TaxiPoint June 2023 Edition 50

TaxiPoint Chief Editor:

Perry Richardson

TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager:

Lindsey Richardson

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FROM THE EDITOR PERRY RICHARDSON 50

Hello and welcome to the June 2023 edition of TaxiPoint.

We have now reached another huge milestone with the publication of our 50th digital magazine edition this month. Since 2017 we have provided the taxi industry with a unique voice amongst huge mainstream media outlets on global news aggregators and newsstands.

We are able to secure interviews and interest at Government level through to the important grass roots. This edition provides another spotlight on a great variety of industry opinions and information.

We have worked hard to successfully licence work to index on professional databases like Moody’s, Reuters Thomson and Nexis Lexis. The industry now has a trusted platform to be referred to and quoted.

TaxiPoint is run on a shoestring budget compared to other

newsrooms achieving similar success. Six years on from the beginnings of TaxiPoint, we believe we’ve proven our worth as a neutral platform within the industry. We have never favoured one particular side of an argument, and we present reports in a fair way for the reader to form their own educated opinion.

Thank you to each and every reader, advertiser and person that has supported TaxiPoint to this point.

There’s lots more to come, with a focus on distribution coming next. We want to unite an industry and reach every possible trade worker throughout the UK, supplying them with the latest trusted information and news.

Be lucky!

TaxiPoint Editor and Founder

NEW LEVC SOA OFFERING

‘

LOOKS BEYOND’ TAXI MARKET

BUT WHERE DOES THE TAXI INDUSTRY STAND AND WHAT ARE FUTURE PLANS?

Electric vehicle manufacturers LEVC announced last month its plans to roll out a new SOA-based (Space Oriented Architecture) vehicle platform with new futuristic features.

The launch raised many questions from the UK taxi industry who rely on the Coventry based manufacturer for their cabs. How does the SOA platform fit into company plans for the industry? Can the recently launched platform cater for taxi markets around the UK?

The trade’s leading taxi news source asked LEVC to help us understand what the plans are for black cabs moving forward. Here’s all the answers to some common questions

DOES LEVC STILL PLAN TO OFFER FUTURE TAXI MODELS?

LEVC has more than a century of ‘mobility’ in its DNA and can trace its roots all the way back to the original Hackney Carriages of 1908. The launch of LEVC’s new pure electric platform, Space Oriented Architecture (SOA), enables the business to expand and grow beyond taxi manufacturing.

SOA will support a range of new pure electric models in addition to the TX. LEVC is committed to a long-term future of taxi models and the industry as a whole.

DOES THE SOA HAVE ADVANCED ‘TURNING CIRCLE’ CAPABILITIES REQUIRED FOR LONDON TAXI MARKET?

SOA enables us to expand and grow beyond taxi manufacturing. The platform has not been designed to accommodate London taxi-style turning circle capabilities.

CAN SOA BECOME WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

SOA is the platform. Vehicles built on the SOA platform will offer an innovative, flexible, fully configurable architecture that optimises on-board space.

LEVC is not announcing any details about vehicles based on the new architecture at the moment.

WHAT LEVEL OF AUTONOMOUS CAPABILITIES WILL BE OFFERED TO THE UK TAXI INDUSTRY?

The new SOA platform is separate to the TX.

WHEN CAN WE EXPECT LEVC TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST NEW MODEL UNDER THIS NEW CHAPTER?

LEVC will reveal more detail on the first new vehicle to be based on SOA in the coming months.

WHEN DO LEVC PLAN TO CEASE PRODUCTION OF CURRENT TX RANGE?

The current TX is the ideal product for the UK taxi market. It offers customers low running costs, very low emissions, purpose-built wheelchair accessibility and no range anxiety, so remains LEVC’s focus.

WILL ALL LEVC VEHICLES BE PRODUCED IN COVENTRY PLANT MOVING FORWARDS?

The home of LEVC and the TX taxi is – and always will be – our headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ansty, Coventry.

WILL LEVC BE OFFERING A VEHICLE TO THE UK PRIVATE HIRE / RIDE-SHARING SECTOR?

TX is LEVC’s taxi offering in the UK.

WHAT ARE THE KEY FEATURES OF THE LEVC SOA?

Electric vehicle manufacturers LEVC confirmed new models can be produced at ‘any time’ moving forwards following the launch of the new SOA platform.

The launch of its innovative new pure electric vehicle technology will provide extended electric range vehicles - capable of around 400 miles - and future autonomous driving capability.

The new platform was developed over the past 2.5 years at R&D centres in China, Sweden, the UK and Germany, and maximises interior space, offering multiple seating and load-carrying configurations. It can support a wide range of new products - from passenger carrying models, to commercial vehicles, offering significant advances in range, efficiency, safety, charging time, durability and connectivity.

IF THE SOA ISN’T FOR THE TAXI INDUSTRY, WHAT NEXT FOR THE TX?

Soon after the launch of the LEVC SOA there were two significant updates for the TX. Both the hire light and electric range saw improvements. Arguably two of the trade’s biggest wish list improvements alongside reducing the cost of the vehicle.

The new taxi ‘peak’ is available to existing TX owners and is essentially a visor that goes over the orange for hire light that can be hard to see in bright conditions. Swiftly after the ‘peak’ arrival, LEVC announced an enhancement for its TX taxi and VN5 light van, with both vehicles now benefitting from a larger and more efficient battery.

The 34.6 kWh unit upgrades the eCity powertrain, offering increased capacity (up from 31 kWh) and greater efficiency. Using the new battery, the TX taxi now emits 14g/km of CO2 (down from 19g/km) and increase the electric -only range to 78 miles (up from 64 miles). Its total range increased to 333 miles (up from 318 miles).

Right now, the TX is the right model for the current EV landscape. Patchy and poorly maintained chargepoints would make it difficult for the industry to rely on a fully electric model even with huge range. At some point though cabbies will be looking for better dashboard connectivity, higher battery range, even more cost efficiency and market competition. When that will come who knows.

Q&A SUSAN HALL

LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBER

Susan Hall has been a London Assembly member since 2017. Hall AM has challenged the current Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on a wide range of topics, including issues impacting the taxi industry.

Her passion for change has seen Hall AM put her name forwards to become the next Conservative candidate to take on Khan in the next London Mayoral elections.

TaxiPoint caught up with Hall AM to learn about her thoughts on the London taxi trade and what changes were needed to secure the future of the industry.

THE PRICE OF A NEW ELECTRIC BLACK CAB HAS TIPPED OVER £100,000 WHEN INCLUDING THE COST OF FINANCE. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE COST OR BETTER SUPPORT TAXI DRIVERS MAKING THE MOVE?

Ensuring that we continue to improve air quality is high on my priorities, however I don't believe that people should be forced out of their livelihoods or into debt in order to do this. I am so pleased that many taxi drivers are looking to switch to electric

“London would not be the same without our iconic Black Cabs and if we do not fight for them we will lose them.”

vehicles but this does come with a considerable cost. I am also concerned that there are far too few charging points in and around London. This is why I would work to see if I could either extend the scrappage scheme to taxi drivers, or look into a separate scheme for taxi drivers to upgrade their current vehicles. I pledge that I will look into ways to support London taxi drivers as best as I can.

THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED TAXI DRIVERS DECREASES WEEK ON WEEK. WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO RECTIFY IT?

I am so disheartened that taxi drivers are leaving the profession weekly, especially after all the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a taxi driver, learning the knowledge is no small achievement and takes hours of dedication. The reasoning behind Black Cabbies leaving could be down to many factors, the ever increasing costs of buying/leasing cabs, the dreadful change to road layouts that are causing congestion on our roads, but the most important I believe is because the current Mayor of London does not provide adequate support. London would not be the same without our iconic Black Cabs and if we do not fight for them we will lose them. When I am Mayor of London I will listen to concerns raised by taxi drivers and ensure that there is a forum to look into complaints and try to find solutions.

NEIGHBOURHOODS (LTN) AND UNDER USED CYCLE LANES HAVE ALL BECOME CONTENTIOUS TOPICS NOT JUST FOR THE TAXI INDUSTRY, BUT FOR THE WIDER PUBLIC TOO. WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THESE MATTERS?

From day one I will stop the ULEZ expansion as I believe this is an unfair tax on the poorest and least connected Londoners. Furthermore, I will implement a review of all the current LTN’s and will stop any s from being implemented. I will look into allowing taxis to use bus lanes and have access to all areas of London to ensure that, in particular, passengers with accessibility needs are able to reach their destinations. In my view where Buses go taxis should be able to go.

FINALLY, MOST LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ARE VERY ENGAGED WITH THE CHALLENGES FACING THE CAPITAL’S TAXI INDUSTRY. DO YOU THINK THE MAYOR OF LONDON SHARES THE SAME LEVEL OF CONCERN?

I do not believe that the current Mayor of London engages or understands the challenges facing the taxi industry, he is too focussed on promoting his book and imposing a tax on outer London. That is why when I am elected as the Mayor of London, I will ensure that the voices of the taxi industry are heard loud and clear and I would certainly be the Black Cabbies champion.

ULEZ, LOW TRAFFIC

IMAGE CREDIT: SUSAN HALL AM

Q&A

CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL

Outside of London, the City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC) is currently the largest licensing area for private hire drivers and vehicles. Drivers travel from all around the country to apply for a licence and are offered a swift

turnaround upon their applications. But what makes this licensing authority different to others? What about driver and passenger safety? And where does CWC stand on cross-border rules?

TaxiPoint caught up with Councillor Craig Collingswood who is CWC’s newly appointed Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change.

WHAT MAKES CWC SUCH AN ATTRACTIVE LICENSING AUTHORITY FOR PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVERS ACROSS ENGLAND?

Under the Deregulation Act 2015, all local authorities can consider

CLLR CRAIG COLLINGSWOOD

applications from outside their council area.

While City of Wolverhampton Council does not actively encourage applications from drivers outside the city, existing legislation requires that if an application is submitted and requirements are met, then the application must be granted.

Wolverhampton’s early adoption of digital technology has allowed it to offer a simple and efficient online application process which applicants can complete at their convenience.

While we are paperless, making applications seamless, our checks are rigorous.

We have introduced technology that checks an applicant’s right to work in real time, similar to the facial recognition systems found at airports.

Drivers are also required to attend in person during the application process.

Through our productive trade working group, we’ve worked closely with our operators to listen to what they need while making sure public safety remains paramount.

By carefully reviewing our policies and procedures we’ve been able to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and hurdles that may have prevented new entrants to the trade.

This streamlined approach has allowed us to make significant

administrative savings, which have been passed on to the trade through reduced licence fees.

CWC

HAVE BEEN

IN INTRODUCING

PROACTIVE

NEW SAFETY FEATURES FOR DRIVERS WHICH INCLUDES THE ROLL OUT OF SAFETY ALARMS. HOW IMPORTANT IS DRIVER SAFETY TO THE COUNCIL?

Driver safety is critical to the council. We believe that drivers who feel safer at work will provide a better service for their customers, improving outcomes for all.

The council is always looking to support drivers to feel more comfortable in their workplace and works with them to understand the unique challenges they may face.

Alongside the personal safety alarms, the council has worked in partnership with West Midlands Police to produce a safety guide for every driver.

“… we’ve been able to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and hurdles that may have prevented new entrants to the trade.”

This year, the authority’s regulatory committee has approved the option of installing driver safety enclosures which separate drivers from passengers. The enclosures were initially proposed at the trade group and, following consultation, have been made into policy.

CCTV is also permitted, to provide reassurance for everyone in the vehicle and driver’s personal safety is a key part of the mandatory driver training programme.

THERE HAS BEEN LOTS OF FOCUS ON DRIVER SAFETY. WHAT ARE CWC DOING TO ENHANCE PASSENGER SAFETY?

Passenger safety is at the core of council policies.

Wolverhampton has created a bespoke computer system which checks DBS certificates registered with the Update Service every day. Work is underway to introduce a similar in-house automated checking system with the DVLA. The council is also working with the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) to establish a system where the authority is notified the same day that a driver is revoked anywhere else in the country.

As such, our checks on drivers are pushing the boundaries of modern technology to protect the public.

Comprehensive driver training, covering both passenger and driver safety, is of high importance and City of Wolverhampton Council sends applicants on a mandatory training course delivered by Worcestershire County Council.

This training includes 15 key areas and is followed by a rigorous assessment process which also contains a face-to-face English assessment, followed by a recorded interview where there are any concerns.

The council has the country’s first Taxi Safeguarding Officer, dedicated to all matters safeguarding. The council also has compliance officers across the country, who conduct proactive operations in partnership with the DVSA and police.

MORE LICENSING AUTHORITIES EMBRACE THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE RULE OFFERED TO DRIVERS AND OPERATORS?

The trade has always been able to operate legally across borders. The Deregulation Act 2015 allows sub-contracting, enabling operators to outsource fares and giving greater flexibility when they do not have capacity to undertake jobs.

This is of note as the number of licenced drivers currently remains below 2019 levels.

The officers work shifts, ensuring that we have a presence during the night-time economy, on Friday and Saturday nights until the early hours, when there is more likely to be issues.

A scheme to encourage more women into the trade is also underway.

There is no financial benefit to the council if operators sub-contract. Taxi licensing is a cost neutral function with guidelines stipulating that any income raised must be used within the service and not in other areas of the council.

We have not actively encouraged or advertised for applications from outside the council area.

However, applicants from outside Wolverhampton often compliment the council’s streamlined processes, quick processing times and low costs.

CROSS-BORDER HIRING IS A HOT TOPIC IN THE INDUSTRY. SHOULD

IMAGE CREDIT: @BEXLEYTAXI (TWITTER)

TAXIAPP

REBORN

A CHANGE IN DIRECTION SEEKS TO OFFER UP A BETTER DEAL FOR DRIVERS

Taxiapp has long been a platform showing promise, but it has never quite kicked on to the next level when it comes to public taxi mobility. The app originally started with its unique selling point being the co-operative structure at the heart of its working model. Whilst this attracted over 1,000 drivers to join during its heyday, it stalled at this number and dropped to just 800. With little room to grow, those running Taxiapp took a bold step to close the co-operative model and introduce a new deal for the industry.

Offering 0% commission and no subs, the management team are looking to reignite the platform once more. We spoke to the Taxiapp Team to learn more about the recent changes.

THERE HAVE BEEN SOME BIG CHANGES TO TAXIAPP AND ITS WORKING MODEL. HOW WILL IT IMPACT DRIVERS USING THE HAILING PLATFORM?

Simple answer is it’s a lot better for drivers. When we launched, we were 10% commission, which was the lowest around. But we looked at it and realised that actually that was also wrong. None of us should be paying anything for work.

So we now charge passengers a £3 booking fee and drivers pay 0% commission. This means they keep all the fare as they should – they’re doing the work after all. Passengers don’t mind the booking fee, as they’re essentially paying for the convenience of a black cab coming to them.

WHAT ARE THE LONGTERM AMBITIONS AND GOALS FOR TAXIAPP UNDER THE NEW WORKING MODEL?

To keep growing. With any ride hailing app there’s a catch-22 in that you need more drivers to get more passengers, but you need more passengers to get more drivers. Every month since we launched, we’ve increased our numbers in both camps. But there’s more to be done.

Will we unseat Gett and Freenow?

We’d love to, but it’s a David Vs Goliath undertaking. We’re having an impact though. The scaling commission rates they recently offered are definitely in response to us being commission free and that’s good for everyone. It changes the agenda.

The big apps have taken black cab drivers for granted and frankly taken the pee out of us. Our ultimate goal to stop all drivers, whether they’re with us or not, paying commission. Obviously, we’d prefer it if they were on Taxiapp though.

A SECTION OF DRIVERS HAVE VOICED CONCERNS PROMPTED BY THE MODEL CHANGE AWAY FROM COOPERATIVE. ARE YOU SYMPATHETIC TO THEIR CONCERNS?

It’s not been a model change as Taxiapp Partnerships is a completely separate entity. The co-op was the coop and that’s an important difference.

That ran on a subs model and long story short, was failing financially – the accounts are online if anyone wants to see them.

When Taxiapp Partnership was set up, having seen the subs model didn’t work, it was obvious a different route was needed. When we started, we were charging 10% commission on each fare, before changing to 0% commission at the start of the year. Which is of course a lot better for drivers.

We understand and appreciate that a lot of people paid subs into the co-op, ourselves included. That’s one of the reasons why Taxiapp Partnership is 42% owned by the drivers working on the app.

When we hit our targets and are in a position to do so, our goal is to pay back driver contributions to the co-op through our profit share, with every £1 paid in subs increasing a driver’s share.

There’s no obligation to do this, but to us it’s the right thing to do. Until then, by being 0% commission, we’re helping to put more money in people’s pockets

IMAGE CREDIT: TAXIAPP

on a more regular basis. We’re an app for the trade first and foremost. And always will be.

THERE ARE MANY TAXI BOOKING APPS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO USE ON THE MARKET. THESE RANGE FROM THE ESTABLISHED TO THE JUST RELEASED. WHAT MAKES TAXIAPP A UNIQUE OPTION?

It’s a combination of being 0% commission and drivers having the veto votes. When we met with the investors, we insisted that three principles were written into the legal structure of Taxiapp Partnership.

These were that: the business can’t be sold; we’ll never have private hire; and that commission can’t increase. The only way these can change is if our drivers vote for it. Which we doubt they ever would.

Long term, we also have our profit share. We’re a way off that, but when we’re in a position to do so, all our drivers will get a cut of our profits based on their activity on the app. It’s hard to make this feel

HUTLEY TOM

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YOUTUBE TAXI INFLUENCER

WATCH NOW

Drivers and passengers interested in learning more about the London taxi trade have been checking out Tom Hutley's YouTube channel, Tom the Taxi Driver.

Tom is a licensed London cabbie, a tour guide, an author, and a successful YouTuber with over 75,000 subscribers. He first started his channel in 2020 and has since produced hundreds of videos showcasing his life as a taxi driver, his knowledge of London's history and culture, and his tips and tricks for aspiring cabbies.

Tom's journey to becoming a taxi driver was not straightforward. He graduated from university with a degree in Film and TV Production but soon realised that he was not passionate about his career path. He decided to take on the challenge of "The Knowledge", the rigorous test that all London taxi drivers must pass to earn their green badge. The Knowledge requires memorising all of London's roads, streets, and points of interest within a sixmile radius of Charing Cross. It took Tom three years of hard work and dedication to complete The Knowledge and become a qualified cabbie.

Tom did not stop there. He also pursued his interest in becoming a tour guide and obtained his taxi guiding badge from The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, later progressing to Liveryman within the company. He also became

qualified as a tour guide within the London borough of Camden. He now offers private tours of London from the comfort of his electric taxi, Tom's Taxi Tour. He also wrote a book about his experience of becoming a taxi driver, called "The Knowledge: How to Become a London Taxi Driver".

Tom's YouTube channel is a great way to learn more about him and the London taxi profession. He uploads videos regularly, covering topics such as driving tips, taxi history, London trivia, interviews with other cabbies and celebrities, and behind-thescenes footage of his daily life. He also produces a weekly newsletter, The Sunday Summary, where he shares his lifestyle and productivity insights.

The channel has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from viewers who appreciate the enthusiasm, humour, and expertise.

Tom Hutley is more than just a taxi driver. He is a content creator, an educator, and an ambassador for the London taxi trade. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and love for London with others and inspiring them to pursue new careers in the industry.

If you want to know more about Tom, you can visit his website www.tom.taxi or follow him on YouTube as Tom the Taxi Driver.

IMAGE CREDIT: TOM HUTLEY

DIESEL PRICES DROP 12P IN MAY

HERALDING LARGEST CUT EVER SEEN SINCE RAC RECORDS

The average price of diesel fell by 12p a litre in May, making for the largest cut ever seen by the RAC since it began tracking fuel prices in 2000.

RAC Fuel Watch data shows diesel fell from 158.91p to 146.99p cutting the cost of a full 55-litre family car fill-up by £6.50 while petrol reduced by 3p from 146.35p to 143.26p – a saving of £1.70 a tank compared to the start of the month. May was the seventh consecutive month in which pump prices fell. This means diesel is now 52p lower (£28.60 a tank) than the all-time high of 199p last summer and unleaded is 48p lower (£26.40 a tank) than its record of 191.5p.

TAXI TYRE RATINGS: HOW THE RATINGS WORK AND ARE THERE ANY

Tyre safety and performance should be right at the top of a taxi driver's list of importance when it comes to maintaining and driving the right vehicle.

With the sheer amount of miles driven on a daily basis, cabbies are starting to look at higher performance tyres that better suit professional drivers.

The European tyre label is a useful tool for cabbies when it comes to choosing new tyres, as it allows them to compare two key standardised performance tests; energy efficiency and wet grip.

The energy efficiency rating ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is based on the tyre's rolling resistance. The wet grip rating also

ranges from A to G and measures the tyre's ability to maintain traction on wet roads.

ARATINGS BASED ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WET GRIP PERFORMANCE

Double A rated tyres refer to tyres that have received the highest possible rating for fuel efficiency and wet grip on the European tyre label. This label is a regulation that was introduced in 2012 by the European Union to provide consumers with standardised information about the performance of tyres.

To receive the highest double A rating, a tyre must perform exceptionally well in both fuel efficiency

IMAGE CREDIT: ENSO

RATED TYRES FOR THE TAXI INDUSTRY?

Luckily, yes, there are. Newcomers to the market, ENSO, offer EV tyres for the LEVC TX to provide more electric range at competitive prices. Enso Tyres enhance driving range by up to 10%, last longer, and reduce dangerous particulate matter (PM) emissions by up to 35%.

These double A-rated ENSO tyres outperform standard fit tyres for most taxis, with the double-A label being the highest grade set out by European tyre label regulations.

In comparison, other popular tyres for the LEVC TX include the Maaxis which rate at C for both efficiency and wet grip.

G Erlendsson, CEO of ENSO, said recently: “ENSO is the only tyre company in the world who wants to sell fewer, high-quality, tyres to break the cycle of false economy created by the current high-volume low-cost, low-quality industry model.”

the coming weeks will not only be doing their bit to help reduce the environmental impact of tyres, they will also be part of disrupting the tyre industry as ENSO’s tyres are sold direct-to-consumer, meaning that that there’s no additional costs for third-party distribution.”

launch offer at the EV Service Hub in London over

“ENSO TYRES ENHANCE DRIVING RANGE BY UP TO 10%...”

A UNIFIED FUTURE? THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF NATIONAL LICENSING STANDARDS

ARTICLE BY:

Navigating the different licensing regulations between local authorities can be a bit of a labyrinth for taxi and private hire companies.

Right now, licensing policies can vary greatly from one local authority to another. This can sometimes lead to confusion, as companies operating in multiple areas need to adhere to different rules and regulations.

It also opens up the possibility of "licensing tourism," where drivers might apply for licenses in areas with perceived lower standards.

The proposed introduction of National Minimum Licensing Standards could change this. Imagine a unified set of rules and standards across the country, potentially making the licensing process more streamlined and uniform.

THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF NATIONAL STANDARDS

The introduction of National Minimum Licensing Standards could level the playing field. Instead of each local authority setting its own

rules, there would be a unified set of standards that every taxi and private hire vehicle operator or driver would need to meet. No matter where they are in the country.

This could have several potential benefits:

Uniformity: With the same rules applying everywhere, there would be less confusion and uncertainty for operators, especially those working across different local authority areas.

Higher Standards: A national set of standards could help ensure that all drivers, no matter where they're licensed, meet the same high standards. This would promote trust in the taxi and private hire industry as a whole. No more worries about cross-border licensing!

Efficiency: A unified set of rules could potentially make the licensing process more efficient. Operators would know what to expect, and local authorities might save time and resources that are currently spent setting and enforcing their own rules.

TAX CHECKS: NEW SCOT AND NORTHERN IRELAND TAXI DRIVER TAX CHECKS WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER 2023

New taxi tax checks will become operative and affect licence applications made in Scotland and Northern Ireland from 2 October 2023.

The measure will affect those who apply for licences to drive taxis or private hire cars and operate a booking office. The checks are already live in England and Wales, but will now extend to licensing bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland who administer licence applications.

The tax check will be carried out by the licensing body, and confirmation from HMRC that the applicant has completed the check must be obtained before the renewed licence application can be considered. The policy objective is to address part of the hidden economy, which is estimated to cost the Government £3.2 billion in unpaid taxes.

The measure was developed through three public consultations conducted by HMRC, with the third consultation focusing on how to implement tax conditionality in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The policy was initially introduced in England and Wales in April 2022, and it will now be extended to Scotland and Northern Ireland from October 2023.

This policy aims to help level the playing field, making it more difficult for people to enter or stay in the hidden economy. It is also expected to make access to licences dependent on complying with tax obligations, thereby promoting tax compliance and ensuring that the funds generated from taxes can be used for vital public services.

CATASTROPHIC: GLASGOW’S

NIGHTTIME ECONOMY SET TO STRUGGLE FURTHER AS HUNDREDS OF TAXIS FORCED OUT

Glasgow's low-emission zone (LEZ) was implemented on 1 June causing the city's taxi union to raise ongoing concerns that the scheme could have a catastrophic impact on Glasgow's already struggling nighttime economy. The LEZ scheme requires drivers who do not meet the emissions standards to pay a hefty £60 fine. Moreover, drivers who re-enter the area will have to pay £480, and if they continue to enter the area, the penalty could double with each reentry.

This has caused great concern among the taxi industry, and could put around 1,000 iconic taxi vehicles out of operation due to non-compliance with the new rules.

The Glasgow taxi industry has already been hit hard by the pandemic, and this new scheme is set to exacerbate their financial struggles.

A Unite Glasgow cab Section spokesperson said:

“Glasgow’s nighttime economy is in the most horrendous state. City would make an excellent set for an apocalyptic movie. Yet nobody in the SNP/Green administration seems bothered?”

After midnight licensed taxis are the only form of transport offered in and out of the city centre.

The union has called on the council to exempt black cabs from the scheme until 2027 to allow the sector to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 2022, of the 1,420 taxis licensed by Glasgow City Council, around 1,000 did not meet new emissions criteria.

SHRINKING PROFIT: GLASGOW AIRPORT TAXI DRIVERS FACE SQUEEZE AS TARIFFS FREEZE AND AIRPORT FEES RISE

Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow Airport have been accused of squeezing licensed taxi drivers further, with many drivers of the white taxi struggling to make ends meet due to shrinking profit margins.

According to one locally licensed taxi driver who contacted TaxiPoint, they are left with just £2.30 for a local hire fare of £10, after deducting airport fees, insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs. The driver claims that the recent increase of airport pick-up and drop-off fees from £4 to £5, approved by Renfrewshire Council, has made their situation even worse.

There are fears that taxi drivers are struggling to maintain their livelihood, with some being pushed

out of business as a result of rising fees and operating costs. Despite the rising costs, Renfrewshire Council are yet to consider a meter increase to help offset the costs incurred by drivers. Meanwhile, nearby Glasgow City Council has already implemented a 19% increase to support its taxi drivers through the cost of living crisis.

Taxi drivers picking up at Glasgow Airport are asking the public to understand their plight. Many have had to replace their cabs with new and more expensive LEZ (Low Emission Zone) compliant models, and are also required to maintain wheelchair-approved vehicles, which comes with an additional estimated cost of £10,000.

DFT INSTRUCTS LONDON ‘CYCLE TAXI’ SERVICE TO REMOVE ALL REFERENCES TO ‘TAXI’ FROM THEIR PROJECT

The Department for Transport (DfT) has instructed a ‘Cycle taxi’ service operating in London to remove all references to the word ‘taxi’ from their project.

The United Cabbies Group (UCG) originally raised concerns around the use of the term ‘cycle taxi’ by Bikeworks CIC's Ride Side By Side project with London regulators Transport for London (TfL).

With no resolution, Trevor Merralls, General Secretary of UCG then contacted the DfT, stating concerns around taxi licensing regulations and that the term could be misleading the public.

In response, the DfT instructed Bikeworks CIC to remove all references to the word ‘taxi’ from their project, in line with regulations under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998. The pilot project will be completed by the end of July 2023 and all Tackling

Loneliness with Transport pilots funded by DfT will cease delivery on the same date.

TaxiPoint requested comment from the Mayor’s office on the topic at the turn of the year and they have not responded.

KHAN: LACK OF CERTIFICATE OF GOOD CONDUCT DOES NOT STOP TAXI OR PHV APPLICANTS BEING CONSIDERED

In a recent exchange at the London Assembly, Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon asked the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, what his plans were in regards to Transport for London's (TfL) proposal to require a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) for all taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers applying for a licence.

TfL's recent public consultation on improving safety for taxi and PHV passengers includes a proposal which will require all drivers renewing or applying for a taxi or PHV licence to obtain a CoGC from any country they have visited for three months or more since the age of 18.

This is seen as a significant change from the current requirement which only asks drivers to obtain a CoGC from a country they have lived in for three months or more, in the three years before an application or renewal.

Pidgeon raised concerns about the potential difficulties that could arise for drivers who are unable to obtain such certificates in certain jurisdictions.

Mayor Khan responded by reassuring Assembly Member Pidgeon that TfL's current policy mandates that applicants who cannot obtain a CoGC must explain why and provide references from individuals or organisations in their country of origin who can attest to their good conduct. He also made it clear that the absence of a CoGC does not necessarily mean that an applicant's request will be rejected.

LTNS CAUSE ISSUES FOR VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO RELY ON TAXIS SAYS FREENOW

FREENOW has questioned the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), citing concerns for vulnerable members of the community who rely on cabs for transportation.

Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General Manager at FREENOW, said: “At FREENOW, we understand and support the need to implement effective plans that will reduce traffic and therefore tackle air pollution and reduce emissions in cities. However, it's clear that there needs to be some more discussion on what works best. LTNs cause issues for vulnerable people who rely on cabs for their daily lives, whether they have a disability, need to travel to hospitals or have young children and can’t access public transport. Policy makers locally and nationally must consider issues such as this when developing plans for traffic and emissions in local communities.

"These restrictions also affect taxi and PHV drivers’ ability to carry out their jobs to the highest standard and provide door-to-door service for their passengers. This has the potential to undermine the vital role they play in local transport networks and providing an accessible transport service for thousands of people.”

IMAGE CREDIT: LEVC

EURO 6 RETROFIT: MERCEDES VITO TAXI BACK AT MILLBROOK AS TRADE EYES UP LATE SUMMER APPROVAL DATE

The Mercedes-Benz Vito taxi is back at Millbrook at for further Euro 6 retrofitting testing as trade eyes up August/September approval date.

The black cab is set to return to the testing centre before running for 10,000 miles during a 24/7 timescale to accelerate approval into the London market.

TX4 taxi owners have also been waiting patiently for the kit to become available in London, after seeing the retrofit approved in other major UK cities including Birmingham and Glasgow.

running approximately one month behind the Mercedes-Benz Vito.

The aim is for both retrofit options to be available in August and September this year.

Aside from buying a new Zero-Emission Capable (ZEC) taxi, retrofitting existing cabs to meet Euro 6 compliance standards is seen as one way of future proofing a driver’s taxi. Using a fully approved retrofit conversion could not only save money on fees, but it will also ensure that the taxi is less harmful to the environment.

The conversion is currently available for Euro 5 Mercedes Vito, Peugeot E7 taxis and the LTi TX4. The price of the conversation starts at around £6,000£6,500 plus VAT and includes installation. Some cities implementing Clean Air Zones are still offering grants available through local government, meaning the cost of the conversion can be considerably slashed.

For the London market the approximate price currently sits at around £7,500 plus VAT and includes installation.

AUTONOMOUS RIDESHARE: WAYMO AND UBER ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO BRING DRIVERLESS TO THE MASSES

Waymo and Uber have announced a new, multi-year strategic partnership to make the Waymo Driver available to more people via the Uber platform starting in Phoenix.

Since both companies were founded in 2009, Waymo and Uber have in their own ways each disrupted how people accesses mobility.

This integration will launch publicly later this year with a set number of Waymo vehicles across Waymo’s newly expanded operating territory in Phoenix, and will include local deliveries and ridehailing trips. Riders will also still be able to book a Waymo vehicle directly through the Waymo One app.

THE TAXI CENTRE PARTNERS WITH RAPIDLY EXPANDING TAKE ME GROUP

TIPPMEE PARTNERS WITH ACQUIRED.COM

Taxi and private hire tipping payment firm

tippmee have partnered with Acquired.com to make their payments more streamlined for professional drivers and their passengers.

and hackney vehicles, The Taxi Centre, has partnered with the rapidly expanding Take Me Group.

Take Me, based in Leicestershire, has purchased more than 30 hybrid vehicles – mainly Toyota Corollas – from The Taxi Centre with plans to expand its fleet further. It currently has around 2,500 drivers across 30 brands and aims to double its headcount over the next 12 months.

Since it started serving independent taxi drivers and firms in 2001, Glasgow-based The Taxi Centre has sold more than 30,000 vehicles directly to customers.

tippmee is a cashless way for passengers to tip taxi and private hire drivers during journeys, which uses a headrest cover and personalised insert that includes a unique driver QR Code and NFC tag technology. Passengers simply scan or tap the driver’s headrest cover with their mobile to leave a tip .

The integration with Acquired.com’s payment gateway will enable passengers on board to make contactless mobile payments via Apple Pay/Google Pay and any debit/credit cards. As tippmee looks to grow their business in the UK, their partnership with Acquired.com aims to accelerate the delivery of streamlined tipping solutions which benefit both rider and driver alike.

REGIONAL NEWS

COSTLY: EASTBOURNE TAXI DRIVERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER FORCED CCTV RULES PUSHING CABBIES OUT OF TRADE

Eastbourne Borough Council are facing a backlash from concerned taxi drivers after the council makes it mandatory for all taxis to install CCTV in their cars.

The costs of installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras in the cars are estimated to be around £500, which has led to fears that many drivers may quit, potentially leaving residents stranded.

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell has raised concerns about the impact of these costs on the already declining numbers of taxi drivers in Eastbourne. She has urged the borough council to hold discussions with drivers and owners to address their concerns.

SATURATED MARKET: CORNWALL TAXI DRIVERS VENT CONCERN AS CABBIES SEE DEMAND DROP BUT LICENCEES RISE

Taxi operators in Cornwall are raising concerns over new licensing regulations that they claim have led to a glut of cabs on the county's roads.

The local authorities in the area opened up the number of taxi licences, which saw the number of cabs jump from 54 to 97 in Newquay. National licensing criteria released earlier this year requires all taxis in Cornwall to adhere to a set of minimum standards in order to operate in the region. However, many of the taxi operators in the county have complained that these new regulations are causing a significant oversupply of taxis, which is making it increasingly difficult for everyone in the industry to make a living.

BELOW THE CAP: RULES RELAXED IN EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE TO ENCOURAGE MORE TAXI OPERATOR APPLICATIONS

East Dunbartonshire Council is encouraging applications for new Taxi Operator Licences to increase the number of vehicles available locally.

On 30 September 2019, a cap was introduced on the number of Taxi Operator Licences issued by the Council. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of local licences has fallen below that cap.

The Council is now inviting applications for approximately 80 licences. To ensure the opportunity is open to all, you can apply for up to two operator licences.

To help support applicants, the Council has – for a temporary period – relaxed the requirement to own a vehicle prior to applying for a licence.

Applicants do not need to complete the purchase of a vehicle until it is confirmed that a licence will be granted although you will have to provide the make and model of vehicle you intend to use to ensure that it is permitted.

HIGH COURT DENIES PERMISSION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW CHALLENGING MANDATORY CCTV IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE TAXIS

The High Court has denied permission for a judicial review which sought to challenge South Cambridgeshire District Council's new taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) policy forcing mandatory CCTV in all licensed cars later this year.

CYCLE ZONE

The new policy has been a controversial topic for many working in the industry. Taxi drivers who financially survived the drop in revenue during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, now face shelling out £500 on systems during a cost of living crisis.

The approved policy means all new vehicle licences and existing licensed vehicles up for renewal from September 2023 must be fitted with CCTV. This should see all licensed vehicles installed with CCTV by 31 August 2024.

Cambridge City Council have in the past postponed the arrival of mandatory CCTV in taxi and minicab vehicles following several protests in the city.

The High Court decision will come as a blow to those who have been campaigning against the CCTV policy. However, supporters of the policy argue that it is necessary to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers.

In a move to improve road safety in Blackpool town centre, a new trial will see part of St John's Square become a pedestrian and cycle zone.

The area surrounding Blackpool Opera House and Winter Gardens will also only allow buses and taxis, with no loading between 10.30am and 6pm and no waiting at any time.

The trial will last for 18 months, with members of the public and businesses invited to share their feedback on the new restrictions.

The council's restrictions will also apply to the roads surrounding St John's Square, including Cedar Square, Birley Street, Adelphi Street, Carter Street, part of Church Street, and part of Abingdon Street. Only buses, taxis, and authorised vehicles will be allowed within the restricted zone during the trial period.

After six months, the council will review the scheme and may amend the order at any time during the 18-month trial. The decision to implement this trial comes after the council received an increased number of complaints from residents about traffic congestion and road safety in the area.

TAXIS AND BUSES ONLY: CABS WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO NEW BLACKPOOL PEDESTRIAN AND

MORE THAN FORTY PHVS USHERED AWAY FROM LEEDS RUNNING EVENT AFTER DROPOFF SAFETY CONCERNS

CARDIFF TAXI AND PHV OPERATION SEES STOP NOTICES AND DRIVER REPORTS ISSUED

In a joint operation in Cardiff, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), South Wales Police Roads unit and Cardiff Council Licensing officers teamed up to conduct checks on taxis, private hire vehicles and PSV (Public Service Vehicles) for safety and compliance checks.

More than 40 private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers were ushered on by police officers and told to drop -off elsewhere after safety concerns arose during local running event.

On Saturday 13 May the Inner North West Neighbourhood Policing Team and Leeds City Council Taxi Licencing conducted a joint operation in Far Headingley. The operation was initiated in response to community concerns regarding the unsuitable drop-off locations and obstructions caused by PHVs that were dropping off Otley Run participants.

The joint operation resulted in more than 40 vehicles being stopped and advised to park elsewhere to ensure the safety and convenience of the community. Moreover, one private hire licence was suspended due to non-compliance with regulations.

This joint operation between the neighbourhood policing team and the taxi licensing authority demonstrated a collaborative effort towards ensuring public safety and convenience.

The authorities will continue to enforce strict compliance measures to maintain public safety.

According to a spokesperson from DVSA Enforcement, who shared the information via social media, the checks led to several dangerous defects found on the vehicles pulled over. The council issued stop notices to some drivers who were found to be operating in contravention of laws and regulations.

The police also caught several drivers committing offences such as driving without due care and attention.

This operation is part of a wider effort being carried out by different agencies across the United Kingdom to ensure vehicles used to transport people comply with safety and regulatory standards.

IMAGE CREDIT: SOUTH WEST WALES POLICE

PHV DRIVER HANDED FINES AND COSTS TOTALLING NEARLY £4,000 AFTER CONVICTION FOR STRING OF OFFENCES

A private hire driver must pay nearly £4,000 in fines and costs after being found guilty of a string of driving offences at last year’s Henley Regatta.

Sakhawat Mushtaq is the fourth driver convicted for offences at the Regatta last July.

The 35-year-old has been convicted of illegally plying for hire, driving without the correct insurance, failing to wear his council issued badge and failure to display the council issued vehicle plate.

On Friday 12 May, Oxford Magistrates’ Court heard how officers from South Oxfordshire District Council working with colleagues from Reading Borough Council were on foot patrol in Thameside, Henley, when a Blue Toyota Prius belonging to Mr Mushtaq pulled over outside the Relais Hotel on double yellow lines. The car had previously been seen in the town earlier on multiple occasions that evening.

Having witnessed the car parked illegally in a prominent location, one officer approached and asked the driver if he could take them to Reading Railway Station. Mr Mushtaq replied saying he was available and could do the journey immediately for £40.

Further investigation revealed that Mr Mushtaq was licensed with Fareham Borough Council, he was only insured to carry out pre-booked work through a licensed private hire operator and he was not permitted to pick up passengers off the street without a booking being in place.

Mr Mushtaq pleaded not guilty to the offences of illegally plying for hire, driving without insurance and failing to wear his council issued badge.

In court, magistrates found Mr Mushtaq guilty and imposed fines totalling £1,960 for the four offences, which included a fine of £1,038 for having no insurance. They also imposed six points on Mr Mushtaq’s DVLA licence for the offence of having no insurance and awarded costs to the district council of £1,000 with an additional £784 victim surcharge. The total of the fines and costs amounted to £3,744.

Cllr David Rouane, Cabinet Member for Legal and Democratic at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Unfortunately we do come across some hackney carriage and private hire drivers attempting to pick up passengers illegally, particularly at events such as Henley Regatta. We will not hesitate to pursue drivers who come into South Oxfordshire, break the law and put the public at risk.

“With this year’s Regatta just around the corner, licensed drivers from outside of South Oxfordshire are warned that they should only come to fulfil legitimate pre-bookings. Licensing officers, working with colleagues from neighbouring councils, will be carrying out checks and conducting test purchases during the event and any driver found to be illegally plying for hire or putting the public at risk will be prosecuted.”

PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE REPORTED FOR BEING OVERWEIGHT IN STAFFORDSHIRE

Staffordshire Police Roads Policing (SPRP) has reported a private hire vehicle (PHV) for being overweight.

The minicab, which was spotted in the SPRP area, was found to be 25 percent heavier than permitted. A police spokesperson shared an image of the licensed car on social media, stating that the vehicle was immediately prohibited and the driver was reported.

Overloading a vehicle can result in severe consequences, including accidents, damage to roads, and fines. It is unknown what was in the vehicle overloading the weight.

A SPRP spokesperson said: “This vehicle was spotted in the SPRP area looking a little heavier than permitted. When it was weighed it was found to be 25% overweight. Vehicle prohibited and driver reported.”

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SIX LONDON TAXI TOUTING OFFENCES

The Metropolitan Police Roads and Transport unit revealed that a man had appeared in court and pleaded guilty to six offences relating to illegal taxi touting activities.

The spokesperson revealed that the defendant had been charged with two counts of taxi touting, accepting a booking without a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) operator's licence, and two counts of driving without insurance. He was disqualified from driving for a total of six months.

The spokesperson praised the efforts of the police's taxi and private hire team, adding that it was a great achievement in their continued efforts to crack down on illegal taxi operations.

Taxi touting is seen as a serious problem in the UK, and it's a criminal offence under the Transport Act 1985. Rogue operators can put the safety of passengers at risk, as they fail to undergo the same

background checks, training, and vehicle safety inspections.

Enforcing legislation around taxis and private hire vehicles is a primary concern for the Met Police's Roads and Transport team. They rely on tips from the public, anonymous reporting, and intelligence gathering to identify areas where illegal activity occurs. They also carry out routine vehicle checks and work closely with transport regulators to ensure that drivers and their vehicles are legal.

A Met Police Roads and Transport spokesperson said via social media: “On 10/05/23 a male appeared at Court where he pleaded guilty to 6 offences.

“Taxi touting X2. Accepting a booking without PHV operators licence X2. No insurance X2.

“Driver disqualified for 6 months.

“Great work from our taxi & private hire team”

CREDIT: STAFFO RDSHIRE POLICE ROADS POLICING (SPRP)

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