The mayor of London has launched a £42m fund to help remove the oldest "dirty" diesel black cabs from the capital.
Up to £5,000 will be paid to cabbies for retiring diesel powered taxis between 10-15 years old. No new diesel taxis will be licensed from January.
City Hall says the scheme will cut pollution in central London by 45% by 2020.
Campaigners have warned that drivers still face financial penalties for moving to zero-emission capable taxis.
Research suggests taxis are responsible for 16% of the nitric oxide and 26% of the particulate matter (PM) road transport emissions in London.
The fund will be made available for drivers de-licensing their cabs, which prevents the vehicle from being used as a taxi in the future.
An owner de-licensing a 10-year-old taxi would receive the highest amount of £5,000, scaling down to £1,200 for a vehicle coming to the end of the 15-year age limit.
However the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association argue payments will simply replace funds taxis drivers could have raised for selling on fully licensed taxis.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "London's filthy air is a health crisis that needs urgent action.
"I hope this fund helps deliver a new generation of zero-emission taxis on our roads and paves the way for the Government to offer a diesel scrappage scheme so all London motorists can ditch their dirty diesels."
Deputy chair of the London Assembly's Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon, said: "Tackling the price of electric taxis is central to their high take up."
She called on the mayor to "drive down the cost of electric taxis by bulk purchasing a large number and then selling and leasing them to drivers and garages".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-40752054
-------------------------------------------------------------
GETT COMMUTE
Commuting in London and already fed up of the rush hour chaos over the past few days?
It’s only going to get worse from next week as eight platforms are due to be closed at Waterloo station for major improvement works.
And, more specifically, with a 50% decrease in trains running through Clapham Junction, there’s set to be major disruption for thousands of commuters using South West Trains.
Luckily, help is on hand for people using the UK’s busiest station.
Thanks to the Black Cab App Gett, you’ll be able to commute from Clapham Junction through to Waterloo station for just £2.
From July 31, you’ll be able to use Gett Together – the app’s unique ride sharing service – to jump into a black cab with other commuters.
The line starts at Clapham Junction, travels via Queenstown Road, which will be closed completely, Vauxhall and into Waterloo, and costs just £2 for any journey during the morning rush hour.
In the evening, the line runs in the opposite direction for the same price.
The route will run on weekdays from 7am to 10am and between 5pm and 8pm.
As black cabs are able to use bus lanes, commuters will be able to get to their destination more quickly and for less money.
Gett Together, which launched in London at the start of this year, also lets you hop on and off the line at any point and will guide you on the most convenient point to join the cab.
http://bit.ly/2h9D8zZ
---------------------------------------------
“BOY, if you’re a taxi owner, you’d better think about a new model.” After studying his company’s latest report on business-travel spending, Bob Neveu is pretty clear about the way the world is heading.
Certify, an expense-management software company, released its quarterly report of spending trends on on July 27th, and the numbers are stark. Traditional taxis now account for just 8% of ground transportation transactions among American business travellers—the first time that figure has been in single digits. In contrast, the rise of Uber and Lyft seems unstoppable.
It has been a rough year for Uber in a lot of ways.
There have been allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile workplace culture, as well as a lawsuit from Waymo, a Google affiliate that alleges it stole self-driving car technology.
Last month, Uber’s besieged boss, Travis Kalanick, resigned. But its appeal among people travelling for work does not seem to be diminishing. Uber was responsible for 55% of ground transportation transactions tracked by Certify in the second quarter of this year, compared with 29% for rental cars and 8% each for taxis and Lyft. Excluding rental cars, Uber accounted for more than three-quarters of trips on the road.
In some cities, that figure was even higher. In the tech-hub of San Francisco, for example, 85% of non-rental-car rides go to Uber, with Lyft getting 12% and taxis just 3%.
Taxis’ decline has been precipitous. A year ago, Certify’s survey found that taxi usage had already declined by 51% over the past two years. But they still represented 22% of ground transportation trips, excluding rental cars. A year later, that figure has halved. Lyft has been a big winner in recent years, growing from 0.34% of the non-rental-car market in 2014 to 5.2% last year and 11% now.
Business travellers look for three things in ground transportation, Mr Neveu says: convenience, quality and cost. Hailing (or pre-ordering) an Uber or Lyft on a smartphone has become more convenient than catching a cab on the street.
Quality is also often more reliable, Mr Neveu says, with many Ubers and Lyfts offering bottled water and phone chargers. And while business travellers do not usually foot the bill for their rides, the cost is lower than taxis, too. According to the report, the average Uber ride last quarter was $24.49 and the typical Lyft cost $21.28, versus $31.06 for taxis. Travellers gave Uber the highest satisfaction rating, 4.46 out of 5; taxis got the lowest rating, 3.83.
Uber’s bad PR this year might give some business travellers pause, but Mr Neveu says there is a much bigger factor counteracting that. Many companies, particularly large ones, have been slow to allow employees to use and expense ride-hailing services while travelling.
A survey earlier this year by the Global Business Travel Association found that half of corporate travel policies, across eight countries including America, still do not explicitly allow workers to use ride-hailing services. But that figure was already declining quickly, and the trend is probably accelerating now.
More companies, Mr Neveu says, are putting Uber and Lyft onto their lists of preferred or allowable vendors. Companies are also allowing employees to book Uber and Lyft using company credit cards that are pre-loaded into their apps, saving them the trouble of getting reimbursed for cabs and giving them an incentive to book with these services.
https://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2017/07/ditchin-cabbin-it
-------------------------------------------------
Friday 28 July 2017
Thursday 27 July 2017
COUNCILLORS slammed the decision to allow a man convicted of 'serious sexual offences' to drive a taxi in Burnley for a year as 'disgraceful'.
UKIP councillor Alan Hosker and Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Gordon Birtwistle were 'disgusted' to discover that the individual was granted a hackney carriage licence by Burnley Council in 2014.
Although they were delighted it was revoked 12 months later and council licensing policies tightened subsequently, both politicians slammed the original decision by the borough's licensing sub-committee.
Cllr Hosker discovered the licence had been issued because of a national BBC investigation into the issue of criminals being granted taxi licences in March.
He raised his concerns with senior Burnley Council officials as well as at its licensing committee and full council.
However, council bosses refused to release the details.
Cllr Hosker accused the council of 'throwing a cloak of secrecy over the issue'.
The Lancashire Telegraph understands the male driver had been convicted of indecent assault on a woman before 2004 and there was no suggestion of rape, attempted rape, the use of violence or that the victim was under 16.
When the committee approved the taxi licence on a split decision, the offences, which were more than 10 years old, were considered 'spent' under the then applicable Burnley Council policy.
In 2015, that policy was changed and the clause of allowing drivers with spent convictions was removed.
The driver had his licence revoked an was unable to gain a new one.
Cllr Birtwistle, who also raised the issue with officials and at full council, said: "They appear to have kept it hidden from everybody."
Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Council leader, said: "The decision was in accordance with taxi driver licensing policy at the time but it has since been upgraded and improved."
He declined to disclose any details of the driver involved of the exact offence he was convicted of.
Hapton with Park's Cllr Hosker, who works as a taxi driver, said: "I was disgusted to discover this man had been granted a taxi licence.
"It was disgraceful but no-one will identify the taxi driver or say what the offence actually was.
"The council appears to have thrown a cloak of secrecy over the issue, what are they hiding and why are they doing it?
"I am glad it was revoked and the policy changed but it should never have been granted in the first place.
"I would not want my 11-year-old daughter or anyone else's daughter carried in a taxi driven by a man with a conviction for a serious sexual offence.
"It appears the council hid this from their own councillors and if I had not seen the BBC inquiry it would never have come to light."
Former MP Cllr Birtwistle, said: "Granting this licence was disgusting, disgraceful and out of order.
"I am delighted it was revoked but it should never have been given to this man.
"No woman should be in a taxi driven by someone with this type of sexual conviction.
"It is good that our policies have now been tightened but they should not have been that lax in the first place.
"No-one seems prepared to give any details and the council seems to be hiding the details from councillors and the public."
Daneshouse with Stoneyholme Labour councillor Shah Hussain, who was on the licensing sub-committee, said: "This was about an individual's licence discussed in private session so unfortunately, I cannot discuss any details."
A Burnley Council spokesman also refused to identify the driver.
But said: “Burnley Council would like to make it clear that the individual this case relates to is no longer a taxi driver, and has not been so for almost two years.
"He would not now be granted a licence under our strengthened policies.
“Burnley Council puts the highest priority on the safety and well-being of people who use taxis in our borough.
"As national policy has developed, we have proactively introduced best practice and improvements to our local policies.
"In this case a decision was made that was consistent and in line with the council’s convictions policy at the time.
"All the available evidence was taken into account at the hearing and it was determined that the applicant was fit and proper.
“The policy has not been changed as a direct consequence of this case.
"However, since the decision about this individual was made, the council has worked with neighbouring authorities and the police to review and strengthen its convictions policy.
"This has led to greater safeguards to passengers.
"Burnley has also been in the forefront of promoting the need for best practice and consistent standards across the region.
"Burnley’s current policy means that anyone with a sexual offence on their record will not be granted a licence.
"As far as we’re aware Burnley Council now has the strongest convictions policy of any council in Lancashire.
"It is also goes beyond and is more robust than the guidelines of the Local Government Association.
“The council has also introduced compulsory safeguarding training to drivers."
Chairman of the licensing sub-committee in 2014, Lanehead Labour councillor Ann Royle, was unavailable for comment.
Tuesday 25 July 2017
THE first electric taxi in Brighton and Hove is now on the road and proving a big hit with passengers.
Southern Taxis driver Tony Head has been planning the move over to electric for four years and says it is the “best thing he has ever done”.
The brand new Kia Soul is saving Tony, a driver with Southern Taxis for 11 years, around £400 a month in diesel which has financed the new vehicle.
The taxi’s lithium ion battery lasts about 150 miles before it needs recharging at a public charge point in Brighton or at home overnight on a normal three-pin socket.
Tony said: “I drive about 80 miles a day so I can get two days’ work out the car before it needs recharging.
“So far it is working really well.”
If Tony wants to do an out-of-town journey and needs to recharge, there are rapid charge points on motorways that give an 80% battery boost in just 30 minutes.
He said: “It is the best thing I’ve ever done.
“It’s given me a new lease of life and, as well as financial benefits, I know it’s making a big difference to the environment with zero emissions.
“Passengers notice the quietness and smoothness of the car and I’ve had a great reaction from everyone.”
Another bonus for Tony is that he pays no road tax and gets a 50% reduction on his resident’s parking permit.
Southern Taxis’ managing director Andy Cheesman said: “We’re delighted that Southern Taxis has put the first electric taxi on the streets of Brighton and Hove.
“It’s fantastic for the environment and Tony benefits from saving the cost of fuel.
“I hope that this electric taxi will be the first of many in the city.”
Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s environment and transport committee, said: “It’s great to see Southern Taxis leading the way towards low emission taxi fleets for Brighton and Hove.
“Taxis are a vital part of the city’s public transport network and cleaner engines mean cleaner air for everyone and a far better environment.”
http://bit.ly/2uzHX8G
----------------------------------------------
Japanese firm SoftBank is reportedly aiming to take a multibillion-dollar stake in Uber, just days after it stumped up cash for Singaporean ride-sharing biz Grab's latest investment round.
According to the Wall Street Journal, SoftBank has approached the lawsuit-ridden taxi app maker about gaining a large stake in the company.
The newspaper reported sources as saying the talks are preliminary and one-sided, and that any potential deal would have to wait until Uber brings on a new chief executive following Travis Kalanick's resignation last month.
SoftBank already invests in three ride-sharing companies in Asia: Ola in India, Didi Chuxing in China, and Grab, based in Singapore and operating in seven countries in Southeast Asia.
Yesterday, SoftBank and Didi announced that they had backed Grab's latest funding round, which raised some $2.5bn, valuing the Singapore biz at more than $6bn. Reports described this as the biggest investment in a tech startup in Southeast Asia.
Adding to the interconnected ride-sharing web, Didi also has investments in Lyft, and last year acquired Uber's Chinese subsidiary, with the merged business reportedly worth $35bn.
Earlier this month, Uber announced plans to merge its business in and around Russia with the local search engine giant Yandex – which has been operating Yandex.Taxi in the region since 2011.
Uber put down $225m for a 36.6 per cent stake in the new company, creatively named NewCo, while Yandex put down $100m and gets a 59.3 per cent stake. The merger should be finalised by Q4 of 2017.
http://bit.ly/2tIo16z
Southern Taxis driver Tony Head has been planning the move over to electric for four years and says it is the “best thing he has ever done”.
The brand new Kia Soul is saving Tony, a driver with Southern Taxis for 11 years, around £400 a month in diesel which has financed the new vehicle.
The taxi’s lithium ion battery lasts about 150 miles before it needs recharging at a public charge point in Brighton or at home overnight on a normal three-pin socket.
Tony said: “I drive about 80 miles a day so I can get two days’ work out the car before it needs recharging.
“So far it is working really well.”
If Tony wants to do an out-of-town journey and needs to recharge, there are rapid charge points on motorways that give an 80% battery boost in just 30 minutes.
He said: “It is the best thing I’ve ever done.
“It’s given me a new lease of life and, as well as financial benefits, I know it’s making a big difference to the environment with zero emissions.
“Passengers notice the quietness and smoothness of the car and I’ve had a great reaction from everyone.”
Another bonus for Tony is that he pays no road tax and gets a 50% reduction on his resident’s parking permit.
Southern Taxis’ managing director Andy Cheesman said: “We’re delighted that Southern Taxis has put the first electric taxi on the streets of Brighton and Hove.
“It’s fantastic for the environment and Tony benefits from saving the cost of fuel.
“I hope that this electric taxi will be the first of many in the city.”
Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s environment and transport committee, said: “It’s great to see Southern Taxis leading the way towards low emission taxi fleets for Brighton and Hove.
“Taxis are a vital part of the city’s public transport network and cleaner engines mean cleaner air for everyone and a far better environment.”
http://bit.ly/2uzHX8G
----------------------------------------------
Japanese firm SoftBank is reportedly aiming to take a multibillion-dollar stake in Uber, just days after it stumped up cash for Singaporean ride-sharing biz Grab's latest investment round.
According to the Wall Street Journal, SoftBank has approached the lawsuit-ridden taxi app maker about gaining a large stake in the company.
The newspaper reported sources as saying the talks are preliminary and one-sided, and that any potential deal would have to wait until Uber brings on a new chief executive following Travis Kalanick's resignation last month.
SoftBank already invests in three ride-sharing companies in Asia: Ola in India, Didi Chuxing in China, and Grab, based in Singapore and operating in seven countries in Southeast Asia.
Yesterday, SoftBank and Didi announced that they had backed Grab's latest funding round, which raised some $2.5bn, valuing the Singapore biz at more than $6bn. Reports described this as the biggest investment in a tech startup in Southeast Asia.
Adding to the interconnected ride-sharing web, Didi also has investments in Lyft, and last year acquired Uber's Chinese subsidiary, with the merged business reportedly worth $35bn.
Earlier this month, Uber announced plans to merge its business in and around Russia with the local search engine giant Yandex – which has been operating Yandex.Taxi in the region since 2011.
Uber put down $225m for a 36.6 per cent stake in the new company, creatively named NewCo, while Yandex put down $100m and gets a 59.3 per cent stake. The merger should be finalised by Q4 of 2017.
http://bit.ly/2tIo16z
Monday 24 July 2017
UBERK CHICAGO
An Uber passenger was subject to the most uncomfortable ride of his life where his driver seemingly received oral sex from a prostitute, and the company attempted to apologize by offering him a mere $10 credit.
Aner Manuel claims he was stuck in an Uber for two miles while an intoxicated prostitute groped and performed oral sex on the driver.
The horrified customer posted footage of the 'most dangerous and inappropriate ride ever' on social media after the incident in Chicago around 3am on July 17.
In the clip, a woman is seen kissing the driver and then lowering her head into his lap, while mood music plays over the stereo.
After the ride-hailing service allegedly offered him a $10 credit, Manuel posted the video online to prompt Uber to appropriately respond to the complaint.
The video, believed to have been filmed on Snapchat, shows an alleged Uber driver looking at a phone's map while a woman in the front seat begins to kiss him.
As the man drives, he continues to kiss the woman but tells her to stop when she aggressively grabs hold of his shirt collar.
The video cuts to the woman seemingly performing oral sex on the driver as he looks at directions and drives the car.
Manuel can then be heard telling the driver to pull over so he can exit the car.
In a Facebook post, Manuel clarified that his ride wasn't an UberPool and said he thought maybe the front seat passenger was a family member.
He wrote: 'As I approached my Uber, I noticed there was a passenger in the front seat. I double checked to make sure I didn't select UberPool, and then approached the car.
'I assumed it may have been a family member of some sort. As we pulled off the female in the front (who was clearly on drugs) attempted to open the door and could not even sit straight as the vehicle was in motion.'
Manuel continued: 'She then began to grope him and grab him. They began to kiss and she began loosening his belt.
'As we got further and further from my pickup location I had no idea where I was, so I had to stay in the car. She then proceeded to perform oral sex.
'This was my last straw. I asked the driver to drop me off. Since I've contacted Uber and they refunded me for trip and gave me a "$10 credit".
'They've seen this video and are still "investigating". They have been extremely bad at answering any messages I've sent, and I demand something gets done. This is not okay!'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4726962/Uber-driver-filmed-receiving-oral-sex-prostitute.html
----------------------------------------------
Hull Private Hire Association says 'dangerous' shortage of taxi drivers down to tough council registering rules
People are walking long distances late at night rather than wait for a taxi
A "dangerous" lack of taxis in the city could be fixed if Hull City Council relaxed the way new taxi drivers are registered according to Hull Private Hire Association.
Magnus Murray, secretary of the group, says a chronic shortage of taxi drivers means people are opting to walk long distances because they cannot book cars late on some evenings.
Mr Murray said some party-goers were told they would have to wait for hours on Saturday evening for a taxi.
The owner of 706 Cars said: “People are having to wait hours for taxis and it isn’t safe. It’s not just on weekends either. There can be lots of drivers working but there is such a demand at the minute that we just need more in Hull.
“When people are having to walk for miles because they are unable to get a taxi it is dangerous. We need more drivers, at least 300 hundred drivers would be needed to help sort this out.
“But it’s not even just a City of Culture thing. Last year we told the council there would be problems but they didn’t sort it."
But Mr Murray said taxi companies would be able address this shortage if it was made easier for new drivers to register in the city.
Currently, all new drivers in Hull need to pass a BTEC as well DRS checks in order to register.
Mr Murray says the process is costly and time consuming, putting unemployed people off entering the industry and addressing the shortage.
http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/hull-private-hire-association-says-234150
---------------------------------------------
UBERK UK.
The growth of app-based Uber is meaning that traditional taxi firms are losing out, according to new research.
The turnover of the top 100 UK taxi and minicab firms has fallen for the first time in five years, as Uber increasingly strengthens its market share, research by accountancy firm Moore Stephens has found.
Turnover for these UK taxi firms dropped by £16 million between 2015-16, the first time the industry's profits had dropped since 2011-12.
It comes after recent reports in the New York Times about the 'cabby wars' taking place on London streets. There are around 40,000 Uber drivers currently operating in London, compared with 21,000 traditional London cabbies. Uber's fares are often up to 30 per cent cheaper than traditional black cabs – adding to the competition cab drivers are facing.
Phillip Bird, of Moore Stephens, told The Times: "Uber has offered value and convenience to the customer, so traditional taxi companies in cities need to consider how they deal with that."
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said in response to the news: "Uber has so far been given free rein to squash its competitors and the time has come for the government to bring forward legislation to level the playing field by creating national minimum licensing standards, and giving local authorities the power to cap the number of private hire vehicles in our cities.
"Until this happens, the taxi and minicab industries, and drivers, will continue to suffer at the hands of Uber."
https://www.aol.co.uk/cars/2017/07/24/uber-squeezes-traditional-taxi-firms-market/
-------------------------------------------
CAMBRIDGE DRIVERS ABOUT TO GET THE BLUES
Blue taxis and training for drivers as Cambridge looks to improve taxi service
A ban on licensing older cars could also be on the way as public consultation launches.
The city’s taxis could all turn a fetching shade of “Cambridge blue”, and drivers may be trained to recognise child exploitation as councillors discuss changes to improve services in the city.
A consultation will be launched to see what the public makes of a raft of ideas, which are intended to make Hackney Carriages in the city better.
Amongst the things the public is to be consulted on is a ban on licensing any vehicles more than four years old, which the council says is an opportunity to improve poor air quality in the city.
The consultation will also look at whether or not taxis should have to carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
Councillors also agreed to consult the public on a request to drop the stipulation for drivers to carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
A letter to the committee from taxi driver Michael Peacock said that in 23 years, he’s never had to use his fire extinguisher or first aid kit. He said the stipulation to carry them should be dropped as he would be liable if someone suffered an allergic reaction due to the use of one.
Cllr Moore, however, said: “The point of fire extinguishers and first aid kits is not that they have never been used, you hope they should never be used. If you have a fire extinguisher you can help if there’s a disaster, and if you have a first aid kit, you can patch people up.”
Cllr Jeremy Benstead says he has been calling for some time for a standardised livery for taxis.
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/blue-taxis-training-drivers-cambridge-13378221
An Uber passenger was subject to the most uncomfortable ride of his life where his driver seemingly received oral sex from a prostitute, and the company attempted to apologize by offering him a mere $10 credit.
Aner Manuel claims he was stuck in an Uber for two miles while an intoxicated prostitute groped and performed oral sex on the driver.
The horrified customer posted footage of the 'most dangerous and inappropriate ride ever' on social media after the incident in Chicago around 3am on July 17.
In the clip, a woman is seen kissing the driver and then lowering her head into his lap, while mood music plays over the stereo.
After the ride-hailing service allegedly offered him a $10 credit, Manuel posted the video online to prompt Uber to appropriately respond to the complaint.
The video, believed to have been filmed on Snapchat, shows an alleged Uber driver looking at a phone's map while a woman in the front seat begins to kiss him.
As the man drives, he continues to kiss the woman but tells her to stop when she aggressively grabs hold of his shirt collar.
The video cuts to the woman seemingly performing oral sex on the driver as he looks at directions and drives the car.
Manuel can then be heard telling the driver to pull over so he can exit the car.
In a Facebook post, Manuel clarified that his ride wasn't an UberPool and said he thought maybe the front seat passenger was a family member.
He wrote: 'As I approached my Uber, I noticed there was a passenger in the front seat. I double checked to make sure I didn't select UberPool, and then approached the car.
'I assumed it may have been a family member of some sort. As we pulled off the female in the front (who was clearly on drugs) attempted to open the door and could not even sit straight as the vehicle was in motion.'
Manuel continued: 'She then began to grope him and grab him. They began to kiss and she began loosening his belt.
'As we got further and further from my pickup location I had no idea where I was, so I had to stay in the car. She then proceeded to perform oral sex.
'This was my last straw. I asked the driver to drop me off. Since I've contacted Uber and they refunded me for trip and gave me a "$10 credit".
'They've seen this video and are still "investigating". They have been extremely bad at answering any messages I've sent, and I demand something gets done. This is not okay!'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4726962/Uber-driver-filmed-receiving-oral-sex-prostitute.html
----------------------------------------------
Hull Private Hire Association says 'dangerous' shortage of taxi drivers down to tough council registering rules
People are walking long distances late at night rather than wait for a taxi
A "dangerous" lack of taxis in the city could be fixed if Hull City Council relaxed the way new taxi drivers are registered according to Hull Private Hire Association.
Magnus Murray, secretary of the group, says a chronic shortage of taxi drivers means people are opting to walk long distances because they cannot book cars late on some evenings.
Mr Murray said some party-goers were told they would have to wait for hours on Saturday evening for a taxi.
The owner of 706 Cars said: “People are having to wait hours for taxis and it isn’t safe. It’s not just on weekends either. There can be lots of drivers working but there is such a demand at the minute that we just need more in Hull.
“When people are having to walk for miles because they are unable to get a taxi it is dangerous. We need more drivers, at least 300 hundred drivers would be needed to help sort this out.
“But it’s not even just a City of Culture thing. Last year we told the council there would be problems but they didn’t sort it."
But Mr Murray said taxi companies would be able address this shortage if it was made easier for new drivers to register in the city.
Currently, all new drivers in Hull need to pass a BTEC as well DRS checks in order to register.
Mr Murray says the process is costly and time consuming, putting unemployed people off entering the industry and addressing the shortage.
http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/hull-private-hire-association-says-234150
---------------------------------------------
UBERK UK.
The growth of app-based Uber is meaning that traditional taxi firms are losing out, according to new research.
The turnover of the top 100 UK taxi and minicab firms has fallen for the first time in five years, as Uber increasingly strengthens its market share, research by accountancy firm Moore Stephens has found.
Turnover for these UK taxi firms dropped by £16 million between 2015-16, the first time the industry's profits had dropped since 2011-12.
It comes after recent reports in the New York Times about the 'cabby wars' taking place on London streets. There are around 40,000 Uber drivers currently operating in London, compared with 21,000 traditional London cabbies. Uber's fares are often up to 30 per cent cheaper than traditional black cabs – adding to the competition cab drivers are facing.
Phillip Bird, of Moore Stephens, told The Times: "Uber has offered value and convenience to the customer, so traditional taxi companies in cities need to consider how they deal with that."
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said in response to the news: "Uber has so far been given free rein to squash its competitors and the time has come for the government to bring forward legislation to level the playing field by creating national minimum licensing standards, and giving local authorities the power to cap the number of private hire vehicles in our cities.
"Until this happens, the taxi and minicab industries, and drivers, will continue to suffer at the hands of Uber."
https://www.aol.co.uk/cars/2017/07/24/uber-squeezes-traditional-taxi-firms-market/
-------------------------------------------
CAMBRIDGE DRIVERS ABOUT TO GET THE BLUES
Blue taxis and training for drivers as Cambridge looks to improve taxi service
A ban on licensing older cars could also be on the way as public consultation launches.
The city’s taxis could all turn a fetching shade of “Cambridge blue”, and drivers may be trained to recognise child exploitation as councillors discuss changes to improve services in the city.
A consultation will be launched to see what the public makes of a raft of ideas, which are intended to make Hackney Carriages in the city better.
Amongst the things the public is to be consulted on is a ban on licensing any vehicles more than four years old, which the council says is an opportunity to improve poor air quality in the city.
The consultation will also look at whether or not taxis should have to carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
Councillors also agreed to consult the public on a request to drop the stipulation for drivers to carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
A letter to the committee from taxi driver Michael Peacock said that in 23 years, he’s never had to use his fire extinguisher or first aid kit. He said the stipulation to carry them should be dropped as he would be liable if someone suffered an allergic reaction due to the use of one.
Cllr Moore, however, said: “The point of fire extinguishers and first aid kits is not that they have never been used, you hope they should never be used. If you have a fire extinguisher you can help if there’s a disaster, and if you have a first aid kit, you can patch people up.”
Cllr Jeremy Benstead says he has been calling for some time for a standardised livery for taxis.
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/blue-taxis-training-drivers-cambridge-13378221
Tuesday 18 July 2017
UBERK BATH
Bath and North East Somerset councillors have agreed to look again at the working practices of private hire companies such as Uber.
The decision came after the council accepted the contents of a report into the taxi company which found there were ‘no grounds to revoke licence’ .
At a previous council meeting in March, four city taxi drivers had raised concerns about how the app-based company was operating in the city.
This led to Councillor Caroline Roberts (Newbridge, Liberal Dems) proposing a review into how Uber’s licence was awarded and its impact on local private hire services.
The review found 44 allegations were made to Bath and North East Somerset Council stating that Uber were operating illegally. Of these:
35 involved insufficient evidence to begin an investigation seven were investigated and not upheld two investigations remain ongoing.
None were made by members of the public.
While bath cabbies criticised the findings of the three-month investigation, the council agreed to note the contents of the report as Uber was allowed to continue its cashless service in Bath.
However, following a Parliamentary debate on working practices in the private hire industry, an amendment proposed by the Labour Group was added to the recommendation.
This amendment means that the council has agreed to look again at issues relating to Uber and has resolved 'to remit to Licensing Committee to consider a further report on this issue in light of any new advice'.
The latest development comes after Frank Field (Labour MP for Birkenhead) expressed concerns about Uber during a House of Commons debate and suggested licences are being granted without minimum conditions being met.
He raised multiple issues, including the way in which drivers’ wages are forced down by low fares, high rates of commission, the cost of renting a vehicle that meets Uber’s strict requirements and the cost of maintaining and fuelling those vehicles.
Responding to those concerns, the Transport Minister John Hayes promised to set up a Working Party to look at the specific things raised in the debate.
He also said he would look at the guidance issued to local authorities who may be unaware of the extent of their powers and their ability to use these powers.
Cllr Joe Rayment (Labour, Twerton) said: “The problem with some of these organisations is that whilst they may appear to provide benefits to the customer in terms of convenience and conditions, there are widespread concern about questionable working practices.
“Evidence suggests that wages have been forced to the floor while the way in which these companies organise themselves means that they often do not pay their fair share of VAT, national insurance or income tax.
“In a report to council, we were essentially told that we weren’t able to consider a company’s employment practices when deciding whether to issue a Private Hire Operators Licence and that we had no power to revoke Uber’s Private Hire Operator’s Licence.
“The Government, however, has now committed to examining the working practices of the Private Hire industry and has pledged to issue new advice to local government to ensure they are using their powers.
“I’m very pleased that council agreed to support my proposal for a further report in light of this new Government commitment.
“My hope is that this new guidance will confirm that we do have the power to act in response to widespread concerns about the way in which these organisations operate, including, if appropriate, revoking licences if it we find a company is not meeting minimum conditions.”
The Labour Group’s amendment came after Cllr Roberts (Lib Dems) had tried to pass an amendment to get the council refer the report to the Licensing Committee to carry out a thorough investigation into Uber operations.
That amendment was lost, though, with 17 councillors voting in favour, 34 against and five abstentions, before all but one councillor voted in favour of Labour’s amendment.
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/news/bath-news/council-agrees-look-again-ubers-204745
Bath and North East Somerset councillors have agreed to look again at the working practices of private hire companies such as Uber.
The decision came after the council accepted the contents of a report into the taxi company which found there were ‘no grounds to revoke licence’ .
At a previous council meeting in March, four city taxi drivers had raised concerns about how the app-based company was operating in the city.
This led to Councillor Caroline Roberts (Newbridge, Liberal Dems) proposing a review into how Uber’s licence was awarded and its impact on local private hire services.
The review found 44 allegations were made to Bath and North East Somerset Council stating that Uber were operating illegally. Of these:
35 involved insufficient evidence to begin an investigation seven were investigated and not upheld two investigations remain ongoing.
None were made by members of the public.
While bath cabbies criticised the findings of the three-month investigation, the council agreed to note the contents of the report as Uber was allowed to continue its cashless service in Bath.
However, following a Parliamentary debate on working practices in the private hire industry, an amendment proposed by the Labour Group was added to the recommendation.
This amendment means that the council has agreed to look again at issues relating to Uber and has resolved 'to remit to Licensing Committee to consider a further report on this issue in light of any new advice'.
The latest development comes after Frank Field (Labour MP for Birkenhead) expressed concerns about Uber during a House of Commons debate and suggested licences are being granted without minimum conditions being met.
He raised multiple issues, including the way in which drivers’ wages are forced down by low fares, high rates of commission, the cost of renting a vehicle that meets Uber’s strict requirements and the cost of maintaining and fuelling those vehicles.
Responding to those concerns, the Transport Minister John Hayes promised to set up a Working Party to look at the specific things raised in the debate.
He also said he would look at the guidance issued to local authorities who may be unaware of the extent of their powers and their ability to use these powers.
Cllr Joe Rayment (Labour, Twerton) said: “The problem with some of these organisations is that whilst they may appear to provide benefits to the customer in terms of convenience and conditions, there are widespread concern about questionable working practices.
“Evidence suggests that wages have been forced to the floor while the way in which these companies organise themselves means that they often do not pay their fair share of VAT, national insurance or income tax.
“In a report to council, we were essentially told that we weren’t able to consider a company’s employment practices when deciding whether to issue a Private Hire Operators Licence and that we had no power to revoke Uber’s Private Hire Operator’s Licence.
“The Government, however, has now committed to examining the working practices of the Private Hire industry and has pledged to issue new advice to local government to ensure they are using their powers.
“I’m very pleased that council agreed to support my proposal for a further report in light of this new Government commitment.
“My hope is that this new guidance will confirm that we do have the power to act in response to widespread concerns about the way in which these organisations operate, including, if appropriate, revoking licences if it we find a company is not meeting minimum conditions.”
The Labour Group’s amendment came after Cllr Roberts (Lib Dems) had tried to pass an amendment to get the council refer the report to the Licensing Committee to carry out a thorough investigation into Uber operations.
That amendment was lost, though, with 17 councillors voting in favour, 34 against and five abstentions, before all but one councillor voted in favour of Labour’s amendment.
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/news/bath-news/council-agrees-look-again-ubers-204745
------------------------------------------------
Monday 17 July 2017
STAFFORD
Taxi drivers 'banned from having more than two buttons undone on a shirt and must wear clothes with no printed words or pictures'
The new dress code has been introduced by Stafford Borough Council in a bid to promote 'excellent customer service'
TAXI drivers have blasted a council after being told they cannot have more than two buttons undone on their shirts as part of a controversial new dress code.
Transport chiefs in Stafford are set to implement the strict new rules which will mean cabbies will also be banned from wearing clothing printed with words or pictures.
The plans have been drawn up by Stafford Borough Council in a bid to promote “excellent customer service”.
The new policy would also see track-suits, going topless or wearing dirty trainers and flip-flops also off-limits.
Cab driver Av Benning, 41, from Stafford, said: “If these rules came in, it would be quite absurd. It’s way over the top.
“Nobody drives topless anyway. On hot days especially, you need to be comfortable in the car.”
Another driver, who did not wish to be named, added: “I think the button ruling is just bizarre.
“And what’s wrong with having a logo or words printed on a t-shirt unless its offensive.
“These rules are just a waste of council time and resources. I have never heard of a driver going around topless of wearing flip-flops.
“And who on earth is going to check if your trainers are clean enough?”
http://bit.ly/2utUVXS
-------------------------------------------------------------
BURNLEY
Cab driver calls firefighters to cut woman out of taxi after she gets wedged between seats
Locals clap and cheer as passenger is pulled free after being trapped for an hour
Two fire engines were sent to the scene as a crowd gathered, before crews used cutting gear to free her.
The woman, thought to be called Georgia and from Burnley, was eventually pulled clear as watching locals clapped and cheered.
Jamal, boss of Padiham Cars in Lancashire, said: “The woman threw herself into the taxi and, because she was a big girl, got wedged between the passenger door and front driver’s side seat.
“She did throw herself in with some force.
“The fire service came and got her free. She walked away OK and thanked everyone.
“She apologised for wasting everyone’s time. Luckily, she wasn’t injured.
“I think she’d been out with her mates the night before — there were five altogether.
“She did see the funny side once she got out. Even her best mate was laughing.”
http://bit.ly/2vwu8Hy
------------------------------------------------
Taxi drivers in Plymouth will see the cost of their licences rise by up to 20 per cent next year – and fear they may have to work longer hours or take a pay cut to make ends meet.
With the number of new drivers falling all the time, council bosses are trying to address a looming budget crisis, warning they are currently spending more than is coming in.
The changes will affect drivers of both black cabs and private hire vehicles.
The cost of a Hackney carriage licence will jump from £182 to £210 per year, while a private hire licence goes from £97 to £117.
Plymouth City Council says the fees have not been increased for many years and the accounts are heading for a deficit.
But cabbies are not happy with the change.
One said a 15 per cent hike is "completely unacceptable" when inflation stands at two per cent.
Another driver added: "The increased prices are disproportionately high compared with taxi drivers' earnings and inflation.
"To fund for the increase, drivers would need to overcharge passengers, accept lower earnings or work longer hours. This is unreasonable."
In 2015/16 there were 108 new private hire drivers – this dropped to 59 last year.
The council says its taxi accounts, currently recording a surplus, will be thousands of pounds in the red within three years if nothing is done.
A Plymouth City Council spokesman said: "Plymouth currently has one of the lowest licence fees for taxi drivers in the South West and will continue to do so even with the planned increases in our fees.
"We have not increased our taxi licensing fees since 2012 and are only increasing the charges to reflect the cost of the taxi licensing operation.
"The purpose of licensing is to safeguard the public by ensuring vehicles are safe, reliable and comfortable, operators are efficient and that drivers are 'fit and proper' to transport fare paying customers safely.
"We are currently reviewing the way we operate which includes looking at putting applications online. We will continue to make savings where we can, however the charges have to be increased to ensure we cover our costs."
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/taxi-drivers-may-have-to-take-pay-cut-after-20-per-cent-fee-hike/story-30443909-detail/story.html
------------------------------------------------
JERSEY
RANK taxi drivers are today due to stage a protest to show their dissatisfaction at recent changes to the industry.
Mick Tostevin, the president of the Jersey Taxi Drivers’ Association, said that normal Islandwide services would be maintained during the action, which begins at 9 am and will involve rank taxis driving through St Helier carrying posters protesting against the changes.
The protest comes after drivers held a one-day lightning strike in May.
Mr Tostevin said that drivers were angry by the decision of Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel to remove additional fees charged to customers for carrying bags and additional passengers.
He also added that a 4.6 per cent fare increase had not taken into account new expenses for drivers such as new requirements to carry booster seats and electronic card machines and also the need to undergo a more thorough criminal record check.
Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel questioned the purpose of the drivers’ protest.
He said: ‘It is difficult to know what their protest is about, but their tariffs were increased by 4.6 per cent – in line with the cost of living and took into account the removal of their extras.
‘This was done based on figures which they supplied to the States Statistics Unit.’
http://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2017/07/18/taxi-drivers-to-stage-protest/
Taxi drivers 'banned from having more than two buttons undone on a shirt and must wear clothes with no printed words or pictures'
The new dress code has been introduced by Stafford Borough Council in a bid to promote 'excellent customer service'
TAXI drivers have blasted a council after being told they cannot have more than two buttons undone on their shirts as part of a controversial new dress code.
Transport chiefs in Stafford are set to implement the strict new rules which will mean cabbies will also be banned from wearing clothing printed with words or pictures.
The plans have been drawn up by Stafford Borough Council in a bid to promote “excellent customer service”.
The new policy would also see track-suits, going topless or wearing dirty trainers and flip-flops also off-limits.
Cab driver Av Benning, 41, from Stafford, said: “If these rules came in, it would be quite absurd. It’s way over the top.
“Nobody drives topless anyway. On hot days especially, you need to be comfortable in the car.”
Another driver, who did not wish to be named, added: “I think the button ruling is just bizarre.
“And what’s wrong with having a logo or words printed on a t-shirt unless its offensive.
“These rules are just a waste of council time and resources. I have never heard of a driver going around topless of wearing flip-flops.
“And who on earth is going to check if your trainers are clean enough?”
http://bit.ly/2utUVXS
-------------------------------------------------------------
BURNLEY
Cab driver calls firefighters to cut woman out of taxi after she gets wedged between seats
Locals clap and cheer as passenger is pulled free after being trapped for an hour
Two fire engines were sent to the scene as a crowd gathered, before crews used cutting gear to free her.
The woman, thought to be called Georgia and from Burnley, was eventually pulled clear as watching locals clapped and cheered.
Jamal, boss of Padiham Cars in Lancashire, said: “The woman threw herself into the taxi and, because she was a big girl, got wedged between the passenger door and front driver’s side seat.
“She did throw herself in with some force.
“The fire service came and got her free. She walked away OK and thanked everyone.
“She apologised for wasting everyone’s time. Luckily, she wasn’t injured.
“I think she’d been out with her mates the night before — there were five altogether.
“She did see the funny side once she got out. Even her best mate was laughing.”
http://bit.ly/2vwu8Hy
------------------------------------------------
Taxi drivers in Plymouth will see the cost of their licences rise by up to 20 per cent next year – and fear they may have to work longer hours or take a pay cut to make ends meet.
With the number of new drivers falling all the time, council bosses are trying to address a looming budget crisis, warning they are currently spending more than is coming in.
The changes will affect drivers of both black cabs and private hire vehicles.
The cost of a Hackney carriage licence will jump from £182 to £210 per year, while a private hire licence goes from £97 to £117.
Plymouth City Council says the fees have not been increased for many years and the accounts are heading for a deficit.
But cabbies are not happy with the change.
One said a 15 per cent hike is "completely unacceptable" when inflation stands at two per cent.
Another driver added: "The increased prices are disproportionately high compared with taxi drivers' earnings and inflation.
"To fund for the increase, drivers would need to overcharge passengers, accept lower earnings or work longer hours. This is unreasonable."
In 2015/16 there were 108 new private hire drivers – this dropped to 59 last year.
The council says its taxi accounts, currently recording a surplus, will be thousands of pounds in the red within three years if nothing is done.
A Plymouth City Council spokesman said: "Plymouth currently has one of the lowest licence fees for taxi drivers in the South West and will continue to do so even with the planned increases in our fees.
"We have not increased our taxi licensing fees since 2012 and are only increasing the charges to reflect the cost of the taxi licensing operation.
"The purpose of licensing is to safeguard the public by ensuring vehicles are safe, reliable and comfortable, operators are efficient and that drivers are 'fit and proper' to transport fare paying customers safely.
"We are currently reviewing the way we operate which includes looking at putting applications online. We will continue to make savings where we can, however the charges have to be increased to ensure we cover our costs."
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/taxi-drivers-may-have-to-take-pay-cut-after-20-per-cent-fee-hike/story-30443909-detail/story.html
------------------------------------------------
JERSEY
RANK taxi drivers are today due to stage a protest to show their dissatisfaction at recent changes to the industry.
Mick Tostevin, the president of the Jersey Taxi Drivers’ Association, said that normal Islandwide services would be maintained during the action, which begins at 9 am and will involve rank taxis driving through St Helier carrying posters protesting against the changes.
The protest comes after drivers held a one-day lightning strike in May.
Mr Tostevin said that drivers were angry by the decision of Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel to remove additional fees charged to customers for carrying bags and additional passengers.
He also added that a 4.6 per cent fare increase had not taken into account new expenses for drivers such as new requirements to carry booster seats and electronic card machines and also the need to undergo a more thorough criminal record check.
Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel questioned the purpose of the drivers’ protest.
He said: ‘It is difficult to know what their protest is about, but their tariffs were increased by 4.6 per cent – in line with the cost of living and took into account the removal of their extras.
‘This was done based on figures which they supplied to the States Statistics Unit.’
http://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2017/07/18/taxi-drivers-to-stage-protest/
The future of Taxi legislation and regulation will be debated on Tuesday (18/07/17) in the Westminster Hall lead by Ilford North MP Wes Streeting.
To support the debate, the LGA has produced a briefing note for MPs entitled “Local Government Association (LGA) Briefing Debate on the future of Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (PHV), House of Commons”.
In the briefing note, the LGA stated:
1) Current legislation for the licensing of taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs) is inadequate and outdated. The licensing framework has not kept pace with developments in technology and the need to ensure passengers are protected.
2) ‘Out of area’ drivers operating within other licensing authority areas (cross-border activity) has significantly increased in recent years, a result of both of the Deregulation Act 2015 and the proliferation of app based systems.
3) There needs to be national minimum standards introduced for taxis and PHVs to align licensing and safety standards across the country, while retaining local flexibility for councils.
4) As recommended by the Law Commission, the LGA is calling for a Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Reform Bill to replace outdated legislation and modernise the licensing system for taxis and PHVs, to the benefit of both passengers and the trade itself.
5) Councils must be able to take enforcement action against any driver operating in their area. A Taxi and PHV Licensing Reform Bill must also look at measures to ensure drivers are working in the area where they are licensed.
It continued: “The LGA has consistently highlighted the need for urgent reform to outdated legislation governing taxis and PHVs. Piecemeal changes to legislation and new technology have brought into focus the inability of the existing licensing system to deal with the way taxis and PHVs operate in the 21st century. This has made it more difficult for councils to meet new challenges and fulfil their duties around public protection.”
http://www.instituteoflicensing.org/NewsJobsArticle.aspx?NewsID=8437&NewsOrJob=news
To support the debate, the LGA has produced a briefing note for MPs entitled “Local Government Association (LGA) Briefing Debate on the future of Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (PHV), House of Commons”.
In the briefing note, the LGA stated:
1) Current legislation for the licensing of taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs) is inadequate and outdated. The licensing framework has not kept pace with developments in technology and the need to ensure passengers are protected.
2) ‘Out of area’ drivers operating within other licensing authority areas (cross-border activity) has significantly increased in recent years, a result of both of the Deregulation Act 2015 and the proliferation of app based systems.
3) There needs to be national minimum standards introduced for taxis and PHVs to align licensing and safety standards across the country, while retaining local flexibility for councils.
4) As recommended by the Law Commission, the LGA is calling for a Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Reform Bill to replace outdated legislation and modernise the licensing system for taxis and PHVs, to the benefit of both passengers and the trade itself.
5) Councils must be able to take enforcement action against any driver operating in their area. A Taxi and PHV Licensing Reform Bill must also look at measures to ensure drivers are working in the area where they are licensed.
It continued: “The LGA has consistently highlighted the need for urgent reform to outdated legislation governing taxis and PHVs. Piecemeal changes to legislation and new technology have brought into focus the inability of the existing licensing system to deal with the way taxis and PHVs operate in the 21st century. This has made it more difficult for councils to meet new challenges and fulfil their duties around public protection.”
http://www.instituteoflicensing.org/NewsJobsArticle.aspx?NewsID=8437&NewsOrJob=news
Wednesday 12 July 2017
YESTERDAY. 11 JULY IN THE LORDS
Discussing the 'Taylor Report' on the Gig economy.
One sentence shows no hope for the Taxi Trade.
Lord Prior of Brampton Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
My Lords, I concur entirely with part of what my noble friend said: that black cabs in London provide a remarkable service. However, Uber provides a remarkable service in many respects.
As the noble Baroness, Lady Hayter, said, it is now an extremely valuable and important service.
Tuesday 11 July 2017
TX5 ORDERS BEING TAKEN FROM AUGUST
A quote from this Story :
"With the crackdown on diesel, Transport for London expects that by the end of 2020 half of London's 23,500 taxis will be 'zero emission capable' vehicles.
I doubt that this quote will come true, However I do believe that if the crackdown on Diesels does take place, half of London's Taxi's will have disappeared by 2020.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-4685152/London-cabs-green-New-TX-unveiled-Geely.html
-------------------------------------------
I doubt that this quote will come true, However I do believe that if the crackdown on Diesels does take place, half of London's Taxi's will have disappeared by 2020.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-4685152/London-cabs-green-New-TX-unveiled-Geely.html
-------------------------------------------
Friday 7 July 2017
Manx Contract a Huge boost to the Liverpool Cab trade....err is it ? ? ?
The government says the company that’s taken over the task of driving Manx patients from airports to hospitals in England has passed a three-month trial.
ComCab will continue to provide the patient transfer service after successfully completing the probation period.
Bridgewater Taxis, which used to have the contract, was popular among many patients and there was a lot of concern when it lost the contract in March.
An online petition gathered well over 2,000 signatures in support of retaining Bridgewater. The issue was also raised in the House of Keys.
Bridgewater lost the contract because ComCab, which is based in Liverpool, said it would do the job for £30,000 less every year, so saving taxpayers’ money.
The Department of Health and Social Care says that concentration on performance, a willingness to listen and adapt to patients’ needs, and a reduction in the number of complaints led to a positive probationary review and the decision that it will continue to provide the service.
The majority of complaints received about ComCab by the DHSC related to the type of vehicle used, black Hackney cabs in particular.
The company has a range of vehicles in its fleet other than black cabs, and feedback about them from passengers has been ’positive’, the DHSC said.
Patients are being encouraged to be specific when booking travel in order for the most appropriate vehicle to be made available to them.
Further issues relating to the level of assistance being offered by drivers, choice of routes and pick up points have also been addressed with the island-based patient transfer team and ComCab working together to establish effective procedures.
Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft MHK said: ’The department understands there was some concern when ComCab first took over the contract, but officers have been impressed by the way the company has listened to those complaints, taken action and made improvements.
’We will continue to listen to people’s concerns and carry on monitoring performance and patient experience.’
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/article.cfm?id=34664
-------------------------------------------
BELFAST
Belfast private hire taxi drivers have claimed government officials have used excuses like rushing to the birth of a child, being drunk and even that they have an appointment at the cancer centre, to see if they can get a taxi outside of the rules.
The Department for Infrastructure, however, said it was “very unlikely” the undercover enforcement officers used such tactics and that they do not set out to appear vulnerable as part of their work.
Under taxi regulations Class A licenced taxis - that is those that are the private hire saloon cars - can only pick up passengers off the street at restricted times over the weekend otherwise a booking is needed. Black hackney cabs, which have a B licence, can ply for trade off the street throughout the week.
Private hire taxi drivers have claimed they have been caught up in “sting” operations by officials using underhand tactics to see if they will pick up the fare without a booking.
One man, speaking on the BBC Stephen Nolan show said he offered a drunk man a taxi, but as it was against regulations to allow him into his taxi, he called a friend who was sitting down the road to come and collect him. Resulting in the two drivers getting hefty fines.
Various drivers called the show alleging other tactics had been used in the operations. Among the claims were that an agent said he was rushing to hospital for the birth of his first child while another said they had an appointment at the Belfast Cancer Centre.
The taxi driver who offered the lift to the drunk man said he felt he was acting in the “public interest” to help a “vulnerable man” and was shocked to realise it was a sting operation.
Gerry Maxwell of Belfast Public Hire Taxis, which represents the black hackney cab drivers who can pick up trade from the street welcome the undercover operations.
He told the Belfast Telegraph: “You have to feel for the enforcement agents because they can not come on to the radio to give their side of the story. No one is above the law.
"They are looking to see you have the right licence, are using your meter so you are not ripping people off and giving receipts, that type of thing. Safety is paramount and I love to see them out. We pay for it so I am glad to see it.
Gerry, who has carried the undercover passengers himself and never found to be acting wrongly said there was a need for more officers.
“It’s the only way to catch them,” he said. “I can’t commend them enough for the job they do - it’s our part of the industry that’s affected. If it goes on and these drivers who have not the right licence [sic] are allowed to continue, then we will be out of business.”
A Department for Infrastructure spokesman said staff did not seek to appear vulnerable adding: “The DVA has been responding to an increase in complaints from licensed taxi drivers that their livelihood is being undermined by taxi drivers operating illegally. The DVA’s role is to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and safe, and drivers have appropriate licence.
"At no time will DVA enforcement officers seek to appear vulnerable. They will use surveillance, for which provision is made in legislation, to prevent or detect crime associated with the use of illegal taxis. The focus of the surveillance is to target locations where illegal taxi operations are more likely and have been either detected or reported previously.”
http://bit.ly/2sQdHZv
-------------------------------------------
CANADA
The former owner of a set of once highly sought after Calgary taxi plate licences is suing the city over their revocation.
Harjit Seroya is seeking damages of $1 million, for the loss of five plates, or TPLs, he accumulated between 1986 and 2002.
Seroya's lawsuit says while he purchased the plates for the total sum of $134,500, they were each worth $200,000 when the city took them from him.
The claim says Seroya authorized independent operators to use the plates he had purchased.
His lawsuit says the plates were improperly revoked in April, 2014, when the city alleged he breached the municipal taxi bylaw by charging a fee to operators using the plate licences.
"Said assertions were untrue and the plaintiffs at no time charged any operator for use of the (plates)," Seroya's claim, file on his behalf as well as three incorporated transport companies.
"The plaintiff appealed the decision of the city to revoke the TPLs, but such appeal was dismissed and the city ordered said TPLs to be transferred to Associated Cab Ltd. without proper compensation or restitution," it says.
"At the time of the transfer, June of 2014, each TPL was valued at $200,000.
"Said transfer was unconscionable and without regard for compensation to the plaintiffs for the value of the TPLs."
The claim does not name Associated Cab Ltd. as a defendant, nor does it accuse the taxi company of any wrongdoing.
Along with the $1 million in damages being claimed against the city, Seroya is seeking "an order deeming the transfer of the TPLs to Associated Cab Ltd. unconscionable."
According to the city, 1,884 taxi plate licences have been issued, or are in the process of being issued.
The plates were at one time highly sought, but with the advent of ride sharing companies have lost their value.
A statement of defence disputing the unproven allegations contained in Seroya's claim has not been filed.
http://www.calgarysun.com/2017/07/07/city-sued-for-1-million-over-revocation-of-taxi-plate-licences
The government says the company that’s taken over the task of driving Manx patients from airports to hospitals in England has passed a three-month trial.
ComCab will continue to provide the patient transfer service after successfully completing the probation period.
Bridgewater Taxis, which used to have the contract, was popular among many patients and there was a lot of concern when it lost the contract in March.
An online petition gathered well over 2,000 signatures in support of retaining Bridgewater. The issue was also raised in the House of Keys.
Bridgewater lost the contract because ComCab, which is based in Liverpool, said it would do the job for £30,000 less every year, so saving taxpayers’ money.
The Department of Health and Social Care says that concentration on performance, a willingness to listen and adapt to patients’ needs, and a reduction in the number of complaints led to a positive probationary review and the decision that it will continue to provide the service.
The majority of complaints received about ComCab by the DHSC related to the type of vehicle used, black Hackney cabs in particular.
The company has a range of vehicles in its fleet other than black cabs, and feedback about them from passengers has been ’positive’, the DHSC said.
Patients are being encouraged to be specific when booking travel in order for the most appropriate vehicle to be made available to them.
Further issues relating to the level of assistance being offered by drivers, choice of routes and pick up points have also been addressed with the island-based patient transfer team and ComCab working together to establish effective procedures.
Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft MHK said: ’The department understands there was some concern when ComCab first took over the contract, but officers have been impressed by the way the company has listened to those complaints, taken action and made improvements.
’We will continue to listen to people’s concerns and carry on monitoring performance and patient experience.’
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/article.cfm?id=34664
-------------------------------------------
BELFAST
Belfast private hire taxi drivers have claimed government officials have used excuses like rushing to the birth of a child, being drunk and even that they have an appointment at the cancer centre, to see if they can get a taxi outside of the rules.
The Department for Infrastructure, however, said it was “very unlikely” the undercover enforcement officers used such tactics and that they do not set out to appear vulnerable as part of their work.
Under taxi regulations Class A licenced taxis - that is those that are the private hire saloon cars - can only pick up passengers off the street at restricted times over the weekend otherwise a booking is needed. Black hackney cabs, which have a B licence, can ply for trade off the street throughout the week.
Private hire taxi drivers have claimed they have been caught up in “sting” operations by officials using underhand tactics to see if they will pick up the fare without a booking.
One man, speaking on the BBC Stephen Nolan show said he offered a drunk man a taxi, but as it was against regulations to allow him into his taxi, he called a friend who was sitting down the road to come and collect him. Resulting in the two drivers getting hefty fines.
Various drivers called the show alleging other tactics had been used in the operations. Among the claims were that an agent said he was rushing to hospital for the birth of his first child while another said they had an appointment at the Belfast Cancer Centre.
The taxi driver who offered the lift to the drunk man said he felt he was acting in the “public interest” to help a “vulnerable man” and was shocked to realise it was a sting operation.
Gerry Maxwell of Belfast Public Hire Taxis, which represents the black hackney cab drivers who can pick up trade from the street welcome the undercover operations.
He told the Belfast Telegraph: “You have to feel for the enforcement agents because they can not come on to the radio to give their side of the story. No one is above the law.
"They are looking to see you have the right licence, are using your meter so you are not ripping people off and giving receipts, that type of thing. Safety is paramount and I love to see them out. We pay for it so I am glad to see it.
Gerry, who has carried the undercover passengers himself and never found to be acting wrongly said there was a need for more officers.
“It’s the only way to catch them,” he said. “I can’t commend them enough for the job they do - it’s our part of the industry that’s affected. If it goes on and these drivers who have not the right licence [sic] are allowed to continue, then we will be out of business.”
A Department for Infrastructure spokesman said staff did not seek to appear vulnerable adding: “The DVA has been responding to an increase in complaints from licensed taxi drivers that their livelihood is being undermined by taxi drivers operating illegally. The DVA’s role is to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and safe, and drivers have appropriate licence.
"At no time will DVA enforcement officers seek to appear vulnerable. They will use surveillance, for which provision is made in legislation, to prevent or detect crime associated with the use of illegal taxis. The focus of the surveillance is to target locations where illegal taxi operations are more likely and have been either detected or reported previously.”
http://bit.ly/2sQdHZv
-------------------------------------------
CANADA
The former owner of a set of once highly sought after Calgary taxi plate licences is suing the city over their revocation.
Harjit Seroya is seeking damages of $1 million, for the loss of five plates, or TPLs, he accumulated between 1986 and 2002.
Seroya's lawsuit says while he purchased the plates for the total sum of $134,500, they were each worth $200,000 when the city took them from him.
The claim says Seroya authorized independent operators to use the plates he had purchased.
His lawsuit says the plates were improperly revoked in April, 2014, when the city alleged he breached the municipal taxi bylaw by charging a fee to operators using the plate licences.
"Said assertions were untrue and the plaintiffs at no time charged any operator for use of the (plates)," Seroya's claim, file on his behalf as well as three incorporated transport companies.
"The plaintiff appealed the decision of the city to revoke the TPLs, but such appeal was dismissed and the city ordered said TPLs to be transferred to Associated Cab Ltd. without proper compensation or restitution," it says.
"At the time of the transfer, June of 2014, each TPL was valued at $200,000.
"Said transfer was unconscionable and without regard for compensation to the plaintiffs for the value of the TPLs."
The claim does not name Associated Cab Ltd. as a defendant, nor does it accuse the taxi company of any wrongdoing.
Along with the $1 million in damages being claimed against the city, Seroya is seeking "an order deeming the transfer of the TPLs to Associated Cab Ltd. unconscionable."
According to the city, 1,884 taxi plate licences have been issued, or are in the process of being issued.
The plates were at one time highly sought, but with the advent of ride sharing companies have lost their value.
A statement of defence disputing the unproven allegations contained in Seroya's claim has not been filed.
http://www.calgarysun.com/2017/07/07/city-sued-for-1-million-over-revocation-of-taxi-plate-licences
John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)
What a delight to respond to Frank Field! He knows that I admire him almost as much as I admire Lord Birkenhead, F. E. Smith, whom we have discussed from time to time and who said that “glittering prizes” were available
“to those who have stout hearts and sharp swords.”
The right hon. Gentleman has both those qualities, as he has illustrated once again by bringing these important matters to our attention.
I had a long speech prepared for me by my civil servants, whom I hold in very high regard, but I am never inclined to deliver speeches written for me by anyone else, and I am certainly inclined to try to answer the right hon. Gentleman’s specific points.
It seems to me that Westminster Hall debates have to fulfil a greater purpose than simply parroting what the Government have already thought or said. They have to move policy on, do they not?
At least, that is how they should operate. We will try to make sure that that happens today.
In a way, the right hon. Gentleman has already set the scene for me, but perhaps it is worth affirming some of what he said. I am aware of concerns about the changing character of the landscape for taxis and private hire vehicles. He is right that technology has played a big part in that, and technology has a consequent effect on consumer expectations and demands.
Supply changes to meet those demands but it stimulates changing demands, too, and that is precisely what has happened in this area.
Taxis play an important part in the life of London. I use taxis a lot, as do my family. My son, who is in the Public Gallery today, is a devotee of London cabs, like many others before him and, I hope, after him. London taxis are iconic. One thinks of London—indeed, the whole kingdom—in terms of certain totems and emblems. One of those emblems is the London black cab.
The right hon. Gentleman described my concern for the human spirit, but I also have a profound concern for aesthetics, inasmuch as they are part of how we perceive the world: how we come to terms with our own consciousness of reality. London cabs are a part of that.
London cabs provide a vital service, not just to tourists but to Londoners. It is true that the tourist looks to the London cab for the reasons that I have given—they see them as iconic. If a tourist comes to London, they want to ride in a black cab just as, if they went to New York, they might want to ride in a yellow one, but cabs also provide valuable utility.
The history of London cabs is that people know what they are going to pay, they can be confident of the driver’s ability to get them where they want to go as quickly as possible and London cabs have a good record on safety and security, which of course are important matters when one gets into a vehicle with a driver one has not previously known and perhaps not even met. Those things are of profound and lasting importance.
None the less, requesting a vehicle via an app, whether a taxi or a private hire vehicle, is increasingly popular with the public—and unsurprisingly so. The desirability of being able to call up a vehicle as required is obvious, and that is having a quite significant effect on the market, as the right hon. Gentleman described. The difference, as I am sure those in the Chamber know, is that in addition to dealing with pre-booked journeys, a taxi can ply for hire in the area in which it is licensed. That cannot be done by a private hire vehicle.
These things lead to different models of ownership and employment, as the right hon. Gentleman said. The emergence of a different set of protocols, if I can put it in those terms, in that area is also significant. He mentioned the various reports—I have read them all, by the way, including “Sweated Labour” and the Select Committee report.
The Committee did a great service in looking at these matters closely, in respect of not just taxis and private hire vehicles but more widely.
The right hon. Gentleman will be aware of all those reports, as I am, and of the ongoing legal case regarding the employment status of drivers in the private hire vehicle sector. He made it clear at the outset that his expectations of me were set very low—I do not know if you noticed that, Mrs Moon; I thought a bit too low, given what I will say later—and made it clear, in his usual spirit of fairness and reasonableness, that there is a limit to what I can say.
I certainly cannot say anything that might prejudice that legal case, which is ongoing.
What I can say is that the emergence of so-called disruptive businesses—I use the term in its strict sense; I hope it will not be misinterpreted—through the application of new technologies enables new ways of working and creates new products and services.
As I said, it is a different relationship between supply and demand. That has an appeal to certain consumers and provides a service that perhaps has not been provided before.
However, those benefits must be balanced against the impact on those who work in these new ways. Greater flexibility in working arrangements can increase employment opportunities for those who have other commitments or aspirations, but we must equally be aware of the negatives. Nor must we regard the traditional private hire vehicle driver and operator relationship through rose-tinted spectacles and perceive it as some sort of ideal where operators work solely in the interests of drivers.
I am aware of the concerns raised by the right hon. Gentleman and others about the risks in respect of employment. Let me lay my cards on the table: I take a very strong view about the rights of workers. I am proud to be a member of a trade union. My father was a shop steward. I have enjoyed very close relationships with the trade unions throughout my time in each of the six Departments in which I have been a Minister, and continue to do so in the Department for Transport.
One problem with this sector is that because of the character and nature of employment in it, significant numbers of people may well be under-represented or not represented at all by any body that can make a case on their behalf. That puts people at a considerable disadvantage.
They may not even have reasonable expectations of what their entitlements ought to be. They may not know that they are being underpaid if they do not have the opportunity to express through the kind of collective arrangement that a trade union brings their entitlements—I hesitate to use the word “rights” for philosophical reasons that I will not go further on about today, because we do not have time.
Lawful entitlements to fair treatment are at the heart of what good employer-employee relationships are all about, and that is what the right hon. Gentleman has once again implicitly advocated by bringing the matter before us today.
Lilian Greenwood Labour, Nottingham South
I listened carefully to what the Minister said about employment rights. Does he agree that because of the nature of mobile applications, there can be a temptation for employees, who feel under undue pressure, to work excessive hours? That can have a severe and detrimental impact on not only their health and wellbeing but, potentially, the health and wellbeing of other road users.
John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The hon. Lady is right. The relationship between the app or gig economy operators and their drivers is very different from what we have experienced previously. She is right, too, that that brings challenges and may even bring significant risks.
I do not want to say too much, because a legal case is ongoing and the Taylor report, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, is also awaited.
What the House needs to know is that I am very conscious of this matter. I do not come to it with any prejudices, apart from the prejudice that I have described, which is that people should be treated fairly in their place of work. I have always believed that and will do all I can to ensure it happens.
Frank Field Labour, Birkenhead
While the Minister may not be able to satisfy my demands today, are we able to conclude, from what he just said, that he would encourage transport authorities to interpret the law in the way that he thinks, so that the most vulnerable are protected? Uber says that stacks of workers are so pleased with what it does.
If we are to believe Uber, any ruling would affect a minority, but a crucial minority. Can we expect him to say something about that today or will that follow on from the Taylor report, which might deal with this specifically, and about the particular issue that people should be able to earn the national minimum wage by hour of work? Uber gets round that for many people now.
John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)
I may have some good news for the right hon. Gentleman in that respect, but I will save that for the very end of my speech, in order to build excitement.
When I begin my pre-peroration, he can wait expectedly for the final part of my speech, in which I think I will be able to give him positive news of the kind he just mentioned.
I move now—I like to give people notice of these things, so that excitement can build—to my pre-peroration. The commitment I gave to the interests of working people and their pay and conditions is unsurprising, given the party of which I am a member.
In my ministerial office, I have a bust of Lord Shaftesbury. Lord Shaftesbury, the great Tory 19th-century social reformer who, against Liberal opposition, did so much to free children from factories, fought for the ragged school movement and helped to reform asylums for those with mental health conditions.
Mine is the party of Wilberforce and of Shaftesbury, as well as Disraeli, so of course I care about the welfare of the people and their interests. It may be unsurprising that I should do so, but that has to be a modern reality too. As the right hon. Gentleman said, we live in a different world now from the one that Shaftesbury, Disraeli and Wilberforce encountered, but human frailties remain, and the human willingness to do bad things, unfortunately, is endemic following the fall from the state of grace.
Having said all that, let me move to what I propose to do about this matter. It is not good enough simply to wait for the Taylor report, although we must consider that carefully, for it is a wider report.
Dealing with the changing employment conditions we have briefly considered today, I am going to set up a working party in my Department, with an independent chairman, to look at the specific things that the right hon. Gentleman has raised as a result of this debate. I will consider in due course the terms and conditions of that working party, its membership and how it might have an effect on future policy.
Furthermore, as the right hon. Gentleman requested, I will look at the guidance issued to local authorities. They may be unaware of the extent of their powers and certainly of their ability to use them. He is right to say that there are problems with different local authorities interpreting those powers in different ways, and it seems to me very important that we give clarity about that through the advice we offer to local government.
Finally, I will engage with both him—I invite him to come to my Department and meet my officials accordingly—and the representatives of drivers and operators.
Let us have a grown-up discussion about this. Let us expose what is wrong and celebrate what is right, but there will be no veil, no mask and nowhere to hide for people who do not do the right thing.
Source= http://bit.ly/2sV3DcU
-----------------------------------
The Taylor Report = http://bit.ly/2uyZQEh
------------------------------------------
What a delight to respond to Frank Field! He knows that I admire him almost as much as I admire Lord Birkenhead, F. E. Smith, whom we have discussed from time to time and who said that “glittering prizes” were available
“to those who have stout hearts and sharp swords.”
The right hon. Gentleman has both those qualities, as he has illustrated once again by bringing these important matters to our attention.
I had a long speech prepared for me by my civil servants, whom I hold in very high regard, but I am never inclined to deliver speeches written for me by anyone else, and I am certainly inclined to try to answer the right hon. Gentleman’s specific points.
It seems to me that Westminster Hall debates have to fulfil a greater purpose than simply parroting what the Government have already thought or said. They have to move policy on, do they not?
At least, that is how they should operate. We will try to make sure that that happens today.
In a way, the right hon. Gentleman has already set the scene for me, but perhaps it is worth affirming some of what he said. I am aware of concerns about the changing character of the landscape for taxis and private hire vehicles. He is right that technology has played a big part in that, and technology has a consequent effect on consumer expectations and demands.
Supply changes to meet those demands but it stimulates changing demands, too, and that is precisely what has happened in this area.
Taxis play an important part in the life of London. I use taxis a lot, as do my family. My son, who is in the Public Gallery today, is a devotee of London cabs, like many others before him and, I hope, after him. London taxis are iconic. One thinks of London—indeed, the whole kingdom—in terms of certain totems and emblems. One of those emblems is the London black cab.
The right hon. Gentleman described my concern for the human spirit, but I also have a profound concern for aesthetics, inasmuch as they are part of how we perceive the world: how we come to terms with our own consciousness of reality. London cabs are a part of that.
London cabs provide a vital service, not just to tourists but to Londoners. It is true that the tourist looks to the London cab for the reasons that I have given—they see them as iconic. If a tourist comes to London, they want to ride in a black cab just as, if they went to New York, they might want to ride in a yellow one, but cabs also provide valuable utility.
The history of London cabs is that people know what they are going to pay, they can be confident of the driver’s ability to get them where they want to go as quickly as possible and London cabs have a good record on safety and security, which of course are important matters when one gets into a vehicle with a driver one has not previously known and perhaps not even met. Those things are of profound and lasting importance.
None the less, requesting a vehicle via an app, whether a taxi or a private hire vehicle, is increasingly popular with the public—and unsurprisingly so. The desirability of being able to call up a vehicle as required is obvious, and that is having a quite significant effect on the market, as the right hon. Gentleman described. The difference, as I am sure those in the Chamber know, is that in addition to dealing with pre-booked journeys, a taxi can ply for hire in the area in which it is licensed. That cannot be done by a private hire vehicle.
These things lead to different models of ownership and employment, as the right hon. Gentleman said. The emergence of a different set of protocols, if I can put it in those terms, in that area is also significant. He mentioned the various reports—I have read them all, by the way, including “Sweated Labour” and the Select Committee report.
The Committee did a great service in looking at these matters closely, in respect of not just taxis and private hire vehicles but more widely.
The right hon. Gentleman will be aware of all those reports, as I am, and of the ongoing legal case regarding the employment status of drivers in the private hire vehicle sector. He made it clear at the outset that his expectations of me were set very low—I do not know if you noticed that, Mrs Moon; I thought a bit too low, given what I will say later—and made it clear, in his usual spirit of fairness and reasonableness, that there is a limit to what I can say.
I certainly cannot say anything that might prejudice that legal case, which is ongoing.
What I can say is that the emergence of so-called disruptive businesses—I use the term in its strict sense; I hope it will not be misinterpreted—through the application of new technologies enables new ways of working and creates new products and services.
As I said, it is a different relationship between supply and demand. That has an appeal to certain consumers and provides a service that perhaps has not been provided before.
However, those benefits must be balanced against the impact on those who work in these new ways. Greater flexibility in working arrangements can increase employment opportunities for those who have other commitments or aspirations, but we must equally be aware of the negatives. Nor must we regard the traditional private hire vehicle driver and operator relationship through rose-tinted spectacles and perceive it as some sort of ideal where operators work solely in the interests of drivers.
I am aware of the concerns raised by the right hon. Gentleman and others about the risks in respect of employment. Let me lay my cards on the table: I take a very strong view about the rights of workers. I am proud to be a member of a trade union. My father was a shop steward. I have enjoyed very close relationships with the trade unions throughout my time in each of the six Departments in which I have been a Minister, and continue to do so in the Department for Transport.
One problem with this sector is that because of the character and nature of employment in it, significant numbers of people may well be under-represented or not represented at all by any body that can make a case on their behalf. That puts people at a considerable disadvantage.
They may not even have reasonable expectations of what their entitlements ought to be. They may not know that they are being underpaid if they do not have the opportunity to express through the kind of collective arrangement that a trade union brings their entitlements—I hesitate to use the word “rights” for philosophical reasons that I will not go further on about today, because we do not have time.
Lawful entitlements to fair treatment are at the heart of what good employer-employee relationships are all about, and that is what the right hon. Gentleman has once again implicitly advocated by bringing the matter before us today.
Lilian Greenwood Labour, Nottingham South
I listened carefully to what the Minister said about employment rights. Does he agree that because of the nature of mobile applications, there can be a temptation for employees, who feel under undue pressure, to work excessive hours? That can have a severe and detrimental impact on not only their health and wellbeing but, potentially, the health and wellbeing of other road users.
John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The hon. Lady is right. The relationship between the app or gig economy operators and their drivers is very different from what we have experienced previously. She is right, too, that that brings challenges and may even bring significant risks.
I do not want to say too much, because a legal case is ongoing and the Taylor report, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, is also awaited.
What the House needs to know is that I am very conscious of this matter. I do not come to it with any prejudices, apart from the prejudice that I have described, which is that people should be treated fairly in their place of work. I have always believed that and will do all I can to ensure it happens.
Frank Field Labour, Birkenhead
While the Minister may not be able to satisfy my demands today, are we able to conclude, from what he just said, that he would encourage transport authorities to interpret the law in the way that he thinks, so that the most vulnerable are protected? Uber says that stacks of workers are so pleased with what it does.
If we are to believe Uber, any ruling would affect a minority, but a crucial minority. Can we expect him to say something about that today or will that follow on from the Taylor report, which might deal with this specifically, and about the particular issue that people should be able to earn the national minimum wage by hour of work? Uber gets round that for many people now.
John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)
I may have some good news for the right hon. Gentleman in that respect, but I will save that for the very end of my speech, in order to build excitement.
When I begin my pre-peroration, he can wait expectedly for the final part of my speech, in which I think I will be able to give him positive news of the kind he just mentioned.
I move now—I like to give people notice of these things, so that excitement can build—to my pre-peroration. The commitment I gave to the interests of working people and their pay and conditions is unsurprising, given the party of which I am a member.
In my ministerial office, I have a bust of Lord Shaftesbury. Lord Shaftesbury, the great Tory 19th-century social reformer who, against Liberal opposition, did so much to free children from factories, fought for the ragged school movement and helped to reform asylums for those with mental health conditions.
Mine is the party of Wilberforce and of Shaftesbury, as well as Disraeli, so of course I care about the welfare of the people and their interests. It may be unsurprising that I should do so, but that has to be a modern reality too. As the right hon. Gentleman said, we live in a different world now from the one that Shaftesbury, Disraeli and Wilberforce encountered, but human frailties remain, and the human willingness to do bad things, unfortunately, is endemic following the fall from the state of grace.
Having said all that, let me move to what I propose to do about this matter. It is not good enough simply to wait for the Taylor report, although we must consider that carefully, for it is a wider report.
Dealing with the changing employment conditions we have briefly considered today, I am going to set up a working party in my Department, with an independent chairman, to look at the specific things that the right hon. Gentleman has raised as a result of this debate. I will consider in due course the terms and conditions of that working party, its membership and how it might have an effect on future policy.
Furthermore, as the right hon. Gentleman requested, I will look at the guidance issued to local authorities. They may be unaware of the extent of their powers and certainly of their ability to use them. He is right to say that there are problems with different local authorities interpreting those powers in different ways, and it seems to me very important that we give clarity about that through the advice we offer to local government.
Finally, I will engage with both him—I invite him to come to my Department and meet my officials accordingly—and the representatives of drivers and operators.
Let us have a grown-up discussion about this. Let us expose what is wrong and celebrate what is right, but there will be no veil, no mask and nowhere to hide for people who do not do the right thing.
Source= http://bit.ly/2sV3DcU
-----------------------------------
The Taylor Report = http://bit.ly/2uyZQEh
------------------------------------------
Thursday 6 July 2017
CONTROVERSIAL cab firm Uber has been issued a licence to operate in Poole, the Daily Echo can reveal.
The American private hire service, which uses a mobile phone app with GPS mapping and cashless payment system, already operates in Southampton and Portsmouth.
Earlier this year the Echo reported how the San Francisco-based firm was in talks with Bournemouth Council. Now, neighbouring Borough of Poole (BOP) has confirmed Uber has been issued a licence to operate on its streets.
Cllr Marion Pope, representing Merley and Bearwood ward, has already resigned from BOP’s licensing committee over the issue. She tendered her resignation on Monday after learning the decision to issue an Uber licence had been made by a council officer under delegated powers.
Meanwhile, Cllr Phil Eades says he has real concerns about the safety of Poole residents using Uber.
He explained: “We don’t know if their drivers are properly licensed, we don’t know if they’ve had criminal records checks and we don’t know if they can even speak English. We don’t know if the drivers driving for Uber are checked in the same way Borough of Poole licensed taxi drivers are.
“The whole point about the taxi licensing system is that it is supposed to offer protection to residents using taxis. I’m afraid if anyone can just rock up with a smart phone in their car and portray themselves as a taxi driver, then that worries me.”
Describing the committee as “toothless” Cllr Pope told the Echo: “There has to be openness and transparency in everything we do - that was not apparent here.”
Cllr Pope says she understands decisions need to be made by unelected officers in some council departments, such as planning, because there are so many applications.
But the independent councillor firmly believes any decision on Uber coming to Poole should have been taken in committee by elected members, to avoid accusations of inpropriety, and only after interested parties - such as taxi drivers - had chance to be consulted.
Cllr Pope said: “A taxi operator that wrote to me was unhappy because he’d just invested in two new vehicles and obviously would have liked to have made some representations.
“One of my concerns about Uber is that there’s been huge publicity about how badly the drivers are put upon.”
“If we have to defer to unelected officers for information about what is happening in Poole, then what is the point in being on the committee.”
As a concept Uber has courted controversy, accused in some parts of the world of undercutting established taxi services with low prices and unlicensed drivers.
BOP licensing team manager Frank Wenzel said: “Uber have applied and been granted a Private Hire Operators licence to work in Poole. Their application was processed in accordance with the council’s procedures which are the same for all applications received by the council for a Private Hire Operators licence.”
Earlier this year Bournemouth Council’s Cllr David Kelsey confirmed he’d met with representatives from Uber. He said: “We told them if they want to come here it will be treated the same as every other application. They will have to apply for an operator’s licence, even if it is online only.”
Uber was unavailable to comment.
http://bit.ly/2usyT4Y
----------------------------------------------
LONDON DRIVERLESS SHUTTLES
STEP into a taxi in south London later this year and you might not have to think about paying a tip. The UK’s first fully public trial of autonomous vehicles will soon be under way.
For four weeks, a fleet of driverless shuttles will each ferry up to five passengers and a “safety warden” along a 2-kilometre route in Greenwich. Previous trials there and in the town of Milton Keynes required participants to register in advance. This time the vehicles will pick up anyone wanting a ride.
The four-stop route will connect a hotel close to the O2 Arena concert venue with the Millennium Village housing development. En route, the shuttles will also call at a river-bus stop and a cable car terminal.
Similar shuttles are already in use at London’s Heathrow airport, but are confined to a purpose-built area off limits to other traffic. In Greenwich, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the test route.
---------------------------------------------
Wednesday 5 July 2017
STANSTEAD
This is the moment a family desperate to catch their holiday flight from Stansted ditch their taxi and WALK along the M11 to the airport.
The couple can be seen marching their two young daughters along the M11 after the taxi was brought to a standstill by a four vehicle, horror smash.
They are filmed walking alongside the central reservation pulling their suitcases behind them as they headed towards the airport.
They were among thousands of holiday-makers whose travel plans were jeopardised by the motorway chaos yesterday (July 4).
The footage taken by radio DJ Gary Stuart starts with the clearly agitated father asking him: “How far to the airport?”
Mr Stuart tells him: “I don’t know you are probably looking at an hour’s walk.
“It’s the next one (exit), it’s signposted.”
The father then abruptly calls his family in a foreign language and his two daughters and wife are seen setting off down the carriageway with their suitcases behind them.
The family appeared to have left their taxi in the traffic not knowing how long the delays would last.
Mr Stuart, 42, of Colchester, Essex, caught the moment on camera as he was filming huge queues of stationary traffic between junctions 7 and 8 in Hertfordshire.
He said the family was among several holidaymakers he saw walking to the airport while the motorway was closed for more than two hours.
“He was desperate over how long it was going to take him and the thought of missing his flight with his family, he said.
“Obviously they were quite anxious to get there - he didn’t want to hang around for a conversation.
“I was thinking how many more people were doing that and when we got moving again there was another two people that tried to walk with their luggage and also people walking their dogs on the M11.
“People were looking desperate. The fact that people were walking with kids in tail shows just how desperate people were to make their flight.
“People were concerned because they weren’t sure how long they were going to be there for.
“There was quite a few taxi drivers who were probably going to Stansted. It might have been thousands of people affected, it’s hard to say.”
He added: “I could see the guy was getting his luggage our of the car so I thought this was too good an opportunity to let go.
“I didn’t see the family so they must have done well to get to Stansted.
“Each to their own if they wanted to walk to the airport, if it was me on my own I probably do it but if I had kids with me I would wait and worry about it when I got to the airport - it’s a massive risk.”
A woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after her car collided with a heavy good vehicle on the northbound carriageway shortly before 11am.
The M11 was closed for more than two hours after an air ambulance was called to the scene.
http://bit.ly/2tpY4W3
------------------------------------------------------
St. Helens Council has successfully defended an appeal against its decision to immediate revoke a taxi driver licence.
This is the moment a family desperate to catch their holiday flight from Stansted ditch their taxi and WALK along the M11 to the airport.
The couple can be seen marching their two young daughters along the M11 after the taxi was brought to a standstill by a four vehicle, horror smash.
They are filmed walking alongside the central reservation pulling their suitcases behind them as they headed towards the airport.
They were among thousands of holiday-makers whose travel plans were jeopardised by the motorway chaos yesterday (July 4).
The footage taken by radio DJ Gary Stuart starts with the clearly agitated father asking him: “How far to the airport?”
Mr Stuart tells him: “I don’t know you are probably looking at an hour’s walk.
“It’s the next one (exit), it’s signposted.”
The father then abruptly calls his family in a foreign language and his two daughters and wife are seen setting off down the carriageway with their suitcases behind them.
The family appeared to have left their taxi in the traffic not knowing how long the delays would last.
Mr Stuart, 42, of Colchester, Essex, caught the moment on camera as he was filming huge queues of stationary traffic between junctions 7 and 8 in Hertfordshire.
He said the family was among several holidaymakers he saw walking to the airport while the motorway was closed for more than two hours.
“He was desperate over how long it was going to take him and the thought of missing his flight with his family, he said.
“Obviously they were quite anxious to get there - he didn’t want to hang around for a conversation.
“I was thinking how many more people were doing that and when we got moving again there was another two people that tried to walk with their luggage and also people walking their dogs on the M11.
“People were looking desperate. The fact that people were walking with kids in tail shows just how desperate people were to make their flight.
“People were concerned because they weren’t sure how long they were going to be there for.
“There was quite a few taxi drivers who were probably going to Stansted. It might have been thousands of people affected, it’s hard to say.”
He added: “I could see the guy was getting his luggage our of the car so I thought this was too good an opportunity to let go.
“I didn’t see the family so they must have done well to get to Stansted.
“Each to their own if they wanted to walk to the airport, if it was me on my own I probably do it but if I had kids with me I would wait and worry about it when I got to the airport - it’s a massive risk.”
A woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after her car collided with a heavy good vehicle on the northbound carriageway shortly before 11am.
The M11 was closed for more than two hours after an air ambulance was called to the scene.
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ST HELENS
St. Helens Council has successfully defended an appeal against its decision to immediate revoke a taxi driver licence.
The driver concerned had followed a member of the public in his taxi for 2 miles on a dark morning in December, before aggressively confronting her about what he considered to be poor driving at an earlier junction, causing considerable distress to both the driver and her young daughter.
The case was heard by Liverpool Magistrates Court in June. In the summing up the Judge completely agreed with and upheld the Council's decision to revoke the licence on the grounds of 'any reasonable cause'
The Council had submitted substantial evidence including CCTV coverage of the incident in support of their decision and the Judge was very critical of the driver in his Judgment. The Judge was particularly concerned that the driver remained convinced that he had done nothing wrong and that it was appropriate to 'educate' people about their driving mistakes.
The Judge also awarded the Council a contribution towards costs in the sum of £800.
A spokesperson from St. Helens Council said
'The Council will not hesitate to use any powers at its disposal when dealing with incidents such as this. In this case it was clear that a potentially serious incident had occurred for which prompt and decisive action was required.
‘It is vitally important that the public feel safe with our licensed drivers and we will continue to provide that security utilising the most appropriate legal options available to us'.
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