NORTH STAFFORD
City cabbies urged to buy 'electric taxis' with 30 charging points planned
Dozens of charging points for electric taxis look set to be installed across North Staffordshire in an effort to encourage cabbies to use more eco-friendly vehicles.
Local authorities have been awarded more than £78,000 to create 10 points in their three respective areas with 30 being rolled out in total.
The cash has come from Taxi Infrastructure Investment Fund and is designed to help greener cars travel across council borders along with conducting journeys between urban and rural areas.
There are currently 2,071 licensed private hire vehicles and 466 Hackney carriages operating in the three areas - Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle and Stafford borough - but only four per cent use hybrid or alternative fuels.
Shahraz Yaqub, chairman of Stoke-on-Trent Private Hire Drivers Association, believes drivers will struggle to meet the costs of upgrading from their current vehicles.
He said: "There aren't enough points out there and the electric vehicles are not equipped enough at the moment.
"On a full charge you will be able to do around 100 to 120 miles and we have to wonder what we would do when they need charging in the middle of nowhere, or on a journey - the cost will outweigh the benefit.
"The vehicles are expensive and it is not good value for money for the drivers, we cannot afford that. At the end of the day it will be the customers who have to pick up the tab."
But John Scarlett, from JMS TopGear Travel in Sneyd Green, says he would consider investing in an electric car when he swaps his current taxi.
He said: "I do think people would take it up. There aren't many points about and I don't think I've actually seen an electric cab in Stoke-on-Trent. You see a lot of them in London but not up here.
"It is a shame there isn't a benefit scheme because that would encourage a few people."
The Government hopes that all new taxis and vans will be effectively zero emission by 2040.
Community leaders have welcomed the windfall and hope it will encourage more drivers to ditch their diesel-guzzling cars for greener motors.
Newcastle Borough Council leader Simon Tagg, said: “Taxis provide a valuable service to the public and are on the roads day and night so this has the potential to make a massive difference to air quality and residents’ health.
Source: Stokesentinel
---------------------------------
North West Leicestershire
Watch moment reckless taxi driver runs down cyclist and flees the scene
Video footage has emerged of the moment a reckless taxi driver hit a cyclist before fleeing the scene.
The shocking video, filmed from the cyclist’s helmet camera, shows the taxi turning a corner on the wrong side of the road.
Rider Dylan May sent the footage of the incident, which happened in North West Leicestershire, to the local council and the unnamed driver had his taxi licence revoked.
The driver initially tried to blame Mr May, saying the incident happened in a different location and that the victim had been in the middle of the road.
Mr May said: “I still now can’t believe somebody would collide with a cyclist and just drive off, especially a so-called professional taxi driver.
“The licensing team at the district council has been very helpful and understanding, and the matter was sorted quickly.”
The crashed happened in Gutteridge Street, Coalville on January 11.
Footage shows Mr May approaching a junction, when the taxi turns into the street on the wrong side of the road and hits the victim head on.
The driver then flees the scene.
Fortunately, the incident was filmed by Mr May who reported the incident to the council.
The driver admitted being at fault after being shown the video.
North West Leicestershire District Council’s head of community services, Councillor Alison Smith, said: “This was an appalling incident.
“The quality of the driving which led to the collision was poor but the reaction of driving away and then lying about the incident afterwards was particularly unacceptable.
“Taxi driving is a profession and we’re delighted that the majority of drivers in North West Leicestershire have very high standards and integrity.
“This driver though clearly lacked both and is no longer licensed to work in our district.
“We want people to feel confident and safe when they use taxis, and our efforts to revoke this driver’s licence shows our commitment to ensuring this.”
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/watch-moment-reckless-taxi-driver-runs-cyclist-flees-scene-409701
-------------------------------
EIRE
Gardaí target foreign taxi drivers on licence, immigration breaches
6-8 minutes
Some 55 foreign taxi drivers have had their immigration status in the Republic cancelled because they had taken part in sham marriages and committed other immigration crimes.
The Garda operation targeting foreign taxi drivers for investigation over sham marriages in Ireland and fraudulently obtaining PSV licences first emerged in The Irish Times last year.
And as part of the long-running inquiry the Garda staged a day of action in Dublin on Tuesday.
It saw 90 garda members carrying out coordinated searches at ten addresses in Dublin’s north inner city and in Lucan, Co Dublin.
Following Tuesday’s operation, the Garda has provided an update on the long-running inquiry into men who had entered into sham marriages and then applied for a taxi licence.
Gardaí believe these men had paid international criminal gang leaders large fees, of between €15,000 and €20,000, to be married in Ireland to women they had never met.
It also appears they were guided through the process of applying for a PSV licence, with forged documents supplied to some.
A total of 134 foreign taxi drivers have now been investigated for sham marriages and other immigration offences.
Yesterday the addresses searched were all raided under search warrant at 8am, with intelligence gathered and documentation seized.
Revoked
The Garda has said of the 134 PSV, or taxi driver, licence holders and licence applicants investigated, some 64 cases had been concluded to date.
This has resulted in 55 men having had their immigration status revoked, with 25 of those men having been told they will be deported unless they leave the State voluntarily.
Four men have been arrested for deportation and two have already been removed from the State.
However, that activity follows two years of investigation under the Garda’s Operation Vantage rather than yesterday’s searches.
During the raids yesterday a further 15 people were identified for investigation on suspicion they had engaged in a sham marriage.
Seven people who gardaí discovered on the premises raided yesterday were found to be in the State illegally and one arrest was made on an immigration-related matter.
The operation was led by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), supported by members of the Special Crime Operations unit; Roads Policing; DMR West Traffic Corps; the Carriage Office; the Garda Analyst Service; the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service; the Department of Social Protection; and the National Transport Authority.
Last August The Irish Times reported it emerged that the full scale of fraud in applying for taxi licences first became clear during an Ed Sheeran concert in Dublin.
During an operation last May, established to coincide with the concert in the Phoenix Park, some 110 taxi drivers were stopped at checkpoints.
Of those, 26 were suspected of having paid to marry a woman from Europe that they had never met so they could secure the right to reside and work in the Republic, according to gardaí.
All of the men were from outside the EU and gardaí had already revoked the immigration status they had secured when they married European women in the Republic.
One man, from India, was about to attend a special citizenship ceremony but that was deferred on suspicion his marriage was a sham.
At the time of last year’s operation, Garda sources said 58 new applications for PSV licences were lodged with the carriage office in January, 2018.
Of those, 40 came from men outside the EU. They described this as “way outside the norm”.
A garda officer said the increases had been a feature for around 18 months. And when some of the applicants’ immigration histories were checked it emerged they had previously tried to secure status in Europe.
The investigation into the immigration-based frauds within the taxi sector has continued since 2015.
It is part of the wider Operation Vantage which has focussed on sham marriages.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/garda%C3%AD-target-foreign-taxi-drivers-on-licence-immigration-breaches-1.3816507
------------------------------
DERBY
Police have issued a warning after a "fake taxi driver" attempted to pick up young women in Derby city centre.
Officers have asked revellers to remain vigilant after reports a man pretending to be a taxi driver tried to lure a student into his car outside The Standing Order, in Irongate.
Rosie Baker, 22, was heading home after enjoying a night out with a friend when the driver asked her if she had ordered a taxi.
When challenged on where he worked, the taxi driver claimed he was employed by PJ Cars.
A spokesperson for PJ Cars said the incident was "nothing to do with our company".
But before Rosie had time to look at his licence plate, he allegedly sped off.
Rosie, who studies at the University of Derby, claims her friend spotted the same vehicle operating outside the Wetherspoon pub the following night on February 23.
She said the driver was asking other young women if they had ordered a taxi - despite not having any company signs indicating it was legitimate.
Rosie, who is studying to become a primary school teacher, said: "He asked us if we had ordered a taxi and we said who do you work for.
"He said I'm your taxi from PJ Cars and when we said we hadn't ordered from PJ he asked the women next to us who said they hadn't even ordered a taxi.
"He said 'oh well I'm a taxi,' then turned round when I went to look at his licence plate and sped off so I couldn't get any information.
"I think it's a danger as parents trust that taxis can get their children home, and if anything was to happen to them it would be truly heartbreaking."
Rosie was unable to take a picture of the car but another woman who was concerned later did and posted it.
Rosie posted a social media warning about her experience.
"If anyone is intoxicated and didn't know the dangers it could end so badly, I only made the post to warn family and friends I have made in Derby or already have here since moving four years ago."
Rosie said the incident left her and her friend so concerned they reported the incident to police.
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/derby-city-centre-fake-taxi-2616298
Wednesday, 6 March 2019
Tuesday, 5 March 2019
FURNESS
A LEADING taxi driver has warned people could be sexually assaulted or end up in a “tragic road accident” if they get in cars with “boy racers” outside clubs.
Bob Mullen, secretary of the Furness Taxi Trade Association, said drivers had told him “quite often” motorists, who were not in registered or private hire vehicles or taxis, were offering lifts to revellers late at night on Cavendish Street.
Mr Mullen raised the issue at a recent Barrow Council meeting and called for private hire vehicles to be banned from displaying lighted roof signs, which he said suggested to passengers they could be used without pre-booking.
An earlier draft of council taxi policy had proposed roof signs needed to be removed from private hire vehicles but after consultation, this idea was scrapped.
Mr Mullen told councillors: “In the interests of public safety, I would like councillors to seriously consider reversing the decision made by the Licensing Committee regarding roof signs on private hire vehicles.
“The public safety issue is that the trade and no doubt the police are aware of a number of so-called “boy racers” hanging around local nightclubs in the early hours.
“Some have been observed offering lifts to people whose judgement may be impaired due to intoxication.
“Not all of these drivers have the best interests in mind of the vulnerable young people they are picking up.
“We strongly suggest that it should be publicised that for their own safety people coming out from late night venues should only get into cars with a lit roof light unless they have pre-booked.
“This is obviously not possible if private hire cars which cannot legally pick up without pre-booking also have roof lights.
“None of us wants to say we told you so after a tragic road accident or a case of sexual assault.”
Cllr Tony Callister, Barrow Council’s licensing boss said discussions were ongoing. He said: “We have formed a working group with taxi drivers and talks to find a way to properly distinguish private hire cars and taxis are currently ongoing.”
https://bit.ly/2C21J1t
Comment:
There is a clear Legal remedy for this Problem. Somebody in the Furness Trade, get your finger out and make the L.A. aware of this.
A LEADING taxi driver has warned people could be sexually assaulted or end up in a “tragic road accident” if they get in cars with “boy racers” outside clubs.
Bob Mullen, secretary of the Furness Taxi Trade Association, said drivers had told him “quite often” motorists, who were not in registered or private hire vehicles or taxis, were offering lifts to revellers late at night on Cavendish Street.
Mr Mullen raised the issue at a recent Barrow Council meeting and called for private hire vehicles to be banned from displaying lighted roof signs, which he said suggested to passengers they could be used without pre-booking.
An earlier draft of council taxi policy had proposed roof signs needed to be removed from private hire vehicles but after consultation, this idea was scrapped.
Mr Mullen told councillors: “In the interests of public safety, I would like councillors to seriously consider reversing the decision made by the Licensing Committee regarding roof signs on private hire vehicles.
“The public safety issue is that the trade and no doubt the police are aware of a number of so-called “boy racers” hanging around local nightclubs in the early hours.
“Some have been observed offering lifts to people whose judgement may be impaired due to intoxication.
“Not all of these drivers have the best interests in mind of the vulnerable young people they are picking up.
“We strongly suggest that it should be publicised that for their own safety people coming out from late night venues should only get into cars with a lit roof light unless they have pre-booked.
“This is obviously not possible if private hire cars which cannot legally pick up without pre-booking also have roof lights.
“None of us wants to say we told you so after a tragic road accident or a case of sexual assault.”
Cllr Tony Callister, Barrow Council’s licensing boss said discussions were ongoing. He said: “We have formed a working group with taxi drivers and talks to find a way to properly distinguish private hire cars and taxis are currently ongoing.”
https://bit.ly/2C21J1t
Comment:
There is a clear Legal remedy for this Problem. Somebody in the Furness Trade, get your finger out and make the L.A. aware of this.
Monday, 4 March 2019
Edinburgh taxi drivers left baffled over Old Town road closures plan
City chiefs backed the scheme to create more a “relaxed and welcoming” atmosphere but cabbies were left wondering how they get tourists to hotels.
Driver Ronnie Wood said: “Questions: I’m a taxi driver, I pick up passengers at Edinburgh airport ,they wish to go to the Holyrood Hotel, where am I to drop them off. “St Mary’s Street tell them they have to walk half a mile to their hotel – that will go down well. Clowncil making ridiculous decisions as per usual, roll on the local elections.”
And Ali McPherson, of the Edinburgh Taxi Association, asked: “Surely they must keep roads open to cabs, buses, emergency vehicles and residents? Another ill-thought out council plan.” Councillors agreed to press ahead with the monthly Open Streets project – while the authority’s preferred strategy for the city centre transformation project will be tabled in May. The council’s transport and environment committee approved plans for streets to be shut to traffic on the first Sunday of the month from May – with an “aspirational loop” of the Old Town, including the Royal Mile, Cowgate and the Grassmarket, to be pushed forward during the 18 month trial. Details on the first Open Streets events will be provided at the additional transport and environment committee tomorrow after concerns were raised over “retrospective scrutiny” of the plans by councillors.
A public consultation showed that 88 per cent of people want to see a change in how people move around the city – while 51 per cent backed “radical change” through the city centre transformation. Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, welcomed the intiative. She said: “Open Streets will initially focus on a small number of streets within the Old Town loop, though we do intend to expand this over the period of the programme, in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the taxi trade, to assess operational and access needs.” Cllr Macinnes said similar schemes have proven successful when trialled in other areas of the city centre. “Ultimately these events, which will last a matter of hours one Sunday a month, are about creating a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors, enabling enjoyment of the historic surroundings and the opportunity for everyone to interact and play,” she added.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-taxi-drivers-left-baffled-over-old-town-road-closures-plan-1-4882850
City chiefs backed the scheme to create more a “relaxed and welcoming” atmosphere but cabbies were left wondering how they get tourists to hotels.
Driver Ronnie Wood said: “Questions: I’m a taxi driver, I pick up passengers at Edinburgh airport ,they wish to go to the Holyrood Hotel, where am I to drop them off. “St Mary’s Street tell them they have to walk half a mile to their hotel – that will go down well. Clowncil making ridiculous decisions as per usual, roll on the local elections.”
And Ali McPherson, of the Edinburgh Taxi Association, asked: “Surely they must keep roads open to cabs, buses, emergency vehicles and residents? Another ill-thought out council plan.” Councillors agreed to press ahead with the monthly Open Streets project – while the authority’s preferred strategy for the city centre transformation project will be tabled in May. The council’s transport and environment committee approved plans for streets to be shut to traffic on the first Sunday of the month from May – with an “aspirational loop” of the Old Town, including the Royal Mile, Cowgate and the Grassmarket, to be pushed forward during the 18 month trial. Details on the first Open Streets events will be provided at the additional transport and environment committee tomorrow after concerns were raised over “retrospective scrutiny” of the plans by councillors.
A public consultation showed that 88 per cent of people want to see a change in how people move around the city – while 51 per cent backed “radical change” through the city centre transformation. Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, welcomed the intiative. She said: “Open Streets will initially focus on a small number of streets within the Old Town loop, though we do intend to expand this over the period of the programme, in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the taxi trade, to assess operational and access needs.” Cllr Macinnes said similar schemes have proven successful when trialled in other areas of the city centre. “Ultimately these events, which will last a matter of hours one Sunday a month, are about creating a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors, enabling enjoyment of the historic surroundings and the opportunity for everyone to interact and play,” she added.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-taxi-drivers-left-baffled-over-old-town-road-closures-plan-1-4882850
Friday, 1 March 2019
Taxi firm Ola has been given permission to expand its service, based on mobile phone technology, into Luton.
The company, a rival to Uber, was granted a private hire operator’s licence by the borough council’s licensing sub-committee.
Ola UK Private Limited intends to operate an App-based booking platform for taxi services with local private hire vehicles and hackney carriage vehicles.
The firm will have an office at Capability Green, having started its UK operations in South Wales, Bristol and Exeter.
One of the taxi company’s representatives Darryl Supersad told the sub-committee the firm is planning to extend its operation to every city in the UK.
It will use local private hire drivers and vehicles, similar to Uber, and also include black cabs across the whole market, he said.
Ola would be using standard taxis for the moment, but plans to use electric vehicles in the future to provide taxi services.
The company plans to provide executive services in six to eight months to and from London Luton Airport, the licensing sub-committee heard.
Drivers and vehicles used would all be licensed by the council, with the cabbies self-employed.
Bookings would be web-based only, and the website would provide phone numbers to deal with support and complaints.
Ola is looking at employing 100 to 500 drivers and vehicles initially, but hopes to increase to 2,000 in the long-term.
The firm has a complaint management system and would take any driver issues raised seriously, the sub-committee was told.
Passengers and taxi drivers have to register via the app, so payments are made digitally at the end of a trip, rather than direct to the driver.
All payments will be made by credit or debit cards only, with no cash changing hands.
Drivers would not be required to work exclusively for Ola, but records would be kept of all their activities for the company.
Bookings within the Luton would be given to local drivers, but cross border journeys, such as from Luton to Manchester Airport, may be offered to an Ola driver from outside the town where appropriate.
The sub-committee decided to grant the application for the operator’s licence, with exemptions to the current council policy over keeping records electronically instead of in a handwritten bound book.
It also requested that the application for licence renewal should be reviewed in full by a panel, instead of by the licensing service under delegated authority.
The borough council licences 35 taxi operators, 170 hackney carriages and 945 private hire vehicles.
The company, a rival to Uber, was granted a private hire operator’s licence by the borough council’s licensing sub-committee.
Ola UK Private Limited intends to operate an App-based booking platform for taxi services with local private hire vehicles and hackney carriage vehicles.
The firm will have an office at Capability Green, having started its UK operations in South Wales, Bristol and Exeter.
One of the taxi company’s representatives Darryl Supersad told the sub-committee the firm is planning to extend its operation to every city in the UK.
It will use local private hire drivers and vehicles, similar to Uber, and also include black cabs across the whole market, he said.
Ola would be using standard taxis for the moment, but plans to use electric vehicles in the future to provide taxi services.
The company plans to provide executive services in six to eight months to and from London Luton Airport, the licensing sub-committee heard.
Drivers and vehicles used would all be licensed by the council, with the cabbies self-employed.
Bookings would be web-based only, and the website would provide phone numbers to deal with support and complaints.
Ola is looking at employing 100 to 500 drivers and vehicles initially, but hopes to increase to 2,000 in the long-term.
The firm has a complaint management system and would take any driver issues raised seriously, the sub-committee was told.
Passengers and taxi drivers have to register via the app, so payments are made digitally at the end of a trip, rather than direct to the driver.
All payments will be made by credit or debit cards only, with no cash changing hands.
Drivers would not be required to work exclusively for Ola, but records would be kept of all their activities for the company.
Bookings within the Luton would be given to local drivers, but cross border journeys, such as from Luton to Manchester Airport, may be offered to an Ola driver from outside the town where appropriate.
The sub-committee decided to grant the application for the operator’s licence, with exemptions to the current council policy over keeping records electronically instead of in a handwritten bound book.
It also requested that the application for licence renewal should be reviewed in full by a panel, instead of by the licensing service under delegated authority.
The borough council licences 35 taxi operators, 170 hackney carriages and 945 private hire vehicles.
Thursday, 28 February 2019
LONDON
Private hire drivers are taking legal action against London Mayor Sadiq Khan over the congestion charge.
The group, which includes Uber drivers, says the charge is discriminatory as 94% of them are from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.
London's "black cab" licensed taxis will remain exempt.
The mayor's office says it is not prepared to ignore the damaging impact the rise in private hire vehicles is having on congestion and air pollution.
From 8 April, private hire vehicle drivers will have to pay the £11.50 daily congestion charge to drive in central London, under rules introduced by the mayor.
Uber driver Abdurzak Hadi says that as he drives in central London from Monday to Friday, he will be almost £60 a week worse off.
"I will be punished for coming to work. This is a tax on poor drivers," says Mr Hadi.
Most drivers, such as those working for Uber, will have to pay the charge themselves and cannot pass it on to passengers, because it is the company that sets the rates for fares.
London has roughly 114,000 private hire (PHV) drivers, who are overwhelmingly from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and this is what has led to a legal challenge.
The percentage figure comes from a report to the mayor entitled "Changes to the Congestion Charge", which followed a consultation which Transport for London says received 10,000 responses.
The report says: "As the majority of PHV drivers (about 94%) are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds (BAME) and many are from deprived areas, there is a disproportionate impact on these groups."
However, it assesses the impact as being "minor adverse".
The report also includes analysis showing that a majority of black cab drivers are white British.
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents private hire drivers, is seeking a judicial review of the mayor's decision on the basis that it indirectly discriminates against BAME PHV drivers.
'Fundamentally unfair'
On Friday, the union began that process by writing a pre-action letter to the mayor.
Indirect discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010. It occurs where there is a practice, policy or rule that is applied generally to a large group but a sub group that possess a particular 'protected' characteristic ends up being treated less favourably.
Those characteristics include race, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, maternity and pregnancy, marriage or civil partnership.
IWGB general secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee calls the plan "regressive" and "both discriminatory and fundamentally unfair".
"We would urge the mayor to adopt one of the many alternative policies which would actually address congestion, instead of just penalising low-paid ethnic minority workers," says Dr Moyer-Lee.
He argues that if the minimum wage was paid to all private hire drivers, companies would control the number of drivers because they would not want cars circulating without paying passengers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47360402
Private hire drivers are taking legal action against London Mayor Sadiq Khan over the congestion charge.
The group, which includes Uber drivers, says the charge is discriminatory as 94% of them are from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.
London's "black cab" licensed taxis will remain exempt.
The mayor's office says it is not prepared to ignore the damaging impact the rise in private hire vehicles is having on congestion and air pollution.
From 8 April, private hire vehicle drivers will have to pay the £11.50 daily congestion charge to drive in central London, under rules introduced by the mayor.
Uber driver Abdurzak Hadi says that as he drives in central London from Monday to Friday, he will be almost £60 a week worse off.
"I will be punished for coming to work. This is a tax on poor drivers," says Mr Hadi.
Most drivers, such as those working for Uber, will have to pay the charge themselves and cannot pass it on to passengers, because it is the company that sets the rates for fares.
London has roughly 114,000 private hire (PHV) drivers, who are overwhelmingly from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and this is what has led to a legal challenge.
The percentage figure comes from a report to the mayor entitled "Changes to the Congestion Charge", which followed a consultation which Transport for London says received 10,000 responses.
The report says: "As the majority of PHV drivers (about 94%) are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds (BAME) and many are from deprived areas, there is a disproportionate impact on these groups."
However, it assesses the impact as being "minor adverse".
The report also includes analysis showing that a majority of black cab drivers are white British.
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents private hire drivers, is seeking a judicial review of the mayor's decision on the basis that it indirectly discriminates against BAME PHV drivers.
'Fundamentally unfair'
On Friday, the union began that process by writing a pre-action letter to the mayor.
Indirect discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010. It occurs where there is a practice, policy or rule that is applied generally to a large group but a sub group that possess a particular 'protected' characteristic ends up being treated less favourably.
Those characteristics include race, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, maternity and pregnancy, marriage or civil partnership.
IWGB general secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee calls the plan "regressive" and "both discriminatory and fundamentally unfair".
"We would urge the mayor to adopt one of the many alternative policies which would actually address congestion, instead of just penalising low-paid ethnic minority workers," says Dr Moyer-Lee.
He argues that if the minimum wage was paid to all private hire drivers, companies would control the number of drivers because they would not want cars circulating without paying passengers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47360402
BOLTON
AN ASPIRING private hire driver who admitted to fantasising about having sex with a child has been refused a licence.
Police were first made aware of the man in January 2010, after he claimed to be having a sexual relationship with a neighbour and her 14-year-old daughter.
The statements had been made to a different woman who had been exchanging text messages and explicit photographs with the would-be driver after he contacted her on Facebook, calling himself Dave from Barnsley.
However, after hearing his claims about the alleged sexual relationship with a child, the woman approached police officers and the man was subsequently arrested and questioned.
At this point, the man revealed that he had never had a sexual relationship with a child, although he admitted to making the claims.
He also told police that this was something he had fantasised about.
The situation was then flagged up to Bolton Council's licensing committee on sensitive cases after the man applied to be given a private hire licence.
The hearing, held earlier this month, was chaired by Cllr Madeline Murray and included Cllr Hilary Fairclough, Cllr Susan Haworth and Cllr Hamid Khurram.
This latest case follows several other private hire drivers who have had issues with their licences at hearings held by councillors in the past few months following complaints, convictions and other concerns.
These hearings are held behind closed doors, which is why the drivers are not named. However, some details are later published on the council’s website after a decision is made.
After taking into account the allegations made against the man, the committee refused to give him a licence, claiming he does nt fit with regulations as a "fit and proper person" for the role.
It relates to regulations which state that "any applicant connected to illegal sexual activity or any form of indecency" should not be granted a licence to drive a private hire vehicle.
The committee concluded: "Members of the public and in particular, the elderly, infirm and children or vulnerable adults entrust their personal safety and wellbeing to private hire drivers whenever they take a journey.
"Passengers often travel alone and are vulnerable to inappropriate behaviour.
"The sub-committee’s primary duty is of concern for the safety and wellbeing of the public
"In summary, based on the applicant’s own admitted conduct, the evidence available and the council’s statement of fitness and suitability there is therefore reasonable cause to refuse to grant the private hire driver’s licence."
https://bit.ly/2VmFeM2
-------------------------------------
LIVERPOOL
Generous Scousers have rallied behind the family of a mum killed in a horror taxi crash.
The woman died after the private hire car she was travelling to work in was involved in a crash with a BMW on the East Lancs Road on Wednesday morning.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene, at the junction of Bridgehouse Lane, for the mum who friends have described as "bubbly and beautiful" and a "lovely woman".
In another act of respect for the popular woman, dozens of people have also rallied behind her family by donating almost £2,000.
Read More
Top news stories
Around £10,000 has been raised so far through two fundraising sites with the staggering amounts being donated on JustGiving and GoFundMe in an attempt to support the woman's husband and children as they cope with her death.
The pages, set up by a friends of the family, explains how their lives had "changed forever" and that the money would be used to support them "at this tragic time"
The woman has not been officially named but on Wednesday night her husband requested on Facebook that people do not call his family and give them their privacy.
https://bit.ly/2GSJyj6
AN ASPIRING private hire driver who admitted to fantasising about having sex with a child has been refused a licence.
Police were first made aware of the man in January 2010, after he claimed to be having a sexual relationship with a neighbour and her 14-year-old daughter.
The statements had been made to a different woman who had been exchanging text messages and explicit photographs with the would-be driver after he contacted her on Facebook, calling himself Dave from Barnsley.
However, after hearing his claims about the alleged sexual relationship with a child, the woman approached police officers and the man was subsequently arrested and questioned.
At this point, the man revealed that he had never had a sexual relationship with a child, although he admitted to making the claims.
He also told police that this was something he had fantasised about.
The situation was then flagged up to Bolton Council's licensing committee on sensitive cases after the man applied to be given a private hire licence.
The hearing, held earlier this month, was chaired by Cllr Madeline Murray and included Cllr Hilary Fairclough, Cllr Susan Haworth and Cllr Hamid Khurram.
This latest case follows several other private hire drivers who have had issues with their licences at hearings held by councillors in the past few months following complaints, convictions and other concerns.
These hearings are held behind closed doors, which is why the drivers are not named. However, some details are later published on the council’s website after a decision is made.
After taking into account the allegations made against the man, the committee refused to give him a licence, claiming he does nt fit with regulations as a "fit and proper person" for the role.
It relates to regulations which state that "any applicant connected to illegal sexual activity or any form of indecency" should not be granted a licence to drive a private hire vehicle.
The committee concluded: "Members of the public and in particular, the elderly, infirm and children or vulnerable adults entrust their personal safety and wellbeing to private hire drivers whenever they take a journey.
"Passengers often travel alone and are vulnerable to inappropriate behaviour.
"The sub-committee’s primary duty is of concern for the safety and wellbeing of the public
"In summary, based on the applicant’s own admitted conduct, the evidence available and the council’s statement of fitness and suitability there is therefore reasonable cause to refuse to grant the private hire driver’s licence."
https://bit.ly/2VmFeM2
-------------------------------------
LIVERPOOL
Generous Scousers have rallied behind the family of a mum killed in a horror taxi crash.
The woman died after the private hire car she was travelling to work in was involved in a crash with a BMW on the East Lancs Road on Wednesday morning.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene, at the junction of Bridgehouse Lane, for the mum who friends have described as "bubbly and beautiful" and a "lovely woman".
In another act of respect for the popular woman, dozens of people have also rallied behind her family by donating almost £2,000.
Read More
Top news stories
Around £10,000 has been raised so far through two fundraising sites with the staggering amounts being donated on JustGiving and GoFundMe in an attempt to support the woman's husband and children as they cope with her death.
The pages, set up by a friends of the family, explains how their lives had "changed forever" and that the money would be used to support them "at this tragic time"
The woman has not been officially named but on Wednesday night her husband requested on Facebook that people do not call his family and give them their privacy.
https://bit.ly/2GSJyj6
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
YORK
A number of taxi drivers’ associations in York have made a complaint to City of York Council claiming the authority is making licensing decisions based on "misinformation".
York’s Independent Taxi Association, Hackney Carriage Association, Private Hire Association and Station Taxis Association raise concerns over information provided by council officers to a licensing meeting in February.
The complaint claims the advice was insufficient for councillors to make a fully-informed decision over issues relating to the way Uber operates.
The complaint document says
“We would like a public statement and acknowledgement regarding all the misinformation that was presented at the meeting to clarify for the viewing and listening public, the elected members and the trade, the points which are accurate and those which are not.”
A spokesperson for City of York Council said:
“City of York Council recently took a report to its Licensing committee on 11 February to present its position regarding the interpretation of the law relating to private hire licensing and the ability to work outside the area within which they are licensed.
We have been clear on our position on this.”
Minster FM understands that the council is not immediately treating the matter as a formal complaint but that may change.
The reason is because it was not about an alleged breach of council rules, but the work of officers and their interpretation of legislation.
Updated - We now understand that this IS being treated as a formal complaint now
https://bit.ly/2UdlDxE
-------------------------------
LIVERPOOL
A passenger in a taxi has died in a crash on the East Lancs road in the early hours of this morning.
Police confirmed today that a female passenger had died following the incident whilst the driver is in a serious condition in hospital.
A 26-year-old man who was driving a BMW has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been taken to a police station where he will be questioned.
At around 5.10am police were called to the junction of the East Lancs Road and Stonebridge Lane in Croxteth after a collision.
Police are appealing for information regarding the crash. Anyone with information, who witnessed the collision, or has dashcam footage, can contact @MerPolCC, call (0151) 7775747 or 101 with reference 19100077634 or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.
https://bit.ly/2IIWh9H
-----------------------------
WILMSLOW
A taxi driver who was subject to an attempted robbery in Wilmslow managed to tag one of his assailants with red paint, forcing them to flee.
The driver, a 30-year-old man from Stockport, was approached by the three men on Albert Road in Wilmslow , shortly before 2am on Sunday, February 24.
The victim was checking his passenger side door outside the vehicle when the three men approached him, standing in front of the driver's door and demanding his cash box while brandishing a knife or screwdriver.
But the driver managed to use a red paint deterrent spray on the men, hitting one and forcing them to run off along Alderley Road.
The first man is described as white, 5’7”, slim with a local accent and wearing all black with his hood up.
The second man was described as dressed in black and the third man was described as taller than the other two men, wearing all black with white trainers on.
Detective Constable Cameron Mair said: “Although this incident happened in the early hours of the morning there were a number of people and cars in the area.
"We are asking anyone in the area to get in touch if they saw anything - particularly if you saw someone with red paint on their hoodie.
“We are also asking drivers who drove through the area at around that time to check their dashcam footage.
"No one should have to face threats and intimidation when they are out making an honest living and we want to catch those responsible.”
If you have any information about the incident you can contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 331011.
-----------------------------
A number of taxi drivers’ associations in York have made a complaint to City of York Council claiming the authority is making licensing decisions based on "misinformation".
York’s Independent Taxi Association, Hackney Carriage Association, Private Hire Association and Station Taxis Association raise concerns over information provided by council officers to a licensing meeting in February.
The complaint claims the advice was insufficient for councillors to make a fully-informed decision over issues relating to the way Uber operates.
The complaint document says
“We would like a public statement and acknowledgement regarding all the misinformation that was presented at the meeting to clarify for the viewing and listening public, the elected members and the trade, the points which are accurate and those which are not.”
A spokesperson for City of York Council said:
“City of York Council recently took a report to its Licensing committee on 11 February to present its position regarding the interpretation of the law relating to private hire licensing and the ability to work outside the area within which they are licensed.
We have been clear on our position on this.”
Minster FM understands that the council is not immediately treating the matter as a formal complaint but that may change.
The reason is because it was not about an alleged breach of council rules, but the work of officers and their interpretation of legislation.
Updated - We now understand that this IS being treated as a formal complaint now
https://bit.ly/2UdlDxE
-------------------------------
LIVERPOOL
A passenger in a taxi has died in a crash on the East Lancs road in the early hours of this morning.
Police confirmed today that a female passenger had died following the incident whilst the driver is in a serious condition in hospital.
A 26-year-old man who was driving a BMW has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been taken to a police station where he will be questioned.
At around 5.10am police were called to the junction of the East Lancs Road and Stonebridge Lane in Croxteth after a collision.
Police are appealing for information regarding the crash. Anyone with information, who witnessed the collision, or has dashcam footage, can contact @MerPolCC, call (0151) 7775747 or 101 with reference 19100077634 or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.
https://bit.ly/2IIWh9H
-----------------------------
WILMSLOW
A taxi driver who was subject to an attempted robbery in Wilmslow managed to tag one of his assailants with red paint, forcing them to flee.
The driver, a 30-year-old man from Stockport, was approached by the three men on Albert Road in Wilmslow , shortly before 2am on Sunday, February 24.
The victim was checking his passenger side door outside the vehicle when the three men approached him, standing in front of the driver's door and demanding his cash box while brandishing a knife or screwdriver.
But the driver managed to use a red paint deterrent spray on the men, hitting one and forcing them to run off along Alderley Road.
The first man is described as white, 5’7”, slim with a local accent and wearing all black with his hood up.
The second man was described as dressed in black and the third man was described as taller than the other two men, wearing all black with white trainers on.
Detective Constable Cameron Mair said: “Although this incident happened in the early hours of the morning there were a number of people and cars in the area.
"We are asking anyone in the area to get in touch if they saw anything - particularly if you saw someone with red paint on their hoodie.
“We are also asking drivers who drove through the area at around that time to check their dashcam footage.
"No one should have to face threats and intimidation when they are out making an honest living and we want to catch those responsible.”
If you have any information about the incident you can contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 331011.
-----------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)