempted to clear the ring road around Madrid, which had been blocked by taxi drivers.
Existing Spanish legislation allows only one licence to be issued for so-called private driven vehicles (VTCs), such as those operated by Uber and its competitor Cabify, for every 30 taxis in circulation. The Spanish government has delegated the implementation of this rule to regional administrations.
However, taxi associations claim the ratio is not respected and that many more VTCs are in circulation. They also complain that the ride-sharing vehicles skirt the law in other ways, for example by fishing for customers in the street without being formally hailed.
‘Unsustainable situation’
“This country is facing an unsustainable situation, particularly so in Madrid due to the excess of VTC licences being used by Uber and Cabify,” taxi federation spokesman José Miguel Fúnez told The Irish Times. “We won’t give way on this.”
In an effort to defuse the situation in Barcelona, the Catalan regional government has proposed new regulations, which include ensuring customers have to request the services of ride-sharing firms at least an hour before travelling. Taxi drivers in Barcelona were considering whether to accept the offer on Wednesday. Mr Fúnez said Madrid drivers would accept a similar offer if it available for them.
However, Uber and Cabify, which operates in Spain, Portugal and Latin America, have criticised the Catalan government’s proposal. They have suggested that they would feel forced to withdraw their business from Barcelona if it were implemented, putting 3,500 drivers out of work.
“If [the plan] we have seen so far is approved, that would be tantamount to expelling our company from that territory,” said the chief executive of Cabify, Juan de Antonio.
https://bit.ly/2U5PGXE
Tuesday, 22 January 2019
LONDON DEMO : Day 2
A black cab protest on Tottenham Court Road has angered commuters inconvenienced by the blockade while some said the action damages the taxi drivers’ cause.
On Tuesday evening people spoke of “chaos” in the area, some called for punishment for those taking part and another described it as "eerie".
An ambulance was even held up amid the delays, an onlooker claimed, while Transport for London warned of congestion around the diversion routes.
Footage also emerged of one man debating the issue with a taxi driver, before leaving as the disagreement became more animated.
Some people responded more positively to the protestors though, with a staff member from a nearby shop taking tea to some of those involved.
One person, writing on Twitter, said: “All the black cab protest on Tottenham Court Road has done is highlight how nice it is to be able to cross at any time.”
While another wrote: “Passed Tottenham Court Road with the black cab protests and it’s so peaceful. Close the road off to vehicles all together.”
Only buses and bikes will be allowed on Tottenham Court Road from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 7pm, when it is converted from one-way to two-way traffic from March.
Camden Council says the changes will improve road safety and air quality, which it feels will lead to a change in fortunes for an “unloved” street.
Drivers who breach the restrictions face a £130 fine.
In a statement on Monday, the ITA called on the council to lift the restriction on cabs and said: “The local authority could reasonably conclude that taxi access to bus lanes is liable to enhance the efficiency of the London road transport system”.
https://bit.ly/2OYB5uS
---------------------------------------------------------
HERTFORDSHIRE
Taxi drivers across Herts were invited to a training session in Letchworth to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Representatives from all 10 taxi licencing authorities in the county attended the workshop last week which was about recognising people who are being trafficked or controlled by other people.
This includes within drug trafficking networks, known as county lines, as well as child sexual exploitation and extremism.
Sue Darker, operations director in adult care service for Herts County Council, said: “Hertfordshire is generally a safe place to live and work but exploitation, trafficking and slavery does exist here.
“Taxi drivers are often unwittingly used by criminals to move exploited people from location to location.
“They also see a broad cross-section of society through their work. “As a result of this event, licencing officers will better train and support taxi drivers in recognising the signs of exploitation.
“They, in turn, will be able to report their concerns to authorities, so that those exploited people can be saved from a life of abuse and mistreatment.”
Also speaking at the event were Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Tropic, Watford Borough Council’s licensing department and the charity Unseen.
Unseen discussed how the national Modern Slavery Helpline that it runs can provide information and support to victims and witnesses.
The charity works to support victims of modern slavery with medical care, counselling, legal advice, education and more.
Anyone with concerns or who would like advice about modern slavery or human trafficking should call police via 101 or the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. In an emergency call 999.
https://www.thecomet.net/news/herts-police-tackle-modern-slavery-1-5861990
------------------------------------------------
MADRID
A man is reported to be in critical condition after being hit by a car as he was participating in a Madrid road block organized by taxi drivers.
The accident took place at around 2pm on Tuesday, as an open-ended taxi strike in Madrid entered its second day after the main industry associations and regional authorities failed to reach an agreement on more stringent regulation for online ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify.
And in Barcelona, taxi drivers continued a stoppage that began last Friday over new regulations covering VTC (vehicle for hire) licenses, which ride-hailing apps in Spain use to operate.
Several violent incidents have been reported during the protests, including vandalized vehicles and police charges in Barcelona against protesters who hurled objects at the officers. Economy Minister Nadia Calviño has called the acts of violence “deplorable.” More than 26,000 taxi drivers are participating in the stoppages in Madrid and Barcelona.
Taxi drivers blocked access roads leading to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez- Barajas airport, including parts of the A-2, but lifted the roadblock after a colleague got hit by a passing car. Earlier, drivers had cut off sections of Avenida de la Hispanidad, M-14 and M-11 roads.
Regional premier Ángel Garrido said he would not yield to the taxi drivers’ pressure or pass laws “to eliminate a sector.” He added that the taxi industry on Monday “missed a great opportunity to reach a consensus.”
https://bit.ly/2T8sJmN
----------------------------------------------
Cork TD proposes Uber-style taxi service in 'isolated' rural areas
Locals in towns and villages across the country could soon be allowed to act as taxi drivers to plug a public transport gap.
The idea for an Uber-style system is being put forward by Junior Minister Jim Daly.
It would see people in small towns allowed to use their own car to pick up people within 15km of where they live.
The drivers would be able to use a mobile phone app to find passengers and set cheaper fares.
"This would be for areas with a population of less than 5,000 so it won't impinge on existing taxis and taxi services because they're non-existant in most of the areas that I represent," Minister Daly told C103.
With recent changes to drink-driving laws and public transport Minister Daly said he hopes the measure could help tackle rural isolation.
"The more isolated people, are the less social interaction they have," he said.
The TD also said legislation may need to change to deal with the issue of insurance.
"At the moment the legislation doesn't allow that to happen and I'm trying to get the law changed in Ireland," he said.
"I wrote to Shane Ross on this back in October and proposed it to him. I met him to tease it out further. He had a look at it but he has asked me to put it all in writing again to him to outline it so he can pass it on to the National Transport Authority, which I have done."
"I'm meeting with the CEO of the National Transport Authority on February 6 in my offices in Dublin to see how we can progress this proposal."
"The insurance companies should be offering a reduction to people who do this.
"This has the potential to make our roads so safe. It takes drink-drivers off the roads and it takes those pedestrians, who are the most vulnerable people on rural roads that are not lit up [off the roads].
https://bit.ly/2HEN41R
A black cab protest on Tottenham Court Road has angered commuters inconvenienced by the blockade while some said the action damages the taxi drivers’ cause.
It is the second day cabbies brought the busy area to a standstill in protest over plans to restrict daytime access to the route as part of a £35 million project.
In response a week-long demonstration has been called by the Independent Taxi Alliance (ITA) against the proposals.
One disgruntled person said they thought the drivers even deserved “points on their licences” due to the situation.
Footage also emerged of one man debating the issue with a taxi driver, before leaving as the disagreement became more animated.
Some people responded more positively to the protestors though, with a staff member from a nearby shop taking tea to some of those involved.
However, it was suggested by others the protest may have backfired to an extent.
While another wrote: “Passed Tottenham Court Road with the black cab protests and it’s so peaceful. Close the road off to vehicles all together.”
Only buses and bikes will be allowed on Tottenham Court Road from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 7pm, when it is converted from one-way to two-way traffic from March.
Camden Council says the changes will improve road safety and air quality, which it feels will lead to a change in fortunes for an “unloved” street.
Drivers who breach the restrictions face a £130 fine.
In a statement on Monday, the ITA called on the council to lift the restriction on cabs and said: “The local authority could reasonably conclude that taxi access to bus lanes is liable to enhance the efficiency of the London road transport system”.
https://bit.ly/2OYB5uS
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HERTFORDSHIRE
Taxi drivers across Herts were invited to a training session in Letchworth to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Representatives from all 10 taxi licencing authorities in the county attended the workshop last week which was about recognising people who are being trafficked or controlled by other people.
This includes within drug trafficking networks, known as county lines, as well as child sexual exploitation and extremism.
Sue Darker, operations director in adult care service for Herts County Council, said: “Hertfordshire is generally a safe place to live and work but exploitation, trafficking and slavery does exist here.
“Taxi drivers are often unwittingly used by criminals to move exploited people from location to location.
“They also see a broad cross-section of society through their work. “As a result of this event, licencing officers will better train and support taxi drivers in recognising the signs of exploitation.
“They, in turn, will be able to report their concerns to authorities, so that those exploited people can be saved from a life of abuse and mistreatment.”
Also speaking at the event were Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Tropic, Watford Borough Council’s licensing department and the charity Unseen.
Unseen discussed how the national Modern Slavery Helpline that it runs can provide information and support to victims and witnesses.
The charity works to support victims of modern slavery with medical care, counselling, legal advice, education and more.
Anyone with concerns or who would like advice about modern slavery or human trafficking should call police via 101 or the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. In an emergency call 999.
https://www.thecomet.net/news/herts-police-tackle-modern-slavery-1-5861990
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MADRID
A man is reported to be in critical condition after being hit by a car as he was participating in a Madrid road block organized by taxi drivers.
The accident took place at around 2pm on Tuesday, as an open-ended taxi strike in Madrid entered its second day after the main industry associations and regional authorities failed to reach an agreement on more stringent regulation for online ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify.
And in Barcelona, taxi drivers continued a stoppage that began last Friday over new regulations covering VTC (vehicle for hire) licenses, which ride-hailing apps in Spain use to operate.
Several violent incidents have been reported during the protests, including vandalized vehicles and police charges in Barcelona against protesters who hurled objects at the officers. Economy Minister Nadia Calviño has called the acts of violence “deplorable.” More than 26,000 taxi drivers are participating in the stoppages in Madrid and Barcelona.
Taxi drivers blocked access roads leading to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez- Barajas airport, including parts of the A-2, but lifted the roadblock after a colleague got hit by a passing car. Earlier, drivers had cut off sections of Avenida de la Hispanidad, M-14 and M-11 roads.
Regional premier Ángel Garrido said he would not yield to the taxi drivers’ pressure or pass laws “to eliminate a sector.” He added that the taxi industry on Monday “missed a great opportunity to reach a consensus.”
https://bit.ly/2T8sJmN
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Cork TD proposes Uber-style taxi service in 'isolated' rural areas
Locals in towns and villages across the country could soon be allowed to act as taxi drivers to plug a public transport gap.
The idea for an Uber-style system is being put forward by Junior Minister Jim Daly.
It would see people in small towns allowed to use their own car to pick up people within 15km of where they live.
The drivers would be able to use a mobile phone app to find passengers and set cheaper fares.
"This would be for areas with a population of less than 5,000 so it won't impinge on existing taxis and taxi services because they're non-existant in most of the areas that I represent," Minister Daly told C103.
With recent changes to drink-driving laws and public transport Minister Daly said he hopes the measure could help tackle rural isolation.
"The more isolated people, are the less social interaction they have," he said.
The TD also said legislation may need to change to deal with the issue of insurance.
"At the moment the legislation doesn't allow that to happen and I'm trying to get the law changed in Ireland," he said.
"I wrote to Shane Ross on this back in October and proposed it to him. I met him to tease it out further. He had a look at it but he has asked me to put it all in writing again to him to outline it so he can pass it on to the National Transport Authority, which I have done."
"I'm meeting with the CEO of the National Transport Authority on February 6 in my offices in Dublin to see how we can progress this proposal."
"The insurance companies should be offering a reduction to people who do this.
"This has the potential to make our roads so safe. It takes drink-drivers off the roads and it takes those pedestrians, who are the most vulnerable people on rural roads that are not lit up [off the roads].
https://bit.ly/2HEN41R
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