TaxiPoint February 2022 Edition 34 by TaxiPoint

The UK’s #1 Taxi News Source Over 3.3

Edition 34 | FEBRUARY 2022

million magazine reads and counting... Image credit: DYNAMO MOTORS

WHAT IS BILKING? DIESEL VERSUS EV MAKING TAX DIGITAL CAZ CONCERNS PANDEMIC PREDICTIONS | MENTAL HEALTH AND MUCH MORE...

WWW.TAXI-POINT.CO.UK FEBRUARY 2022 - Edition 34 1

FEBRUARY 2022 - Edition 34

EDITORIAL

BEATING THE

TAXI TRADE

DRUM

TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Editor: Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquiries at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk

Welcome to our latest edition of TaxiPoint and we hope you’ve all been well and that ‘Kipper Season’ hasn't been too harsh.

The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice.

In this edition we look at a selection of tariff reviews throughout the UK and what is a fair fare increase at a time when inflation is gathering pace.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

There’s loads more to wet your whistle too, including what the industry should be doing to prepare for Making Tax Digital, bilking laws explained and comparing fuel costs between the TX4 and electric TX. Thirty-four editions into our digital magazine offering and we remain very grateful to all readers. Over 3.3million reads have been amassed in less than three years which we are immensely proud of. From grassroots drivers to policy and decision makers, we have a wide and diverse readership.

All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2022. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

Be lucky!

Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Founder

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TAXI LAWS

Bilking happens in multiple industries and is where a person runs off before they’ve paid for goods and/or services. This includes diners not paying their restaurant bill, motorists driving off without settling fuel pump bills and of course taxi passengers not paying for their fare.

Bilking is a big issue. There are also huge safety risks attached to being bilked. Do drivers get out of the taxi to look for their bilker? Is it a trap to lure the cabbie out of the vehicle?

Is it a criminal offence to fail to pay a fare?

Sadly some passengers have no intention of paying the taxi driver for his or her services when they enter According to PC Patrick Quinton, who specialises in the cab. taxi and private hire vehicle enforcement in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, it depends on the It’s hugely frustrating for taxi drivers when this circumstances whether the non-payer has committed happens. The cabbie will not only be left out of a criminal offence. There are 3 pieces of law that pocket on the money owed on the fare, but they’ve cover this: also lost time within their shift to make the money they need and would have had to cover the costs of fuel and the vehicle for the bogus trip.

When someone runs off - Section 3 Theft Act 1978 “a person who, knowing that payment on the spot for any good supplied or a service received is required or

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Charity

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May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

TAXI LAWS expected from him, dishonestly makes off without having paid as required or expected and with intent to avoid payment of the amount due shall be guilty of an offence”

Taxi drivers can either report the crime online, to their local police service or by calling 101.

If someone pretends they will pay “going to a cash machine” “my friend will pay when we get there” – Section 2 Fraud Act 2006 “if he dishonestly makes a false representation, and intends by making the false representation to... cause loss to another or to expose another to risk of loss” ~ note that a representation is false if a person knows it is, or might be, untrue or misleading

Police officers will assess the information provided and decide if a crime has been committed. If they believe there is no crime the police may pass the passengers’ details onto the driver so that a civil claim can be made.

When someone else is involved, orders a cab for someone else – Section 11 Fraud Act 2006 “if he obtains services for himself or another by a dishonest act... intends that payment will not be made, or will not be made in full”.

What will the police do?

The police will also consider if it is proportionate and in the public interest to investigate further. For example, for a £5 fare the police would record it as a crime, but if there were no additional factors they might take no further action because of the value.

PC Quinton highlights that the common theme is that there has to be intent and dishonesty. Genuine mistakes or misunderstandings are not dishonest, such as confusion over who is paying. Dissatisfaction with the service offered or a disagreement about the price may mean it’s not a crime either. It only covers the fare, so any extras such as soiling charges aren’t covered. At Court it has to be proven that the person was dishonest beyond reasonable doubt and that they intended to avoid payment. Crucially… no dishonesty means no crime.

How do you report Bilking?

What happens next to the Bilking suspect? If the police identify a suspect, they may be required to make a statement about what happened during the reported incident. If officers can’t locate a suspect or the suspect denies it and there isn’t enough evidence, the matter is likely to be filed.

It is important these incidents are reported in the correct way. If the taxi driver feels threatened and the crime is still in progress, or if the suspect is close If the suspect admits the offence and has not been in by, then drivers are urged to call 999. much trouble before they may be handed a Conditional Caution. This is a criminal record and If the passenger is long gone and faster than an Olympic sprinter, then cabbies should still report the they may have to also pay the driver the fare due. incident. According to PC Quinton it is important to show how often these incidents happen, and trends can be spotted to identify repeat offenders.

If the suspect denies it and there is sufficient evidence then they may have to go to Court and the driver may need to give their evidence to the Magistrates.

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TAXI LAWS For those runners convicted in a Magistrates’ Court, they are open to be fined. There’s also the possibility of them being jailed for up to six months. If they are convicted in a Crown Court, or sent to the Crown Court for sentencing by the Magistrates’ Court, they could then be looking at a prison term of up to two years, plus a hefty fine.

the fee upfront, but many choose not to, instead charging their passengers once they arrive at their destination.

What are local authorities and the industry doing to reduce the risk of Bilking?

There has also been talk about the possibility of introducing a “NO RIDE LIST”, similar to what we see within the aviation industry with their “NO FLY LIST”.

Licensing officers at North East Lincolnshire Council have recently been forced to warn those using taxis that cabbies may ask for payment up front after a spike in reported incidents of passengers not paying their fares. The Council’s licensing team has advised more drivers to ask for their fees upfront due to the number of reports. Drivers are entitled to request

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Officials say taxi drivers opting to charge customers upfront are still required to display a meter and any outstanding balance should be paid to the driver or back to the passenger as appropriate.

Steve Garelick, GMB Regional Organiser, spoke to TaxiPoint last month about the possibility of such a list to help mitigate the risks faced by taxi and private hire drivers. Garelick said: “We are all accustomed to seeing the signage ‘We Will Not Tolerate Abuse Towards Our Staff’ in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and retailers, amongst other locations, so why is it that some individuals believe they can act with impunity

TAXI LAWS towards those providing their personal transportation?” In some cities, taxi drivers are well connected via online forums, WhatsApp groups and on social media. In these groups it’s more than likely drivers would notify others of Bilking experience to warn colleagues.

Should cabbies be worried about Bilking and what top tips are there? It’s never nice when it does happen, but luckily it doesn’t happen on a regular basis. Most of the general public are law abiding people who’ll pay the fare as expected. If you’re a cabbie that does find themselves in an unfortunate position, here’s some top tips from PC Patrick Quinton:

•

You are quite entitled to ask for a surety for the fare, such as a driving licence, passport or mobile phone.

•

If there is a problem, make sure you know how to quickly start recording on your phone or dashcam if safe to do so. Try to get the person to say how much they owe you on the recording.

•

Provide a way of paying by phone or card.

•

Remember descriptions and anything said that may identify the suspect later - particularly if you are a Hackney Carriage driver.

•

If you are a private hire driver, tell the police who your operator is and the job or booking reference for the journey.

•

• Getting home safe to your family is more important than a fare. Remain professional. Be calm and avoid strong or threatening language.

•

Avoid following or detaining suspects. Although legally you can arrest the suspect using reasonable force, it could make you unsafe or open to civil action. It’s usually best to avoid doing this – especially for a small amount of money. That includes locking the suspect in your vehicle or taking them to a police station.

•

When a suspect is due to pay compensation to you as part of a Conditional Caution or Community Resolution and the police ask you for a cost, don’t forget to include your time making a statement as well as the fare. If you have to call 999, the first thing they will want to know is your location. Be prepared to give an accurate location – you could use What3Words, a postcode or a road name.

ARTICLE BY: PERRY RICHARDSON TAXIPOINT FOUNDER

“Crucially… no dishonesty means no crime.” 8

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TAXI TARIFFS Image credit: DYNAMO MOTORS

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TAXI TARIFFS

Inflation has seen the price of pretty much everything sky-rocket in the last few months, so it comes as no surprise that taxi fare tariffs are under review in most areas around the UK.

increasing the minimum fare by 80p, and also increasing Tariffs 1 and 2 by 4.03% and freezing Tariffs 3 and 4 which relate to nighttime and long journey fares.

It might seem a big increase, and it is, It’s widely accepted that drivers can no longer however tariff increases have become less swallow the sharp fuel pump price increases structured in their timescales. The last tariff or the investment in cleaner electric vehicles changes were implemented over two years without passenger input also rising. ago in January 2020. Whereas rail companies Unlike private hire vehicle prices, licensed taxi and other transport companies review tariffs on an annual basis, the taxi trade sometimes fares are fully regulated and can take some lags in its pricing. time to catch up with rising costs. Generally speaking, the tariffs used by cabbies are The biggest rises being discussed can be found generated using a ‘Cost Index’ formula. in Rugby, Argyll and Bute, and Barrow. Taxi fares in Rugby are due to become the most Along with changes to the cost of living and expensive in the Midlands after a price hike of average national earnings, a number of more than 20% for a two-mile journey was different components relating directly to approved by councillors last month. being a taxi driver (e.g. vehicle costs, parts, tyres, servicing, fuel and insurance) are also updated when the tariffs are reviewed.

In the west Scottish authority of Argyll and Bute an increase of 15% has been proposed. The last increase in this region took place in So just how much do prices need 2014. In Barrow it’s a to increase? similar story with an increase of around 14% First off, the fares MUST remain competitive being put forward. and fair for both drivers and passengers. If the That being the first fares are too expensive fewer people will use rise in a decade. the services offered and opt for other unregulated options instead. If the fares are too In other regions: low, the industry will lose more drivers to • Harrogate other sectors. It’s an important balancing act. have asked Let’s start with plans in London, the UK’s for a 5% biggest taxi and private hire licensing increase authority. Two likely options have been • Guernsey fares proposed; freezing the minimum fare at £3.20 have increased and increasing taxi fares by 9.95%, or 3.34%

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TAXI TARIFFS •

•

Basildon taxi drivers are asking for increases to What are the ‘competition’ doing? minimum fares and changes to help night-time Arguably taxi prices have stagnated in recent years economy to entice drivers back in a bid to stay competitive with gig-economy South Lakeland prices could rise 5.4%. ‘disrupters’.

In South Ribble drivers are pleading with their licensing authority to review fares after seven years of no change. It’s a similar story for drivers in Angus who ‘don’t want to wait until May/June to start the process’ such is the need to meet costs now.

There are other reasons for increasing fares that are local to individual areas too. In Sheffield, drivers are asking for their council to increase fares to cover the new daily ‘Clean Air Zone’ charges cabbies must pay. Taking all these arguments into account, increasing prices can only help entice more drivers back to the industry after a bleak pandemic.

The big private hire app operators have however moved to increase their prices by around 10% in recent months and all now sit at similar base line prices.

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TAXI TARIFFS Uber brought in a fare increase in London with the aim to recruit more drivers to cover demand. The company had been experiencing high cancellation rates and waiting times during peak times, which is also believed to have been an issue for other apps and operators.

Is now the time for an increase in taxi prices?

If local authorities, the travelling public and those working in the taxi sector want a modern fleet with fairly paid drivers then the answer is quite simply Bolt have raised their prices by around 10% to follow yes. rivals Uber. FREE NOW and Ola have so far resisted Inflation alone should dictate the increase, but price changes, but that could change quickly as ride- throw in the need to invest in greener vehicles and hail companies try to entice drivers to cover their the need to cover lost revenue caused by the work in a market where demand is higher than the pandemic, the fare prices can realistically only go supply of drivers. one way.

London Off-Peak Pricing Minimum Price Base Price /mile /minute

UBER

BOLT

FREE NOW

OLA

£5.50 £2.75 £1.41 £0.13

£5.50 £2.75 £1.42 £0.13

x £2.50 £1.27 £0.12

£5.50 £2.75 £1.42 £0.15

*Prices shown based on February 2022 tariffs

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FUEL COSTS

Image credit: LEVC

Diesel versus electric. The cost of running a taxi has changed in recent years and continues to be hotly debated on taxi ranks and social media most days. But what are the actual fuel cost differences between running a TX4 and a LEVC TX?

(mpg) at best. The LEVC TX running solely off petrol will manage 36.7mpg. To travel 150 miles in the TX4 you’ll need 4.52 gallons of fuel and in the TX (without the use of electricity) you’ll need 4.09 gallons of petrol.

It comes as no surprise that taxi drivers all work in different ways, so we’ll put a few different scenarios together and explain the workings out as we go. Some drivers will work the LEVC cab completely off the electric charge, some a mix of electric and petrol and there might even be a few mavericks out there who solely use the petrol range extender.

Fuel prices currently stand at £1.50 per litre when filling up from the black pump, and £1.45 per litre from the green pump.

Let’s start with some of the vital facts…

Based on these stats and prices the TX4 uses 20.55 litres to travel 150 miles per shift costing £30.82 a go. The TX uses 18.58 litres over the same distance costing £26.94 per shift. That’s a £3.88 saving equating to £1,034.66 over 40,000 miles.

The diesel LTC TX4 taxi manages 33.2 miles per gallon

Now let’s bring the electricity into the mix.

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FEATURE ARTICLE It costs on average around 15p per kWh to charge from home. Some will find better deals, some will be on worse tariffs, but this is a good ball-park figure to work from. The LEVC TX has a 31kWh battery with approximately 28kWh usable. That would mean a home charge costs £4.20 per full charge. Using a public rapid-chargepoint costs more, currently on average £6.50 per full charge.

What have we learnt? As you would expect, there are big savings to be had from the LEVC TX. Cabbies charging at home just once per shift could be saving over £2,000 per year on fuel costs to their diesel driving colleagues. Over the five-year traditional lease period, a driver could see savings amounting to over £11,000.

With these figures we can now work out the cost per mile for both the TX and TX4. As a LEVC TX owner myself, I know first-hand the electric range can fluctuate. It mainly depends on the temperature, but also other factors such as driving style and where you’re driving (i.e. fast motorway speeds) can impact the range too. That said, a middle of the road average of 55 miles per full charge is a conservative estimate. With all this in mind we can now work out what it costs per mile for pure electric driving (both on home charge pricing and on the street), running on the petrol range-extender and on the TX4 diesel engine.

Image credit: LEVC

For drivers who use the public charging network LEVC TX (Pure Electric Home Charge) 7.64p per mile during a break in their shift, they can expect even greater savings. Annual savings of over £3,000 are LEVC TX (Pure Electric Public Chargepoint) 11.82 calculated. per mile LEVC TX (Petrol Range-Extender) 17.96p per mile LTC TX4 (Diesel) 20.55p per mile The table below breaks down five scenarios based on a 150-mile daily shift, working 5-days week, 28days worked in a month, and 48-weeks worked over the year.

If you’re a full-time or high-mileage driver, the savings can strike out the higher initial vehicle costs in the long-run.

ARTICLE BY: PERRY RICHARDSON

TAXIPOINT FOUNDER

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Annual

5 Years

LTC TX4 (Diesel)

£30.82

£154.10

£616.40

£7,396.80

£36,984.00

LEVC TX (Petrol range-extender only)

£26.94

£134.70

£538.80

£6,465.60

£32,328.00

£21.26

£106.30

£425.20

£5,102.40

£25,512.00

£17.89

£89.45

£357.80

£4,293.60

£21,468.00

£15.43

£77.15

£308.60

£3,703.20

£18,516.00

LEVC TX (1 EV Home charge then petrol range-extender) LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 1 EV public charge, then petrol range-extender) LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 2 EV public charges)

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INDUSTRY Q&A

Q&A WITH What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)? Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the Government’s plan to make taxpayers bring together all their information in one online place, and to transmit it to that place digitally. It’s not hard to see however that it will help end the ‘hidden economy’ and usher in the cashless society.

tax MTD rollout will be here within two years, and this will affect every sole trader and every business.

Why do you think HMRC have brought in new MTD requirements?

JACOBS

EAZITAX

To quote HMRC:

“MTD is a key part of the government’s plans, their ambition is to be one of the most digitallyThis initiative in effect, means the advanced tax administrations in only way to access the tax service the world, modernising the tax is through software, and expects to system to make it more effective, more efficient and easier for be in full use by 2024. customers to comply. Keeping Some accountants (such as digital records and providing ourselves) are currently involved in updates to HMRC directly through the pilot. Why? Because it is an MTD-compatible software will help inevitability, and we would rather reduce errors, cost, uncertainty, be in it for our clients, than on the and worry. This streamlined digital outside looking in. experience will integrate tax into day-to-day business There have been two record-keeping, so postponements due to the pandemic but currently the income that businesses

GARY

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INDUSTRY Q&A can view their tax position in-year and be confident that they have got their taxes right.” Or it could just be that the Government wants to know what you are earning and when, and in a cashless society this makes your income transparent.

How will MTD impact the taxi industry?

weekly books by hand. Remember your accountant must be able to produce a tax return every three months so dropping off a shoebox of receipts and printing out your bank statements will be a very expensive way of dealing with that. Your accountants fees could double or worse…

How prepared is the taxi industry for MTD?

We will inevitably have to accept Digital Record Keeping. However, the big hill to climb will be that there will have to be quarterly digital returns to HMRC. Many in our trade are just not prepared. Not just drivers, any operator that isn’t doing their bookkeeping The scary bit in that is the word ‘quarterly’. digitally will have a struggle. In many ways the That’s right in two tax returns time, we won’t be message about MTD has been lost during the panicking about your tax returns and accounts once a pandemic, but it will be on us soon enough. However, year, but every three months! there is hope for drivers. This means that we must find a way for you to get your What will taxi drivers need to do to stuff to us every three months and either you must produce it from software, or we must digitise it for you! prepare for MTD? How does this affect the taxi trade? Well, no more than The future is about a thing called data capture: any other business. EXCEPT no more driver sheets or

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INDUSTRY Q&A “Any method of collecting information and then changing it into a form that can be read and used by a computer.”

tool is only £2 a month, and the app is free.

In conclusion as a trade, in truth, we are as ready as our accountants are. We are making sure that even the Not as complicated as it sounds, any forward-thinking most techno terrified of our clients can use our accountant is concentrating on giving drivers easy ways software, make sure your accountants are investing in to get their info to them. We are introducing both an your training now. app and a simple data capture tool, so that drivers can Gary Jacobs is the Director of EAZITAX, a driver tax just photograph their receipts. return service. You can catch more of Gary on the TaxiPlus ‘What time you on ‘til?’ Podcast.

“… the big hill to climb will be that there will have to be quarterly digital returns to HMRC…” There is also an initiative called open banking that allows bank accounts to be safely downloaded to bookkeeping software. The big problem is price. I don’t see any of our clients being able to pay for any of the ‘big name’ products like SAGE or XERO or QuickBooks. If you are paying £30 a month or so for a tax return you aren’t going to pay another £20/£30 quid for more software, so we are making sure that our data capture

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FEATURE ARTICLE

ARTICLE BY: LAURENCE DOCHERTY HEAD OF SALES AT TAXI BUTLER Since the pandemic, the taxi industry has endured many challenges and is bouncing back, adapting to the new normal and has been getting back on track. Despite the taxi trade witnessing substantial demand, the driver shortage has impacted the industry in recent days. Various reasons such as costly licensing, better work elsewhere, low wages, and backlogs in background checks for drivers, have contributed to the shortage across the UK. With new technologies that improve customer experience, there has been a massive shift in how people use private hire and taxi services worldwide. Recent findings by Taxi Butler highlight the change in passengers' preferences for utilising taxi services, with an increase in demand in taxi bookings from venues around the globe.

encourage drivers to get back on the road, the Department for Transport and councils are already working towards a sustainable solution. They could further play a considerable role by removing barriers to entry for drivers to join the trade - making licensing cheaper and reducing bureaucracy red tape. Fleets could also look into the wages and employment conditions of drivers. Taxi fleets can put better and safer working conditions for drivers to encourage them to return to the industry. We've seen hundreds of fleets now offering in-vehicle partition screens and antigen testing for their drivers to help them feel safer at work. IVR systems, like RedRoute, are implementing new features to support fleets during

The current scenario To assist the taxi industry in the comeback and

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FEATURE ARTICLE the shortage by increasing wait time transparency, third parties or nature. Connectivity, for example, is consequently improving overall automation rates and critical for both taxi companies and venues. Taxi phone bookings. companies can use automated taxi booking solutions allowing 24/7 access and maintaining track of the Possible solutions number of taxi bookings made per day. These devices According to a survey, the 15 million mark of rideare always online, always ready to book a taxi, and hailing bookings made each day will surge, hitting 100 contain a SIM card that is always ready to send data million by 2030. In today's world, where most people and receive the latest updates without being still rely on taxis for their daily commute, the basic dependent on a Wi-Fi connection. expectation of all passengers is to arrive at their A taxi booking device could help you grow your taxi destination safely and on time. To meet these business by providing the following services: customer expectations and generate additional bookings from local businesses/venues, fleets and taxi • One-click taxi booking from hotels, bars and owners can adopt the following strategies to improve restaurants. The venue address is pretheir business pace. programmed to the device. Receptionists just click the button once and one of your taxis is on Automated Customer Connection its way to the location. Customer satisfaction is critical to a company's long• The taxi booking device also has a portal that term success. It is essential to get clients, but it is also provides real-time statistics for completed and crucial to retain them. As a taxi fleet owner and cancelled bookings. business leader, you must provide customers with • Thanks to its built-in SIM card, the purposecompelling reasons to prefer your cab service over made taxi booking device is always online, others. How do you go about doing that? Providing always ready to book a taxi. discounts could be a good marketing approach, but short-sighted. Call centre automation, such as • Set goals and measure your performance by RedRoute, can help you provide your consumers with logging in to the Management Portal, a more attention. It takes just minutes to set up and dashboard that lets you track device automates an average of 40% of all your support calls. performance and success. It is a place where In most cases, customers automate half their calls on taxi companies can set up devices, search and just day one, improving the total output and add new venues, configure device features, customer satisfaction. track and manage the performance of every

Most taxi businesses are adopting technological advances like the purpose-built and innovative taxi booking device from Taxi Butler to assist in the growth of their taxi business. Each dispatch provider, country, data provider, venue and taxi company are different, and a booking device needs to provide a quality service in all scenarios. No taxi booking solution can control external threads like data/power outages or physical damage caused by

device and download statistic reports, along with dedicated customer success and tech team working around the clock to support taxi companies reach their business goals and help them with all questions.

Automated taxi bookings from venues

Give back to the community

As a business owner, one also has a moral obligation to make conscious business decisions that positively impact the community. Taxi owners could tie up with local venues across the UK and provide offers, discounts, or occasional free lifts to frontline workers, police officers, or NHS staff in times of such

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FEATURE ARTICLE crises. It could be a fabulous way to give back to the community, also promoting your business as a safe and ethical taxi service provider. You could also take steps towards taking green initiatives for your cab service like adopting energy-efficient vehicles, always maintaining optimum tyre pressure and embracing alternative eco-friendly measures.

face coverings, vehicle protection screens, a few rapid antigen test kits, and sanitisation goes unsaid.

There has been a significant shift in how people utilise local taxi services worldwide as the automated taxi When local venues understand your core business booking system has ethics and values, they trust you more, thus become available, increasing your chance of generating more business enhancing customer from them. Making small changes such as the ones experience. Taxis continue mentioned above indicate to customers and venues to play an essential role in that your taxi company does not only provide basic modern public transit. According to the Taxi Butler taxi service but is also a caring, responsible business Industry Report, by the second quarter of next year, that positively impacts the environment. the industry will have grown by 72.7 per cent. The latest discoveries reveal a shift in clients' inclinations Keep Up to Date to Stay Ahead for using taxi services, with rapid growth for taxi Passengers are more pleased with taxis when they are bookings from local venues. The global taxi booking kept clean and functional. The taxi fleets and drivers industry has endured several challenges. 2021 has must ensure that the vehicle is well-maintained and in witnessed a bumpy yet steady rise in taxi bookings worldwide. As we enter into a new year, with the good working condition at all times. In the long run, the same would be beneficial to the business. A well- lockdown easing and the travel sector opening kept taxi helps raise the driver's star rating on the cab globally, the taxi booking industry is more robust than ever to meet the demand of the venues and taxi booking system. Currently, government and fleets. However, the tips mentioned above are just a healthcare authorities' social distancing norms and few ways UK taxi service providers can expand their regulations have restricted taxi services for daily business. commute. It is essential to take all the necessary precautions to maintain the safety of passengers and the driver; therefore, keeping a few items handy like

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GUEST FEATURE

ARTICLE BY: taxi and private hire trade have been highly critical Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are nothing new in the UK. of the plans. Businesses have been vocal about how The first was introduced in London back in 2019 and the new CAZ charges will impact them. saw levels of air pollution significantly reduced. Last Many have been seriously considering whether or year saw Birmingham, Bath and Portsmouth also not they can survive considering the huge decline in introduce CAZs. This year sees the introduction of business levels due to the pandemic. several other CAZs across the UK. The majority of these zones are being rolled out in May. The Costs Greater Manchester is set to see the introduction of the largest CAZ in the UK, with nearly 500 miles covering all ten boroughs. 152 stretches of road in Greater Manchester were found to have nitrogen dioxide levels in breach of the legal limit. As part of the introduction of their CAZ, more than 800 cameras have been installed across the borough to help enforce the new rules.

Under the current plans, the taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs) listed below will need to pay a daily charge of £7.50 to travel in the Greater Manchester CAZ from 30 May 2022: •

Hackney carriages and PHVs that aren't licensed with a Greater Manchester local authority with a Euro 5 or earlier diesel engine (usually registered before 2016).

Since its announcement, representatives from the

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GUEST FEATURE •

However, the pressure of protests (including one with a sheep and pony) has led the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to potentially push back the start date of the CAZs introduction. Bolton Council leader Councillor Martyn Cox said in a Hackney carriages and PHVs which are licensed by a statement: Greater Manchester authority will receive a temporary exemption. This exemption will last until "The scheme was designed in a period before the global pandemic, and before the key supply chains 31 May 2023. were hit. After this point, the below vehicles would pay a "People can't comply because of forces outside their proposed daily charge of £7.50 to travel in the control and in fact also the government's control. Greater Manchester CAZ from 1 June 2023: This makes it incredibly difficult for people to • All hackney carriages and PHVs with a Euro 5 comply.” or earlier diesel engine (usually registered In a statement, released by the Chief Executive of before 2016). Greater Manchester Combined Authority, it was • All hackney carriages and PHVs with a Euro 3 confirmed that the Air Quality Administration or earlier petrol engine (usually registered Committee will meet. They will discuss the impact of before 2005). the CAZ on local supply chains and businesses and Unpaid charges would result in liability to pay a what support can be put in place. Penalty Charge Notice of £120 in addition to the This committee will need to seek approval from the unpaid daily charge (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 Secretary of State to days). Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) request any provides an online vehicle checker so you can check potential pause. whether you’ll be charged. For a frank and When these daily charges are worked out over the unbiased discussion course of the year, they amount to nearly £3,000. In of industry news, a recent interview with the MEN, Stockport taxi you can also check driver Nawaz Shaw said he believed the new rules out our ‘What Time marked the “beginning of the end for black cabs”. You On ‘Til?’ podcast, Intense scrutiny available on all In recent weeks, Andy Burnham, Mayor of the major platforms. Greater Manchester combined authorities, has been under increasing pressure to reassess the introduction of the CAZ. Burnham finds himself in a difficult situation, as Greater Manchester have received a legal directive from UK Government to clean up its air by 2024. All hackney carriages and PHVs that aren’t licensed with a Greater Manchester local authority with a Euro 3 or earlier petrol engine (usually registered before 2005).

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This means that he has no authority to prevent the scheme, this is something that only the Government can do.

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TaxiPlus help deliver online pre-licensing solutions. You can drop them an email to hello@taxiplus.co.uk to learn more.

THE SOCIAL QUESTION

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO TAKE PART... The cold snap has brought out the gritters and with that it’s also caked our taxis in thick filthy dirt… but who’s cleaning those cabs?

charging under £9 for an exterior clean and requesting cash only. The Responsible Car Wash Scheme (RCWS), which was founded to promote compliance and raise We asked the UK taxi industry community whether it’s standards in the car wash industry, warned drivers to be cautious of hand car washes that provide workers cabbies who take to the bucket and sponge, or with non-payment of the national living wage and whether it’s someone else who lathers up and gets breach health and safety rules. those wheels sparkling. Interestingly around two thirds of cabbies pay to have Whilst many drivers chose to find a hand car wash for the exterior of the taxi, more drivers kept the interior their vehicle cleaned on the outside, whilst the remaining third sweat it out scrubbing it themselves. squeaky clean themselves. Cab driver Andrew Riley set the tone by saying: “I pay to have it done. Just do a extra job to cover the For those cleaning the cost. Not worth the hassle or the time.” exterior of Nathan Fligg responded: “Take it to the hand wash their cabs on a people. One, because I can’t be bothered and two, regular basis because it gives someone a job. themselves, they can save a “It’s the same as people saying they’d always walk significant home instead of paying for a taxi. If everyone did amount over that or drove themselves we’d be in trouble.” the course of a year. Drivers currently spending on Others taking a back seat to washing their own cab average £15 a week getting their vehicle spruced up like to see it as helping to keep someone in a job. The fork out over £700 each year on the service. costs are also seen as marginal given they are London cabbie Geoff Whitehouse said: “Wash it deducted as an expense, therefore free from tax. myself, water only most of the time. Why pay Recently, taxi drivers and members of the public were someone else when all you’re going to do is urged to be cautious of hand car washing firms watch them do what you2022 could’ve- done?” FEBRUARY Edition 34

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HEALTH

CALCULATED HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF DRIVING FOR A LIVING

Automotive company, Select Car Leasing, have used driver health studies to create a Driver Health Calculator, allowing those who drive for work to input their annual mileage and uncover their percentage of risk against 9 health ailments. Long hours on the road and sitting sedentary can be a huge problem for many Brits with a driving occupation. In fact, Select Car Leasing’s calculator reveals that lorry drivers, taxi drivers and bus drivers all face major health risks, with their long annual mileage and time spent behind the wheel, contributing to ailments such as poor self-rated health, psychological distress, and overall poor quality of life. Select Car Leasing’s calculator revealed that Brits driving long miles every year are at a 33% higher than average risk of experiencing psychological distress. The isolating nature of a driving job such as trucking or taxi driving, means workers can experience loneliness when away from their friends and family for long periods of time. Heavy mileage and long hours mean drivers are 86% more likely to experience insufficient sleep. No matter what you do for a living, a good night’s sleep is essential. Even more so if you drive for a living, as sleep-deprived driving has similar effects as drunk driving. Drivers who clock long hours and high mileage are more likely to develop insufficient sleeping patterns. Irregular sleep schedules and an

inability to switch off can mean that it’s near impossible for drivers to get a sound sleep before they start working again. 5 tips from Select Car Leasing for drivers to maintain a healthier lifestyle on the road include:

Challenge what is preventing you from sleep

As possibly one of the biggest contributors to poor quality of life, it’s essential for those driving for a living to get the recommended 7-8 hours. High-quality earplugs and mattress pads are essential for a sound sleep. Sunshades can block out any unwanted light and you can minimise any outdoor noise by downloading a white noise app to play while you sleep.

Stock up on healthier choices

Meal prep is a driver’s best resource for staying healthy. Investing in a car refrigerator means you can keep healthy, veg-packed meals cool. Having breakfast and protein bars stocked are easy for on-the-road snacks and prevent drivers from reaching for less healthy options like crisps, pastries and chocolate.

Move more on breaks

Moving more doesn’t have to involve a HIIT (High Intensity Impact Training) workout. When you’re living a sedentary lifestyle, even something as

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HEALTH simple as going for a long walk during rest periods can make the difference. Fitting in exercise before working has even been linked to increased alertness and a better quality of sleep.

Stay in touch with family and friends

Driving for long shifts and being away from family and friends can be one of the biggest challenges that trade drivers face. Schedule in time to talk to your spouse, children, or parents so no matter where you are you’re still keeping in touch with those significant to you.

Bring a hobby with you

Hobbies are so beneficial for relaxing and destressing after a long day behind the wheel. Whether it’s a podcast, a good book or a musical instrument, ensuring you take time away from work to do something you love can make being on the road less monotonous and improve your mental health. Image credit: SELECT CAR LEASING

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EDITORIAL FEATURE

ARTICLE BY:

MICHAEL MURPHY

TAXIPOINT EDITOR AND PARTNER One of the biggest issues with being a taxi driver, along with dealing with overly intoxicated passengers and traffic, is finding access to public toilets.

they do finding accessible toilets.

In a healthy adult, NHS medical advice suggests that occasionally holding in urine will not cause problems, but if this behaviour becomes a habit, there could be some unwanted effects.

needed. And as we all know, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. When the bladder fills around halfway with fluid, it sends a signal to the brain letting the person know that it’s time to head to the rest room. We don’t really have control of when this may be, so it can definitely catch you out at times. That’s when it’s time to hunt down one of those illusive public toilets with parking available nearby. How long this may take, well that can vary from day to day for all cabbies around the UK.

What you will find is, most licensing authorities do indeed list a number of locations in which a driver can access public This being an issue which most take for toilet facilities, but there is not any granted, for a taxi driver it can at times seem information about where a driver can park impossible to find a public toilet which is nearby and leave their cab while using those open and easy to access. In London in facilities. particular, a number of public toilets have Rest ranks are a great place to park for now been closed, making that dash for the cabbies, but with limited locations, there’s no toilet touch and go at times. guarantees you will access a free spot when

Finding a toilet which is open and usable isn’t the only problem, finding somewhere to park when you’ve found a rest room can be just as difficult.

With more and more restrictions put in place against parking in some of the UK’s busiest cities, along with so many cycle lanes being But what are the possible effects of being built and meaning there is no curb side caught short on a regular basis and holding in stopping, drivers can spend more time urine for long periods of time? circulating, trying to find a parking spot than your FEBRUARY 2022 - Edition 34

EDITORIAL FEATURE According to experts in this field and government advice, these are some of the side effects, as well as issues to look out for:

Pain People who regularly hold in their urine for long periods of time may feel pain or discomfort in the bladder or kidneys.

Urinary tract infection In some cases, holding in urine can cause bacteria to multiply. This can lead to UTIs. Symptoms of a UTI can include a burning or stinging feeling during urination, pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen, a constant urge to empty the bladder, cloudy offcoloured urine or bloody urine.

Bladder stretching In the long term, holding in your urine can lead to your bladder becoming stretched. This could make it Think about the bladder being closed off – it may difficult for the bladder to contract and release urine help to imagine that nothing can come down urinal as it would normally. track. Also squeezing the muscles in that area can help avoid any urine leaking out. Pelvic floor muscle damage Stay still – Bouncing or jiggling could actually Pelvic floor muscles can become damaged if you hold increase the sensation of having to go to the rest in your urine for long periods. This can lead to room. Decreasing movement could help reduce the incontinence issues. feeling and buy you some much needed minutes.

Kidney stones Kidney stones can form in people who are known to hold in their urine for long periods of time on a regular basis. Kidney stones can be very painful.

Meditation or visualisation – Practicing meditation, visualisation or deep breathing may help distracting from the feeling or urgently needing to go.

Mental distractions - Talking to someone or singing Advice by Very Well Health, to help those of you who along to your favourite track can help take your mind are caught short and unable to access public toilets, off the urge momentarily. Remember every second counts in this situation. includes: Whatever your current strategy is when dealing with the issue of finding an accessible toilet when needed, it’s best to remember that it’s better out than in. Never pass up on the opportunity to use a rest room. If you have any concerns surrounding the issues Change your temperature – Feeling cold can increase raised in this article, don’t hesitate to contact your the urge to release urine. Turn the heating up to help doctor for more advice. Remember, health over while searching for a toilet. wealth. FEBRUARY 2022 - Edition 34 31 Moving into a more comfortable position if possible – Putting pressure on the abdomen can increase the sensation of ‘Busting’, so finding a position where this doesn’t happen can help.

HIGHWAY CODE

ARTICLE BY:

The Highway Code has changed on 29 January, with eight new rules being introduced as well as 49 revisions to existing rules. Among the changes is a new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ that will prioritise vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, over larger motorised vehicles. The Highway Code’s new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’, states that greater responsibility must be taken by road users when sharing the road with the most vulnerable road users. Another major amendment states drivers should stop and give way to pedestrians waiting to cross the road before turning Image credit: IAM RoadSmart into or out of junctions and also cyclists going waiting to cross a zebra crossing (currently you only straight ahead. The final major change will be establishing guidance on safe passing distances and have to give way if they’re already on the crossing), and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders. parallel crossing.

What are the 2022 Highway Code changes? Rule H1: New Hierarchy of Road Users Drivers of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of HGVs, buses, LGVs, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. Rule H2: New priority for pedestrians at junctions At a junction, drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You should give way to pedestrians

Image credit: IAM RoadSmart

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HIGHWAY CODE Rule H3: New priority for cyclists when cars are turning

It’s worth noting that many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may Drivers and motorcyclists should not cut across be fined, given penalty points on your licence, or be cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified or changing direction or lane. This applies whether by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Although failure to comply with the other rules of Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in straight ahead to stop or swerve. You should stop evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if Acts to establish liability. This includes rules which necessary. use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.

Image credit: IAM RoadSmart

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All the new rules need to be observed. By becoming an Advanced Driver with IAM RoadSmart, you will improve observation, anticipation and ARTICLE BY: awareness skills which will help you adjust to the new rules. Full changes to The Highway Code can be found here, Advanced Driver courses can be found here and Taxi & Private Hire Assessments can be found here.

MONEY Image credit: LEVC

The scrapping of VAT payments on electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) taxis could help boost the number of cabs and accelerate the industry’s move to a greener fleet.

adapted to carry wheelchairs. According to HMRC, individuals purchasing a vehicle on behalf of a disabled wheelchair user can claim relief if the supply of a ‘qualifying motor vehicle’ has been:

At present, Value Added Tax (VAT) is 20% of the car’s value. With EVs costing more than internal combustion vehicles, buyers are currently paying more in tax to make the move to cleaner vehicles.

designed to enable the disabled wheelchair user to travel in it, or

Taxi drivers have long debated whether or not they should be paying VAT at all, especially those offering WAV facilities to the public. As a rule, VAT generally has to be paid on all goods and services. However, in certain circumstances there’s relief from paying VAT on a limited range of goods and services for disabled people. There is VAT relief for those purchasing a vehicle

substantially and permanently adapted to enable the disabled wheelchair user to travel in it and the adaptation is necessary to enable that person to travel in the vehicle. If WAV tax relief was offered to cabbies it could potentially knock off over £9,000 on the new LEVC TX taxi. Historically under EU rules, the question around VAT exemption for taxis was quickly put to bed following a question put forward by the then Department for

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MONEY Transport (DfT) Minister, Andrew Jones MP, in October 2016.

to see more environmentally friendly wheelchair accessible electric taxis on the streets in the UK.

Carly Nimmo, of VAT & International Excise at HM Treasury, replied on the MP’s behalf: “There is unfortunately no provision within the EU VAT rules to introduce a zero rate or exemption on the purchase of taxis and therefore the government cannot remove the VAT on such purchases. “While the UK remains a member of the EU, we will continue to meet our obligations, including on the agreed rules on the application of VAT.” However with the UK leaving the EU, the debate can now begin again, especially if the Government wishes Image credit: LEVC

Taxi drivers in some local authorities ARE ELIGIBLE for Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) funding being offered to support businesses impacted by Omicron coronavirus.

£100million to local authorities for supply chains impacted, which could include taxi drivers.

One of the first councils to INCLUDE taxi drivers in the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding is Bury Taxi drivers across England have been hoping for fresh Council. They actively list taxi drivers who live and Omicron coronavirus financial support as part of the work in Bury as eligible for funding. Chancellor’s £100million discretionary fund to support Northumberland County Council have also committed sectors who supply the hospitality and leisure sectors. to include taxi drivers in the ARG support. SelfThe rise of the Omicron variant has meant some employed taxi and private hire drivers licensed by the businesses, including the taxi industry, have struggled council will be eligible for a £200 ARG payment. through parts of December 2021 and January 2022. Other local authorities are still to announce the The Government is now providing one-off grants of up process of applying for ARG funding, but are expected to £6,000 for businesses in the hospitality and leisure to soon. sectors in England, and also providing a further

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GLOBAL NEWS Image credit: UBER

Global ride-hailing firm Uber have announced that it has acquired Car Next Door, an Australian company first launched in Sydney in 2012.

Post-acquisition, Car Next Door will report into Uber’s Australian team, but will otherwise operate independently.

Car Next Door is a car-sharing platform which offers access to cars for renters, whilst providing revenue to car owners, turning any car into a shared car. The service operates Australia-wide, with vehicles listed in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Launceston, and Newcastle.

Dom Taylor, General Manager of Uber Australia and New Zealand, said: “This year marks 10 years since both Uber and Car Next Door launched in Australia. A lot has changed in that time but one thing has stayed constant: a shared vision that we need to make transport not just safe, convenient, and affordable – but also sustainable.

Uber wish to offer Australians an easy, affordable, and convenient alternative to private car ownership. By adding Car Next Door to Uber’s suite of products, the firm hope to bolster its ability to do just that by giving Uber riders an option for trips that are less suited to rideshare, such as running errands or a day trip away.

“Over the last decade, Uber has created shared rides options like Uber Pool, invested $800 million globally to drive electric vehicle uptake, and integrated micromobility, and public transport options into the Uber app. What our app users haven’t had though, is the option for those mid-range and longer-distance trips. This deal will change that, and mean that the Uber platform can be a reliable and convenient alternative to the choice to own a car.”

The deal builds on Uber’s ongoing investments in electric vehicles, micromobility, and public transport to reduce over-reliance on the private vehicle and help achieve greener, more liveable cities.

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GLOBAL NEWS

Image credit: Gravity

Four insurance companies have stepped in to help more than 11,000 taxi drivers who were set to be left without insurance after Target Insurance, who provided coverage for more than 60% of the taxi industry, announced they were closing shop. Drivers were given only one week’s notice to find an alternative provider. Bank of China Group Insurance, China Pacific Insurance, China Taiping Insurance and CMB Wing Lung Insurance stepped up to offer their services to the 11,000 drivers.

New York taxi drivers are set to have the option of driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E, a new yellow cab entering service thanks to Gravity Inc., a sustainable mobility start-up which focuses on electric vehicle fleets and infrastructure. The company hopes to register around 50 Ford Mustang electric taxis. In addition, the company will also be introducing the Tesla Model Y to its yellow taxi fleet.

The Victoria Government in Australia is expanding the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) to include ridehailing app Uber. The program offers subsidised transport for those with disabilities and accessibility needs. The MPTP subsidy covers 50% of the cost of eligible participant’s trips, up to A$60.

ComfortDelGro, the country’s largest taxi operator, has said that it will put up to 400 fully electric taxis on the roads in 2022. The company has also added that it aims to have up to 1000 fully electric taxis plying for hire by 2023, as the firm looks to step up its efforts to become an all-electric fleet.

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Image credit: ComfortDelGro

GLOBAL NEWS

Image credit: Gravity

Taxi booking requests via the FREE NOW app increased by 250% year on year the company has said following the lifting of restrictions which were put in place due to the pandemic. Ride-hailing requests rose by 60% the first weekend in which the latest restrictions were lifted compared to the previous. FREE NOW General Manager Niall Carson said it was “uplifting to see the country opening back up again and regaining a sense of normality”.

According to Hurriyet Daily News, more than 5,000 Istanbul taxi and minibus drivers were fined for not complying with rules and regulations in 2021. The top three reasons for drivers being fined were operating without a permit, hiring unregistered drivers and not having a relief licence plate for visually impaired passengers.

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WORLD TAXI FEATURE

Welcome to part EIGHT of our ongoing series of global taxis. We continue looking at the world’s most distinctive looking cabs outside of the iconic black taxi we see and love in most big UK cities. Budget Direct have released a new series of

illustrated posters, showcasing different taxis from every country. We continue to run through the A-Z of the 57 most iconic taxis. In this edition we look at Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Sri Lanka.

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WORLD TAXI FEATURE

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TRAINING

ACCOUNTANTS

FINANCE

INSURANCE We have been arranging specialist insurance since 1989, and have become a one stop shop for all your taxi insurance needs. We offer exclusive rates from a panel of leading insurers, tailored to your exact needs. Click here for a quote or more information.

At mymoneycomparision.com, we have a proven track record of working with taxi insurance specialists. We help you source and compare cheap taxi insurance cover, which suits your business needs. Get your quote by visiting: www.mymoneycomparison.com/taxi-insurance

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BUY, RENT OR REPAIR A TAXI

APPS

COMMS

Challenger provide fleet management trackers, cameras and integrated software to access vehicle location, record driver behaviour, optimise your route planning and take advantage of fuel cost savings. Challenger provides business mobiles backed up with award-winning support, and with its market leading app you can keep your drivers safe with lone worker protection.

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CLAIMS

EMISSIONS SYSTEMS HJS HJS are Europe's leading manufacturers of emission reduction systems for commercial vehicles. Retrofit your taxi to meet EURO VI standards. For more information visit the website by clicking here or phone 01344 566050.

MEMBERSHIP

CARD PAYMENTS

TAXI SCREENS

The FixiCover Driver Shield is an in-car partition that separates drivers from their passengers and serves as a sneeze guard. Find out more here.

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