BBC INSIDE OUT
Hundreds of taxi drivers have been granted licences despite declaring criminal convictions for sex offences, burglary and assault, figures show.
Six councils in north-west England granted or renewed permits for more than 300 convicted drivers since 2012.
The mother of a Salford student killed by a man posing as a taxi driver said it was "clearly wrong" to give licences to sex offenders.
MP Andrew Gwynne has called for current legislation to be tightened.
The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said granting licences to convicted drivers was "putting the public at risk".
A BBC investigation found one in five drivers applying for a taxi licence in the region over the last two years had a criminal record.
Forty-one councils were asked under the Freedom of Information Act to reveal how many convicted drivers were granted licences.
Of the six that responded, Blackpool, Burnley, Cheshire East, Sefton, Eden and Trafford councils granted or extended licences for drivers with convictions including:
Three drivers, from Burnley, Trafford and Eden, with convictions for sexual offences
A Cheshire East driver convicted of indecent exposure
Three Sefton drivers with respective convictions for drug dealing, violence and harassment
An Eden driver with a conviction for illegally possessing a firearm
Blackpool drivers with convictions for theft, burglary and criminal damage
Local Government Association guidelines state applicants convicted of sexual or violent offences should be refused a licence.
However, councils are free to decide who they consider to be "fit and proper" drivers, and can take into account the date of the offence, the circumstances, and the applicant's behaviour since.
Mr Gwynne, who represents Denton and Reddish, said he was concerned local authorities currently do not have powers over taxis licensed outside their area.
He said: "What shouldn't be allowed to happen is people who have been refused on legitimate grounds can then scurry off to a neighbouring local authority where they have lesser standards and successfully apply for a licence that they have no intention of using in that local area."
'Wild West'
Undercover reporters from BBC Inside Out North West also found five private hire drivers over a two-hour period were willing to break the law and offer unbooked journeys in Manchester.
One driver said: "There's no harm in it. Everybody's doing it."
Current laws stipulate private hire taxi drivers are only allowed to operate after being pre-booked.
Bob Azam, a hackney carriage driver for 15 years, described the city's Northern Quarter as the "Wild West" of illegal touting.
"People just see the word taxi and think that's a legal vehicle to get into. It's just a matter of time until someone gets seriously hurt or sexually assaulted."
Medical student Rachel Thacker was murdered 21 years ago when she got into a car she thought was a taxi.
Her battered and burnt body was found dumped in a skip in Ardwick. She could only be identified by her fingerprints.
Her killer, Duncan Bermingham, had borrowed the car from a friend and posed as a taxi driver.
Gill Thacker said her daughter's life had ended in "the most horrendous circumstances" and warned against getting into an unlicensed vehicle.
She said it was "clearly wrong" for drivers with sexual convictions to be granted licences.
"They shouldn't be allowed to be taxi drivers. I wouldn't have thought they'd have got a licence if they'd got convictions for sexual offences," she added.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the LTDA, said: "These drivers clearly fail to meet the fit and proper person test and should never have been in a position to transport members of the public.
"The problem is that councils set their own licensing standards and in some areas these are woefully inadequate - putting the public at risk.
"We believe that the government must take urgent action to address this by establishing a clear set of robust minimum licensing standards, applicable across all authorities."
Five of the six councils who granted licences to convicted drivers defended their procedures and said a wide range of checking systems were in place.
Blackpool Council said it considered factors including the age of the conviction, the penalty imposed, and the applicant's conduct since the offence.
Burnley Council defended its decision to grant a licence to a driver with a sexual conviction, adding: "Members took into account all the available evidence at the hearing and determined that the applicant was fit and proper."
Trafford Council did not respond to requests for a comment.
Inside Out North West is on Friday 31 March at 19.30 BST on BBC One in the North West and later on BBC iPlayer for 30 days
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-39380921
Thursday 30 March 2017
BBC Manchester Inside Out
The BBC 'INSIDE OUT' team broadcast on program on Bogus PH Car Driver sex attacks tomorrow 31 March at 19:30 Hours. BBC North West.
A couple of Stories have arisen in local Rags, quoting Sex Attacks in the Student area of South Manchester this week.
One of them is obviously false.
The Girl involved insists she was taken to a side Street off Manchester's Curry mile. The Curry Mile is on the Main Wilmslow Road, heading south out of the City.
The witness says the driver quoted £60 for the 3.5 mile Journey, hardly likely is it ? Her description of the vehicle said " with the usual Taxi markings", shows it was a Saloon Car otherwise she would have said Black Cab.
She says he put the Child locks on. Saloon Vehicle do not have electric child locks. Child locks on Saloon cars are activated manually on each open rear door.
The girl says she ran away and sought refuge on the Esso Garage on the main Road. There is no Esso Garage on that road.
The nearest Esso Garage is 1.5 miles away on Upper Brook Street.
The article says a Bus driver waited with her until her bus came, the article shows the Bus stop she waited at. The two Buses which use that stop (photographed) do not go along Wilmslow or pass along the Curry Mile. They do however run down Upper Brook Street passing the ESSO garage.
If you wish to report serious incidents, please, get your facts right.
------------------------------------
Here is the same Story again, but, with a Different ending, here she jumped in a Black Cab after her escape.
http://thetab.com/uk/manchester/2017/03/27/fallowfield-taxi-driver-attempts-sexually-assault-passenger-27258
------------------------------------
Here is the same Story again, but, with a Different ending, here she jumped in a Black Cab after her escape.
http://thetab.com/uk/manchester/2017/03/27/fallowfield-taxi-driver-attempts-sexually-assault-passenger-27258
Wednesday 29 March 2017
LONDON.
After the news Yesterday, that Transport for London's Garrett Emerson was leaving many asked if Resigned for better opportunities, OR was he pushed.
It is our understanding he resigned, because his position with Tfl conflicted with his forth coming appearance on the Hugely Popular Saturday TV program the Voice.
He is to sing a Charlie Rich song from 1960.
----------------------------------------
Tuesday 28 March 2017
DENMARK . UBERK TO SHUT DOWN 18 APRIL
Cab hire firm Uber will withdraw from Denmark in April because of new taxi laws that require drivers to have fare meters and seat sensors.
Local taxi driver unions and politicians have complained that Uber poses unfair competition by not meeting legal standards required for established taxi firms.
According to Uber, 300,000 riders use its app in Denmark and it has around 2,000 drivers.
The service will shut down on 18 April.
In a statement the firm said: "For us to operate in Denmark again the proposed regulations need to change. We will continue to work with the government in the hope that they will update their proposed regulations and enable Danes to enjoy the benefits of modern technologies like Uber."
Uber has been operating in Denmark for less than three years.
The firm said it would "allocate resources" to help Uber drivers during the shutdown process. It will maintain its software division in Aarhus in northern Denmark where it employs 40 people.
The firm has faced opposition from traditional taxi drivers in cities around the world. In the UK, a 2015 High Court challenge arguing that Uber should be regulated in the same way as other London taxi businesses was dismissed by a judge.
But in 2016, Uber drivers won the right to be classed as workers rather than as self-employed.
Earlier this month, it suspended its self-driving cars after an accident in Arizona when one of the autonomous vehicles - a Volvo SUV - ended up on its side.
It has also faced negative stories about its workplace practices and a number of executives have quit, including the president Jeff Jones.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39419728
---------------------------------------------------
South Yorkshire firm City Taxis continues to expand with its third company takeover in a year, as it acquires Wath’s Skyline Taxis under its Northern Taxis brand. Skyline’s Mehmood Hussein said the move is in part a defence mechanism against the wider resources of global competitors. He said: “we are pleased to have struck a deal with City Taxis, and hope that moving forward our drivers and staff will see a real benefit from working within a much larger organisation.” He added: “Our directors are keen to continue to expand across the city region, to protect and defend local jobs for local people against the resources of companies like the US global brand, Uber.”
City, one of the UK’s largest independent taxi firms, bought Chesterfield’s Club Taxis in September 2016, and acquired Ace Taxis of Barnsley in July last year. Skyline has been in operation for nine years, with 35 cars in its stable currently.
All its call centre staff and drivers will become part of the much larger Northern Taxis, which handles around six million journeys a year. Of City Taxis’ 1750 drivers, 175 live in Rotherham.
Arnie Singh, managing director of Northern Taxis Ltd, said: “We are pleased to announce another acquisition, furthering our services around South Yorkshire by expanding into the Rotherham area from our new headquarters in Greasborough.
http://bit.ly/2mNwfql
Cab hire firm Uber will withdraw from Denmark in April because of new taxi laws that require drivers to have fare meters and seat sensors.
Local taxi driver unions and politicians have complained that Uber poses unfair competition by not meeting legal standards required for established taxi firms.
According to Uber, 300,000 riders use its app in Denmark and it has around 2,000 drivers.
The service will shut down on 18 April.
In a statement the firm said: "For us to operate in Denmark again the proposed regulations need to change. We will continue to work with the government in the hope that they will update their proposed regulations and enable Danes to enjoy the benefits of modern technologies like Uber."
Uber has been operating in Denmark for less than three years.
The firm said it would "allocate resources" to help Uber drivers during the shutdown process. It will maintain its software division in Aarhus in northern Denmark where it employs 40 people.
The firm has faced opposition from traditional taxi drivers in cities around the world. In the UK, a 2015 High Court challenge arguing that Uber should be regulated in the same way as other London taxi businesses was dismissed by a judge.
But in 2016, Uber drivers won the right to be classed as workers rather than as self-employed.
Earlier this month, it suspended its self-driving cars after an accident in Arizona when one of the autonomous vehicles - a Volvo SUV - ended up on its side.
It has also faced negative stories about its workplace practices and a number of executives have quit, including the president Jeff Jones.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39419728
---------------------------------------------------
South Yorkshire firm City Taxis continues to expand with its third company takeover in a year, as it acquires Wath’s Skyline Taxis under its Northern Taxis brand. Skyline’s Mehmood Hussein said the move is in part a defence mechanism against the wider resources of global competitors. He said: “we are pleased to have struck a deal with City Taxis, and hope that moving forward our drivers and staff will see a real benefit from working within a much larger organisation.” He added: “Our directors are keen to continue to expand across the city region, to protect and defend local jobs for local people against the resources of companies like the US global brand, Uber.”
City, one of the UK’s largest independent taxi firms, bought Chesterfield’s Club Taxis in September 2016, and acquired Ace Taxis of Barnsley in July last year. Skyline has been in operation for nine years, with 35 cars in its stable currently.
All its call centre staff and drivers will become part of the much larger Northern Taxis, which handles around six million journeys a year. Of City Taxis’ 1750 drivers, 175 live in Rotherham.
Arnie Singh, managing director of Northern Taxis Ltd, said: “We are pleased to announce another acquisition, furthering our services around South Yorkshire by expanding into the Rotherham area from our new headquarters in Greasborough.
http://bit.ly/2mNwfql
Saturday 25 March 2017
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES.... UBERK
Yesterday , Saturday at 6 a.m the Crowd Fund stood at £17,720, only 781 Pledges for the whole of the UK. Frankly I thought that was disgraceful. I was really disappointed.
Roll on this morning, spring is here and there is even more to cheer me up, The appeal was on fire Yesterday.
In the last 24 Hours, another 288 pledges have been made, adding another £21,254 to the pot.
The average pledge yesterday was £60...., after taking out the Huge £4k pledged by the ACTION FOR CABBIES GROUP,
Even one of our French Colleagues contributed, for , this Action if successful, will finish UBERK all over Europe.
I would , respectfully suggest, this is a day to be very proud to be in this trade.
Unless you are a UBERK
Yesterday , Saturday at 6 a.m the Crowd Fund stood at £17,720, only 781 Pledges for the whole of the UK. Frankly I thought that was disgraceful. I was really disappointed.
Roll on this morning, spring is here and there is even more to cheer me up, The appeal was on fire Yesterday.
In the last 24 Hours, another 288 pledges have been made, adding another £21,254 to the pot.
The average pledge yesterday was £60...., after taking out the Huge £4k pledged by the ACTION FOR CABBIES GROUP,
Even one of our French Colleagues contributed, for , this Action if successful, will finish UBERK all over Europe.
I would , respectfully suggest, this is a day to be very proud to be in this trade.
Unless you are a UBERK
Thursday 23 March 2017
LIVERPOOL
Punters travelling to this year's Grand National face even more chaos after taxi drivers said they will strike - as well as rail workers.
Private hire drivers plan to blockade key routes out of Liverpool city centre on the day of the big race, April 8, at the same time as a planned 24-hour strike on Merseyrail trains.
Arriva Northern rail staff are also set to walk out, meaning trains from outside the city could be affected as well as those on local lines.
The private hire drivers are planning to take action because they are unhappy with changes to the council’s licensing arrangements – which they say are leaving drivers off the roads for long periods.
In the wake of child sexual exploitation scandals in Rochdale and Rotherham, Liverpool was one of many councils to change its licensing policy so temporary licences are no longer handed out while drivers are waiting for clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
But the group, led by private hire driver Ryan Jones, said the delays had caused drivers serious financial problems.
Mr Jones said the protest was still scheduled to go ahead and said it will be a “double whammy” for the city because of the rail strike.
http://bit.ly/2niWL9Y
-----------------------------------------
SUNDERLAND
A political war of words has broken out after Liberal Democrats on Wearside slammed a decision to scrap taxi marshals in Sunderland city centre.
At a recent meeting of the city’s council, a budget was passed which removes funding for the service, despite warnings from some members that it would lead to a less safe environment for young revellers on weekend evenings.
Lib Dem councllors had proposed an amendment to the budget which they argued would protect the funding for taxi marshals by cutting allowances paid to councillors and the mayor - but that was rejected.
Council documents show that withdrawing the funding for the service, which was originally set up by Northumbria Police, should save £124,000 over the next two years.
The service was joint-funded but Northumbria Police has now withdrawn cash.
Council bosses argue that Coun Hodson is trying to “grab a cheap headline” and that the removal of the marshal service was delayed by a year.
They insisted that its removal is because of continued Government-imposed austerity cuts and talks are ongoing with the city’s taxi trade to find a solution.
Niall Hodson, Lib Dem councillor for Millfield and Thornholme said: “It beggars belief that Labour councillors have taken a step which makes the city centre less safe on an evening, ignoring the warnings from their own council officers and from the police.
“Sunderland’s night-time economy is key to keeping the city vibrant – but people need to feel it is safe.
“To remove the taxi marshal service without putting any alternative in place, and to reject a sensible Lib Dem proposal to keep the service running, is typical of the callousness with which Labour have approached making cuts over the past few years.”
Portfolio holder for city services on the council, Coun Michael Mordey, hit back, saying: “Once again, Coun Hodson in his attempt to grab a cheap headline is rehashing old news.
“The difficult decision to withdraw the council subsidy for the taxi marshal service was taken last year.
“It’s implementation was delayed a year to allow discussions with the taxi trade, representatives from the licensing trade and the night-time economy, Northumbria Police, and others; about those that benefit from the service, contributing towards it’s cost.
“Those discussions are still ongoing.
“I ask the people of Sunderland to bear in mind that the difficult decisions the council currently has to make about which services continue and which services are cut is as a direct consequence of the Government’s seven-year austerity agenda.
“An agenda that Councillor Hodson supported for five years, so his criticism really has no credibility with me when he and his party are partly responsible for the situation we find ourselves in.
“Funding for the marshals is available until the end of April but the council and the city’s council taxpayers can no longer afford to keep funding the service in the long-term – but hopefully the on-going talks described above will result in a solution being found.”
Conservative leader on the council Robert Oliver said: “Taxi marshals carry out a very useful service with regards to safety in the city centre and their work is valued by residents and taxi drivers alike so it is regrettable that the service is to end.
“The council will need to monitor the withdrawal of taxi marshals in case there is any adverse effect on people using taxis in the city centre and taxi drivers themselves.
“At the budget meeting, the Conservative Group listed a lot of ways in which money could be saved - such as ending the trade union subsidy - and therefore spent supporting taxi marshals.
“Alternative funding could also come from Northumbria Police as the Police and Crime Commissioner has increased the precept by 5% - double the Council Tax increase- and above inflation.”
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “We have a good relationship with street pastors in the city centre and have an effective, dedicated nighttime economy operation to help ensure the city centre remains a safe place for people to enjoy a night out.”
http://bit.ly/2nKnmxB
-------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM
Work to improve air quality in Birmingham has taken a significant step forward after it was announced today that the city council will receive £2.9 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) to implement an electric taxi infrastructure across the city.
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) funding will enable the council to proceed with plans for a total of 197 charge points across the city centre and outer city areas, all of which will offer fast or rapid charging facilities for Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
These include two key ‘super’ charge point hubs at Tyseley Energy Park, on the main route to Birmingham Airport and the Birmingham NEC, and at Birmingham New Street Station’s Ellis Street car park, which is the main rank, pick-up and drop-off point in the city centre.
Each will have a minimum of six charge points. These will be supported by charging points at a further seven city centre locations, including Star City, Birmingham Coach Station, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Sheepcote Street, off Broad Street.
Additionally, every arterial route to the outer city area, where it links to the A4040 ring road, will benefit from a network of charge point sites which will particularly benefit private hire vehicles operating from or within Birmingham suburbs.
Birmingham’s taxi fleet currently numbers 1,229 Hackney carriages and 4,060 private hire vehicles, and the council is working towards a 50 per cent uptake of ultra-low or zero-emissions vehicles across the entire fleet by 2020.
Birmingham is one of five cities mandated by the Government to implement a Clean Air Zone in order to become compliant with air quality legislation, and this will include requiring taxis to meet Euro 6 vehicle emissions requirements.
http://bit.ly/2mWSxSR
-----------------------------------------
UBERK CANADA
The new national budget unveiled Wednesday by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government took aim at ride-sharing providers such as Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL], looking to end a tax advantage they have over traditional taxi companies.
The budget statement said Trudeau's government plans to amend Canada's Excise Tax Act to redefine ride-sharing firms as taxi companies. That would force them to collect the goods and services tax (GST) on every ride provided, just as taxi operators are required to do.
Under current law, some drivers for ride-share operators make use of a so-called small-supplier provision that exempts the first C$30,000 of sales from the tax. The amendment would end the exemption.
"It's important to have a tax system that's fair and less complex," Finance Minister Bill Morneau said when asked about the matter during a news conference on the budget. "With respect to Uber, what we've done is say there's a level playing field. If you're in an Uber or if you're in a taxi, you pay GST (goods and services tax). That's consistent with what Canadians expect, and we think it's the right approach."
Uber spokesman Matt Kallman said: "We are reviewing the budget and its implications and will have more to say in the coming days."
The budget statement estimates the change will raise C$3 million in new revenue in the 2017 budget year, rising to C$5 million in the next few years.
The change could mean higher fares for Uber customers in Canada, and would be the latest headache for the $70 billion company. It has been battered with a series of controversies over the last several weeks ranging from the sudden departure of its president to a lawsuit from Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) accusing it of stealing designs for autonomous car technology.
http://reut.rs/2npWUIY
-----------------------------------------
BATH
Bath cabbies are "hurting" at "hundreds" of drivers who come into the city and flood the market on weekends.
As well as taking their trade away, the drivers have said the additional cars are undermining the standards of the taxi industry in Bath.
Bath cabbies are "hurting" at "hundreds" of drivers who come into the city and flood the market on weekends.
As well as taking their trade away, the drivers have said the additional cars are undermining the standards of the taxi industry in Bath.
Driver Paul Roles likened local authority-licensed taxi drivers to individual small businesses and said the extra cars can be traced back to Uber's emergence in the city.
"In pre-Uber days we would see the odd car bringing someone from Bristol or North Somerset," he said.
"On a Friday or Saturday now there's hundreds of them and it's the same cars coming in every weekend.
Cashless service Uber launched in its app in Bath last June, and since then thousands of customers have used it to take a taxi. The company said Bath has been "very exciting".
One of its commitments upon arrival was that Uber would use only drivers licensed by the local authority.
The company said at the time: "All drivers using the Uber app in Bath are licensed for private hire by Bath City Council (sic) and have undergone an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check - the same process black cab drivers, teachers and care workers go through."
When asked whether this pledge has been honoured and how many drivers they have in Bath, Uber said they don't reveal their number of drivers.
But a spokeswoman explained: "On licensing, only drivers who hold a private-hire license from Bath can register on the app through our Bath operating licence.
http://bit.ly/2nXPXwr
Punters travelling to this year's Grand National face even more chaos after taxi drivers said they will strike - as well as rail workers.
Private hire drivers plan to blockade key routes out of Liverpool city centre on the day of the big race, April 8, at the same time as a planned 24-hour strike on Merseyrail trains.
Arriva Northern rail staff are also set to walk out, meaning trains from outside the city could be affected as well as those on local lines.
The private hire drivers are planning to take action because they are unhappy with changes to the council’s licensing arrangements – which they say are leaving drivers off the roads for long periods.
In the wake of child sexual exploitation scandals in Rochdale and Rotherham, Liverpool was one of many councils to change its licensing policy so temporary licences are no longer handed out while drivers are waiting for clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
But the group, led by private hire driver Ryan Jones, said the delays had caused drivers serious financial problems.
Mr Jones said the protest was still scheduled to go ahead and said it will be a “double whammy” for the city because of the rail strike.
http://bit.ly/2niWL9Y
-----------------------------------------
SUNDERLAND
A political war of words has broken out after Liberal Democrats on Wearside slammed a decision to scrap taxi marshals in Sunderland city centre.
At a recent meeting of the city’s council, a budget was passed which removes funding for the service, despite warnings from some members that it would lead to a less safe environment for young revellers on weekend evenings.
Lib Dem councllors had proposed an amendment to the budget which they argued would protect the funding for taxi marshals by cutting allowances paid to councillors and the mayor - but that was rejected.
Council documents show that withdrawing the funding for the service, which was originally set up by Northumbria Police, should save £124,000 over the next two years.
The service was joint-funded but Northumbria Police has now withdrawn cash.
Council bosses argue that Coun Hodson is trying to “grab a cheap headline” and that the removal of the marshal service was delayed by a year.
They insisted that its removal is because of continued Government-imposed austerity cuts and talks are ongoing with the city’s taxi trade to find a solution.
Niall Hodson, Lib Dem councillor for Millfield and Thornholme said: “It beggars belief that Labour councillors have taken a step which makes the city centre less safe on an evening, ignoring the warnings from their own council officers and from the police.
“Sunderland’s night-time economy is key to keeping the city vibrant – but people need to feel it is safe.
“To remove the taxi marshal service without putting any alternative in place, and to reject a sensible Lib Dem proposal to keep the service running, is typical of the callousness with which Labour have approached making cuts over the past few years.”
Portfolio holder for city services on the council, Coun Michael Mordey, hit back, saying: “Once again, Coun Hodson in his attempt to grab a cheap headline is rehashing old news.
“The difficult decision to withdraw the council subsidy for the taxi marshal service was taken last year.
“It’s implementation was delayed a year to allow discussions with the taxi trade, representatives from the licensing trade and the night-time economy, Northumbria Police, and others; about those that benefit from the service, contributing towards it’s cost.
“Those discussions are still ongoing.
“I ask the people of Sunderland to bear in mind that the difficult decisions the council currently has to make about which services continue and which services are cut is as a direct consequence of the Government’s seven-year austerity agenda.
“An agenda that Councillor Hodson supported for five years, so his criticism really has no credibility with me when he and his party are partly responsible for the situation we find ourselves in.
“Funding for the marshals is available until the end of April but the council and the city’s council taxpayers can no longer afford to keep funding the service in the long-term – but hopefully the on-going talks described above will result in a solution being found.”
Conservative leader on the council Robert Oliver said: “Taxi marshals carry out a very useful service with regards to safety in the city centre and their work is valued by residents and taxi drivers alike so it is regrettable that the service is to end.
“The council will need to monitor the withdrawal of taxi marshals in case there is any adverse effect on people using taxis in the city centre and taxi drivers themselves.
“At the budget meeting, the Conservative Group listed a lot of ways in which money could be saved - such as ending the trade union subsidy - and therefore spent supporting taxi marshals.
“Alternative funding could also come from Northumbria Police as the Police and Crime Commissioner has increased the precept by 5% - double the Council Tax increase- and above inflation.”
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “We have a good relationship with street pastors in the city centre and have an effective, dedicated nighttime economy operation to help ensure the city centre remains a safe place for people to enjoy a night out.”
http://bit.ly/2nKnmxB
-------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM
Work to improve air quality in Birmingham has taken a significant step forward after it was announced today that the city council will receive £2.9 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) to implement an electric taxi infrastructure across the city.
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) funding will enable the council to proceed with plans for a total of 197 charge points across the city centre and outer city areas, all of which will offer fast or rapid charging facilities for Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
These include two key ‘super’ charge point hubs at Tyseley Energy Park, on the main route to Birmingham Airport and the Birmingham NEC, and at Birmingham New Street Station’s Ellis Street car park, which is the main rank, pick-up and drop-off point in the city centre.
Each will have a minimum of six charge points. These will be supported by charging points at a further seven city centre locations, including Star City, Birmingham Coach Station, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Sheepcote Street, off Broad Street.
Additionally, every arterial route to the outer city area, where it links to the A4040 ring road, will benefit from a network of charge point sites which will particularly benefit private hire vehicles operating from or within Birmingham suburbs.
Birmingham’s taxi fleet currently numbers 1,229 Hackney carriages and 4,060 private hire vehicles, and the council is working towards a 50 per cent uptake of ultra-low or zero-emissions vehicles across the entire fleet by 2020.
Birmingham is one of five cities mandated by the Government to implement a Clean Air Zone in order to become compliant with air quality legislation, and this will include requiring taxis to meet Euro 6 vehicle emissions requirements.
http://bit.ly/2mWSxSR
-----------------------------------------
UBERK CANADA
The new national budget unveiled Wednesday by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government took aim at ride-sharing providers such as Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL], looking to end a tax advantage they have over traditional taxi companies.
The budget statement said Trudeau's government plans to amend Canada's Excise Tax Act to redefine ride-sharing firms as taxi companies. That would force them to collect the goods and services tax (GST) on every ride provided, just as taxi operators are required to do.
Under current law, some drivers for ride-share operators make use of a so-called small-supplier provision that exempts the first C$30,000 of sales from the tax. The amendment would end the exemption.
"It's important to have a tax system that's fair and less complex," Finance Minister Bill Morneau said when asked about the matter during a news conference on the budget. "With respect to Uber, what we've done is say there's a level playing field. If you're in an Uber or if you're in a taxi, you pay GST (goods and services tax). That's consistent with what Canadians expect, and we think it's the right approach."
Uber spokesman Matt Kallman said: "We are reviewing the budget and its implications and will have more to say in the coming days."
The budget statement estimates the change will raise C$3 million in new revenue in the 2017 budget year, rising to C$5 million in the next few years.
The change could mean higher fares for Uber customers in Canada, and would be the latest headache for the $70 billion company. It has been battered with a series of controversies over the last several weeks ranging from the sudden departure of its president to a lawsuit from Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) accusing it of stealing designs for autonomous car technology.
http://reut.rs/2npWUIY
-----------------------------------------
BATH
Bath cabbies are "hurting" at "hundreds" of drivers who come into the city and flood the market on weekends.
As well as taking their trade away, the drivers have said the additional cars are undermining the standards of the taxi industry in Bath.
Bath cabbies are "hurting" at "hundreds" of drivers who come into the city and flood the market on weekends.
As well as taking their trade away, the drivers have said the additional cars are undermining the standards of the taxi industry in Bath.
Driver Paul Roles likened local authority-licensed taxi drivers to individual small businesses and said the extra cars can be traced back to Uber's emergence in the city.
"In pre-Uber days we would see the odd car bringing someone from Bristol or North Somerset," he said.
"On a Friday or Saturday now there's hundreds of them and it's the same cars coming in every weekend.
Cashless service Uber launched in its app in Bath last June, and since then thousands of customers have used it to take a taxi. The company said Bath has been "very exciting".
One of its commitments upon arrival was that Uber would use only drivers licensed by the local authority.
The company said at the time: "All drivers using the Uber app in Bath are licensed for private hire by Bath City Council (sic) and have undergone an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check - the same process black cab drivers, teachers and care workers go through."
When asked whether this pledge has been honoured and how many drivers they have in Bath, Uber said they don't reveal their number of drivers.
But a spokeswoman explained: "On licensing, only drivers who hold a private-hire license from Bath can register on the app through our Bath operating licence.
http://bit.ly/2nXPXwr
Tuesday 21 March 2017
National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day
HOTELS, care homes, and taxi companies are key in the fight against child sexual exploitation, council officers claim.
As part of National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day last week (March 15) Redbridge Council enforcement and housing officers visited 50 businesses across the borough thought to play a key role in spotting signs of such crimes.
They believe staff at businesses like care homes, hotels, and mini cab offices are fundamental in tackling child sex crimes as they are “more likely to come into contact with children at risk of exploitation”.
Staff were given advice and leaflets about how to spot and report any suspected abuse.
Redbridge’s local safeguarding children’s board also set up stands in The Exchange shopping centre and Youth Bus in Ilford town centre on Friday (March 17) to raise awareness among young people and their parents.
Redbridge cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Elaine Norman is urging everyone in the borough to be vigilant when it comes to child sex crime.
She said: “Child sexual exploitation is incredibly complex as in many cases, the person often doesn’t even realise they’re a victim.
“The long lasting effects on the person’s life however, can be devastating.
“It’s up to all of us to help protect these vulnerable young people.
“You can do this by making sure you’re aware of the signs, and acting when you think something isn’t right, so that action can be taken as early as possible.“
http://bit.ly/2n5XKZ5
Comment: Would have to laugh, if it was not so serious. "Taxi Companies can spot Child Sexual exploitation" The problem is PRIVATE HIRE COMPANIES in GREATER MANCHESTER, have most of the Offenders.
PROOF = FREEDOM INFORMATION REPLY FROM GMP. DATED OCTOBER 2016.
HOTELS, care homes, and taxi companies are key in the fight against child sexual exploitation, council officers claim.
As part of National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day last week (March 15) Redbridge Council enforcement and housing officers visited 50 businesses across the borough thought to play a key role in spotting signs of such crimes.
They believe staff at businesses like care homes, hotels, and mini cab offices are fundamental in tackling child sex crimes as they are “more likely to come into contact with children at risk of exploitation”.
Staff were given advice and leaflets about how to spot and report any suspected abuse.
Redbridge’s local safeguarding children’s board also set up stands in The Exchange shopping centre and Youth Bus in Ilford town centre on Friday (March 17) to raise awareness among young people and their parents.
Redbridge cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Elaine Norman is urging everyone in the borough to be vigilant when it comes to child sex crime.
She said: “Child sexual exploitation is incredibly complex as in many cases, the person often doesn’t even realise they’re a victim.
“The long lasting effects on the person’s life however, can be devastating.
“It’s up to all of us to help protect these vulnerable young people.
“You can do this by making sure you’re aware of the signs, and acting when you think something isn’t right, so that action can be taken as early as possible.“
http://bit.ly/2n5XKZ5
Comment: Would have to laugh, if it was not so serious. "Taxi Companies can spot Child Sexual exploitation" The problem is PRIVATE HIRE COMPANIES in GREATER MANCHESTER, have most of the Offenders.
PROOF = FREEDOM INFORMATION REPLY FROM GMP. DATED OCTOBER 2016.
Monday 20 March 2017
NEWCASTLE 'TAXI DRIVER' HERO IS A UBERK
A tenacious taxi driver sniffed out a pair of drug dealers who hired his cab to transport four kilos of cannabis to their local post office 300 yards away.
Uber cabbie Grant Miller followed his nose when he noticed a distinctive aroma coming from his boot after picking up Lin Wang and Ming Xin Wu.
The pair had packed a box with the drug and were seeking to post it from Newcastle to an address in Belfast, Chronicle Live reports .
But while they were arranging the delivery, Grant flagged down a passing police officer and raised the alarm.
Wang and Wu were jailed for a total of 13 months at Newcastle Crown Court, and Grant says he is "chuffed to bits" the dealers are off the streets.
“I’m over the moon they have been jailed," said Grant, 46.
"I’m anti- drugs . I’ve seen enough of it on the streets of Newcastle and I’m chuffed to bits they got jailed.”
Firefighters discover industrial cannabis farm in quiet, suburban home after smoke was spotted billowing from roof
Grant described the journey in Gateshead on November 11 last year as "strange" and said that he learnt how to spot people smuggling drugs at his previous job as a doorman.
http://bit.ly/2mKtXDs
------------------------------------------
A tenacious taxi driver sniffed out a pair of drug dealers who hired his cab to transport four kilos of cannabis to their local post office 300 yards away.
Uber cabbie Grant Miller followed his nose when he noticed a distinctive aroma coming from his boot after picking up Lin Wang and Ming Xin Wu.
The pair had packed a box with the drug and were seeking to post it from Newcastle to an address in Belfast, Chronicle Live reports .
But while they were arranging the delivery, Grant flagged down a passing police officer and raised the alarm.
Wang and Wu were jailed for a total of 13 months at Newcastle Crown Court, and Grant says he is "chuffed to bits" the dealers are off the streets.
“I’m over the moon they have been jailed," said Grant, 46.
"I’m anti- drugs . I’ve seen enough of it on the streets of Newcastle and I’m chuffed to bits they got jailed.”
Firefighters discover industrial cannabis farm in quiet, suburban home after smoke was spotted billowing from roof
Grant described the journey in Gateshead on November 11 last year as "strange" and said that he learnt how to spot people smuggling drugs at his previous job as a doorman.
http://bit.ly/2mKtXDs
------------------------------------------
CAMBRIDGE
Councillors are considering limiting the number of Hackney Carriages in the city - despite concerns it might encourage worse pollution from an influx of private hire vehicles.
Today (March 20), councillors on Cambridge City Council’s Licensing Committee unanimously agreed to survey demand for Hackney Carriages in Cambridge with a view do deciding whether their numbers need to be limited.
As part of the survey, cameras could be set up to gauge the numbers of people at taxi ranks and to observe the demand from queuing customers.
But some expressed concerns, saying that if Hackney Carriage numbers were limited, the demand would be taken up by private hire vehicles and Uber cars, which were harder for the city council to regulate.
This could lead to worse pollution and fewer vehicles with disabled access.
Cllr Ann Sinnott said: “I think one of the things about measuring excess need or unmet needs is the number of private hires. We have quite a number of Hackney Carriages in the city that meet ‘X’ demand, and we have no control over private hires.
“If they did not believe they could not get sufficient business in the city, they would not come in. It is the private hires that annoy so many people because they park on the streets and keep their engines running.
Environmental Health Manager, Yvonne O’Donnell, said it was important to wait until the results of the survey were in before commenting on any impact measures might have on private hire cars.
She also said cameras will be put up for two to three weeks to keep an eye on demand at taxi ranks in the city to gather information for the survey.
Cllr Martin Smart said having too many Hackney Carriages in the city was an environmental issue as the fumes from diesel engines impacted on air quality.
Cllr Smart said any survey that did not include data on private cabs or Uber vehicles would risk producing a skewed picture of demand in Cambridge.
----------------------------------------
APCC Chair calls for safeguarding action in the issuing of taxi licences
In order to enhance protection for children and vulnerable adults, the APCC is calling on the Government to consult on and introduce new statutory guidance relating to how public authorities exercise their licensing functions on taxi and private vehicle hire legislation at the earliest possible opportunity. In addition, the APCC is recommending that the Government look again at introducing a national database to allow local authorities to undertake appropriate checks when applications are received.
APCC Chair Dame Vera Baird QC said:
“This is an area of considerable concern for Police and Crime Commissioners who recognise that there are a number of safeguarding issues that exist in the way in which private hire or hackney carriage drivers are currently assessed for a licence. The lack of consistency means that when local authorities make their assessments over whether the applicant is a “fit and proper person” different criteria is used when it comes to, for example, previous convictions. As a result, taxi driver applications can be refused a licence by one local authority only to be granted one by another.
“In order to protect children and vulnerable adults, the Government needs to consult on new statutory guidance relating to licensing functions under taxi and PHV legislation at the earliest possible opportunity.
“In addition, the Government should look again at proposals to introduce a national database, similar to the Disclosure and Barring Service, of all licence applicants, using a national framework and the reasons for any refusal to be included. This would help to ensure that local authorities have more of the information they need to help safeguard the public when processing applications.
“PCCs have urged action on this previously and the APCC will make further representations to Government.”
------------------------------------
NEW YORK UBERK THIEF CAUGHT BECAUSE HE STILL HAD HIS PRISON RELEASE TAG ON
TRUMBULL — Police have charged a Uber driver with larceny after he allegedly held onto to a passenger’s debit card and later used it to make purchases.
Antwon McCray, 33, convinced the woman that he’d returned her debit card after she used it to pay for her transportation, Lt. Keith Golding said.
McCray is a convicted felon on parole from New York, the Trumbull police spokesman said, and was wearing a GPS monitoring unit on his ankle at the time of the incident.
The suspect used the victim’s debit card to make purchases at businesses in Fairfield, Norwalk and Darien, police said.
“After learning of a warrant for his arrest, McCray turned himself in to authorities in Albany, N.Y.,’’ Golding wrote in a press release. “He was subsequently extradited back to Trumbull on Thursday where he will face several larceny and criminal impersonation charges,’’ Golding said.
He is currently being held on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 9.
McCray has a lengthy criminal history which includes several felony and misdemeanor convictions, the Trumbull police spokesman said.
UBERK : ARE THE RATS ABANDONING
THE SHIP ?
The number of executive departures from Uber is growing.
Jeff Jones, Uber’s president of ride sharing, has left the company after just six months, Uber said on Sunday. In addition, Brian McClendon, vice president of maps and business platform at Uber, also plans to leave at the end of the month.
The two men are exiting Uber under very different circumstances. Mr. Jones, who was poached from Target to be Uber’s No. 2 executive, resigned after the ride-sharing company’s chief, Travis Kalanick, said he needed leadership help and began a search for a chief operating officer.
Mr. McClendon is departing amicably from Uber and will be an adviser to the company. In a statement, he said he was moving back to Kansas, where he is from, to explore politics. His exit has been in the works for some time, and his last day at Uber is March 28.
The departures add to the executive exodus from Uber this year. Raffi Krikorian, a well-regarded director in Uber’s self-driving division, left the company last week, while Gary Marcus, who joined Uber in December after Uber acquired his company, left this month. Uber also asked for the resignation of Amit Singhal, a top engineer who failed to disclose a sexual harassment claim against him at his previous employer, Google, before joining Uber. And Ed Baker, another senior executive, left this month as well.
Mr. Jones did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement to Recode, he said, “The beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber.”
http://nyti.ms/2mjvLIn
---------------------------------------
BRIGHTON
Railway station taxi rank is not working for anyone, says councillor
THE current taxi rank at Brighton Railway Station is “untenable” and a new solution is required, a senior councillor has admitted.
Transport committee chairwoman Gill Mitchell said the current situation was “not working for anyone” but said meetings on finding a solution with landowner Govia Thameslink Railway had been “optimistic”.
The loss of sleep from late-night rank traffic has left some residents signed off work with depression or stress, the council committee heard this week.
Taxi drivers said only the complete overhaul of the road system could resolve an issue that has been persisting for more than a decade.
More than 20,000 taxi journeys are made to and from the station every week with more than 1,100 taxis licensed to use the 17 taxi rank spaces.
The problem is said to have worsened since the completion of the £1.5 million Brighton Station Gateway Development two years ago.
Residents want the taxi rank to either be moved to the back of the station or for the council to compulsory purchase nearby Mangalore Way for an overflow taxi rank.
Charlotte Glasson said Surrey Street had become gridlocked with an unofficial taxi rank blocking the road even to emergency services.
She said: “The last train from London arrives at Brighton Station at 2.32am and then bin lorries and deliveries start up very early, so sleep is very difficult.
“Residents have been signed off work due to depression and stress from lack of sleep due to horns beeping at all ours, as the road layout is not working.”
Cllr Mitchell said part of the problem was the rank was currently on private land owned by GTR.
She said: “It is like living next door to a supermarket which only has 17 car parking spaces with a line of cars trying to access it.
“GTR issue hundreds of permits for just 17 spaces and obviously taxi drivers want to use that rank to recoup the expense of buying the permit. It is totally untenable.
“It needs to be addressed but it has not come totally to fruition although possibilities are being looked at.
“The current situation is not helping anyone and it is working for anyone.”
John Smith, GMB taxi rep, said: “The solution would be a complete and utter redesign of the roads around the station and I can’t see that happening with the current Government cuts. What has happened over the last ten years has made it almost impossible to get in and out.
“We are the biggest city without a public taxi rank out the front of its station.
“GTR make much more money from having retail out the front of the station then a taxi rank, that’s the bottom line.
“There was talk about moving the rank round the back but most passengers want to go down to the seafront so that’s going to cost more and add congestion and pollution.”
A Southern spokesman said: “We appreciate the concern about the current impacts of the Station Gateway Development on roads adjacent to the station, and we are taking this matter very seriously.
“We are working with the council to try and reach a solution and explore options that may address the concerns of all affected.”
http://bit.ly/2nzUMPR
-----------------------------------------
THE SHIP ?
The number of executive departures from Uber is growing.
Jeff Jones, Uber’s president of ride sharing, has left the company after just six months, Uber said on Sunday. In addition, Brian McClendon, vice president of maps and business platform at Uber, also plans to leave at the end of the month.
The two men are exiting Uber under very different circumstances. Mr. Jones, who was poached from Target to be Uber’s No. 2 executive, resigned after the ride-sharing company’s chief, Travis Kalanick, said he needed leadership help and began a search for a chief operating officer.
Mr. McClendon is departing amicably from Uber and will be an adviser to the company. In a statement, he said he was moving back to Kansas, where he is from, to explore politics. His exit has been in the works for some time, and his last day at Uber is March 28.
The departures add to the executive exodus from Uber this year. Raffi Krikorian, a well-regarded director in Uber’s self-driving division, left the company last week, while Gary Marcus, who joined Uber in December after Uber acquired his company, left this month. Uber also asked for the resignation of Amit Singhal, a top engineer who failed to disclose a sexual harassment claim against him at his previous employer, Google, before joining Uber. And Ed Baker, another senior executive, left this month as well.
Mr. Jones did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement to Recode, he said, “The beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber.”
http://nyti.ms/2mjvLIn
---------------------------------------
BRIGHTON
Railway station taxi rank is not working for anyone, says councillor
THE current taxi rank at Brighton Railway Station is “untenable” and a new solution is required, a senior councillor has admitted.
Transport committee chairwoman Gill Mitchell said the current situation was “not working for anyone” but said meetings on finding a solution with landowner Govia Thameslink Railway had been “optimistic”.
The loss of sleep from late-night rank traffic has left some residents signed off work with depression or stress, the council committee heard this week.
Taxi drivers said only the complete overhaul of the road system could resolve an issue that has been persisting for more than a decade.
More than 20,000 taxi journeys are made to and from the station every week with more than 1,100 taxis licensed to use the 17 taxi rank spaces.
The problem is said to have worsened since the completion of the £1.5 million Brighton Station Gateway Development two years ago.
Residents want the taxi rank to either be moved to the back of the station or for the council to compulsory purchase nearby Mangalore Way for an overflow taxi rank.
Charlotte Glasson said Surrey Street had become gridlocked with an unofficial taxi rank blocking the road even to emergency services.
She said: “The last train from London arrives at Brighton Station at 2.32am and then bin lorries and deliveries start up very early, so sleep is very difficult.
“Residents have been signed off work due to depression and stress from lack of sleep due to horns beeping at all ours, as the road layout is not working.”
Cllr Mitchell said part of the problem was the rank was currently on private land owned by GTR.
She said: “It is like living next door to a supermarket which only has 17 car parking spaces with a line of cars trying to access it.
“GTR issue hundreds of permits for just 17 spaces and obviously taxi drivers want to use that rank to recoup the expense of buying the permit. It is totally untenable.
“It needs to be addressed but it has not come totally to fruition although possibilities are being looked at.
“The current situation is not helping anyone and it is working for anyone.”
John Smith, GMB taxi rep, said: “The solution would be a complete and utter redesign of the roads around the station and I can’t see that happening with the current Government cuts. What has happened over the last ten years has made it almost impossible to get in and out.
“We are the biggest city without a public taxi rank out the front of its station.
“GTR make much more money from having retail out the front of the station then a taxi rank, that’s the bottom line.
“There was talk about moving the rank round the back but most passengers want to go down to the seafront so that’s going to cost more and add congestion and pollution.”
A Southern spokesman said: “We appreciate the concern about the current impacts of the Station Gateway Development on roads adjacent to the station, and we are taking this matter very seriously.
“We are working with the council to try and reach a solution and explore options that may address the concerns of all affected.”
http://bit.ly/2nzUMPR
-----------------------------------------
Sunday 19 March 2017
Friday 17 March 2017
LIVERPOOL COMCAB
A new taxi provider for Isle of Man patients travelling to north-west England for medical treatment has been announced.
A government spokesman said Liverpool-based ComCab had been chosen to take over from Bridgewater following a "competitive tendering process."
Nearly 2,000 people signed a petition to keep Bridgewater which held the contract for more than a decade.
The firm will be used to take patients from ports to hospitals.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: "I am aware of the strength of feeling by some in our community about this issue and the high regard they have for the current provider Bridgewater.
"I would like to place on record the department's thanks for their exemplary service."
Bridgewater also had an appeal turned down.
Health chiefs said "those who travel regularly should not see any change in service, which will include full assistance and door-to-door collection and drop-off as standard".
ComCab has 15 years' experience of transferring patients for the North West Ambulance Service and already delivers more than 900 transfers a week.
General manager Karen Long said: "I believe our record and reputation demonstrate our ability to deliver a first-class service for Isle of Man patients and their escorts."
The new firm will take over the contract on 27 March.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-39302537
----------------------------------
WEST MIDLANDS
Taxi drivers in Sandwell will have to pass a tougher test proving knowledge of the area, good English – and will also have a dress code.
The rules on clothing, footwear and personal hygiene has been branded ‘ridiculous’ by taxi chiefs.
They will also be required to undertake training on issues around child sexual exploitation and disability as part of the new Sandwell Council rules.
There will also be ban on tinted windows and the council says it will no longer be accepting driving experience in other countries.
Prospective cabbies must have held a full UK licence for two years and will have to pay for the suitability test.
Existing drivers with serious criminal offences are to have their licences reviewed by the council’s licensing committee.
Shaz Saleem, of the West Midlands Taxi Drivers Association, said: “Some of the ideas in these new policies are ridiculous.
"Having a dress code is ridiculous. That has nothing to do with customers’ safety. That is not going to make any difference.”
Mr Saleem welcomed improvements to the knowledge test, but said drivers should not have to pay extra as it should be part of the licence.
Councillor Preet Gill, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “The public’s safety is at the top of our priorities.
"Something which I think is really important is that they will now have to go through CSE training.
"We have started rolling it out gradually but it will now be something they all have to do.”
The current verbal knowledge test requires the applicant for a drivers licence to answer 10 questions based on the law and conditions attached to the licence.
Any applicants must answer eight questions correctly in order to pass the test, and must do so within three attempts.
http://bit.ly/2mFTdeQ
----------------------------------------
STOKE
Man, 37, smashed taxi's window with his walking stick - in a row over the fare
'Frustrated' Gary Humphage broke a taxi window with his walking stick during a row over his fare.
The 37-year-old, who suffers from mobility problems, also verbally abused cabbie Waheed Karim during the incident.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Humphage had made his regular journey from Bentilee to Tunstall – with a stop at Festival Park to collect his wife from work – for which he normally paid around £7.
However, on this occasion he was told the fare would be £10.
Prosecutor Steve Knowles said: "The injured party confirms Mr Humphage got out of the vehicle, made a racial comment to Mr Karim, then used his walking stick to smash the back window of the vehicle.
"When he was interviewed by police he said he thought the taxi driver was going to drive off while his wife was still getting out, so he tapped the window with his stick."
http://bit.ly/2mdsc6m
---------------------------------
UBERK BLAME GOOGLE MAPS FOR USELESS DRIVERS
Uber has been weathering quite a storm lately, but the ride hailing company wants to remind you: It also builds technology, and not just serious sexism scandals.
On Wednesday, Travis Kalanick's beleaguered startup officially launched a new navigation system for its drivers. Features include lane guidance, next turn previews and real-time traffic information. It's also introduced a night-time look to make the app easier on the eyes in the dark.
Rolling out on both iOS and Android, the tool will give Android users access to in-app navigation for the first time. Previously, the latter would have to switch out of Uber's app into Google Maps or Waze to plan their route. On iOS, the update has begun in some cities, but its launch on Android is still in its early stages.
According to Maya Choksi, a senior product manager at Uber, the aim is to provide drivers with an optimal navigation experience.
One of the main complaints from drivers on Uber's iOS app was small font size, she said, but in the past, Uber had little say in how street labels appeared. That was because the company used a number of different mapping APIs "to kind of cobble together" in-app navigation.
"There were a number of things that were really suboptimal about this," she explained. "We had no control over the size of [street] labels or which labels show or don't show. We couldn't control necessarily the name of the street where the driver is supposed to make a right turn."
Now the team controls more of the mapping stack, and they're able to customise it specifically for the needs of Uber, UberX, UberPool and UberEats drivers — a far more complicated set of directions than your average commuter trip. If drivers want, they're still free to use the mapping app of their choice.
Manik Gupta, head of products in Uber's Maps team and a Google Maps veteran, said the new stack used mapping providers including TomTom to "mix and match" with Uber's own proprietary data. The new driver navigation will not involve increased tracking of driver data, he added, although route data information always been collected.
"From a Maps perspective, you really want to model the real world as closely as possible. So the more data and the more detail you get about that, the better off you are," Gupta said.
http://on.mash.to/2mFRmH2
-----------------------------------------
A new taxi provider for Isle of Man patients travelling to north-west England for medical treatment has been announced.
A government spokesman said Liverpool-based ComCab had been chosen to take over from Bridgewater following a "competitive tendering process."
Nearly 2,000 people signed a petition to keep Bridgewater which held the contract for more than a decade.
The firm will be used to take patients from ports to hospitals.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: "I am aware of the strength of feeling by some in our community about this issue and the high regard they have for the current provider Bridgewater.
"I would like to place on record the department's thanks for their exemplary service."
Bridgewater also had an appeal turned down.
Health chiefs said "those who travel regularly should not see any change in service, which will include full assistance and door-to-door collection and drop-off as standard".
ComCab has 15 years' experience of transferring patients for the North West Ambulance Service and already delivers more than 900 transfers a week.
General manager Karen Long said: "I believe our record and reputation demonstrate our ability to deliver a first-class service for Isle of Man patients and their escorts."
The new firm will take over the contract on 27 March.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-39302537
----------------------------------
WEST MIDLANDS
Taxi drivers in Sandwell will have to pass a tougher test proving knowledge of the area, good English – and will also have a dress code.
The rules on clothing, footwear and personal hygiene has been branded ‘ridiculous’ by taxi chiefs.
They will also be required to undertake training on issues around child sexual exploitation and disability as part of the new Sandwell Council rules.
There will also be ban on tinted windows and the council says it will no longer be accepting driving experience in other countries.
Prospective cabbies must have held a full UK licence for two years and will have to pay for the suitability test.
Existing drivers with serious criminal offences are to have their licences reviewed by the council’s licensing committee.
Shaz Saleem, of the West Midlands Taxi Drivers Association, said: “Some of the ideas in these new policies are ridiculous.
"Having a dress code is ridiculous. That has nothing to do with customers’ safety. That is not going to make any difference.”
Mr Saleem welcomed improvements to the knowledge test, but said drivers should not have to pay extra as it should be part of the licence.
Councillor Preet Gill, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “The public’s safety is at the top of our priorities.
"Something which I think is really important is that they will now have to go through CSE training.
"We have started rolling it out gradually but it will now be something they all have to do.”
The current verbal knowledge test requires the applicant for a drivers licence to answer 10 questions based on the law and conditions attached to the licence.
Any applicants must answer eight questions correctly in order to pass the test, and must do so within three attempts.
http://bit.ly/2mFTdeQ
----------------------------------------
STOKE
Man, 37, smashed taxi's window with his walking stick - in a row over the fare
'Frustrated' Gary Humphage broke a taxi window with his walking stick during a row over his fare.
The 37-year-old, who suffers from mobility problems, also verbally abused cabbie Waheed Karim during the incident.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Humphage had made his regular journey from Bentilee to Tunstall – with a stop at Festival Park to collect his wife from work – for which he normally paid around £7.
However, on this occasion he was told the fare would be £10.
Prosecutor Steve Knowles said: "The injured party confirms Mr Humphage got out of the vehicle, made a racial comment to Mr Karim, then used his walking stick to smash the back window of the vehicle.
"When he was interviewed by police he said he thought the taxi driver was going to drive off while his wife was still getting out, so he tapped the window with his stick."
http://bit.ly/2mdsc6m
---------------------------------
UBERK BLAME GOOGLE MAPS FOR USELESS DRIVERS
Uber has been weathering quite a storm lately, but the ride hailing company wants to remind you: It also builds technology, and not just serious sexism scandals.
On Wednesday, Travis Kalanick's beleaguered startup officially launched a new navigation system for its drivers. Features include lane guidance, next turn previews and real-time traffic information. It's also introduced a night-time look to make the app easier on the eyes in the dark.
Rolling out on both iOS and Android, the tool will give Android users access to in-app navigation for the first time. Previously, the latter would have to switch out of Uber's app into Google Maps or Waze to plan their route. On iOS, the update has begun in some cities, but its launch on Android is still in its early stages.
According to Maya Choksi, a senior product manager at Uber, the aim is to provide drivers with an optimal navigation experience.
One of the main complaints from drivers on Uber's iOS app was small font size, she said, but in the past, Uber had little say in how street labels appeared. That was because the company used a number of different mapping APIs "to kind of cobble together" in-app navigation.
"There were a number of things that were really suboptimal about this," she explained. "We had no control over the size of [street] labels or which labels show or don't show. We couldn't control necessarily the name of the street where the driver is supposed to make a right turn."
Now the team controls more of the mapping stack, and they're able to customise it specifically for the needs of Uber, UberX, UberPool and UberEats drivers — a far more complicated set of directions than your average commuter trip. If drivers want, they're still free to use the mapping app of their choice.
Manik Gupta, head of products in Uber's Maps team and a Google Maps veteran, said the new stack used mapping providers including TomTom to "mix and match" with Uber's own proprietary data. The new driver navigation will not involve increased tracking of driver data, he added, although route data information always been collected.
"From a Maps perspective, you really want to model the real world as closely as possible. So the more data and the more detail you get about that, the better off you are," Gupta said.
http://on.mash.to/2mFRmH2
-----------------------------------------
Thursday 16 March 2017
LIVERPOOL
Scores of taxi drivers descended on Goodison Park in protest against Everton’s decision NOT to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool FC by banning the S*n from the club .
A taxi convoy parked up outside the Everton stadium emblazoned with ‘total eclipse of the S*n’ messages, while drivers stood at the side of the road with leaflets to spread the message.
Banners were also tied to the railings of the club, reading “S*n not welcome here at the people’s club.”
In a video taken at the protest a driver said: “We are gathered here today in protest against Everton Football Club’s decision not to follow the lead set by Liverpool and ban the S*n.
“We believe Everton set a brilliant example since the Hillsborough disaster 28 years ago and supported Liverpool, we believe they should be doing exactly the same again now.
“We are calling on Everton Football Club to listen to the fans, to listen to the people of their city and to remove every single facility that’s afforded to the S*n.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/protest-outside-goodison-park-over-12750530
---------------------------------------
Hundreds of Hong Kong taxi drivers besiege government offices demanding franchise scheme be scrapped
More than 300 taxis descended on the Legislative Council and surrounding areas on Friday morning demanding the government scrap a proposal for franchised taxis that they say could cripple the industry.
By 11.30am on Friday, 50 cabs were parked outside government headquarters in Admiralty, 30 were outside the nearby Citic Tower and more than 250 had positioned themselves around Central Pier and along Lung Wo Road opposite the General Post Office.
The government’s plan seeks to allow an additional 600 franchised taxis to charge up to 50 per cent more in fares by providing upgraded services. The protest came as a Legco transport panel was set to discuss the scheme at a meeting scheduled for 11.45am on Friday. However, the discussion was postponed to next week after the meeting overran.
Shouting slogans such as “withdraw the proposal” and “prescribe the right medicine”, dozens of members of the Anti-Taxi Franchises Concern Group at Legco demanded the government shelve the trial franchise scheme, while submitting petitions to lawmakers.
The group’s spokesman Mark Fu Chuen-fu stressed that the creation of an additional 600 franchised taxis would do nothing to resolve public discontent over poor cab service standards, such as bad manners, refusing hires and cherry-picking passengers.
http://bit.ly/2mANze6
----------------------------------------
OXFORD
POLICE got an unusual surprise after a drug dealing cabbie was found using Kinder Eggs to hide bags of mephedrone in his taxi.
The 10-month scheme to sell the drugs was brought to an end after officers arrested Banbury taxi driver Abad Hussain on February 25 last year.
The 40-year-old, of Grimsbury Drive in the town, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday having already pleaded guilty last month to possessing and supplying the class B drug, also known as m-cat or meow meow.
When he was first arrested by police they found 14g of the drug, with a street value of about £400, on his person, before discovering the boxes of Kinder Eggs in the glove compartment of his taxi, containing traces of the drug.
http://bit.ly/2mPdu2x
---------------------------------------------
Thousands of Spanish taxi drivers have gone on strike in Madrid and Barcelona to demonstrate against what they believe is unfair competition from shared ride businesses like Uber and Cabify.
The services face protests worldwide for offering to match private vehicle owners with customers seeking a lift.
It has caused anger in the Spanish capital where the taxi sector is heavily regulated.
Taxi driver Concepcion Guardado said they were not against competition, but that rules had to be respected.
“What we don’t want is these people not following the legislation and trying to compete with us as they did with UberPOP, an application using tourism vehicles without the appropriate licence,” she said.
Taxi drivers’ unions are calling for tighter restrictions on shared ride services.
Uber was banned in Spain in 2014 but began operating again in Madrid last year with a more regulated service. Cabify is available in several cities.
https://yhoo.it/2myW74y
---------------------------------------
Transport for London (TfL) will have to pay damages to three people crushed when a diseased London plane fell on their taxi.
Raymond Henry, his then girlfriend Yvonne Allen and driver Amtiaz Meeloo were in the taxi in Tulse Hill, south London in May 2012, when the 20-metre-high tree fell on it.
All three were hospitalised and left with long-term injuries, and sued TfL for damages of at least £25,000 each for personal injury and losses arising from the accident.
At yesterday (15 March) Judge Alan Saggerson found TfL responsible, saying the tree was in a hazardous condition and should have been removed months before it fell, but had not been properly inspected, and ordered TfL to pay damages all three.
Simon Brindle of injury law firm Slater and Gordon, representing Henry and Allen, said TfL had failed to comply with a policy of inspecting street-side trees on "an average annual basis". The tree had last been inspected in February 2011, the two-day hearing heard.
Liability for costs and the damages will be determined at a later date.
TfL's managing director for surface transport Leon Daniels apologised for the injuries and said TfL had "worked hard to ensure lessons have been learned".
http://bit.ly/2mz4f4N
-------------------------------------
HYNDBURN
Taxi drivers licensed by Hyndburn Council are undertaking safeguarding training that has been designed with support from specialist officers from Lancashire Police.
The training recognises that taxi drivers have a key role to play in safeguarding young and vulnerable people.
The National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding child sexual exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.
The training, which is delivered by Accrington and Rossendale College with funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, and Hyndburn Council helps taxi drivers identify the signs to look out for that may indicate a young person is being sexually exploited and what they should do to report any concerns they may have.
http://bit.ly/2myYKmG
Scores of taxi drivers descended on Goodison Park in protest against Everton’s decision NOT to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool FC by banning the S*n from the club .
A taxi convoy parked up outside the Everton stadium emblazoned with ‘total eclipse of the S*n’ messages, while drivers stood at the side of the road with leaflets to spread the message.
Banners were also tied to the railings of the club, reading “S*n not welcome here at the people’s club.”
In a video taken at the protest a driver said: “We are gathered here today in protest against Everton Football Club’s decision not to follow the lead set by Liverpool and ban the S*n.
“We believe Everton set a brilliant example since the Hillsborough disaster 28 years ago and supported Liverpool, we believe they should be doing exactly the same again now.
“We are calling on Everton Football Club to listen to the fans, to listen to the people of their city and to remove every single facility that’s afforded to the S*n.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/protest-outside-goodison-park-over-12750530
---------------------------------------
Hundreds of Hong Kong taxi drivers besiege government offices demanding franchise scheme be scrapped
More than 300 taxis descended on the Legislative Council and surrounding areas on Friday morning demanding the government scrap a proposal for franchised taxis that they say could cripple the industry.
By 11.30am on Friday, 50 cabs were parked outside government headquarters in Admiralty, 30 were outside the nearby Citic Tower and more than 250 had positioned themselves around Central Pier and along Lung Wo Road opposite the General Post Office.
The government’s plan seeks to allow an additional 600 franchised taxis to charge up to 50 per cent more in fares by providing upgraded services. The protest came as a Legco transport panel was set to discuss the scheme at a meeting scheduled for 11.45am on Friday. However, the discussion was postponed to next week after the meeting overran.
Shouting slogans such as “withdraw the proposal” and “prescribe the right medicine”, dozens of members of the Anti-Taxi Franchises Concern Group at Legco demanded the government shelve the trial franchise scheme, while submitting petitions to lawmakers.
The group’s spokesman Mark Fu Chuen-fu stressed that the creation of an additional 600 franchised taxis would do nothing to resolve public discontent over poor cab service standards, such as bad manners, refusing hires and cherry-picking passengers.
http://bit.ly/2mANze6
----------------------------------------
OXFORD
POLICE got an unusual surprise after a drug dealing cabbie was found using Kinder Eggs to hide bags of mephedrone in his taxi.
The 10-month scheme to sell the drugs was brought to an end after officers arrested Banbury taxi driver Abad Hussain on February 25 last year.
The 40-year-old, of Grimsbury Drive in the town, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday having already pleaded guilty last month to possessing and supplying the class B drug, also known as m-cat or meow meow.
When he was first arrested by police they found 14g of the drug, with a street value of about £400, on his person, before discovering the boxes of Kinder Eggs in the glove compartment of his taxi, containing traces of the drug.
http://bit.ly/2mPdu2x
---------------------------------------------
Thousands of Spanish taxi drivers have gone on strike in Madrid and Barcelona to demonstrate against what they believe is unfair competition from shared ride businesses like Uber and Cabify.
The services face protests worldwide for offering to match private vehicle owners with customers seeking a lift.
It has caused anger in the Spanish capital where the taxi sector is heavily regulated.
Taxi driver Concepcion Guardado said they were not against competition, but that rules had to be respected.
“What we don’t want is these people not following the legislation and trying to compete with us as they did with UberPOP, an application using tourism vehicles without the appropriate licence,” she said.
Taxi drivers’ unions are calling for tighter restrictions on shared ride services.
Uber was banned in Spain in 2014 but began operating again in Madrid last year with a more regulated service. Cabify is available in several cities.
https://yhoo.it/2myW74y
---------------------------------------
Transport for London (TfL) will have to pay damages to three people crushed when a diseased London plane fell on their taxi.
Raymond Henry, his then girlfriend Yvonne Allen and driver Amtiaz Meeloo were in the taxi in Tulse Hill, south London in May 2012, when the 20-metre-high tree fell on it.
All three were hospitalised and left with long-term injuries, and sued TfL for damages of at least £25,000 each for personal injury and losses arising from the accident.
At yesterday (15 March) Judge Alan Saggerson found TfL responsible, saying the tree was in a hazardous condition and should have been removed months before it fell, but had not been properly inspected, and ordered TfL to pay damages all three.
Simon Brindle of injury law firm Slater and Gordon, representing Henry and Allen, said TfL had failed to comply with a policy of inspecting street-side trees on "an average annual basis". The tree had last been inspected in February 2011, the two-day hearing heard.
Liability for costs and the damages will be determined at a later date.
TfL's managing director for surface transport Leon Daniels apologised for the injuries and said TfL had "worked hard to ensure lessons have been learned".
http://bit.ly/2mz4f4N
-------------------------------------
HYNDBURN
Taxi drivers licensed by Hyndburn Council are undertaking safeguarding training that has been designed with support from specialist officers from Lancashire Police.
The training recognises that taxi drivers have a key role to play in safeguarding young and vulnerable people.
The National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding child sexual exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.
The training, which is delivered by Accrington and Rossendale College with funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, and Hyndburn Council helps taxi drivers identify the signs to look out for that may indicate a young person is being sexually exploited and what they should do to report any concerns they may have.
http://bit.ly/2myYKmG
Wednesday 15 March 2017
WEST MIDLANDS
A man has been jailed for robbing taxi drivers in the West Midlands area by threatening them with a used needle he claimed was infected with the Aids virus.
David Purcell, 31, was sentenced for two counts of robbery at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 1 March after he threatened drivers last summer.
On 6 June 2016, Purcell, got into the first taxi on Cloister Drive, Halesowen and held a used syringe to the neck of the driver and demanded he gave him money before fleeing on foot.
Purcell did exactly the same thing to a second taxi on Shenstone Avenue in Stourbridge on 14 July. Neither taxi drivers were harmed during the robberies.
Police arrested him after officers traced the mobile used to call the taxis, which was later found on his possession on 2 August.
Purcell, from Hamilton Avenue, Halesowen, has now been jailed for seven years for the two counts of robbery.
West Midlands Police DC Sean Lowe, who led the investigation, said: "These serious offences understandably caused a lot of concern amongst cab drivers in the area, who feared the offender would strike again.
"Mobile phone cell site data was collected for both the offences which put Purcell at the locations and coupled with positive identification by the brave victims we were able to get this result.
"I hope the news he has been taken off the streets for such a long time offers reassurance both to local drivers and to the community
http://bit.ly/2mqS5ep
------------------------------------
SEFTON
A list of complaints made against taxi drivers in Sefton has revealed alleged incidents of abusive behaviour, offensive language and guide dog refusal.
An agenda for the Licensing and Regulatory Committee of Sefton Council revealed the full list of complaints handled by the Taxi Licensing Unit between September 2016 and February 2017.
The highest number of complaints related to driver conduct or appearance, with 64 received in this period.
Abusive behaviour and offensive language are the most common complaints made.
The report says: “Usually the driver involved is invited to attend a meeting to discuss the allegations.
“If it is warranted they receive a warning or suspension, the outcome being dependent on evidence available.
“Smoking in vehicles or dropping of litter remains a common complaint for which fixed penalties can be issued.”
Any threatening behaviour is reported to the police.
A number of complaints were also received about driving style.
Of the 35 complaints received, these usually related to passengers having concerns about the manner in which a vehicle is driven.
http://bit.ly/2n8UezB
----------------------------------------
A mother who was seriously injured when she was run over by her taxi driver son insists he is a "good boy" and can't wait to give him a hug.
Abdul Abbasi, 32, was yesterday cleared of attempted murder, but the jury found him guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Abbasi was accused of using his silver-blue Vauxhall Astra "as a weapon" to first back over his mother, Rehana Abbasi, before driving over her again and fleeing the scene.
During the trial, Abbasi insisted he loved his mother and had no motive for wanting to hurt her.
Shortly after the verdicts were returned, and speaking through a relative who agreed to translate for her, Pakistan-born Mrs Abbasi told the Mail: "I am very happy that my son has been found not guilty. Thank God! I am dying to see him. I need to see him. I will give him a hug.
"I know it was an accident. He is a good boy. He is a good son. He is my only son. He is a taxi driver and works hard."
http://bit.ly/2mYH1ZJ
-------------------------------------
EAST LINDSEY
A man who placed the public at risk has been found guilty of operating a private hire taxi service without being licensed or insured.
This came after he had previously been given advice and guidance about what he needed to do if he wanted to run such a service - including getting private hire operator, vehicle and driver licences.
But he was caught operating without the documents when he took a booking to provide an airport run.
He was prosecuted by East Lindsey District Council for two offences relating to operating an unlicensed private hire vehicle from his home and will now pay almost £950 to the council.
Clarke did not appear at Boston Magistrates Court but submitted written guilty pleas.
Adrian Twiddy, principal licensing officer at the council, said: "Operating a taxi or private hire service is a serious business and it is important those who are doing so comply with the law and ensure they have the relevant licences and insurances in place.
"This case sends a strong message to those who are providing such a service illegally – if you're caught we will take action."
Sentencing him, the magistrates said Clarke had placed members of the public at risk by operating an unlicensed and uninsured private hire vehicle.
He was fined £500 for the two offences under the Local Government Act 1976.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £417.88 and a £30 victim surcharge, totaling £947.88.
http://bit.ly/2mr2R5a
----------------------------------------
A big spike in the number of Sheffield drivers travelling to London to obtain taxi licences has sparked further concern over regulations. Figures supplied to The Star by the GMB union show in the last six months - the number of drivers with a Sheffield postcode that holds a Transport for London taxi licence has risen from 53 to 177 - a massive 330 per cent increase.
In September 2016, The Star revealed over 700 taxi drivers that reside in Sheffield were handed licences from councils as far as Wales and Lancashire - over 400 of which came from the town of Rossendale near Blackburn. Over 700 Sheffield taxi drivers licensed by councils hundreds of miles away GMB rep and Sheffield licenced taxi driver Ibrar Hussain has been campaigning on this issue calling for stricter regulation on cross-border taxi licencing. He said:
"There is a lack of enforcement or no enforcement at all as to who's driving these vehicles. Are they fit and proper? Are the vehicles safe to drive? Why live in Sheffield, but get licence from TfL? Mr Hussain has been joined by senior council figures and Sheffield MPs on lobbying the Government to change the law .
At present, a driver who lives in Sheffield can approach Transport for London for a private hire vehicle licence and come back to Sheffield to operate in the city with a number of firms. Because the driver is licensed elsewhere in the country, Sheffield Council has limited powers to take enforcement action if needed.
Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh said:
“Sheffield Council prides itself on its strict licensing and rigorous training conditions which help keep taxi users in our city safe. But the change in the law is riding roughshod over these protections meaning drivers from across the country can get a licence from areas with different standards and requirements and still operate in Sheffield. "We have been warning the Government about this for months and these troubling new figures show it is now time to take action. Sheffield Council should decide who can and can’t operate a taxi in our city, not some council hundreds of miles away who haven’t the first idea about what protections Sheffield needs.”
http://bit.ly/2nDyb0F
------------------------------------------
A man has been jailed for robbing taxi drivers in the West Midlands area by threatening them with a used needle he claimed was infected with the Aids virus.
David Purcell, 31, was sentenced for two counts of robbery at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 1 March after he threatened drivers last summer.
On 6 June 2016, Purcell, got into the first taxi on Cloister Drive, Halesowen and held a used syringe to the neck of the driver and demanded he gave him money before fleeing on foot.
Purcell did exactly the same thing to a second taxi on Shenstone Avenue in Stourbridge on 14 July. Neither taxi drivers were harmed during the robberies.
Police arrested him after officers traced the mobile used to call the taxis, which was later found on his possession on 2 August.
Purcell, from Hamilton Avenue, Halesowen, has now been jailed for seven years for the two counts of robbery.
West Midlands Police DC Sean Lowe, who led the investigation, said: "These serious offences understandably caused a lot of concern amongst cab drivers in the area, who feared the offender would strike again.
"Mobile phone cell site data was collected for both the offences which put Purcell at the locations and coupled with positive identification by the brave victims we were able to get this result.
"I hope the news he has been taken off the streets for such a long time offers reassurance both to local drivers and to the community
http://bit.ly/2mqS5ep
------------------------------------
SEFTON
A list of complaints made against taxi drivers in Sefton has revealed alleged incidents of abusive behaviour, offensive language and guide dog refusal.
An agenda for the Licensing and Regulatory Committee of Sefton Council revealed the full list of complaints handled by the Taxi Licensing Unit between September 2016 and February 2017.
The highest number of complaints related to driver conduct or appearance, with 64 received in this period.
Abusive behaviour and offensive language are the most common complaints made.
The report says: “Usually the driver involved is invited to attend a meeting to discuss the allegations.
“If it is warranted they receive a warning or suspension, the outcome being dependent on evidence available.
“Smoking in vehicles or dropping of litter remains a common complaint for which fixed penalties can be issued.”
Any threatening behaviour is reported to the police.
A number of complaints were also received about driving style.
Of the 35 complaints received, these usually related to passengers having concerns about the manner in which a vehicle is driven.
http://bit.ly/2n8UezB
----------------------------------------
A mother who was seriously injured when she was run over by her taxi driver son insists he is a "good boy" and can't wait to give him a hug.
Abdul Abbasi, 32, was yesterday cleared of attempted murder, but the jury found him guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Abbasi was accused of using his silver-blue Vauxhall Astra "as a weapon" to first back over his mother, Rehana Abbasi, before driving over her again and fleeing the scene.
During the trial, Abbasi insisted he loved his mother and had no motive for wanting to hurt her.
Shortly after the verdicts were returned, and speaking through a relative who agreed to translate for her, Pakistan-born Mrs Abbasi told the Mail: "I am very happy that my son has been found not guilty. Thank God! I am dying to see him. I need to see him. I will give him a hug.
"I know it was an accident. He is a good boy. He is a good son. He is my only son. He is a taxi driver and works hard."
http://bit.ly/2mYH1ZJ
-------------------------------------
EAST LINDSEY
A man who placed the public at risk has been found guilty of operating a private hire taxi service without being licensed or insured.
This came after he had previously been given advice and guidance about what he needed to do if he wanted to run such a service - including getting private hire operator, vehicle and driver licences.
But he was caught operating without the documents when he took a booking to provide an airport run.
He was prosecuted by East Lindsey District Council for two offences relating to operating an unlicensed private hire vehicle from his home and will now pay almost £950 to the council.
Clarke did not appear at Boston Magistrates Court but submitted written guilty pleas.
Adrian Twiddy, principal licensing officer at the council, said: "Operating a taxi or private hire service is a serious business and it is important those who are doing so comply with the law and ensure they have the relevant licences and insurances in place.
"This case sends a strong message to those who are providing such a service illegally – if you're caught we will take action."
Sentencing him, the magistrates said Clarke had placed members of the public at risk by operating an unlicensed and uninsured private hire vehicle.
He was fined £500 for the two offences under the Local Government Act 1976.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £417.88 and a £30 victim surcharge, totaling £947.88.
http://bit.ly/2mr2R5a
----------------------------------------
A big spike in the number of Sheffield drivers travelling to London to obtain taxi licences has sparked further concern over regulations. Figures supplied to The Star by the GMB union show in the last six months - the number of drivers with a Sheffield postcode that holds a Transport for London taxi licence has risen from 53 to 177 - a massive 330 per cent increase.
In September 2016, The Star revealed over 700 taxi drivers that reside in Sheffield were handed licences from councils as far as Wales and Lancashire - over 400 of which came from the town of Rossendale near Blackburn. Over 700 Sheffield taxi drivers licensed by councils hundreds of miles away GMB rep and Sheffield licenced taxi driver Ibrar Hussain has been campaigning on this issue calling for stricter regulation on cross-border taxi licencing. He said:
"There is a lack of enforcement or no enforcement at all as to who's driving these vehicles. Are they fit and proper? Are the vehicles safe to drive? Why live in Sheffield, but get licence from TfL? Mr Hussain has been joined by senior council figures and Sheffield MPs on lobbying the Government to change the law .
At present, a driver who lives in Sheffield can approach Transport for London for a private hire vehicle licence and come back to Sheffield to operate in the city with a number of firms. Because the driver is licensed elsewhere in the country, Sheffield Council has limited powers to take enforcement action if needed.
Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh said:
“Sheffield Council prides itself on its strict licensing and rigorous training conditions which help keep taxi users in our city safe. But the change in the law is riding roughshod over these protections meaning drivers from across the country can get a licence from areas with different standards and requirements and still operate in Sheffield. "We have been warning the Government about this for months and these troubling new figures show it is now time to take action. Sheffield Council should decide who can and can’t operate a taxi in our city, not some council hundreds of miles away who haven’t the first idea about what protections Sheffield needs.”
http://bit.ly/2nDyb0F
------------------------------------------
Tuesday 14 March 2017
Luton Borough Council defends taxi stance
Luton Borough Council says it's doing all it can to help local taxi drivers gain local business, as cabbies stage a protest outside the town hall.
Taxi drivers claim the council isn't doing enough to protect the local industry from companies like Uber, which has started operating in Luton, and London-based Addison Lee, which has secured a contract at the airport.
But Sarah Hall, service director for business and consumer services, said: "What we are trying to do with all of our traders is to put them into a position where if opportunities such as this [the contract with Luton Airport] arise in future, they will be in a good position to win these contracts.
"So we've offered repeatedly - and I continue to offer and offered only last week - business support and advice through a number of local organisations, to try and get our local traders in a business where they can compete in a really competitive market."
We've contacted Uber and Addison Lee for comment.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-39128555
Luton Borough Council says it's doing all it can to help local taxi drivers gain local business, as cabbies stage a protest outside the town hall.
Taxi drivers claim the council isn't doing enough to protect the local industry from companies like Uber, which has started operating in Luton, and London-based Addison Lee, which has secured a contract at the airport.
But Sarah Hall, service director for business and consumer services, said: "What we are trying to do with all of our traders is to put them into a position where if opportunities such as this [the contract with Luton Airport] arise in future, they will be in a good position to win these contracts.
"So we've offered repeatedly - and I continue to offer and offered only last week - business support and advice through a number of local organisations, to try and get our local traders in a business where they can compete in a really competitive market."
We've contacted Uber and Addison Lee for comment.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-39128555
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