COVENTRY
A NEW service offered by Virgin Trains and app-based taxi company Uber will undermine ‘safer’ city black cabs, council chiefs claim.
A two-week pilot scheme offers passengers an option to combine their rail travel with an online Uber booking.
It was announced today it will function initially on trains arriving at London Euston and Birmingham New Street.
The service will then expand to other routes depending on feedback.
Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for city services, Jayne Innes, has said she is disappointed by the move and believes it raises serious concerns about passenger safety.
She says it is uncertain whether the service will come to Coventry.
Coun Innes, alongside other council leaders and unions, has previously campaigned against Uber, claiming it is unfairly undermining the ‘gold standard’ licensed black cab.
But Uber’s services remain popular among taxi users who see it as a cheaper and easier alternative to traditional black cabs.
Uber contests claims it cuts corners on passenger safety, training, driver checks and other matters.
Coun Innes claims the new partnership, if extended to Coventry, could mean people are tempted away from potentially safer, Coventry-licensed black cabs.
Coun Innes said: “I have regularly called for a consistent standard for licensing laws for taxis and drivers to be implemented across the country as at the moment, standards vary widely.
“Ours are more rigorous as for us, ensuring passenger safety is paramount.
“Uber has never even applied for its taxis to be licensed by Coventry council, and I can only conclude this is because they are unwilling to meet the standards we expect.”
In Coventry, the council says all taxi drivers are DBS and DVLA checked – in line with national driving standards.
All cab drivers have to be trained in helping people with disabilities, as well as having to pass a road knowledge test.
Coun Innes added: “I would urge Virgin to reconsider this partnership. The black cabs of England – that have their home in Coventry – are famous and respected around the world and we believe they are the safest and best choice for travellers.”
At present, taxi and private hire drivers can work anywhere in England once they have their licence.
With Uber passengers can use apps on their phones to hail a taxi, which can be shared with other passengers.
Many of the Uber taxis operating in Coventry are licensed by Wolverhampton Council.
Coun Christine Thomas, deputy chair of the council’s licensing committee, added: “Although it is encouraging that our lobbying of Virgin Trains has not seen Coventry included in the first part of this scheme, there is nothing to say we will not be in future.”
We have contacted Uber for a statement.
source= Coventry Observer
----------------------------------------------------
ROTHERHAM
A FORMER taxi driver has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl who was in care - but cleared of three other charges.
Khurram Javed (35), of Clifton Crescent, Rotherham, was jailed for two years today for the 2014 sexual assault.
He was found not guilty on another count of rape against the girl and also cleared of two sexual assaults against another girl aged 13.
The jury deliberated for around an hour-and-a-half following the seven-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court
The trial was part of the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood which is investigating non-familial child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
Rotherham Borough Council has been contacted for a comment.
http://bit.ly/2H9aVB8
------------------------------------------------
LAST WEEK IN PARLIAMENT
Daniel Zeichner Labour, Cambridge
The Minister will have seen the major story yesterday, highlighting the problems of licensing and cross-border working in the taxi and private hire industry, and the concerns around public safety.
Regrettably, my private Member’s Bill—the Licensing of Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Bill—was talked out a few weeks ago.
Will the Minister now give the public an assurance that the Government will come forward urgently with legislation to address these concerns?
Nusrat Ghani Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. I also read the story, which was very alarming. He knows that licensing authorities are responsible for ensuring that taxi drivers are fit and proper, renewing licences and doing criminal record checks.
He will also be aware that there is a task and finish group looking at taxis. I am waiting for that group to present its report to me. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am looking at the issue very closely, as the safety of passengers is a big priority for me.
-----------------------------------------------------
WAYMO USA
(Reuters) — Fiat Chrysler will add up to 62,000 more cars to Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit Waymo, the companies said on Thursday, as part of Waymo’s plan to roll out a robotaxi service in the U.S. later this year.
The announcement comes on the day when Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp said it would invest $2.25 billion in General Motors Co’s self-driving unit.
Large tech companies, established automakers and well-funded startups including Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] and Tesla Inc are all stepping up efforts to gain pole position in the self-driving cars market, which is expected to carry the automobiles industry into the next era.
“We’re excited to deepen our relationship with FCA that will support the launch of our driverless service and explore future products that support Waymo’s mission,” Waymo Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik said in a statement.
Fiat Chrysler (FCA), which already has a partnership with Waymo, will add Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo’s existing fleet, the companies said on Thursday. Delivery of the cars is expected to begin in late 2018.
The companies are also in early discussions about using Waymo’s technology in FCA cars to be sold in retail.
Alphabet’s self-driving unit said in March it will also add up to 20,000 Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc [TAMOJL.UL] electric vehicles to its upcoming autonomous fleet.
Waymo, which says it has self-driven 6 million miles on public roads, said on Thursday it was on track to launch the world’s first self-driving transportation service later this year, which will allow passengers to use Waymo’s app to request a vehicle.
The company has plans to roll out a ride service for the public in the Phoenix, Arizona area in coming months, with plans to later launch it more widely.
FCA, which has delivered 600 Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo till date, first announced its partnership with the company in May 2016.
Thursday, 31 May 2018
Wednesday, 30 May 2018
VIRGIN TIE UP WITH UNLICENSED PH OPERATOR UBERK
Virgin Trains has joined forces with Uber to make it easier for passengers to book a cab to and from a railway station.
Customers will be given the option to receive a text message with a link to book an Uber to the station - and another at their destination station.
Passengers booking a taxi will be eligible for 50% off their first Uber journey up to a maximum value of £10.
The deal does not apply to the return leg of the journey.
Opponents say the scheme puts the livelihoods of regular taxi drivers at risk - and comes at a time when the ride-hailing app is battling to secure its operating licences in London, York and Brighton amid safety concerns.
The scheme begins on Wednesday on trains between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, and there will be a two-week trial period for customers to give feedback.
The plan is then to expand the service to other routes including Birmingham International, Glasgow Central, Milton Keynes Central, Manchester Piccadilly, Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket in the coming months.
https://news.sky.com/story/uber-and-virgin-launch-controversial-scheme-11389612
--------------------------
Reply from London Trade PR Group :
Statement on Virgin Trains & Uber joint initiative
May 30, 2018 | Trade News
On behalf of the licenced London Taxis, we at LondonTaxiPR wholeheartedly question this decision by Virgin Trains to give a major significant competition advantage to a single private company. This not only puts the livelihoods of our colleagues in jeopardy, but also puts customers, and more importantly their safety at risk.
This decision is particularly questionable too, as it comes at a time when Uber’s license to operate in London is still under review by Transport for London & pending a licensing Court case !
We, LondonTaxiPR would therefore ask Virgin Trains to really think again on this decision, and explain fully, their reasons behind it.
LONDONTAXIPR
Virgin Trains has joined forces with Uber to make it easier for passengers to book a cab to and from a railway station.
Customers will be given the option to receive a text message with a link to book an Uber to the station - and another at their destination station.
Passengers booking a taxi will be eligible for 50% off their first Uber journey up to a maximum value of £10.
The deal does not apply to the return leg of the journey.
Opponents say the scheme puts the livelihoods of regular taxi drivers at risk - and comes at a time when the ride-hailing app is battling to secure its operating licences in London, York and Brighton amid safety concerns.
The scheme begins on Wednesday on trains between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, and there will be a two-week trial period for customers to give feedback.
The plan is then to expand the service to other routes including Birmingham International, Glasgow Central, Milton Keynes Central, Manchester Piccadilly, Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket in the coming months.
https://news.sky.com/story/uber-and-virgin-launch-controversial-scheme-11389612
--------------------------
Reply from London Trade PR Group :
Statement on Virgin Trains & Uber joint initiative
May 30, 2018 | Trade News
On behalf of the licenced London Taxis, we at LondonTaxiPR wholeheartedly question this decision by Virgin Trains to give a major significant competition advantage to a single private company. This not only puts the livelihoods of our colleagues in jeopardy, but also puts customers, and more importantly their safety at risk.
This decision is particularly questionable too, as it comes at a time when Uber’s license to operate in London is still under review by Transport for London & pending a licensing Court case !
We, LondonTaxiPR would therefore ask Virgin Trains to really think again on this decision, and explain fully, their reasons behind it.
LONDONTAXIPR
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
BELFAST
A taxi driver allegedly used his car to repeatedly raid a supermarket for televisions and electrical equipment, the High Court has heard.
Stephen McAuley is charged with nine separate thefts from Tesco, and also twice stealing high-value goods from a B&Q branch.
The 41-year-old, of Lancaster Street in Belfast, is charged with stealing items worth more than £7,000 between January 31 and March 4 this year.
Refusing bail on Tuesday, a judge said the alleged offences involved "a remarkable, systematic course of criminal behaviour".
McAuley and a co-accused allegedly used the same modus operandi every time they targeted a Tesco store at Newtownbreda, south east Belfast.
A Crown lawyer described one incident where security tags were removed from two TV sets valued at £658.
She claimed they were then taken out and put in the back of McAuley's taxi.
McAuley was identified after the cab firm was contacted.
CCTV footage from Tesco revealed a number of similar high-value thefts involving the same taxi, the court heard.
Two other incidents related to thefts of products worth £1,236 and £1,298 from a B&Q store in Newry.
Defence counsel Michael Ward disclosed that McAuley was dismissed by the taxi company, but is now working for another operator in Belfast.
Bail was denied due to the risk of re-offending.
The judge, Sir Anthony Hart, said: "There's clearly a good prima facie case against the applicant of having engaged in a remarkable, systematic course of criminal behaviour over a period of about five-six weeks.
"The allegations are he was taking part, providing the vehicle and driving the vehicle for himself and a co-accused to steal increasingly large amounts of electrical equipment."
Source : Belfast Telegraph
-------------------------------------------
ROTHERHAM
A South Yorkshire man accused of sexually abusing two teenage girls he is said to have met while working as a delivery driver and a taxi driver denied the allegations when he gave evidence at court today.
Khurram Javed, 35, of Clifton Crescent, Rotherham is currently on trial at Sheffield Crown Court accused of three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape.
The four charges relate to separate incidents, involving two complainants, that are alleged to have taken place in Rotherham between May 2008 and March 2014.
Neither of the complainants can be named for legal reasons.
The first of Javed's alleged victims, Girl A, claims she met him when he was working as a delivery driver at the Sizzling Wok takeaway in Badsley Moor Road, Rotherham when she was aged between 12 and 13-years-old.
Javed's offending against Girl A is alleged to have taken place when she visited the takeaway on her own some time between May 2008 and March 2009, when he would have been aged between 25 and 26-years-old.
He is alleged to have sexually assaulted the girl twice in an alleyway next to the takeaway.
When asked about the allegations by his defence barrister, Patrick Cassidy, Javed said he did not know Girl A, and denied ever sexually assaulting anyone in the alleyway next to the Sizzling Wok.
Mr Cassidy asked Javed: "Did you ever take any child down that alleyway, or sexually touch Girl A there," to which Javed replied: "No, never."
Javed told the court that he had been subjected to racist abuse by some of the children who congregated around the parade of Badsley Moor Road, and on one occasion two girls had attempted to get into his delivery van, which he reported to the police.
Girl B met Javed when he picked her up as a passenger in his taxi in March 2014 and drove her to a friend's house.
During the 10 minute journey he told Girl B his name was 'Jay' and the pair swapped numbers.
Javed is accused of sexually assaulting and raping Girl B on March 5, 2014 after collecting her from the supported living accommodation she was staying at. She would have been 16-years-old at the time.
He took the girl to his friend's shop in Wakefield, and Girl B alleges that he sexually assaulted her in a bedroom above the shop.
She claims he then gave her a three-litre of bottle of cider to drink on the journey back to Rotherham, before parking the car up in a lay-by and raping her in the back of his car.
Javed, who is married with children, denies both allegations, but accepts taking Girl B to Wakefield.
Giving evidence at court, Javed told jurors that the pair had kissed shortly after first meeting, but said he decided to stop all romantic contact between them when she told him she was 16-years-old during their visit to Wakefield.
He also denied giving Girl B alcohol, and said the reason had pulled over in a lay-by was because she was 'upset' with him for refusing to enter into a relationship with her.
"She was upset. I told her: 'You're too young, I can't handle that'. She was talking about how we could be together," Javed told the court.
Javed denies all charges.
The trial continues.
source : Sheffield Telegraph.
------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK
A string of five apparent New York taxi driver suicides in five months has advocates concerned about the impact of Uber and Lyft, as well as the loans cabdrivers have relied on to purchase taxi medallions.
Yu Mein Chow was mourned by friends and family this weekend after his body was found floating in the East River—it’s believed that he jumped to his death after being unable to make a payment on the $700,000 loan he took out in 2011 to pay for his taxi medallion.
New York City’s cab industry has been dramatically transformed by the influx of around 70,000 Uber and Lyft cars over the last six years.
The competition has forced some taxi drivers, most of whom are immigrants, to work 12 to 15 hours shifts while watching their wages plummet. Another driver shot himself on Feb. 5 outside City Hall after penning a Facebook post that blamed the industry’s woes on politicians.
Chow, whose wife has been battling Stage 4 colon cancer, took out a $700,000 mortgage with Melrose Credit Union in 2011 and initially listed only the medallion as his collateral, according to documents viewed by the New York Post.
However, he refinanced five years later and put everything he owned as collateral—including his home—sources told the Post.
“It’s more strict than anything we’ve ever seen,’’ New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said. “They are not negotiating lower interest rates and are now requiring the owners put personal property like their homes up as collateral. This is ruining drivers’ lives.”
Before he took his own life, Chow could no longer afford his daughter’s college education nor his wife’s medical bills.
The credit union, which was taken over by the government last year due to “unsafe and unsound” practices, also reportedly financed the loan of Nicanor Ochisor, a taxicab driver who hanged himself in March over financial woes that he blamed on Uber and Lyft.
Regarding Chow’s death, a spokesperson from Uber told Fox News: “We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with his family.”
"These are tragic losses and our hearts go out to the family and friends affected," a Lyft spokesperson told Fox News.
Taxi medallions, which were once sold for over $1 million, can now be had for as little as $175,000, according to data from the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
The New York City Council is considering several bills that would curb the expansion of ride-sharing services—by charging annual fees to drivers, limiting how many apps one person can drive for or limiting the number of cars each company can have in operation.
A family member set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of Chow’s widow’s medical bills.
“It’s a tragedy,” taxi driver Bigu Haider, 53, told the Post. “This never used to happen before.”
Source = Fox News
----------------------------------------------
CORNWALL
What should have been a fun night out turned into a horrifying ordeal when the driver of an unmarked taxi set fire to his passenger's doormat after she refused to let him into her house.
Sophie Nagappa, 23, got into an unmarked taxi on The Moor in Falmouth in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 27) with her sister Chloe and a male friend, and they soon realised their mistake as the man began driving like a "maniac" and acting inappropriately.
When they got to their house in Truro at around 4am, the driver tried to invite himself in. Sophie and Chloe refused and ran inside, and before long they noticed flames coming up from under the front door and found that their doormat had been set on fire.
Sophie said: "Basically I wanted to share this so that someone else doesn’t make our same stupid mistake. Always order a taxi from the company and make sure it’s marked as a taxi! Very scary experience."
According to Sophie, the man was driving dangerously and breaking hard, and also stopped several times to smoke and speak on the phone.
When he overheard the three passengers talking about plans to go to a house party, Sophie says he tried to come along with them. They decided to go home instead and after dropping them off he said that he was coming into their house. Sophie says that she and sister Chloe then ran away. The man then knocked on the front door to which Sophie's mum answered, and he asked for more money even though Sophie says that he had already paid him. He then apparently asked her mum if he was coming in, and she said "no".
Shortly afterwards they found that the doormat had been set on fire, and they had to extinguish the flames with pans of water.
She has since reported the incident to Devon and Cornwall Police, who told her that they will be checking the CCTV footage from that night in order to try and identify the man.
Sophie said that the man was very overweight, black, under six feet tall, had a slight beard and was wearing a black suit and gold chain with a cross on it.
Source : Thisisthewestcountry.co.uk
A taxi driver allegedly used his car to repeatedly raid a supermarket for televisions and electrical equipment, the High Court has heard.
Stephen McAuley is charged with nine separate thefts from Tesco, and also twice stealing high-value goods from a B&Q branch.
The 41-year-old, of Lancaster Street in Belfast, is charged with stealing items worth more than £7,000 between January 31 and March 4 this year.
Refusing bail on Tuesday, a judge said the alleged offences involved "a remarkable, systematic course of criminal behaviour".
McAuley and a co-accused allegedly used the same modus operandi every time they targeted a Tesco store at Newtownbreda, south east Belfast.
A Crown lawyer described one incident where security tags were removed from two TV sets valued at £658.
She claimed they were then taken out and put in the back of McAuley's taxi.
McAuley was identified after the cab firm was contacted.
CCTV footage from Tesco revealed a number of similar high-value thefts involving the same taxi, the court heard.
Two other incidents related to thefts of products worth £1,236 and £1,298 from a B&Q store in Newry.
Defence counsel Michael Ward disclosed that McAuley was dismissed by the taxi company, but is now working for another operator in Belfast.
Bail was denied due to the risk of re-offending.
The judge, Sir Anthony Hart, said: "There's clearly a good prima facie case against the applicant of having engaged in a remarkable, systematic course of criminal behaviour over a period of about five-six weeks.
"The allegations are he was taking part, providing the vehicle and driving the vehicle for himself and a co-accused to steal increasingly large amounts of electrical equipment."
Source : Belfast Telegraph
-------------------------------------------
ROTHERHAM
A South Yorkshire man accused of sexually abusing two teenage girls he is said to have met while working as a delivery driver and a taxi driver denied the allegations when he gave evidence at court today.
Khurram Javed, 35, of Clifton Crescent, Rotherham is currently on trial at Sheffield Crown Court accused of three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape.
The four charges relate to separate incidents, involving two complainants, that are alleged to have taken place in Rotherham between May 2008 and March 2014.
Neither of the complainants can be named for legal reasons.
The first of Javed's alleged victims, Girl A, claims she met him when he was working as a delivery driver at the Sizzling Wok takeaway in Badsley Moor Road, Rotherham when she was aged between 12 and 13-years-old.
Javed's offending against Girl A is alleged to have taken place when she visited the takeaway on her own some time between May 2008 and March 2009, when he would have been aged between 25 and 26-years-old.
He is alleged to have sexually assaulted the girl twice in an alleyway next to the takeaway.
When asked about the allegations by his defence barrister, Patrick Cassidy, Javed said he did not know Girl A, and denied ever sexually assaulting anyone in the alleyway next to the Sizzling Wok.
Mr Cassidy asked Javed: "Did you ever take any child down that alleyway, or sexually touch Girl A there," to which Javed replied: "No, never."
Javed told the court that he had been subjected to racist abuse by some of the children who congregated around the parade of Badsley Moor Road, and on one occasion two girls had attempted to get into his delivery van, which he reported to the police.
Girl B met Javed when he picked her up as a passenger in his taxi in March 2014 and drove her to a friend's house.
During the 10 minute journey he told Girl B his name was 'Jay' and the pair swapped numbers.
Javed is accused of sexually assaulting and raping Girl B on March 5, 2014 after collecting her from the supported living accommodation she was staying at. She would have been 16-years-old at the time.
He took the girl to his friend's shop in Wakefield, and Girl B alleges that he sexually assaulted her in a bedroom above the shop.
She claims he then gave her a three-litre of bottle of cider to drink on the journey back to Rotherham, before parking the car up in a lay-by and raping her in the back of his car.
Javed, who is married with children, denies both allegations, but accepts taking Girl B to Wakefield.
Giving evidence at court, Javed told jurors that the pair had kissed shortly after first meeting, but said he decided to stop all romantic contact between them when she told him she was 16-years-old during their visit to Wakefield.
He also denied giving Girl B alcohol, and said the reason had pulled over in a lay-by was because she was 'upset' with him for refusing to enter into a relationship with her.
"She was upset. I told her: 'You're too young, I can't handle that'. She was talking about how we could be together," Javed told the court.
Javed denies all charges.
The trial continues.
source : Sheffield Telegraph.
------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK
A string of five apparent New York taxi driver suicides in five months has advocates concerned about the impact of Uber and Lyft, as well as the loans cabdrivers have relied on to purchase taxi medallions.
Yu Mein Chow was mourned by friends and family this weekend after his body was found floating in the East River—it’s believed that he jumped to his death after being unable to make a payment on the $700,000 loan he took out in 2011 to pay for his taxi medallion.
New York City’s cab industry has been dramatically transformed by the influx of around 70,000 Uber and Lyft cars over the last six years.
The competition has forced some taxi drivers, most of whom are immigrants, to work 12 to 15 hours shifts while watching their wages plummet. Another driver shot himself on Feb. 5 outside City Hall after penning a Facebook post that blamed the industry’s woes on politicians.
Chow, whose wife has been battling Stage 4 colon cancer, took out a $700,000 mortgage with Melrose Credit Union in 2011 and initially listed only the medallion as his collateral, according to documents viewed by the New York Post.
However, he refinanced five years later and put everything he owned as collateral—including his home—sources told the Post.
“It’s more strict than anything we’ve ever seen,’’ New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said. “They are not negotiating lower interest rates and are now requiring the owners put personal property like their homes up as collateral. This is ruining drivers’ lives.”
Before he took his own life, Chow could no longer afford his daughter’s college education nor his wife’s medical bills.
The credit union, which was taken over by the government last year due to “unsafe and unsound” practices, also reportedly financed the loan of Nicanor Ochisor, a taxicab driver who hanged himself in March over financial woes that he blamed on Uber and Lyft.
Regarding Chow’s death, a spokesperson from Uber told Fox News: “We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with his family.”
"These are tragic losses and our hearts go out to the family and friends affected," a Lyft spokesperson told Fox News.
Taxi medallions, which were once sold for over $1 million, can now be had for as little as $175,000, according to data from the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
The New York City Council is considering several bills that would curb the expansion of ride-sharing services—by charging annual fees to drivers, limiting how many apps one person can drive for or limiting the number of cars each company can have in operation.
A family member set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of Chow’s widow’s medical bills.
“It’s a tragedy,” taxi driver Bigu Haider, 53, told the Post. “This never used to happen before.”
Source = Fox News
----------------------------------------------
CORNWALL
What should have been a fun night out turned into a horrifying ordeal when the driver of an unmarked taxi set fire to his passenger's doormat after she refused to let him into her house.
Sophie Nagappa, 23, got into an unmarked taxi on The Moor in Falmouth in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 27) with her sister Chloe and a male friend, and they soon realised their mistake as the man began driving like a "maniac" and acting inappropriately.
When they got to their house in Truro at around 4am, the driver tried to invite himself in. Sophie and Chloe refused and ran inside, and before long they noticed flames coming up from under the front door and found that their doormat had been set on fire.
Sophie said: "Basically I wanted to share this so that someone else doesn’t make our same stupid mistake. Always order a taxi from the company and make sure it’s marked as a taxi! Very scary experience."
According to Sophie, the man was driving dangerously and breaking hard, and also stopped several times to smoke and speak on the phone.
When he overheard the three passengers talking about plans to go to a house party, Sophie says he tried to come along with them. They decided to go home instead and after dropping them off he said that he was coming into their house. Sophie says that she and sister Chloe then ran away. The man then knocked on the front door to which Sophie's mum answered, and he asked for more money even though Sophie says that he had already paid him. He then apparently asked her mum if he was coming in, and she said "no".
Shortly afterwards they found that the doormat had been set on fire, and they had to extinguish the flames with pans of water.
She has since reported the incident to Devon and Cornwall Police, who told her that they will be checking the CCTV footage from that night in order to try and identify the man.
Sophie said that the man was very overweight, black, under six feet tall, had a slight beard and was wearing a black suit and gold chain with a cross on it.
Source : Thisisthewestcountry.co.uk
Wednesday, 23 May 2018
A London assembly member has challenged Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on the impact his environment strategy could have on taxis.
The man in charge of London was questioned on his draft environment strategy, which sets out the way he will protect the capital’s environment.
Part of the plan says it will call on the government to ensure all new cars and vans being driven in London are zero emission by 2030 at the latest.
But UKIP assembly member David Kurten
Mr Khan said: “When know that there is an appetite for zero emissions taxis and have been speaking to local councillors about charging points.”
The draft strategy also proposes to deliver a major expansion in electric vehicle infrastructure, with at least 300 rapid charging points by 2020.
The mayor also pledged to work with Transport for London (TfL) to establish zero emission zones in town centres from 2020.
However, Mr Kurten said: “By the time zero emission zones come in to town centres not all taxis will be zero emission capable, will you be making an exemption for those taxis who aren’t?”
Mr Khan replied: “We are optimistic that by that time many taxis will have change to zero emission, we have seen a huge appetite from the taxi trade.”
Although the UKIP politician said he doubted that would happen and continued to argue that there would be a financial penalty to taxi drivers unless the mayor made exemptions for taxis that had not switched to zero-emissions.
Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor for environment and energy who also faced assembly members over the strategy said that they were waiting for the government to publish a ‘road to zero’ strategy which will tackle zero emissions.
She said: “We need the government set the framework.”
However, Mr Kurten continued to push the issue saying: “I asked what you are doing not the government.”
http://bit.ly/2x7snq1
Tuesday, 22 May 2018
ROSSENDALE
Rapists and other convicted sex offenders have been given taxi licences by councils that failed to check their criminal records, it has been claimed.
Some local authorities have also taken hundreds of thousands of pounds in fees from applicants, knowing they did not have the cab ranks to accommodate them.
An investigation found serious failings at Rossendale, Lancashire, and a legal loophole allegedly exploited by Wolverhampton.
Rapists and other convicted sex offenders have been given taxi licences by councils that failed to check their criminal records, it has been claimed
Rossendale licenced over 3,700 tax drivers last year, despite having rank space for just 75 vehicles, while in Wolverhampton, dozens of minicab firms across Britain have been licensed as local operators, despite having no employees or vehicles in the city.
The vast majority of the drivers licensed by Rossendale did not live in the borough.
Many lived in northern England and the Midlands, but they applied to Rossendale for licences because the council was seen as a ‘soft touch’, it was claimed. Northern cities are understood to impose stricter tests and requirements for licences, with some charging higher fees, so drivers flocked to the small Lancashire town.
The investigation by The Times also found that councils issued thousands of licences to drivers, even when it was known some had convictions. More than 330 alleged sex assaults by minicab or taxi driver suspects were reported to police in 2016-17.
Councils are losing track of drivers’ criminal records or hiring drivers knowing of their criminal pasts, The Times reported
In the past decade, 131 drivers have been found guilty of sex offences against passengers. Among them were more than 40 men convicted of rape, including black cab rapist John Worboys. One council in Nottinghamshire issued hundreds of taxi licences to men outside its area, one of whom later carried out a sex attack on a passenger.
Some local authorities have also taken hundreds of thousands of pounds in fees from applicants, knowing they did not have the cab ranks to accommodate them. An investigation found serious failings at Rossendale, Lancashire, and a legal loophole allegedly exploited by Wolverhampton
Drivers with Rossendale licences have been convicted of offences in York, Milton Keynes and Manchester, the paper said. After a whistleblower raised concerns, Rossendale’s licensing manager was suspended and left the authority, it was reported.
In a change of policy, staff were told no licences could be renewed unless the applicant presented a recent DBS (disclosure and barring service) certificate.
There were calls for an independent inquiry into the whistleblower’s allegations last night. But the council said they had been investigated and were unfounded.
It said it was confident that it had not issued any taxi licences ‘to anyone who should not have received one’.
Since 2016, Rossendale has introduced measures to cut the licences it issues. Wolverhampton council said it operated ‘robust and rigorous’ vetting and offered ‘the best taxi licensing system in the UK’.
https://dailym.ai/2KKMDPY
-----------------------------------------------
The long running taxi dispute between Coventry and Wolverhampton has sparked back to life, after a drivers protest led to a war of words between the two councils.
Last week, a number of black cab drivers from Coventry protested outside Wolverhampton Civic Centre, claiming that licenses handed out by the Black Country council are damaging local trade.
And while council bosses at Wolverhampton have attempted to downplay the nature of the protest, a senior council figure at Coventry City Council has fired back.
What was the protest about?
Around 50 black cab drivers from Coventry travelled over to Wolverhampton last Wednesday, where they were joined by fellow drivers from across the Midlands.
The common issue that these drivers have surrounds the taxi licenses being handed out by City of Wolverhampton Council to drivers who are going on to operate out of neighbouring cities - such as Coventry.
Indeed, operating on Wolverhampton licenses is the loophole used by Uber drivers in Coventry - as the council here has not granted Uber a license to trade in Coventry.
And Coventry's black cab drivers believe that it is their wallets that are being hit by this, as Wolverhampton licensed drivers are taking fares in Coventry.
In October, CoventryLive revealed that City of Wolverhampton Council license 241 taxi drivers with Coventry addresses - and it was acknowledged that it is in this area that these drivers actually operate.
War of words
Following the protest, Cllr Alan Bolshaw, City of Wolverhampton Council Chair of Licensing said: “A small number of Hackney Carriage drivers from Coventry arrived in Wulfruna Street to protest about increased competition from the private hire trade.
"Coventry Hackney Carriage fares have recently been identified as the most expensive in the country. This small protest was about protectionism and self-interest, and passed off without incident.”
In response to this, Cllr Jayne Innes, Cabinet Member for City Services at Coventry City Council, has hit back, saying: "Private Hire Monthly's analysis shows Coventry Black Cabs are 84th in the country in terms of pricing - far from being the most expensive, we are roughly average for taxi fares.
"There are about 850 Black Cabs licensed to operate in Coventry. Just over 50 took part in the protest in Wolverhampton. This is clearly not a small number, and it is important to understand that those taking part in the protest chose to lose many working hours in order to do so.
"Cllr Bolshaw's allegation of 'protectionism' is both insulting and ludicrous. However I am pleased to confirm I, as Cabinet Member who oversees policy on taxis in Coventry, will continue to support Coventry's safe and professional Black Cab trade.
"Our Black Cabs are licensed to a far higher standard than cabs from Wolverhampton. In particular, we require our drivers to undergo Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness training, Disability Awareness training, and we check our Black Cabs every 6 months. I find it deeply worrying that Wolverhampton Council chooses to license taxi drivers on the basis of just one face-to-face meeting.
"I'm pleased to say that by protecting licensing standards here in Coventry, we in turn protect the safety of Black Cab customers.
"It is also important to note, that with the new Coventry-built LEVC electric cab , the Black Cab trade will also be helping improve air quality in the local area."
http://bit.ly/2s3Unow
----------------------------------------
MERSEYSIDE
Police are hunting for a thug who carried out a gunpoint robbery of a taxi driver.
The driver was threatened in the incident, during which a shotgun is thought to have been brandished.
Detectives are now appealing for the help of the drivers of three cars near the scene of the robbery who could provide crucial evidence.
The robbery took place just after 9.50pm on Tuesday, May 15, on Merton Road in Bootle .
The taxi driver was approached by a man wielding what appeared to be a shotgun.
He threatened the driver and fled in the direction of Park Street after grabbing cash.
The driver was left shocked but unhurt by the ordeal.
Forensic and CCTV enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and to identify the man responsible.
Appealing for passing drivers to support the investigation, Detective Sergeant Gary Stratton said: “We want to speak to the occupants of a black cab and a silver-coloured vehicle that we know passed by the scene of the robbery immediately after the incident took place, as well as a small dark-coloured car that passed the scene as the robbery was happening. “I want to stress that those drivers are not believed to have been involved, but may have seen or recorded something which could prove to be significant.
“We would appeal to them and the drivers of any other cars in the area who may have dashcam footage shot in the surrounding area before, during or after the incident to contact police. Any information or footage which may seem innocuous could well prove vital to our enquiries.
Police hope the drivers of the cars pictured will come forward to help an investigation into the gunpoint robbery of a taxi driver on Merton Road, Bootle, just after 9.50pm on May 15. The drivers are not believed to have been involved and police hope they may have information to support the investigation.
“I also want to reassure all residents that incidents like this are rare and we will do everything possible to identify the offender, and ensure the area is a safe place to live and work.”
http://bit.ly/2GIpF9F
Rapists and other convicted sex offenders have been given taxi licences by councils that failed to check their criminal records, it has been claimed.
Some local authorities have also taken hundreds of thousands of pounds in fees from applicants, knowing they did not have the cab ranks to accommodate them.
An investigation found serious failings at Rossendale, Lancashire, and a legal loophole allegedly exploited by Wolverhampton.
Rapists and other convicted sex offenders have been given taxi licences by councils that failed to check their criminal records, it has been claimed
Rossendale licenced over 3,700 tax drivers last year, despite having rank space for just 75 vehicles, while in Wolverhampton, dozens of minicab firms across Britain have been licensed as local operators, despite having no employees or vehicles in the city.
The vast majority of the drivers licensed by Rossendale did not live in the borough.
Many lived in northern England and the Midlands, but they applied to Rossendale for licences because the council was seen as a ‘soft touch’, it was claimed. Northern cities are understood to impose stricter tests and requirements for licences, with some charging higher fees, so drivers flocked to the small Lancashire town.
The investigation by The Times also found that councils issued thousands of licences to drivers, even when it was known some had convictions. More than 330 alleged sex assaults by minicab or taxi driver suspects were reported to police in 2016-17.
Councils are losing track of drivers’ criminal records or hiring drivers knowing of their criminal pasts, The Times reported
In the past decade, 131 drivers have been found guilty of sex offences against passengers. Among them were more than 40 men convicted of rape, including black cab rapist John Worboys. One council in Nottinghamshire issued hundreds of taxi licences to men outside its area, one of whom later carried out a sex attack on a passenger.
Some local authorities have also taken hundreds of thousands of pounds in fees from applicants, knowing they did not have the cab ranks to accommodate them. An investigation found serious failings at Rossendale, Lancashire, and a legal loophole allegedly exploited by Wolverhampton
Drivers with Rossendale licences have been convicted of offences in York, Milton Keynes and Manchester, the paper said. After a whistleblower raised concerns, Rossendale’s licensing manager was suspended and left the authority, it was reported.
In a change of policy, staff were told no licences could be renewed unless the applicant presented a recent DBS (disclosure and barring service) certificate.
There were calls for an independent inquiry into the whistleblower’s allegations last night. But the council said they had been investigated and were unfounded.
It said it was confident that it had not issued any taxi licences ‘to anyone who should not have received one’.
Since 2016, Rossendale has introduced measures to cut the licences it issues. Wolverhampton council said it operated ‘robust and rigorous’ vetting and offered ‘the best taxi licensing system in the UK’.
https://dailym.ai/2KKMDPY
-----------------------------------------------
The long running taxi dispute between Coventry and Wolverhampton has sparked back to life, after a drivers protest led to a war of words between the two councils.
Last week, a number of black cab drivers from Coventry protested outside Wolverhampton Civic Centre, claiming that licenses handed out by the Black Country council are damaging local trade.
And while council bosses at Wolverhampton have attempted to downplay the nature of the protest, a senior council figure at Coventry City Council has fired back.
What was the protest about?
Around 50 black cab drivers from Coventry travelled over to Wolverhampton last Wednesday, where they were joined by fellow drivers from across the Midlands.
The common issue that these drivers have surrounds the taxi licenses being handed out by City of Wolverhampton Council to drivers who are going on to operate out of neighbouring cities - such as Coventry.
Indeed, operating on Wolverhampton licenses is the loophole used by Uber drivers in Coventry - as the council here has not granted Uber a license to trade in Coventry.
And Coventry's black cab drivers believe that it is their wallets that are being hit by this, as Wolverhampton licensed drivers are taking fares in Coventry.
In October, CoventryLive revealed that City of Wolverhampton Council license 241 taxi drivers with Coventry addresses - and it was acknowledged that it is in this area that these drivers actually operate.
War of words
Following the protest, Cllr Alan Bolshaw, City of Wolverhampton Council Chair of Licensing said: “A small number of Hackney Carriage drivers from Coventry arrived in Wulfruna Street to protest about increased competition from the private hire trade.
"Coventry Hackney Carriage fares have recently been identified as the most expensive in the country. This small protest was about protectionism and self-interest, and passed off without incident.”
In response to this, Cllr Jayne Innes, Cabinet Member for City Services at Coventry City Council, has hit back, saying: "Private Hire Monthly's analysis shows Coventry Black Cabs are 84th in the country in terms of pricing - far from being the most expensive, we are roughly average for taxi fares.
"There are about 850 Black Cabs licensed to operate in Coventry. Just over 50 took part in the protest in Wolverhampton. This is clearly not a small number, and it is important to understand that those taking part in the protest chose to lose many working hours in order to do so.
"Cllr Bolshaw's allegation of 'protectionism' is both insulting and ludicrous. However I am pleased to confirm I, as Cabinet Member who oversees policy on taxis in Coventry, will continue to support Coventry's safe and professional Black Cab trade.
"Our Black Cabs are licensed to a far higher standard than cabs from Wolverhampton. In particular, we require our drivers to undergo Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness training, Disability Awareness training, and we check our Black Cabs every 6 months. I find it deeply worrying that Wolverhampton Council chooses to license taxi drivers on the basis of just one face-to-face meeting.
"I'm pleased to say that by protecting licensing standards here in Coventry, we in turn protect the safety of Black Cab customers.
"It is also important to note, that with the new Coventry-built LEVC electric cab , the Black Cab trade will also be helping improve air quality in the local area."
http://bit.ly/2s3Unow
----------------------------------------
MERSEYSIDE
Police are hunting for a thug who carried out a gunpoint robbery of a taxi driver.
The driver was threatened in the incident, during which a shotgun is thought to have been brandished.
Detectives are now appealing for the help of the drivers of three cars near the scene of the robbery who could provide crucial evidence.
The robbery took place just after 9.50pm on Tuesday, May 15, on Merton Road in Bootle .
The taxi driver was approached by a man wielding what appeared to be a shotgun.
He threatened the driver and fled in the direction of Park Street after grabbing cash.
The driver was left shocked but unhurt by the ordeal.
Forensic and CCTV enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and to identify the man responsible.
Appealing for passing drivers to support the investigation, Detective Sergeant Gary Stratton said: “We want to speak to the occupants of a black cab and a silver-coloured vehicle that we know passed by the scene of the robbery immediately after the incident took place, as well as a small dark-coloured car that passed the scene as the robbery was happening. “I want to stress that those drivers are not believed to have been involved, but may have seen or recorded something which could prove to be significant.
“We would appeal to them and the drivers of any other cars in the area who may have dashcam footage shot in the surrounding area before, during or after the incident to contact police. Any information or footage which may seem innocuous could well prove vital to our enquiries.
Police hope the drivers of the cars pictured will come forward to help an investigation into the gunpoint robbery of a taxi driver on Merton Road, Bootle, just after 9.50pm on May 15. The drivers are not believed to have been involved and police hope they may have information to support the investigation.
“I also want to reassure all residents that incidents like this are rare and we will do everything possible to identify the offender, and ensure the area is a safe place to live and work.”
http://bit.ly/2GIpF9F
Monday, 21 May 2018
LEEDS
British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail and Unite the Union (Cab Section) are launching a new scheme at Leeds station aimed at improving the safety of taxi drivers and passengers who use their services at the station.
The ‘Taxi Watch’ scheme, will aim to help prevent crimes being committed against drivers, who, due to the nature of their work, can often be the victim of violence, aggression and criminal damage, sometimes racially and religiously motivated.
Every driver will meet an officer and be given a text 61016 card so that they can report any incident direct to BTP. Officers will be undertaking high visibility patrols at the taxi ranks at key times, including in the early hours of the morning when incidents have been reported and will also hold regular meetings with the drivers to discuss any concerns and issues. Posters will be placed in and around the station and at the taxi rank, and stickers will be placed on taxis that use the station outlining that any aggression or violence towards drivers will not be tolerated, that CCTV is covering the area, and there will be a police response.
The main aim of the scheme is to build a stronger relationship between the drivers and BTP to continue to ensure that the taxi area of the station remains a safe and a positive environment for everyone, that BTP provide an increased security presence for drivers and passengers, and to raise public awareness by adopting a zero tolerance policy to tackle violence against taxi drivers.
In September last year a taxi driver was assaulted by a man who demanded he take him home, even though he had another passenger in the car. When the driver refused the man became verbally abusive, swearing and threatening the driver before kicking the side of his taxi. When the driver got out to check the damage he was hit in the face by the man. The man was then dragged away by someone he was with and both fled the scene.
In January a taxi driver was racially abused and attacked by a passenger outside the station. After he was asked to join the back of the taxi queue by the driver when he attempted to push in, the man shouted racist abuse at him before kicking the wing mirror off his car.
When the driver got out of the car, the man punched him in the face leaving him with a bloody nose, bruising and swelling. He was arrested and was found guilty at court, where he was ordered to pay £750 in fines and compensation.
“This research clearly shows that our figures don’t match up and that taxi drivers are reluctant to report crimes to the police, especially if they are victims – we hope that this scheme will increase confidence and encourage them to contact us.
“This new scheme with both British Transport Police and Unite the Union will further build on this and will help to create a nicer environment for all station users.”
http://bit.ly/2x01rYW
------------------------------------------------------------
TEESIDE
A private hire taxi driver has appeared in court after picking up an undercover licensing officer who hadn’t booked.
Haetham Majid Taha was fined over the illegal fare pick-up in Middlesbrough.
Taha, of Parliament Street, Stockton, admitted driving without motor insurance when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’s Court earlier this month.
As a private hire driver, Taha was only allowed to take fares which had already pre-booked a taxi.
It followed an operation in Middlesbrough last November when council officers flagged down the Stockton Council-licensed private hire vehicle, on Acklam Road.
Taha agreed to take the officers to the Sporting Lodge Hotel, for an agreed £5 fare.
Only Hackney Carriage licence holders - who drive vehicles notable for their black and yellow livery - can accept a fare without a prior booking.
The 33-year-old was fined £120, with £194 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
The illegal plying for hire invalidated Taha’s motor insurance as the journey had not been pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator.
In addition to the court fine, Mr Taha’s driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points. No separate penalty was imposed for plying for hire.
http://bit.ly/2x4wlQ8
----------------------------------------------
A South Yorkshire man has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls he met through his jobs he held as a delivery driver and a taxi driver.
Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, Khurram Javed, 35, entered not guilty pleas to three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape, ahead of his trial beginning at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, May 21. Javed, of Clifton Crescent, Rotherham is alleged to have committed the four sex offences on two girls unknown to each other in two separate incidents that took place between May 2008 and March 2014.
The first of Javed's alleged victims, Girl A, says she met him when he was working as a delivery driver at the Sizzling Wok takeaway in Badsley Moor Road, Rotherham when she was aged between 12 and 13-years-old. "He gave his name as 'Sam'. She would visit with two other girls. They would sit on the wall outside the takeaway," prosecutor, Sophie Drake, told the court as she opened the case. She added: "She had met the defendant a couple of times when he gave her and her friends some foreign cigarettes. If he saw her on the street he would follow her in his car."
Javed's offending against Girl A is alleged to have taken place when she visited the takeaway on her own some time between May 2008 and March 2009, when he would have been aged between 25 and 26-years-old. Ms Drake told the court that Javed is alleged to have sexually assaulted Girl A twice in an alleyway next to the Sizzling Wok after he told her he wanted to speak with her there.
Girl A reported Javed to the police in 2016, and subsequently picked him out during a police identification parade. South Yorkshire Police (SYP) traced the number Girl A had for the defendant in her mobile phone to an account registered in Javed's wives' name, said Ms Drake.
The court heard how SYP had a record of Girl A calling the police on June 8, 2008 saying 'she was concerned her step father was going to ram the car of a 27-year-old delivery driver at a Chinese takeaway', Ms Drake added.
When interviewed by police Javed accepted working at the Sizzling Wok as a delivery driver, but denied ever meeting Girl A. Javed is accused of sexually assaulting and raping the second of his alleged victims, Girl B, on March 5, 2014 after collecting her from the supported living accommodation she was staying at, and taking her to a flat above his friend's corner shop in Wakefield.
http://bit.ly/2KK28aZ
British Transport Police (BTP), Network Rail and Unite the Union (Cab Section) are launching a new scheme at Leeds station aimed at improving the safety of taxi drivers and passengers who use their services at the station.
The ‘Taxi Watch’ scheme, will aim to help prevent crimes being committed against drivers, who, due to the nature of their work, can often be the victim of violence, aggression and criminal damage, sometimes racially and religiously motivated.
Every driver will meet an officer and be given a text 61016 card so that they can report any incident direct to BTP. Officers will be undertaking high visibility patrols at the taxi ranks at key times, including in the early hours of the morning when incidents have been reported and will also hold regular meetings with the drivers to discuss any concerns and issues. Posters will be placed in and around the station and at the taxi rank, and stickers will be placed on taxis that use the station outlining that any aggression or violence towards drivers will not be tolerated, that CCTV is covering the area, and there will be a police response.
The main aim of the scheme is to build a stronger relationship between the drivers and BTP to continue to ensure that the taxi area of the station remains a safe and a positive environment for everyone, that BTP provide an increased security presence for drivers and passengers, and to raise public awareness by adopting a zero tolerance policy to tackle violence against taxi drivers.
In September last year a taxi driver was assaulted by a man who demanded he take him home, even though he had another passenger in the car. When the driver refused the man became verbally abusive, swearing and threatening the driver before kicking the side of his taxi. When the driver got out to check the damage he was hit in the face by the man. The man was then dragged away by someone he was with and both fled the scene.
In January a taxi driver was racially abused and attacked by a passenger outside the station. After he was asked to join the back of the taxi queue by the driver when he attempted to push in, the man shouted racist abuse at him before kicking the wing mirror off his car.
When the driver got out of the car, the man punched him in the face leaving him with a bloody nose, bruising and swelling. He was arrested and was found guilty at court, where he was ordered to pay £750 in fines and compensation.
Chief Inspector Lorna McEwan from British Transport Police said, “Since January 2017 we have recorded 15 offences against drivers at the station, that’s on average one a month which is just not acceptable.
“We have also surveyed drivers who use the station which shockingly revealed that 69 per cent said they have been threatened or attacked, 53 per cent of these incidents took place at night or on a weekend.
“We already have a great working relationship with the taxi drivers who use the station but this scheme is about going that one step further. We want to reinforce the message that we will take a tough stance against anyone who commits a crime against them, investigate every offence and provide them with full support.
“Taxi drivers also provide extra eyes and ears at the station and report any suspicious activity or incidents to us which is great and we hope that the scheme will develop these links further.
“We will be working closely with partners from Network Rail, Unite, West Yorkshire Police, taxi associations and Leeds City Council to implement the scheme.”
Vicki Beadle, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, said: “It’s completely unacceptable for anyone to face violence or aggression at Leeds station, whether that’s taxi drivers, passengers or station workers and we work incredibly closely with British Transport Police to tackle this.
Paul Ladau from Unite Cab Section in Leeds said, “We are pleased to partner with British Transport Police and Network Rail on this new scheme that puts the welfare of Taxi Drivers squarely back on track.
The commitment shown by all involved is refreshing to see and be part of. A step forward such as this can only cement the good relations enjoyed between both Taxi Drivers, British Transport Police Officers and Network Rail Employees.
http://bit.ly/2x01rYW
------------------------------------------------------------
TEESIDE
A private hire taxi driver has appeared in court after picking up an undercover licensing officer who hadn’t booked.
Haetham Majid Taha was fined over the illegal fare pick-up in Middlesbrough.
Taha, of Parliament Street, Stockton, admitted driving without motor insurance when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’s Court earlier this month.
As a private hire driver, Taha was only allowed to take fares which had already pre-booked a taxi.
It followed an operation in Middlesbrough last November when council officers flagged down the Stockton Council-licensed private hire vehicle, on Acklam Road.
Taha agreed to take the officers to the Sporting Lodge Hotel, for an agreed £5 fare.
Only Hackney Carriage licence holders - who drive vehicles notable for their black and yellow livery - can accept a fare without a prior booking.
The 33-year-old was fined £120, with £194 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
The illegal plying for hire invalidated Taha’s motor insurance as the journey had not been pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator.
In addition to the court fine, Mr Taha’s driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points. No separate penalty was imposed for plying for hire.
http://bit.ly/2x4wlQ8
----------------------------------------------
A South Yorkshire man has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls he met through his jobs he held as a delivery driver and a taxi driver.
Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, Khurram Javed, 35, entered not guilty pleas to three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape, ahead of his trial beginning at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, May 21. Javed, of Clifton Crescent, Rotherham is alleged to have committed the four sex offences on two girls unknown to each other in two separate incidents that took place between May 2008 and March 2014.
The first of Javed's alleged victims, Girl A, says she met him when he was working as a delivery driver at the Sizzling Wok takeaway in Badsley Moor Road, Rotherham when she was aged between 12 and 13-years-old. "He gave his name as 'Sam'. She would visit with two other girls. They would sit on the wall outside the takeaway," prosecutor, Sophie Drake, told the court as she opened the case. She added: "She had met the defendant a couple of times when he gave her and her friends some foreign cigarettes. If he saw her on the street he would follow her in his car."
Javed's offending against Girl A is alleged to have taken place when she visited the takeaway on her own some time between May 2008 and March 2009, when he would have been aged between 25 and 26-years-old. Ms Drake told the court that Javed is alleged to have sexually assaulted Girl A twice in an alleyway next to the Sizzling Wok after he told her he wanted to speak with her there.
Girl A reported Javed to the police in 2016, and subsequently picked him out during a police identification parade. South Yorkshire Police (SYP) traced the number Girl A had for the defendant in her mobile phone to an account registered in Javed's wives' name, said Ms Drake.
The court heard how SYP had a record of Girl A calling the police on June 8, 2008 saying 'she was concerned her step father was going to ram the car of a 27-year-old delivery driver at a Chinese takeaway', Ms Drake added.
When interviewed by police Javed accepted working at the Sizzling Wok as a delivery driver, but denied ever meeting Girl A. Javed is accused of sexually assaulting and raping the second of his alleged victims, Girl B, on March 5, 2014 after collecting her from the supported living accommodation she was staying at, and taking her to a flat above his friend's corner shop in Wakefield.
http://bit.ly/2KK28aZ
Thursday, 17 May 2018
MEGHAN Markle will have millions of people watching her arrive at Windsor Castle on May 19 - when she ties the knot with Prince Harry - but what car will the royal-to-be arrive in? Bookies are taking odds for the former suits star to rock up in a “vehicle with an Uber sticker on”.
http://bit.ly/2wQ3qit
------------------------------------------------------
NOTTINGHAM
A cabbie was left with a £200 bill for picking up two undercover police officers outside the Queen's Medical Centre.
Shaju Thomas, 49, was only licensed to operate in Gedling and not within the city boundaries, Nottingham magistrates heard.
Judith Kirkham, prosecuting, told the court: "This is a prevalent offence and the police, together with the city council, have undercover operations for taxi drivers plying for hire without a licence.
"Mr Thomas is licensed for Gedling but was stopped outside the QMC. Two officers, who were working undercover, were there.
"He asked whether they wanted to go into the city centre. He accepted the fare," added Miss Kirkham.
A £135 fine was ordered for Thomas of Pastures Avenue, Clifton. He admitted plying for hire on Derby Road when not licensed as a public hackney carriage vehicle.
Magistrates ordered him to pay £35 prosecution costs and a government surcharge of £30.
He told the court: "Someone asked me for a lift into town. I agreed. It is my mistake, the lady was standing there.
"I will never do it again," added Thomas.
Presiding magistrate Dr Keith Dykes, who sat with two colleagues, said the fine had been reduced because he immediately pleaded guilty.
He was given a fortnight to pay the £200 and was told by Dr Dykes: "If you don't pay the court has other options. That includes seizing some of your possessions and selling them."
At the end of the hearing, he was asked if he understood everything that had taken place. "Yes sir," he replied.
http://bit.ly/2IsKzvd
http://bit.ly/2wQ3qit
------------------------------------------------------
NOTTINGHAM
A cabbie was left with a £200 bill for picking up two undercover police officers outside the Queen's Medical Centre.
Shaju Thomas, 49, was only licensed to operate in Gedling and not within the city boundaries, Nottingham magistrates heard.
Judith Kirkham, prosecuting, told the court: "This is a prevalent offence and the police, together with the city council, have undercover operations for taxi drivers plying for hire without a licence.
"Mr Thomas is licensed for Gedling but was stopped outside the QMC. Two officers, who were working undercover, were there.
"He asked whether they wanted to go into the city centre. He accepted the fare," added Miss Kirkham.
A £135 fine was ordered for Thomas of Pastures Avenue, Clifton. He admitted plying for hire on Derby Road when not licensed as a public hackney carriage vehicle.
Magistrates ordered him to pay £35 prosecution costs and a government surcharge of £30.
He told the court: "Someone asked me for a lift into town. I agreed. It is my mistake, the lady was standing there.
"I will never do it again," added Thomas.
Presiding magistrate Dr Keith Dykes, who sat with two colleagues, said the fine had been reduced because he immediately pleaded guilty.
He was given a fortnight to pay the £200 and was told by Dr Dykes: "If you don't pay the court has other options. That includes seizing some of your possessions and selling them."
At the end of the hearing, he was asked if he understood everything that had taken place. "Yes sir," he replied.
http://bit.ly/2IsKzvd
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