This has been Taken from Taxileaks, it would be wrong to nick the article, so I post a link.

This has been Taken from Taxileaks, it would be wrong to nick the article, so I post a link.

Liverpool

"Deregulation Bill", Have They Been Tipped The Wink? Anticipation...Or Inside Information

http://www.taxileaks.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/have-they-been-tipped-wink.html

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UPDATE

Liverpool cabbies are predicting the outbreak of a “taxi war” after a Merseyside taxi giant announced it had opened a new office in the heart of the city centre.

Sefton-registered Delta Taxis said it had started a mini call centre in the heart of the city centre, raising fears among Liverpool taxi drivers that they could lose even more trade to what they have traditionally regarded as an “out-of-town” firms.

At present, bookings accepted by Delta at its main Bootle call centre can only go to private hire drivers and cars licensed in Sefton, while bookings at the city centre office will only be dispatched to Liverpool-licensed drivers.

But under a Deregulation Bill now going through Parliament, taxi and minicab firms will be able to subcontract business to other firms. This means Delta would be able to dispatch bookings from either its Bootle or Liverpool office, to drivers and cars from both fleets.

Last year hackney and private hire drivers said they were losing up to 70% of their business to firms licensed outside the city boundary.

They said the latest move would put their livelihoods under even greater strain.

Jimmy Bradley, spokesman for the Liverpool Taxi Alliance – which supports the city’s black cab and private hire drivers – claimed they had been badly let down by Liverpool City Council.

Mr Bradley added: “By allowing Delta to open this office in the city centre, they’re creating the circumstances for a taxi war in Liverpool.

“We have paid millions of pounds in licensing fees over the last 25 years, and this comes as a total kick in the teeth.”

Mr Bradley said meetings were taking place among the city’s taxi-driving community to decide on their next course of action.

Cllr Steve Radford, leader of the city’s Liberal group who sits on the council’s licensing committee, said his main concern about the Deregulation Bill was its implications for public safety as it would allow bookings to be subcontracted to other firms, rather than a firm the customer knew and trusted.

He added: “I don’t have a problem with appropriate competition, but I do have concerns about public safety.”


http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-cabbies-predict-outbreak-taxi-8202412?

WIRRAL.

WITH the festive party season about to start, Wirral Council is reminding people to check late night taxis are legitimate before getting in Taxi vehicles and drivers are licensed by the local authority, with the aim of protecting the public.

All licensed drivers must display a valid badge, and their vehicles must carry a plate clearly identifying the car as being properly registered.


Councillor Bill Davies, chair of the licensing committee, said: “This year has seen some changes to public transport, in particular the removal of the cross-river service late on Saturday nights which used to bring people home from Liverpool city centre.

"This means that more people than ever will be looking for taxis after their Christmas nights out.

“People’s safety is the most important thing. We want to reinforce the message that bona fide taxis and their drivers are required to display their licences prominently. If in doubt, don’t get in.”

Taxi ranks are always busy over the festive period, but private hire cabs can be booked in advance.

By law, private hire cabs must be pre-booked.

If you get into one of these vehicles without booking you may not be insured and the driver will be breaking the law.


http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/11633909._/?


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A teenager and a man chased down a father-of-two before one of them stabbed him to death, a court was told on Friday.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that 18-year-old Connor Grana and Graeme Carter, 26, chased their victim Stephen McGowan on foot through the streets of Greenock.

And when he managed to jump in a taxi in a bid to escape they commandeered another cab and ordered the driver to follow him.

When Mr McGowan, 23, was dropped off at 49 High Street, Greenock, at around 3am he frantically began buzzing the close entry system.

But Grana in the taxi behind leaped out, in the cabbie's words, "in a real hurry Usain Bolt style." Carter paid the taxi driver.

Inside the close Mr McGowan was stabbed three times by Grana. Despite being fatally injured he managed to walk to his girlfriend's mother's house for help. But after knocking the door he collapsed and died.

On Friday Grana, who is detained in Polmont Young Offenders' Institution, admitted murdering Mr McGowan on July 27.

His co-accused Carter, who is detained at Low Moss, admitted the culpable homicide of Mr McGowan.

Carter was originally charged with murder, but the Crown accepted his plea to the reduced charge.

This was accepted on the basis he was involved in the pursuit, although he did not stab Mr McGowan.

Advocate depute Tim Niven-Smith said one of the stab wounds entered Mr McGowan's heart and another cut into a major blood vessel.

Mr Niven-Smith said that the chase through the streets of Greenock from Lyle Street to Cathcart Street where Mr McGowan entered a taxi was caught on CCTV.

He added: "Taxi driver Neil Munro said he noted that Mr McGowan was out of breath and said, 'they're after me, they're gonnae stab me, want to just drive mate.'"

"Mr Munro told police that he looked in his rear view mirror and saw a man running at his taxi. Mr McGowan, who he described as looking frightened, asked to be taken to High Street."

The court heard that the other taxi driver Lee Cleary was told: "Follow that taxi."

Grana, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the taxi, was asked why he was chasing Mr McGowan and replied: "Because the guy owes me lots of money."

The court heard that about 30 minutes after the killing Grana was boasting saying: "I've stabbed him."

He said he had chased Mr McGowan into a close and in the close he had stabbed him with a knife.

Grana added that he did this while Cater was paying the taxi driver.

Judge Lord Bannatyne deferred sentence on both accused until January next year for background reports.


http://news.stv.tv/scotland/301453-stephen-mcgowan-chased-by-connor-grana-and-graeme-carter/?

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A WORCESTER taxi driver is due to appear for trial at Worcester Magistrates' Court charged with behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The allegations towards Mohammed Ali, 44, of Lark Hill Road, relate to an incident on October 11 this year.

Ali pleaded not guilty to the offence and was grated conditional bail that he does not enter the village of Hatfield and does not pick up lone female fares. The trial date has been set for March 12 next year.

BOLTON

A 62-year-old taxi driver claims he has been denied justice after police refused to press charges over an alleged attack in which he was "viciously assaulted" by a passenger.

Mohammed Aslam says the attack took place outside Bolton police station in Scholey Street after he drove a passenger there because he was behaving aggressively.

The veteran Metro driver need to go to hospital with cuts and bruises on his face after the incident on October 15.

Police have now informed Mr Aslam that there will be no further action in the case because of a “conflict” between the accounts of those involved.
He has now complained to Greater Manchester Police, as well as the region’s crime commissioner and local councillors, in his bid for justice.

Mr Aslam said: “It appears that the investigating officer is not pressing charges because he believes the perpetrator acted in self-defence, but this is ridiculous — I am a frail 62-year-old man who cannot physically attack anyone.”

He said he picked up the male customer, thought to be in his twenties, along with another man from an address in Tonge Fold just before 7pm.

He said he had not realised at the time that the passengers wanted to be taken into Manchester and that when he went past the turn off for St Peter’s Way, the younger man became aggressive and started shouting.

He said: “He was swearing a lot and saying racist remarks to me. He was very aggressive so I pulled in and told him to get out.”

“The men wouldn’t get out so I drove them to the police station in Scholey Street.”

Once in Scholey Street, the 62-year-old alleges that the younger man got out and forcefully kicked his car, prompting the driver to get out of the taxi.

“I shouted at him because he kicked the car and that is when he punched me hard in the eye — he followed this with four or five more punches to my head.

“He kicked me and pushed me again but then two police officers came running to help because I think officers inside the station had contacted them on the radio.”

Mr Aslam admits that he grabbed the customer by his shirt to stop him running from the police but said that was the only point at which he touched him.

He then went to hospital and the man was apprehended by police, but Mr Aslam said he never heard back from them regarding charges.

He said: “Three weeks later I asked my nephew to contact them and he said they would not be taking any action — I felt terrible and I couldn’t believe it.

"This man viciously beat me up and he should be punished.

“What upsets me the most is that he had no regard for my age — I am a frail man with a white beard and he showed me no respect or moral decency, and yet he has walked away.

"Surely it should be for the courts to decide if he acted in self-defence?”

A police spokesman said: "It has been decided that no further action will be taken in this case because of a conflict in the accounts of what happened."

Mr Aslam has now been contacted by Jim Battle, the deputy police and crime commissioner, and Bolton councillor Linda Thomas, who have both agreed to look into the the matter.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/11628974._/?
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AYLESBURY

Defect rule change could ‘create taxi shortage’

The council has introduced a points system for dodgy taxis
Had trouble calling a cab recently?

Well it could be down to strict new rules which are taking dodgy vehicles off the road.

Aylesbury Vale District Council has brought in a points system, with spot checks which have left drivers reeling.

They are allowed a maximum of 12 points, and can incur them for a range of safety flaws including no MOT and not displaying a blue drivers’ badge appropriately.

The council says the scheme is a positive move, designed to promote better standards and passenger safety.

But Mohammed Nawaz, of Aylesbury’s Private Hire Association, says it will cripple taxi firms, and lead to a shortage of cabs in the run up to Christmas.

He said: “Some firms could got out of business and this will affect a lot of people.

“They have brought this out of the blue and have not given us any time to make changes.

“Because of the new system safe cars could be taken off the road, because you can get points for not displaying a badge and things like that.

“Officers are going out with the police, the police pull drivers over and give them points, and then officers give them points too, so drivers are getting double points.”

“There has been no consultation with us, and everyone is very unhappy, by Christmas I don’t think there will be many firms left. Some firms have lost most of their cars because the rules are so strict.”

The association will meet next week to discuss the problem, and Mr Nawaz says that a strike has not been ruled out.

But Councillor Brian Roberts, cabinet member for civic amenities, dismissed claims that firms would go out of business.

He said: “Unfortunately it’s the minority ruining it for the majority and I don’t think it’s unfair at all.

“Everyone has to abide by the rules, and if you do then you won’t get any points.

“These people are carrying members of the public and it is important to keep members of the public safe.

“We are the local authority and this is our responsibility, but we are keen to work with these people all the time, but some are not abiding by the rules.

“I haven’t received a negative comment from anyone since this points system was introduced, everyone has said how positive it is.”

http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/more-news/defect-rule-change-could-create-taxi-shortage-1-6441631
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BRADFORD x 2

EIGHTEEN taxi drivers have had their licences suspended after a joint crackdown by the police and Bradford Council. 

Chief Inspector Sarah Baker, of Bradford District police, said: “These checks were carried out to make sure that drivers were complying with the conditions of their licences and for safety reasons. 

“In total, 66 vehicles were stopped with 18 drivers suspended for breaching their conditions. 

“Police will continue to work in partnership with Bradford Council to make sure that private hire drivers comply with their terms and conditions and that the vehicles remain roadworthy.” 

Khurram Shehzad, chairman of the Bradford Private Hire Liaison Service, said he had concerns that some private hire drivers had been unfairly suspended for picking up customers who had not pre-booked. 

He said in a new tactic, enforcement officers had posed as customers, which he suggested could be seen as entrapment. 

Mr Shehzad said the drivers had made a genuine mistake when trying to find the customers who had booked them. 

A council spokesman said: “It’s illegal for private hire drivers to ply for trade and take fares without booking. . .

“There has been no change in the council’s approach to enforcement.” 

The operation ran from October 4 to October 31. 
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TAXI drivers are dodging the district's strict safety checks by exploiting a legal loophole.

And the problem is "out of control", according to the owner of one cab firm.

Some local cabbies are deliberately getting their licences from other local authorities rather than from Bradford Council.

This means Bradford's licensing enforcement officers, who often carry out spot safety checks on cabs, have no jurisdiction over these drivers.

It also means the cabbies can get lower motor insurance premiums, compared to Bradford's high prices, licensing bosses believe.

And other local authorities also have different standards for drivers' criminal records, vehicle safety and other licensing criteria such as whether cabbies have to sit knowledge tests.

Many drivers are getting their licenses from Rossendale Council in Lancashire, a rural area which has no upper limit on the number of hackney carriage licenses it will give out.

Stuart Hastings, the boss of private hire firm Metro Keighley, said he refused to take on drivers who had Rossendale licenses, but he estimated there were 30 to 40 Rossendale drivers in Keighley alone.

He said: "It is out of control."

Mr Hastings said there was a perception that the licensing regime was less strict in Rossendale than in Bradford.


Khurram Shehzad, the chairman of Bradford Private Hire Liaison Service, said he disapproved of the practice of using Rossendale licences.

But he said drivers were doing so out of frustration with Bradford's strict licensing rules.

He said: "I don't think it is a good idea, but the council is forcing drivers to go there, because they are so heavy-handed."

Licensing bosses first started spotting the Rossendale cabs around two years ago, and it is now believed that around 80 drivers in Bradford hold these licences.

But the practice is entirely legal - hackney carriages licensed for one area can lawfully operate as private hire cars anywhere else in the country.

Councillor Brian Morris (Ukip, Keighley West), a former taxi driver, said he was very worried that the safety of the public was being put at risk by a "stupid and ridiculous" law.

He said: "If a Rossendale taxi driver, or any other out-of-town taxi driver, comes and works in Keighley, how does the public know that the man sitting behind the wheel is the man who has actually got the licence? They don't.


http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/NEWS/11621152.Taxi_drivers_dodge_district_s_strict_safety_checks_by_exploiting_legal_loophole/?ref=rss
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Scotland.

Health chiefs pick up £3.5m transport bill

More than £3.5 million was spent by cash-strapped health chiefs on taxi fares and mileage claims last year.

NHS Lothian spent £849,376 – more than most health boards spent in six years – on cabs to ferry staff and patients about, as well as transporting equipment and medical documents such as X-rays and case notes.

A further £2.72m was doled out in mileage claims as bosses admit they are struggling to meet this year’s savings target of £39.4m, with a shortfall of £4m in the first six months.

Jean Turner, a former GP and the executive director of the Scotland Patients Association, said the money would be better spent lightening the load on overstretched staff.

She said: “When you think of all the staff or drugs that could be provided with that, it’s a waste. It would be better spent on frontline services rather than ferrying people and things from one place to another.

“They use taxis for carrying notes and even prescriptions, so the taxi bill is going to be high. If we’re looking to save money then I think it would be a good area to look at and see why we’re using them and if it’s really necessary.”

The 12-month taxi bill is more than four times the £198,675.80 spent between September 2009 to August 2010 and is more than NHS Fife, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Borders and NHS Western Isles each paid between 2007 and 2013.

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/health/health-chiefs-pick-up-3-5m-transport-bill-1-3614048

The leader of an Aberdeen cabbies group has called for the abolition of the city’s taxi licence waiting list.

Graeme McColl, chairman of the Aberdeen Taxi Group (ATG), said a proposal to raise the current limit by 30 would not go far enough towards meeting demand.

Mr McColl spoke out as members of Aberdeen City Council’s licensing committee prepared to discuss a report by CTS Traffic and Transportation, which lists several proposals.

An option to increase the number of licences from the current limit of 1,049 to 1,079 is reported to be the favoured suggestion.

However, Mr McColl said many of the 150 people currently on the waiting list for a taxi licence in Aberdeen were already private hire or rental car drivers applying to become “yellow plate” or “hackney” taxis – and that shifting them over would not lead to more drivers.

He added that another option proposed by CTS Traffic and Transportation – to completely remove the cap and allow everyone on the waiting list to be granted licenses – would be preferable.

Mr McColl said: “The 30 is not enough. There are two options being considered. One is to lift the limit completely.

“You can’t magic up the taxi drivers, it doesn’t actually matter if they lift the cap. There are not going to be more taxi drivers, these drivers are just going to have a hackney car and a hackney plate.

“Lifting the limit is a good thing but lifting by 30 is not. They should lift the cap by the amount on the waiting list at minimum and give all these people the opportunity or have a complete lift on the waiting list.”

CTS Traffic and Transportation was chosen by the council to research the demand for taxis in Aberdeen, particularly at weekends.

The organisation’s figures have shown the number of passengers has risen to 34,095 to 13,427 in the past three years.

George Street and Harbour councillor, Nathan Morrison, said: “If you go to get a taxi at the weekend you expect a wait of at least two hours. Allowing another 30 taxis shouldn’t be enough to have a serious impact on the existing drivers, but it’ll make a difference to people waiting.”

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/408802/lift-of-aberdeen-taxi-licence-waiting-list-needed-says-taxi-group-chairman/?

Rossendale Hackney working for Manchester PH Company injures Cyclist, incident caught on camera.

Station Cars the Company the Rossendale Hackney vehicle was working for claim there is no way they can identify the Driver. Perhaps the reason for that is most of their vehicles are registered in any area's other than the Didsbury location of the operator.

The Cyclist Dan is taking a private action for his considerable injuries. Good luck with that Dan. You will have no chance with the driver, he is not insured. I would suggest you take action against the operator.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/watch-cyclist-records-shocking-moment-8155244?

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/rideshare-app-targets-edinburgh-taxi-trade-1-3613169