MERSEYSIDE
A Sefton driver became the 114th cabbie or private hire operator to be arrested for drink or drug driving in Merseyside in the past year.
The figures - which show more than three arrests per day on average - have prompted Merseyside Police to reissue a warning to cabbies and private hire drivers that taking drugs and driving could result in losing their job, being imprisoned and even them or someone else dying.
According to a tweet by the Road Policing Unit, prior to the most recent arrest 11 licenses drivers had been arrested for drink driving while a massive (102) licensed drivers had been arrested for drug driving.
Fifty four drivers had been stopped by Liverpool licensing, 39 by Sefton licensing, 15 in Knowsley and five were listed as "other".
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “Drink and drug driving is a serious offence and leaves our communities vulnerable.
“All motorists have a duty of care to themselves, those they are travelling with and other road users which is why it is particularly important that taxi drivers and private hire companies consider the risks they may be putting themselves and others in if they’re found to be driving whilst using drink or drugs.
“While these drivers represent a small minority, the potential danger they present, not just to themselves but to other road users and pedestrians cannot be ignored and should be taken extremely seriously. That’s why as a force we regularly undertake roadside operations to stop those who take to the roads while impaired through drink or drugs.
“We’d like to remind everyone to think for a minute about the effects of a drink and drug driving conviction will have on you and your family, the shame and ruin that it can bring. Do not think that you won’t get caught. Our officers conduct roadside tests, morning afternoon and evening and we arrest countless drivers every month throughout the year. Don’t chance it – if you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road.”
It is councils who make the decisions on whether to issue or revoke licences for drivers, and Sefton Council says it takes such offences very seriously.
Documents on the authorities website state: "A serious view is taken of any motoring conviction for driving, attempting to drive, being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to supply a specimen.
"A person who has been disqualified from driving as a result of such an offence is likely to be refused a licence for a period of at least four years after the restoration of their DVLA driving licence.
https://bit.ly/2vY5mlK
------------------------------
Uber shares plunge 11% on second day of trading amid concerns about how the taxi app firm will ever turn a profit
Uber shares plunged by as much as 11 per cent on its second day of trading.
The drop came after the taxi app company had a rough stock market debut on Friday, closing $3.38 lower than its float price of $45.
And yesterday shares hit a low of $37.17 – 10.7 per cent lower than the business's closing price on Friday and an overall drop of 17 per cent from the float price.
https://bit.ly/2Vi3Rco
---------------------------------
COLCHESTER
TAXI drivers are being warned they could face sanctions for not displaying company signs on their vehicles as council bosses look to protect passengers.
Colchester Council's strict rules for licensed drivers state they must display the company they work for on the doors of their vehicles.
They also have to show information as to whether it is a taxi which can only be pre-booked.
The regulations are designed to protect the public and reassure customers they are getting into a legitimate vehicle they actually ordered.
Council bosses have noticed a spike in the number of people not displaying the correct signs - last year 34 drivers were caught.
And so far this year 29 have already been hauled over the coals by the authority.
It equates to 46 per cent of all offences recorded against taxi drivers.
Drivers can receive six points on their licence if they fall foul of the rules twice and may also be subject to a written warning and even a 28 day suspension from duties if they tot up 12 points within a year.
Repeated breaches can also send insurance costs spiralling for drivers.
The council's cabinet member for public safety Mike Lilley (Lab) said he was concerned to see drivers continually ignoring the rules which are set out to ensure people stay safe.
He said: "Public safety should be of paramount concern to everyone.
"These rules exist for a very good reason, to reassure and protect passengers, but unfortunately some licensed taxi drivers seem determined to flout them.
“The majority of private hire companies and their drivers carry out their trade lawfully and condemn the few that bring the trade into disrepute.
"We hope that all legitimately licensed private hire vehicle drivers will heed our advice, follow the rules, and continue to display the appropriate signs on the doors of their vehicles.”
https://bit.ly/2VALnZF
Monday, 13 May 2019
Saturday, 11 May 2019
John Hayes Conservative, South Holland and The Deepings
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the recommendation made by the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Licensing and in response to the representations made by the Mayor of (a) London and (b) Greater Manchester, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling (i) towns and (ii) cities to cap the number of private hire vehicles operating in an area.
Tweet Share
Hansard source
(Citation: HC Deb, 10 May 2019, cW)
Nusrat Ghani Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
The Government’s position on enabling the restriction of private hire vehicles was set-out in the response to the report by the Chair of the Task and Finish Group; that powers already available to local authorities should be used to address air quality and congestion concerns.
--------------------------------
Jesse Norman Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Nottingham City Council has been awarded £6m under the Government’s Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme to deliver a range of initiatives in Nottingham and Derby to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles, including deploying 35 rapid and 195 fast charging units at key locations across the cities.
The Council has also been awarded £700k under the Ultra-low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme, to deliver 20 rapid chargepoints and 12 fast chargepoints dedicated to taxis and private hire vehicles.
The Government has various UK-wide support schemes in place to assist with the cost of installing chargepoints in motorists’ homes, on residential streets, in workplaces, car parks and the wider public estate. The workplace scheme has provided funding for 59 chargepoints in the wider Nottingham area.
-------------------------------
GLASGOW
Private hire taxi driver suspended after being accused of raping 16-year-old girl
Cops told Glasgow City Council licencing chiefs that the man is no longer fit to hold a licence.
A private hire car driver will appear in court accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.
The man's licence has been suspended by Glasgow City Council following a complaint from Police Scotland.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone recommended the suspension and a police representative said the man is "no longer a fit and proper person to hold a licence".
The incident allegedly occurred late on Friday, April 5 or in the early hours of Saturday, April 6.
The police representative told licensing chiefs the man is accused of driving the girl to a "secluded spot" in the city before raping her.
She said he was "likely to cause serious threat to public safety" if he was allowed to continue driving.
The licensing committee heard he has been charged under the Sexual Offences Act and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on April 10.
He was committed for further examination and released on bail.
Councillors on the licensing committee made no comment on the case as it is sub judice.
Both the man's private hire car and private hire car driver's licence were suspended for six weeks immediately after the alleged incident.
https://bit.ly/2YjHR2I
------------------------------
LIVERPOOL
A "drunk" taxi driver smashed his cab into the doors at a Labour club where a funeral wake was taking place.
Reports were made to police about an altercation in Bootle which ended with a hackney ploughing into the front of Firwood Cricket Club on Wadham Road
Police arrived at the scene, at around 4.15pm on Thursday, where a member of the public complained he'd been assaulted at the junction with Hawthorne Road.
Officers detained a 43-year-old man on suspicion of common assault, drink driving, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
Today, shocked staff at the cricket club reacted with shock at the news.
And they revealed how the man allegedly responsible had entered the club hours earlier as part of the funeral party.
But he had angrily left the function while drunk, witnesses said.
Management at the Firwood club said the taxi had become wedged in between steel bollards in front of the entrance.
And onlookers described how the taxi had shunted backwards before being driven once more against the doors.
A Firwood spokeswoman said: "People from the club are completely shocked.
"You don't expect someone to do that."
Officials estimate it will cost a few thousand pounds to repair the doors.
This morning, photos emerged of the damaged black taxi.
And messages on Facebook about "someone dragging a taxi driver out the cab and beat him up," are wide of the mark.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We have arrested a man on suspicion of drink driving and other offences following an incident in Bootle yesterday, Thursday 9 May.
"At around 4.15pm, officers were called to the junction of Wadham Road to reports of a black cab in collision with doors at the Labour Club.
"The taxi was located at the junction with Hawthorne Road with damage.
https://bit.ly/2vTTMYQ
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the recommendation made by the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Licensing and in response to the representations made by the Mayor of (a) London and (b) Greater Manchester, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling (i) towns and (ii) cities to cap the number of private hire vehicles operating in an area.
Tweet Share
Hansard source
(Citation: HC Deb, 10 May 2019, cW)
Nusrat Ghani Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
The Government’s position on enabling the restriction of private hire vehicles was set-out in the response to the report by the Chair of the Task and Finish Group; that powers already available to local authorities should be used to address air quality and congestion concerns.
--------------------------------
Jesse Norman Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Nottingham City Council has been awarded £6m under the Government’s Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme to deliver a range of initiatives in Nottingham and Derby to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles, including deploying 35 rapid and 195 fast charging units at key locations across the cities.
The Council has also been awarded £700k under the Ultra-low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme, to deliver 20 rapid chargepoints and 12 fast chargepoints dedicated to taxis and private hire vehicles.
The Government has various UK-wide support schemes in place to assist with the cost of installing chargepoints in motorists’ homes, on residential streets, in workplaces, car parks and the wider public estate. The workplace scheme has provided funding for 59 chargepoints in the wider Nottingham area.
-------------------------------
GLASGOW
Private hire taxi driver suspended after being accused of raping 16-year-old girl
Cops told Glasgow City Council licencing chiefs that the man is no longer fit to hold a licence.
A private hire car driver will appear in court accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.
The man's licence has been suspended by Glasgow City Council following a complaint from Police Scotland.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone recommended the suspension and a police representative said the man is "no longer a fit and proper person to hold a licence".
The incident allegedly occurred late on Friday, April 5 or in the early hours of Saturday, April 6.
The police representative told licensing chiefs the man is accused of driving the girl to a "secluded spot" in the city before raping her.
She said he was "likely to cause serious threat to public safety" if he was allowed to continue driving.
The licensing committee heard he has been charged under the Sexual Offences Act and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on April 10.
He was committed for further examination and released on bail.
Councillors on the licensing committee made no comment on the case as it is sub judice.
Both the man's private hire car and private hire car driver's licence were suspended for six weeks immediately after the alleged incident.
https://bit.ly/2YjHR2I
------------------------------
LIVERPOOL
A "drunk" taxi driver smashed his cab into the doors at a Labour club where a funeral wake was taking place.
Reports were made to police about an altercation in Bootle which ended with a hackney ploughing into the front of Firwood Cricket Club on Wadham Road
Police arrived at the scene, at around 4.15pm on Thursday, where a member of the public complained he'd been assaulted at the junction with Hawthorne Road.
Officers detained a 43-year-old man on suspicion of common assault, drink driving, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
Today, shocked staff at the cricket club reacted with shock at the news.
And they revealed how the man allegedly responsible had entered the club hours earlier as part of the funeral party.
But he had angrily left the function while drunk, witnesses said.
Management at the Firwood club said the taxi had become wedged in between steel bollards in front of the entrance.
And onlookers described how the taxi had shunted backwards before being driven once more against the doors.
A Firwood spokeswoman said: "People from the club are completely shocked.
"You don't expect someone to do that."
Officials estimate it will cost a few thousand pounds to repair the doors.
This morning, photos emerged of the damaged black taxi.
And messages on Facebook about "someone dragging a taxi driver out the cab and beat him up," are wide of the mark.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We have arrested a man on suspicion of drink driving and other offences following an incident in Bootle yesterday, Thursday 9 May.
"At around 4.15pm, officers were called to the junction of Wadham Road to reports of a black cab in collision with doors at the Labour Club.
"The taxi was located at the junction with Hawthorne Road with damage.
https://bit.ly/2vTTMYQ
Thursday, 9 May 2019
MILTON KEYNES
A heavily pregnant passenger feared for her life after a reckless taxi driver used his mobile phone behind the wheel.
Anne-Marie, from Milton Keynes, was taking a Skyline Taxi on the A5 towards Bletchley on Monday when she spotted her driver on his phone.
The mum-to-be pleaded with the driver to stop but he refused.
She said: “I’m eight months pregnant so I became very emotional at the fact he could have killed me, my unborn baby and himself.
“To be honest I was just completely disgusted not only at the illegal driving but the driver’s manner when I asked for him to not use his mobile phone.”
The angry 27-year-old took to Twitter to blast the irresponsible driver, posting a picture of his blatant act of stupidity.
Anne-Marie posted: “Yet another disappointing service from @Skylinetaxis in Milton Keynes...this was AFTER I asked for him to put his phone down and had informed the driver I’m pregnant.”
She then reported the incident to police before filing a complaint against the taxi firm and Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC).
Anne Marie added: “The driver was aggressive the whole journey and it was very uncomfortable.
”It’s just ignorant and careless behaviour.”
A spokesman for Skyline Taxis said it has liaised with Anne-Marie and the driver has been suspended from its circuit.
“We understand this has been passed on to the police and we will assist the police with their enquiries.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed: “A report has been made, we are liaising with the aggrieved and an investigation is under way.”
https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/people/caught-on-camera-heavily-pregnant-woman-pleads-with-taxi-driver-to-get-off-his-phone-1-8920182
----------------------------------
Taxi app Ola hopes to start up in Brighton and Hove if it gets a licence.
Hailed as a rival to Uber, Ola wants a five-year licence to operate a private hire service, where taxis are pre-booked.
The company started out in India before branching out to Australia and recently launched in Birmingham.
It also operates in South Wales, Merseyside and Reading.
In its application Ola has committed to using Brighton and Hove licensed drivers and vehicles only.
Any out of town drivers who drop off in the city will only be permitted to complete a maximum of two pick-ups here within a 24 hours period.
The company has given its Brighton address as Queensbury House in Queen’s Road.
The GMB and Unite unions made a joint representation which was described as not an objection.
Secretary of GMB’s Brighton and Hove Taxi section, Andrew Peters said competition is always welcome provided it is all on the same level.
But both unions are concerned that OLA does not consider that it is a “transport provider”.
Mr Peters said: “This is what Uber has always stated and yet it has applied for an operator licence to provide the means of transport to the public which is quite ironic.
“This is where the very experienced trade has concerns because there is a huge responsibility on all licensed operators for the protection of the public.
“This is especially relevant where there has been horrific news about vulnerable people being abused via a small core of taxi/private hire drivers in places like Rotherham and such like.”
Mr Peters pointed out the city’s taxi trade works with the council to maintain high standards to protect the public, and all companies now have their own app.
He added: “International cab apps are now popping up all over the place which in one sense is very good for the public but local councils must ensure that these entities are ‘fit and proper’ and are aware of the full responsibilities.
“Unfortunately when they deny they are ‘transport providers’ that is where eyebrows are raised within the local trades.”
A three-councillor panel meets at Hove Town Hall to discuss the application from 10am on Monday 12 May.
https://bit.ly/2VUwhNU
A heavily pregnant passenger feared for her life after a reckless taxi driver used his mobile phone behind the wheel.
Anne-Marie, from Milton Keynes, was taking a Skyline Taxi on the A5 towards Bletchley on Monday when she spotted her driver on his phone.
The mum-to-be pleaded with the driver to stop but he refused.
She said: “I’m eight months pregnant so I became very emotional at the fact he could have killed me, my unborn baby and himself.
“To be honest I was just completely disgusted not only at the illegal driving but the driver’s manner when I asked for him to not use his mobile phone.”
The angry 27-year-old took to Twitter to blast the irresponsible driver, posting a picture of his blatant act of stupidity.
Anne-Marie posted: “Yet another disappointing service from @Skylinetaxis in Milton Keynes...this was AFTER I asked for him to put his phone down and had informed the driver I’m pregnant.”
She then reported the incident to police before filing a complaint against the taxi firm and Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC).
Anne Marie added: “The driver was aggressive the whole journey and it was very uncomfortable.
”It’s just ignorant and careless behaviour.”
A spokesman for Skyline Taxis said it has liaised with Anne-Marie and the driver has been suspended from its circuit.
“We understand this has been passed on to the police and we will assist the police with their enquiries.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed: “A report has been made, we are liaising with the aggrieved and an investigation is under way.”
https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/people/caught-on-camera-heavily-pregnant-woman-pleads-with-taxi-driver-to-get-off-his-phone-1-8920182
----------------------------------
Taxi app Ola hopes to start up in Brighton and Hove if it gets a licence.
Hailed as a rival to Uber, Ola wants a five-year licence to operate a private hire service, where taxis are pre-booked.
The company started out in India before branching out to Australia and recently launched in Birmingham.
It also operates in South Wales, Merseyside and Reading.
In its application Ola has committed to using Brighton and Hove licensed drivers and vehicles only.
Any out of town drivers who drop off in the city will only be permitted to complete a maximum of two pick-ups here within a 24 hours period.
The company has given its Brighton address as Queensbury House in Queen’s Road.
The GMB and Unite unions made a joint representation which was described as not an objection.
Secretary of GMB’s Brighton and Hove Taxi section, Andrew Peters said competition is always welcome provided it is all on the same level.
But both unions are concerned that OLA does not consider that it is a “transport provider”.
Mr Peters said: “This is what Uber has always stated and yet it has applied for an operator licence to provide the means of transport to the public which is quite ironic.
“This is where the very experienced trade has concerns because there is a huge responsibility on all licensed operators for the protection of the public.
“This is especially relevant where there has been horrific news about vulnerable people being abused via a small core of taxi/private hire drivers in places like Rotherham and such like.”
Mr Peters pointed out the city’s taxi trade works with the council to maintain high standards to protect the public, and all companies now have their own app.
He added: “International cab apps are now popping up all over the place which in one sense is very good for the public but local councils must ensure that these entities are ‘fit and proper’ and are aware of the full responsibilities.
“Unfortunately when they deny they are ‘transport providers’ that is where eyebrows are raised within the local trades.”
A three-councillor panel meets at Hove Town Hall to discuss the application from 10am on Monday 12 May.
https://bit.ly/2VUwhNU
Tuesday, 7 May 2019
A taxi co-op set up in 2013 to give drivers and passengers in Southend a fairer deal has launched a new service in neighbouring borough Rochford.
Since its launch – with support from Co-operatives UK – six years ago, Southend Taxi Co-operative has grown from six cars to 70.
Co-founder Mark Jennings, who is also president of his regional branch of the GMB professional drivers’ union, said drivers launched the Southend co-op because they were not happy with the two owners of the taxi services in the town.
“We stood up against them and went it alone,” he said. “We’re doing really well now – so well, it turns out we had too much money in the bank so we returned £3,000 to our members – £60 each. And last year we repaid all our investors, who had each put in £1,000.”
The expansion into Rochford came after drivers there said they needed an alternative to working for the taxi firms there.
“We have to take on more cars,” said Mr Jennings. “It’s a separate licensing authority so we need to attract Rochford licenses. We’ve made enquiries, done the stickering and had cards done, to get ourselves ready.
“We’ve got six drivers to get us going – I am one of them, I’ve got the knowledge and the badge.”
The co-op’s success means it saw off a challenge from Uber. “They were here for 17 months but they left last year,” said Mr Jennings. “They are exploiting the people working on their platform massively.”
And the co-op model brings benefits for passengers, he adds. “The drivers own the company, and the service standard is higher than when you’re working for someone else. It makes people go above and beyond – the drivers care and it shows.”
The team has been working to replicate its success elsewhere, mentoring taxi drivers in Cardiff, who launched their own co-op, Drive, in March.
Drive – which also had support from Wales Co-operative Centre and the GMB, and is based at co-working centre Indycube – formed in response to high fees levied on drivers by Uber and by national private hire firms.
“The huge majority of drivers in Cardiff are self employed and everyone is struggling to make ends meet,” said co-founder Paul O’Hara. “We couldn’t affect the amount we pay for insurance, license fees and fuel, but what we could affect is the amount we paid to operators.
“We felt the co-operative approach, giving each driver that becomes a member one share of the company, which entitles them to one vote, and a real say in how the company is run, was much better than just forming yet another company with only a few people at the top taking all the profit. Run on a not for profit basis means that we can charge members the lowest amount possible to use our dispatch system. It could potentially save drivers up to £4-5,000 a year.
“That money then stays in the local economy rather the paid in dividends to share holders and company bosses.”
Back in Southend, Mr Jennings has hailed Cardiff’s success. “I’d love to see taxi co-ops in every borough from Southend to Cardiff,” he said, “to have co-op firms all the way through, and I’ll work on it. If I get the momentum there’s no holding me back.”
https://bit.ly/2LuBxDW
-------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM
Taxi drivers will be protesting again in Birmingham city centre today, after the council said it would not attend talks to solve the dispute over clear air zone charges.
They claim they were 'steamrolled' over the plans to impose a Clean Air Zone on the city in 2020 and that it would plunge them into 'greater financial hardship.'
They've been staging go-slow protests in the city centre during rush hour for the past two weeks, causing major delays for other drivers on the roads.
Cllr Barbara Dring, chair of the licensing committee, said the council had 'done the best we can' for the drivers.
Taxi drivers will be staging go-slow protests in the city centre on:
Tuesday 7th May 2019 -
15.00 - 18.00
Wednesday 8th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Thursday 9th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Friday 10th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Monday 13th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Tuesday 14th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Wednesday 15th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Thursday 16th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Friday 17th May 2019 - 15.00 -18.00
https://bit.ly/2J6eKwf
-----------------------------------
PLYMOUTH
Police are hunting a man who leapt into a unattended taxi, 'kidnapped' an unsuspected passenger before crashing the vehicle - causing hundreds of pounds of damage and then fleeing scene.
Officers were alerted to an incident at around 11.15pm on Sunday May 5 where a black Mercedes taxi was briefly unattended outside the Co-operative store in Notte Street.
A man leapt into the driver's seat and - despite there being a fare-paying passenger sitting in the rear - police say the suspect sped off along the road. It is understood the vehicle collided with a number of objects before finally coming to rest outside the Tesco store in Notte Street.
The suspect then fled the area and are wanted on suspicion of kidnap and of aggravated vehicle taking.
Investigators have told Plymouth Live they are examining dash camera footage taken from other taxi vehicles which were in the area around that time.
Detectives also say they are aware there were a number of people ere present at the time the taxi was taken and they are keen to hear from them.
If you can assist police contact them on 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number CR/039673/19.
https://bit.ly/303bG9k
Since its launch – with support from Co-operatives UK – six years ago, Southend Taxi Co-operative has grown from six cars to 70.
Co-founder Mark Jennings, who is also president of his regional branch of the GMB professional drivers’ union, said drivers launched the Southend co-op because they were not happy with the two owners of the taxi services in the town.
“We stood up against them and went it alone,” he said. “We’re doing really well now – so well, it turns out we had too much money in the bank so we returned £3,000 to our members – £60 each. And last year we repaid all our investors, who had each put in £1,000.”
The expansion into Rochford came after drivers there said they needed an alternative to working for the taxi firms there.
“We have to take on more cars,” said Mr Jennings. “It’s a separate licensing authority so we need to attract Rochford licenses. We’ve made enquiries, done the stickering and had cards done, to get ourselves ready.
“We’ve got six drivers to get us going – I am one of them, I’ve got the knowledge and the badge.”
The co-op’s success means it saw off a challenge from Uber. “They were here for 17 months but they left last year,” said Mr Jennings. “They are exploiting the people working on their platform massively.”
And the co-op model brings benefits for passengers, he adds. “The drivers own the company, and the service standard is higher than when you’re working for someone else. It makes people go above and beyond – the drivers care and it shows.”
The team has been working to replicate its success elsewhere, mentoring taxi drivers in Cardiff, who launched their own co-op, Drive, in March.
Drive – which also had support from Wales Co-operative Centre and the GMB, and is based at co-working centre Indycube – formed in response to high fees levied on drivers by Uber and by national private hire firms.
“The huge majority of drivers in Cardiff are self employed and everyone is struggling to make ends meet,” said co-founder Paul O’Hara. “We couldn’t affect the amount we pay for insurance, license fees and fuel, but what we could affect is the amount we paid to operators.
“We felt the co-operative approach, giving each driver that becomes a member one share of the company, which entitles them to one vote, and a real say in how the company is run, was much better than just forming yet another company with only a few people at the top taking all the profit. Run on a not for profit basis means that we can charge members the lowest amount possible to use our dispatch system. It could potentially save drivers up to £4-5,000 a year.
“That money then stays in the local economy rather the paid in dividends to share holders and company bosses.”
Back in Southend, Mr Jennings has hailed Cardiff’s success. “I’d love to see taxi co-ops in every borough from Southend to Cardiff,” he said, “to have co-op firms all the way through, and I’ll work on it. If I get the momentum there’s no holding me back.”
https://bit.ly/2LuBxDW
-------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM
Taxi drivers will be protesting again in Birmingham city centre today, after the council said it would not attend talks to solve the dispute over clear air zone charges.
They claim they were 'steamrolled' over the plans to impose a Clean Air Zone on the city in 2020 and that it would plunge them into 'greater financial hardship.'
They've been staging go-slow protests in the city centre during rush hour for the past two weeks, causing major delays for other drivers on the roads.
Cllr Barbara Dring, chair of the licensing committee, said the council had 'done the best we can' for the drivers.
Taxi drivers will be staging go-slow protests in the city centre on:
Tuesday 7th May 2019 -
15.00 - 18.00
Wednesday 8th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Thursday 9th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Friday 10th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Monday 13th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Tuesday 14th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Wednesday 15th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Thursday 16th May 2019 - 15.00 - 18.00
Friday 17th May 2019 - 15.00 -18.00
https://bit.ly/2J6eKwf
-----------------------------------
PLYMOUTH
Police are hunting a man who leapt into a unattended taxi, 'kidnapped' an unsuspected passenger before crashing the vehicle - causing hundreds of pounds of damage and then fleeing scene.
Officers were alerted to an incident at around 11.15pm on Sunday May 5 where a black Mercedes taxi was briefly unattended outside the Co-operative store in Notte Street.
A man leapt into the driver's seat and - despite there being a fare-paying passenger sitting in the rear - police say the suspect sped off along the road. It is understood the vehicle collided with a number of objects before finally coming to rest outside the Tesco store in Notte Street.
The suspect then fled the area and are wanted on suspicion of kidnap and of aggravated vehicle taking.
Investigators have told Plymouth Live they are examining dash camera footage taken from other taxi vehicles which were in the area around that time.
Detectives also say they are aware there were a number of people ere present at the time the taxi was taken and they are keen to hear from them.
If you can assist police contact them on 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number CR/039673/19.
https://bit.ly/303bG9k
Monday, 6 May 2019
AUSTRALIA
Uber 'came to our shores, illegally, like pirates', class action lead plaintiff says:
More than 6,000 taxi and car-hire drivers, operators and licence owners across four states are taking on ridesharing giant Uber, as part of a major class action.
Key points:
The case covers taxi drivers, operators and licence owners from NSW, Qld, Vic and WA
Lawyers will allege Uber Australia acted illegally and had an unfair advantage in the market
The case comes as Uber is preparing to list on the US stock exchange this month
The case was filed in the Victorian Supreme Court this morning.
Nick Andrianakis, a taxi-driver, operator and licence owner, has been chosen as the lead plaintiff.
"My family has always been into taxis, my father drove taxis … my son drove taxis while he was at uni," he said.
"But when Uber came to our shores illegally, like pirates, they broke every law, every regulation."
He said he was forced out of business after Uber entered the Australian market and he remembered the night he had to walk away.
"It was a Friday night after an MCG game, I was outside the Swan Hotel and, normally, this is a very busy time for taxis. I was one of many other taxis outside the pub waiting for a fare," Mr Andrianakis said.
"It was raining and I saw Ubers picking up and dropping off. Picking up and dropping off. I must have been there about an hour.
"My back door finally opened and a young lady got in and she said 'look, I'm sorry driver, I'm not going far' ... I said 'that's OK, you got in my cab I'll take you anywhere you like'.
"She said, 'I would have got an Uber, but my phone's gone flat'. And that was like a stake in my heart.
Uber Australia and its parent companies will face allegations it operated illegally and, as a result, had an unfair competitive advantage over taxi and hire-car industry participants who were complying with the law.
"Uber came in and exploited people by operating outside of regulations," Maurice Blackburn senior associate Elizabeth O'Shea said in a statement.
"Uber's conduct led to horrible losses being suffered by our group members.
State governments have had various legislative responses to Uber.
NSW established a $250 million "industry adjustment package" to compensate taxi drivers in December 2015.
In 2016, Victoria announced an overhaul of the taxi industry, offering to buy back licences at a small fraction of their worth.
Last year, the WA Parliament passed legislation to overhaul the taxi industry, including introduce a levy for taxi and Uber fares to help fund a taxi plate buyback scheme as part of wider reforms to the industry.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Uber said: "Uber has not been served with a class action claim.
"We understand there are media reports suggesting that Maurice Blackburn has filed a claim that will allege Uber operated illegally in Australia. Uber denies this allegation and, if a claim is served making it, the claim will be vigorously defended.
"Over 3.8 million Australians regularly use Uber as a reliable choice to get from A to B and governments across the country have recognised ridesharing as part of the transport mix.
"We are focusing our efforts on delivering a great service to riders and drivers in the cities where we operate."
"For those reasons, we are targeting the multi-billion-dollar company Uber and its associated entities to provide redress to those affected."
The case covers drivers, operators and licence owners from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
In their summary of pleadings, the claimants allege Uber entities knew their operations in Australia were illegal for a number of reasons, including that the company "adopted a policy to operate in any market where the regulator had tacitly approved doing so by failing to take direct enforcement action".
https://ab.co/2H5tt8m
Uber 'came to our shores, illegally, like pirates', class action lead plaintiff says:
More than 6,000 taxi and car-hire drivers, operators and licence owners across four states are taking on ridesharing giant Uber, as part of a major class action.
Key points:
The case covers taxi drivers, operators and licence owners from NSW, Qld, Vic and WA
Lawyers will allege Uber Australia acted illegally and had an unfair advantage in the market
The case comes as Uber is preparing to list on the US stock exchange this month
The case was filed in the Victorian Supreme Court this morning.
Nick Andrianakis, a taxi-driver, operator and licence owner, has been chosen as the lead plaintiff.
"My family has always been into taxis, my father drove taxis … my son drove taxis while he was at uni," he said.
"But when Uber came to our shores illegally, like pirates, they broke every law, every regulation."
He said he was forced out of business after Uber entered the Australian market and he remembered the night he had to walk away.
"It was a Friday night after an MCG game, I was outside the Swan Hotel and, normally, this is a very busy time for taxis. I was one of many other taxis outside the pub waiting for a fare," Mr Andrianakis said.
"It was raining and I saw Ubers picking up and dropping off. Picking up and dropping off. I must have been there about an hour.
"My back door finally opened and a young lady got in and she said 'look, I'm sorry driver, I'm not going far' ... I said 'that's OK, you got in my cab I'll take you anywhere you like'.
"She said, 'I would have got an Uber, but my phone's gone flat'. And that was like a stake in my heart.
Uber Australia and its parent companies will face allegations it operated illegally and, as a result, had an unfair competitive advantage over taxi and hire-car industry participants who were complying with the law.
"Uber came in and exploited people by operating outside of regulations," Maurice Blackburn senior associate Elizabeth O'Shea said in a statement.
"Uber's conduct led to horrible losses being suffered by our group members.
State governments have had various legislative responses to Uber.
NSW established a $250 million "industry adjustment package" to compensate taxi drivers in December 2015.
In 2016, Victoria announced an overhaul of the taxi industry, offering to buy back licences at a small fraction of their worth.
Last year, the WA Parliament passed legislation to overhaul the taxi industry, including introduce a levy for taxi and Uber fares to help fund a taxi plate buyback scheme as part of wider reforms to the industry.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Uber said: "Uber has not been served with a class action claim.
"We understand there are media reports suggesting that Maurice Blackburn has filed a claim that will allege Uber operated illegally in Australia. Uber denies this allegation and, if a claim is served making it, the claim will be vigorously defended.
"Over 3.8 million Australians regularly use Uber as a reliable choice to get from A to B and governments across the country have recognised ridesharing as part of the transport mix.
"We are focusing our efforts on delivering a great service to riders and drivers in the cities where we operate."
"For those reasons, we are targeting the multi-billion-dollar company Uber and its associated entities to provide redress to those affected."
The case covers drivers, operators and licence owners from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
In their summary of pleadings, the claimants allege Uber entities knew their operations in Australia were illegal for a number of reasons, including that the company "adopted a policy to operate in any market where the regulator had tacitly approved doing so by failing to take direct enforcement action".
https://ab.co/2H5tt8m
Saturday, 4 May 2019
ALTRINGHAM
Thug Russell Barnard, 28, attacked taxi driver Nazar Abbas with a knuckleduster after the terrified victim rang 999 - and was advised to get his assailant's name and address
A road rage thug threatened a taxi driver with a knuckleduster after the terrified victim rang 999 - and was advised to get his assailant's name and address.
Russell Barnard, 28, had already threatened Nazar Abbas and refused to give out his personal details on request after the pair were involved in a minor crash in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
But when Mr Abbas called police to say Barnard was being aggressive towards him, an officer suggested the cabbie go back to Barnard and ask again for his name.
As Mr Abbas did so, Barnard angrily grabbed the knuckleduster from his Renault car and warned the victim: 'F*ck off, I'm not going to give my details - I'm going to smash your face in instead'.
The victim was forced to lock himself in his private hire cab whilst Barnard stood outside.
Police arrived to find Barnard attempting to drive away and discovered an axe in the footwell of his car.
In a statement Mr Abbas said: 'I felt very vulnerable and I now refuse to operate as a taxi driver in that area.' A report revealed Barnard, from Hale, had 'multiple personality disorder' and his outburst occurred when he was 'under the influence of one of the unpleasant personalities.'
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, he admitted using threatening behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon.
The pair were involved in the collision near a Sainsbury's store on October 19 last year.
Prosecutor Miss Lisa Boocock said: 'Mr Abbas tried to exchange details with the defendant, who instead refused to do so and drove off to a nearby car park.
'Mr Abbas followed him into that car park and the two of them got out of the vehicles.
'But the defendant was very aggressive with Mr Abbas, who was asking him for details for insurance purposes.
'He told Mr Abbas to 'f*ck off and go away.'
Mr Abbas said the defendant was staring straight at him which frightened him and gave him cause to be concerned. He was frightened he was going to be attacked so he phoned the police. But surprisingly the police told him to try and get the details again.
Barnard had already threatened Nazar Abbas and refused to give out his personal details on request after the pair were involved in a minor crash in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. When Mr Abbas called police to say Barnard was being aggressive towards him, an officer suggested the cabbie go back to his attacker and ask again for his name
'He did do and was met with some aggressive response. The defendant went to his car, recovered a knuckle duster and came back to Mr Abbas, wearing the knuckle duster on his right hand.
'Mr Abbas was frightened he was going to be attacked due to the defendant shouting: 'f*ck off, I'm not going to give my details, I'm going to smash your face in'.
'Mr Abbas got back into his car and locked the doors to stop him from getting in. The defendant didn't attempt to get in. The defendant got back into his car when the police arrived.
'The defendant was placed into the back of a police car. He was spoken to by the police and he refused to give the officer his details.
'He was discovered by way of checking the keeper details of the car. Police recovered the knuckle duster and an axe on the footwell of the car.
'This is road rage without the assault.'
Barnard was given a 12 months community order and was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Hunter Gray said: 'There is a diagnosis of a mental disorder which creates risk. On this particular occasion he was emotionally very low. There is genuine remorse.'
Sentencing Judge Mark Savill told Barnard: 'It is clear you were in a heightened emotional state and this caused this man fear.
'You are a well built man and it would have been very frightening for anybody with you coming towards them bearing a knuckle duster.
Copy link to paste in your message
As Mr Abbas did so, Barnard angrily grabbed the knuckleduster from his Renault car and warned the victim: 'F*ck off, I'm not going to give my details - I'm going to smash your face in instead', Manchester Crown Court heard. Barnard was given a 12 months community order and was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work
'You were interviewed and said you had no recollection and gave a fanciful explanation of how you found these knuckle dusters.
'But from a psychiatric report it is accepted that you suffer from a psychiatric illness and have been treated for that and over the years have managed it very well and you are a man of good character.
'You were in a somewhat worse personal situation last year you had lost your job, weren't sleeping and were looking at life in a rather poorer light.
'By and large you managed to keep your condition from causing difficulties in your life and the recommendation is that you receive treatment for it.. I accept you are a man who has a mental health disorder.
'This is a wholly exceptional case please continue to manage your life as you have until now if you don't you and I will meet again.'
https://dailym.ai/2vCRxJh
------------------------------
Suffolk County Council has said that companies taking children to school should sub-contract their work “only in emergency situations”.
But Quick Cab Services Ltd. in Ipswich uses self-employed drivers to carry out its work, with some parents concerned they have less knowledge about who is responsible for their children's transport.
A council spokesman reassured parents that every transport operator it works with is licensed – and that those operators only use licensed drivers.
But Julian Coates, whose four-year-old son William is among the youngest children at Hillside Special School in Sudbury, said: “I am giving my son to people I don't know. I am giving them my pride and joy – I worship the ground he walks on.
“If anything happens, who do I blame? If you are going to take responsibility, you should drive that taxi. So when I have a problem I know who I am talking to.”
Mr Coates said he would prefer William to be looked after by a company with a fleet of cabs – as he feels there would be more clear and consistent contact between parent and driver.
“I am going by somebody else telling me something,” he said.
“I don't know what's going on. It needs a common sense approach to this.”
Mr Coates said he was already frustrated with his son's transport situation, as William's daily three-hour round trip frequently leaves him exhausted.
A council spokesman said: “Whilst we do not comment on individual cases, we can reassure parents that every transport operator we work with is licenced and uses licenced drivers who are also registered with Suffolk County Council.”
Quick Cab Services Ltd. has been contacted for comment.
https://bit.ly/2ZYoU7x
-------------------------------------
BRISTOL
A taxi went up in flames while travelling towards Pill - and fire from the vehicle shot across the road towards an electricity pole.
Dramatic footage of the vehicle fire on Abbots Leigh Road was captured by concerned residents.
Reports from the scene suggest petrol leaked from the car went up in flames.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at around 8:22pm May 3.
Group manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service Steve Quinton said: "We had a call from a taxi driver to say his vehicle had set on fire.
"Crews used breathing apparatus and a high powered jet hose to extinguish the fire. It was affecting a nearby electricity pole."
--------------------------------
LONDON
Black cab drivers are "polluting" a Paddington street with diesel fumes by idling in an “illegal” taxi rank, residents say.
Locals say cabbies queue every day along Praed Street to pick up customers outside Paddington tube station, St Mary’s Hospital and the Hilton Hotel.
Both sides of the “narrow” road have double yellow lines, and the upset neighbours accuse Westminster Council of turning a blind eye.
However the council said it has increased parking marshal patrols and the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said creating a formal taxi rank would solve the problem.
Jake Laing, 34, of nearby Westbourne Terrace, said: “A few times I’ve spoken to the drivers but they just laughed or told me to f*** off. My neighbours had the same thing too.
“On top of that they sit there in a long line with gas guzzling engines spewing out diesel for hours.”
The IT worker added: “I’ve been sending Westminster Council photos of it but they just don’t do anything about it. They don’t want to p*** off the black cabs.”
Another resident, Andrew Harcourt, said: “There is an official taxi rank inside Paddington station. Taxis should be forced to keep to that rank only. They should also not queue for hundreds of metres on the public road causing a road safety issue.
“The pollution is appalling at the best of times but to have a row of taxis sat with diesel engines spewing fumes all day everyday right by the path is another example of how inconsiderate these drivers are.”
They also say the taxis can block the road and obstruct ambulances trying to reach St Mary’s Hospital A&E. The London Ambulance Service were approached for comment and they said no “significant issues” with congestion on Praed Street existed.
Local Labour councillors also say they have heard from "very many" local people complaining about the cabs.
Two black cab drivers approached by the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service on Tuesday (April 30) refused to comment on the issue.
Westminster Council's cabinet member for environment, Tim Mitchell, said: “Vehicles illegally blocking this section of Praed Street is unacceptable – that’s why we’ve stepped up the presence of our marshals in the area to prevent parking offences including idling. We’re continuing to monitor the situation, and working with TfL and others to find a permanent solution.
“As part of our ongoing #DontBeIdle campaign we’re educating all drivers on the effect of idling on air quality, but need Government to give councils greater powers to enforce against idling.“
LTDA chairman Richard Massett said: “The LTDA does not condone drivers parking unsafely and causing congestion in Praed Street.
“This situation highlights the current inadequate design of taxi facilities at the station. To rectify this the LTDA is currently working with TfL and Westminster City Council to establish a rank to serve both the hotels near the station and demand from the new Elizabeth line [Crossrail]. The current thinking of all parties is that a future rank would best be sited in Praed Street.”
https://bit.ly/2J0kojp
Thug Russell Barnard, 28, attacked taxi driver Nazar Abbas with a knuckleduster after the terrified victim rang 999 - and was advised to get his assailant's name and address
A road rage thug threatened a taxi driver with a knuckleduster after the terrified victim rang 999 - and was advised to get his assailant's name and address.
Russell Barnard, 28, had already threatened Nazar Abbas and refused to give out his personal details on request after the pair were involved in a minor crash in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
But when Mr Abbas called police to say Barnard was being aggressive towards him, an officer suggested the cabbie go back to Barnard and ask again for his name.
As Mr Abbas did so, Barnard angrily grabbed the knuckleduster from his Renault car and warned the victim: 'F*ck off, I'm not going to give my details - I'm going to smash your face in instead'.
The victim was forced to lock himself in his private hire cab whilst Barnard stood outside.
Police arrived to find Barnard attempting to drive away and discovered an axe in the footwell of his car.
In a statement Mr Abbas said: 'I felt very vulnerable and I now refuse to operate as a taxi driver in that area.' A report revealed Barnard, from Hale, had 'multiple personality disorder' and his outburst occurred when he was 'under the influence of one of the unpleasant personalities.'
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, he admitted using threatening behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon.
The pair were involved in the collision near a Sainsbury's store on October 19 last year.
Prosecutor Miss Lisa Boocock said: 'Mr Abbas tried to exchange details with the defendant, who instead refused to do so and drove off to a nearby car park.
'Mr Abbas followed him into that car park and the two of them got out of the vehicles.
'But the defendant was very aggressive with Mr Abbas, who was asking him for details for insurance purposes.
'He told Mr Abbas to 'f*ck off and go away.'
Mr Abbas said the defendant was staring straight at him which frightened him and gave him cause to be concerned. He was frightened he was going to be attacked so he phoned the police. But surprisingly the police told him to try and get the details again.
Barnard had already threatened Nazar Abbas and refused to give out his personal details on request after the pair were involved in a minor crash in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. When Mr Abbas called police to say Barnard was being aggressive towards him, an officer suggested the cabbie go back to his attacker and ask again for his name
'He did do and was met with some aggressive response. The defendant went to his car, recovered a knuckle duster and came back to Mr Abbas, wearing the knuckle duster on his right hand.
'Mr Abbas was frightened he was going to be attacked due to the defendant shouting: 'f*ck off, I'm not going to give my details, I'm going to smash your face in'.
'Mr Abbas got back into his car and locked the doors to stop him from getting in. The defendant didn't attempt to get in. The defendant got back into his car when the police arrived.
'The defendant was placed into the back of a police car. He was spoken to by the police and he refused to give the officer his details.
'He was discovered by way of checking the keeper details of the car. Police recovered the knuckle duster and an axe on the footwell of the car.
'This is road rage without the assault.'
Barnard was given a 12 months community order and was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Hunter Gray said: 'There is a diagnosis of a mental disorder which creates risk. On this particular occasion he was emotionally very low. There is genuine remorse.'
Sentencing Judge Mark Savill told Barnard: 'It is clear you were in a heightened emotional state and this caused this man fear.
'You are a well built man and it would have been very frightening for anybody with you coming towards them bearing a knuckle duster.
Copy link to paste in your message
As Mr Abbas did so, Barnard angrily grabbed the knuckleduster from his Renault car and warned the victim: 'F*ck off, I'm not going to give my details - I'm going to smash your face in instead', Manchester Crown Court heard. Barnard was given a 12 months community order and was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work
'You were interviewed and said you had no recollection and gave a fanciful explanation of how you found these knuckle dusters.
'But from a psychiatric report it is accepted that you suffer from a psychiatric illness and have been treated for that and over the years have managed it very well and you are a man of good character.
'You were in a somewhat worse personal situation last year you had lost your job, weren't sleeping and were looking at life in a rather poorer light.
'By and large you managed to keep your condition from causing difficulties in your life and the recommendation is that you receive treatment for it.. I accept you are a man who has a mental health disorder.
'This is a wholly exceptional case please continue to manage your life as you have until now if you don't you and I will meet again.'
https://dailym.ai/2vCRxJh
------------------------------
Suffolk County Council has said that companies taking children to school should sub-contract their work “only in emergency situations”.
But Quick Cab Services Ltd. in Ipswich uses self-employed drivers to carry out its work, with some parents concerned they have less knowledge about who is responsible for their children's transport.
A council spokesman reassured parents that every transport operator it works with is licensed – and that those operators only use licensed drivers.
But Julian Coates, whose four-year-old son William is among the youngest children at Hillside Special School in Sudbury, said: “I am giving my son to people I don't know. I am giving them my pride and joy – I worship the ground he walks on.
“If anything happens, who do I blame? If you are going to take responsibility, you should drive that taxi. So when I have a problem I know who I am talking to.”
Mr Coates said he would prefer William to be looked after by a company with a fleet of cabs – as he feels there would be more clear and consistent contact between parent and driver.
“I am going by somebody else telling me something,” he said.
“I don't know what's going on. It needs a common sense approach to this.”
Mr Coates said he was already frustrated with his son's transport situation, as William's daily three-hour round trip frequently leaves him exhausted.
A council spokesman said: “Whilst we do not comment on individual cases, we can reassure parents that every transport operator we work with is licenced and uses licenced drivers who are also registered with Suffolk County Council.”
Quick Cab Services Ltd. has been contacted for comment.
https://bit.ly/2ZYoU7x
-------------------------------------
BRISTOL
A taxi went up in flames while travelling towards Pill - and fire from the vehicle shot across the road towards an electricity pole.
Dramatic footage of the vehicle fire on Abbots Leigh Road was captured by concerned residents.
Reports from the scene suggest petrol leaked from the car went up in flames.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at around 8:22pm May 3.
Group manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service Steve Quinton said: "We had a call from a taxi driver to say his vehicle had set on fire.
"Crews used breathing apparatus and a high powered jet hose to extinguish the fire. It was affecting a nearby electricity pole."
--------------------------------
LONDON
Black cab drivers are "polluting" a Paddington street with diesel fumes by idling in an “illegal” taxi rank, residents say.
Locals say cabbies queue every day along Praed Street to pick up customers outside Paddington tube station, St Mary’s Hospital and the Hilton Hotel.
Both sides of the “narrow” road have double yellow lines, and the upset neighbours accuse Westminster Council of turning a blind eye.
However the council said it has increased parking marshal patrols and the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said creating a formal taxi rank would solve the problem.
Jake Laing, 34, of nearby Westbourne Terrace, said: “A few times I’ve spoken to the drivers but they just laughed or told me to f*** off. My neighbours had the same thing too.
“On top of that they sit there in a long line with gas guzzling engines spewing out diesel for hours.”
The IT worker added: “I’ve been sending Westminster Council photos of it but they just don’t do anything about it. They don’t want to p*** off the black cabs.”
Another resident, Andrew Harcourt, said: “There is an official taxi rank inside Paddington station. Taxis should be forced to keep to that rank only. They should also not queue for hundreds of metres on the public road causing a road safety issue.
“The pollution is appalling at the best of times but to have a row of taxis sat with diesel engines spewing fumes all day everyday right by the path is another example of how inconsiderate these drivers are.”
They also say the taxis can block the road and obstruct ambulances trying to reach St Mary’s Hospital A&E. The London Ambulance Service were approached for comment and they said no “significant issues” with congestion on Praed Street existed.
Local Labour councillors also say they have heard from "very many" local people complaining about the cabs.
Two black cab drivers approached by the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service on Tuesday (April 30) refused to comment on the issue.
Westminster Council's cabinet member for environment, Tim Mitchell, said: “Vehicles illegally blocking this section of Praed Street is unacceptable – that’s why we’ve stepped up the presence of our marshals in the area to prevent parking offences including idling. We’re continuing to monitor the situation, and working with TfL and others to find a permanent solution.
“As part of our ongoing #DontBeIdle campaign we’re educating all drivers on the effect of idling on air quality, but need Government to give councils greater powers to enforce against idling.“
LTDA chairman Richard Massett said: “The LTDA does not condone drivers parking unsafely and causing congestion in Praed Street.
“This situation highlights the current inadequate design of taxi facilities at the station. To rectify this the LTDA is currently working with TfL and Westminster City Council to establish a rank to serve both the hotels near the station and demand from the new Elizabeth line [Crossrail]. The current thinking of all parties is that a future rank would best be sited in Praed Street.”
https://bit.ly/2J0kojp
Thursday, 2 May 2019
THIS WEEK IN PARLIAMENT
Rehman Chishti Conservative, Gillingham and Rainham
"To be the best place to grow and start a business means having consistent rules and regulations.
My brilliant local Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association has raised a real concern about Uber operating in Medway without having the same rules and regulations as association members. Will the Minister meet me and that brilliant association to look at those rules and regulations, to ensure that they are fair?
"I declare an interest: I have relatives in that trade."
(Citation: HC Deb, 30 April 2019, c107)
Andrew Stephenson Assistant Whip, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
My hon. Friend is a huge champion of his constituency, and particularly its small businesses. That meeting would probably be more appropriate with the Minister for small business, the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend Kelly Tolhurst, and I am sure that she will be happy to take such a meeting.
-------------------------------
Andrew Rosindell Conservative, Romford
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to tackle the use of (a) taxis and (b) private hire vehicles being used to transport victims of child sexual exploitation.
(Citation: HC Deb, 30 April 2019, cW)
Nusrat Ghani Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
The Department for Transport has consulted on draft statutory guidance to be issued to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities on how their extensive existing powers should be used to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm when using these services.
The consultation closed on 22 April and the responses are now being analysed
----------------------------------------
UBERK AUSTRALIA
A class action filed on behalf of thousands of taxi and hire-car drivers against Uber alleges the global rideshare company operated illegally in Australia.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers says more than 6,000 people have joined the action, covering drivers across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
It alleges Uber’s operations in Australia were illegal because the company knew its drivers were not properly licensed and did not have proper accreditation.
“Make no mistake, this will be a landmark case regarding the alleged illegal operations of Uber in Australia and the devastating impact that has had on the lives of hard-working and law-abiding citizens here,” Maurice Blackburn’s national head of class actions, Andrew Watson, said.
“It is not acceptable for a business to place itself above the law and operate illegally to the disadvantage of others.”
The class action alleges that Uber adopted a program to avoid enforcement activities, and as a result had an unfair competitive advantage against taxi and hire-car operators and drivers who did comply with the law.
“Uber Inc adopted a policy to operate in any market where the regulator had tacitly approved doing so by failing to take direct enforcement action, effectively in complete disregard for any regulations which existed,” a summary of the class action’s pleadings said.
Nick Andrianakis, the class action’s lead plaintiff and a taxi driver from the inner-Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, says Uber took away his livelihood.
“My father owned and drove cabs, so it’s been an industry and job that’s in my blood and that I’ve loved my whole life – then suddenly that was all taken away because of the impact of Uber’s illegal activities,” he said.
“I can clearly remember the day it all became too much – I just stopped driving that day and had to go home to be with my wife. It’s a shocking thing to think of a life’s work being stripped away from you, but this is what’s happened to thousands of people nationwide.”
An Uber spokeswoman said the company had not received any notification of a class action.
“Over 3.8 million Australians regularly use Uber as a reliable choice to get from A to B and governments across the country have recognised ridesharing as part of the transport mix,” she said.
“We are focusing our efforts on delivering a great service to riders and drivers in the cities where we operate.”
The class action was filed in the Victorian supreme court on Friday, and the costs of the case are being underwritten by a third party litigation funder.
https://bit.ly/2LmOAqY
--------------------------------------
OXFORD
Black cab drivers have been doing a double-take at Gloucester Green market after a rival pulled up selling meatballs.
Joel Coupland has bought a TX 2 black cab and converted it into a mobile food stall at the Oxford market which runs on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Taxi drivers waiting opposite for a fare are a captive audience and they have been eyeing up the beef and pork meatballs served with rice.
Mr Coupland, from Gloucestershire, who runs The Black Cab Company, which has a five-star food hygiene rating, said: "People notice the black cab and they like the novelty - then they come and try the food.
Black cab driver Adnan Hamid, 36, from Oxford, said: "It's mind-boggling to see meatballs being sold out of a black cab.
"We have asked Mr Coupland to make us some halal chicken meatballs and he said he would."
The first electric-petrol hybrid black cab arrived in the city last month and more could follow.
This could lead to more black cabs being converted to sell food.
https://bit.ly/2vBrW3m
---------------------------------
Rehman Chishti Conservative, Gillingham and Rainham
"To be the best place to grow and start a business means having consistent rules and regulations.
My brilliant local Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association has raised a real concern about Uber operating in Medway without having the same rules and regulations as association members. Will the Minister meet me and that brilliant association to look at those rules and regulations, to ensure that they are fair?
"I declare an interest: I have relatives in that trade."
(Citation: HC Deb, 30 April 2019, c107)
Andrew Stephenson Assistant Whip, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
My hon. Friend is a huge champion of his constituency, and particularly its small businesses. That meeting would probably be more appropriate with the Minister for small business, the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend Kelly Tolhurst, and I am sure that she will be happy to take such a meeting.
-------------------------------
Andrew Rosindell Conservative, Romford
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to tackle the use of (a) taxis and (b) private hire vehicles being used to transport victims of child sexual exploitation.
(Citation: HC Deb, 30 April 2019, cW)
Nusrat Ghani Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
The Department for Transport has consulted on draft statutory guidance to be issued to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities on how their extensive existing powers should be used to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm when using these services.
The consultation closed on 22 April and the responses are now being analysed
----------------------------------------
UBERK AUSTRALIA
A class action filed on behalf of thousands of taxi and hire-car drivers against Uber alleges the global rideshare company operated illegally in Australia.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers says more than 6,000 people have joined the action, covering drivers across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
It alleges Uber’s operations in Australia were illegal because the company knew its drivers were not properly licensed and did not have proper accreditation.
“Make no mistake, this will be a landmark case regarding the alleged illegal operations of Uber in Australia and the devastating impact that has had on the lives of hard-working and law-abiding citizens here,” Maurice Blackburn’s national head of class actions, Andrew Watson, said.
“It is not acceptable for a business to place itself above the law and operate illegally to the disadvantage of others.”
The class action alleges that Uber adopted a program to avoid enforcement activities, and as a result had an unfair competitive advantage against taxi and hire-car operators and drivers who did comply with the law.
“Uber Inc adopted a policy to operate in any market where the regulator had tacitly approved doing so by failing to take direct enforcement action, effectively in complete disregard for any regulations which existed,” a summary of the class action’s pleadings said.
Nick Andrianakis, the class action’s lead plaintiff and a taxi driver from the inner-Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, says Uber took away his livelihood.
“My father owned and drove cabs, so it’s been an industry and job that’s in my blood and that I’ve loved my whole life – then suddenly that was all taken away because of the impact of Uber’s illegal activities,” he said.
“I can clearly remember the day it all became too much – I just stopped driving that day and had to go home to be with my wife. It’s a shocking thing to think of a life’s work being stripped away from you, but this is what’s happened to thousands of people nationwide.”
An Uber spokeswoman said the company had not received any notification of a class action.
“Over 3.8 million Australians regularly use Uber as a reliable choice to get from A to B and governments across the country have recognised ridesharing as part of the transport mix,” she said.
“We are focusing our efforts on delivering a great service to riders and drivers in the cities where we operate.”
The class action was filed in the Victorian supreme court on Friday, and the costs of the case are being underwritten by a third party litigation funder.
https://bit.ly/2LmOAqY
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OXFORD
Black cab drivers have been doing a double-take at Gloucester Green market after a rival pulled up selling meatballs.
Joel Coupland has bought a TX 2 black cab and converted it into a mobile food stall at the Oxford market which runs on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Taxi drivers waiting opposite for a fare are a captive audience and they have been eyeing up the beef and pork meatballs served with rice.
Mr Coupland, from Gloucestershire, who runs The Black Cab Company, which has a five-star food hygiene rating, said: "People notice the black cab and they like the novelty - then they come and try the food.
Black cab driver Adnan Hamid, 36, from Oxford, said: "It's mind-boggling to see meatballs being sold out of a black cab.
"We have asked Mr Coupland to make us some halal chicken meatballs and he said he would."
The first electric-petrol hybrid black cab arrived in the city last month and more could follow.
This could lead to more black cabs being converted to sell food.
https://bit.ly/2vBrW3m
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