TaxiPoint August 2020 Edition 16

The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication

Edition 16 | August 2020

Over 350,000 magazine impressions last month

NEW GOVERNMENT

STANDARDS

THE

TAXI TRADE

RESPONSE IS CYCLING ALL THE LATEST

A FAD?

NEW UK DATA REVEALED FRONT PAGE IMAGE CREDIT: LEVC

TRADE OPINION INDUSTRY NEWS

WWW.TAXI-POINT.CO.UK

EDITORIAL

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3

CYCLING: IS IT A

FAD?

Cycling numbers in decline despite lockdown easing and increased cycling infrastructure

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:

Data source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-use-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic

contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquires at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk 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.

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

All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed.

Cycling numbers are declining after an initial spike during midcoronavirus lockdown, according to latest government figures.

Despite greater measures and restrictions placed on motorists, car usage as a mode of transport has steadily increased over the last two months. In contrast, as lockdown eases and more people return to work or travel to visit friends and family, the cycling boom has started to pull on the brakes.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2020. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, initially said there could be a “ten-fold” increase in the number of cycling journeys being made daily. As a result, the Mayor and transport regulators Transport for London (TfL) have, like other local authorities throughout the UK, embarked on schemes to transform road surface transport in favour of cyclists and pedestrians.

In response to the findings, a TfL spokesperson said: “Cycling is hugely important to London’s recovery from coronavirus and we’ve seen very encouraging increases in the numbers of people Find TaxiPoint on social media

EDITORIAL

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cycling in London, with weekends in July showing increases of up to 117 per cent compared to the same time last year. We want people to feel confident while cycling and our Streetspace plans are making it safer and easier for people to get to where they need to be. We simply cannot afford a car led recovery from COVID-19 as this will lead to more congestion and worse air quality.”

In 2018 only 2% of all journeys were made using a pedal bike. Latest data released by the Department for Transport (DfT) shows current usage trends are up only 40% when compared to journeys made on similar days in 2019, and according to the trend this usage is decreasing.

play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face.

“But to build a healthier, more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels.

“That’s why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel – so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling.”

As part of those plans, the Government have committed £2billion of ‘new’ money announced earlier this year to walking and cycling projects.

However, Howard Cox of the public affairs team at FairFuelUK Campaign was quick to voice his concerns, saying: "In his latest craving to make us all thin and Whilst people move back towards traditional healthy, our Prime Minister is happy to make our transport options available to them before the towns and cities no go zones for the internal pandemic hit, the Government and local authorities combustion engine. Favouring only 3% of road users have pushed on with plans to focus on the cycling and in the UK, Boris is to betray the world’s already walking infrastructure. highest taxed motorists, van drivers and truckers to In the new plans, the Prime Minister aims to set out a put in place virtual signalling urban no driving areas, comprehensive, long term vision to increase active to be replaced with taxpayers financed cycleways, travel and embed the benefits of walking and cycling that the massive majority will not use. into how communities all over England live, work and “This government's ignorance will decimate get around. businesses and the economies of our major towns Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “From helping and cities and is a naive knee jerk response to those people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of emotive driven, well financed, so called illness, to improving air quality and cutting environmental groups based in the London bubble. congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to FairFuelUK will fight this strategy tooth and nail."

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OPINION

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Article written by:

DAVID KURTEN LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBER

London’s black cabbies are the best and most professional taxi drivers in the world and an irreplaceable part of our heritage. Visitors to London love to ride in a black cab.

Businessmen and businesswomen rely on them to get them around town quickly and in comfort.

Perhaps even more importantly, they are a vital service to disabled people who have no other means of travel, being the only part of London’s public transport system which is fully wheelchair-accessible.

brought hardship and never-ending series of obstacles to the trade.

Over four years on the London Assembly, I have seen how policy after policy has been detrimental to the taxi drivers and their customers.

At first, the inexorable rise in the number of private hire vehicles was disastrous, not just for cab drivers, but for London as a whole and other towns and cities as well. The historic understanding between cab drivers, who worked mainly in the centre, and small minicab operators It is therefore appalling how the taxi which mainly worked in the suburbs trade has been treated by Sadiq broke down. An extra 50,000 Khan and his policies which have private hire vehicles were allowed Image credit: @davidkurten (Twitter)

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OPINION

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to clog up the roads of Central London, or registered in London before going off with their TfL licences to work in Brighton, Bristol, Sheffield and elsewhere under cross-border hiring rules.

million to spend on road-narrowing measures in London. Khan’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman, who is implementing dozens of such schemes, is like a boy with a new train set, If that wasn’t enough, Sadiq Khan’s Transport Strategy enthusiastically boasting that ‘we can do in days or excluded taxis from his target of 80% of journeys being even hours, what would take months or years to do done on public transport, walking or cycling. That was before!’ All proper democratic control, scrutiny and consultation over these measures has been removed a kick in the teeth to the trade, and also to disabled by the Government, and Sadiq Khan and Will Norman people who need them, including 57,000 Taxicard are taking advantage of it to implement their terrible holders. policies. Several times I have pointed out that they are The effects of his Transport Strategy have been causing gridlock in places like Euston Road and Park disastrous. He boasts of miles and miles of new cycle Lane, but the answer I got was ‘they need time to bed lanes. They lie empty most of the day and have simply in’. narrowed road space for all other vehicles: not just taxis, but buses, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles London is now in a very strange situation. The elections due for May 2020 have been suspended for a and service vehicles as well. Sadiq Khan claims he is year, giving Sadiq Khan an extra year in office which he ‘the most business-friendly Mayor in history’, but his policies are decimating businesses which need to use shouldn’t have when he can continue to roll out road blockages. His language should worry everyone. He the roads and find their journey times have hugely started off by speaking of ‘temporary measures’, but increased. now ‘hopes that these measures will become The coronavirus pandemic has multiplied the insanity permanent’. He and his Deputy Mayors talk of on London’s roads. The Johnson government gave ‘transforming London’, ‘re-shaping London’ and ‘relocal authorities including TfL emergency powers to imagining London’. Most Londoners, however, simply install cycle lanes and further narrow road spaces in want life to return to normal so they can go about the name of ‘social distancing’. Johnson gave Khan £55 their business without being hindered by Khan’s

“All proper democratic control, scrutiny and consultation over these measures has been removed by the government…”

DAVID KURTEN

LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBER

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OPINION

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catastrophic road policies.

With Rory Stewart and Siobhan Benita now having dropped out of the race for the London Mayor election, I am one of a decreasing band of people who are still in it, and will be taking on Khan in May 2021. If I’m elected I will remove all of Sadiq Khan’s pop-up cycle lanes and road blockages. I will end TfL’s Local Implementation Plan funding to boroughs who are creating ‘mini-Hollands’ and the perversely-named ‘Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods’ that actually cause gridlock in the areas surrounding them.

I will increase the taxi licence age from 12 years to 15 years again, and I will seek to create a free and fair market for new taxis with options for electric, diesel and petrol taxis. Taxi drivers should never have been forced into only having one option for a new taxi costing £65,000. There must be other options available which are affordable. It will take time to create

multiple options, but it will be relatively simple to reinstate the Mercedes Vito for purchase as a new taxi.

I will be far stricter in enforcing the criteria for granting private hire licences to drivers and operators.

Private hire drivers should have fluent English, a proper UK criminal record check, and a genuine medical certificate. They should be interviewed personally before being granted a licence, which would solve a great majority of the problems surrounding incompetent and even dangerous people being given TfL private hire driver licences. Private hire operators should not be allowed a licence if there is any question that they are not ‘fit and proper’.

All of these things are simple common sense. London’s transport policy should be about getting people from A to B as quickly and as smoothly as possible, rather than imposing an anti-vehicle ideology. I hope to be the next London Mayor so I can restore some sanity to our city.

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OPINION

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(SO WHY THE CLOSED ROADS?!)

Taxi industry representatives in the capital plan to work with businesses and other road surface associations in a Davis continued: “As a licensed hackney driver in bid to get the economy moving again and maintain London, I really felt that the purpose built taxi we drive important road access. would have come into its own for passenger/driver In a frank conversation with TaxiPoint, Grant Davis, safety, but alas with the onslaught of Private Hire (PH) Chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC), talked numbers and the huge amount of PH app workers, I still of his concerns as more roads close in areas of London saw many passengers just getting into cars with no now seen as “ghost towns”. masks on, the drivers having no masks on and found myself really at a loss as to why the public seemed to Grant Davis said: “As the taxi trade in London tries to put price before their own safety? pick itself off the floor after COVID-19, the Mayor of London has taken it upon himself (with the help of local authorities) to implement a whole wave of road closures under the ‘Streetspace’ banner.

“Basically, what they have done in a nutshell is to implement the cyclists and green agenda into the capital a decade in advance.

“With the country’s economy in meltdown, for the Mayor to shut road access to taxis, vans and general transport at this time is no more than economic suicide. I have been in discussions with the Road Haulage Association on forming an alliance along with London businesses who can see the economic tsunami heading our way if we do not get back to work and allow businesses access to important roads.

Grant Davis, LCDC Chairman Image credit: LEVC

“For the trade in London to have any chance of a recovery we need the whole of London's roads to be open again, but what people need to realise is that if the roads stay shut, it will not “I have been in the square mile where it really is a ghost only be the taxi trade that suffers, but the whole town, but they still insist on shutting down the roads... London economy will wither and die before our why?” very eyes.”

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Charity

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

NEW GUIDANCE

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THE

TRADE RESPONSE

NEW GOVERNMENT

TAXI GUIDANCE

GOLD STANDARD OR

“SADLY MISLEADING”?

Drivers operating taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs), including app-based services, will face tougher new licensing standards introduced by the Government.

The new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, which local authorities will be expected to implement, are designed to improve consistency in the licensing system, reducing the risk of harm posed to children and vulnerable passengers in the process.

It follows historic and serious cases of taxi and PHV drivers abusing their position of trust.

So, what has been the response?

London’s taxi representatives will ask the capital’s regulators to introduce new six-month DBS checks only when a driver’s licence is next up for renewal.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) called for a more structured introduction to help both cabbies and Transport for London (TfL) deliver the new measure in a cost-effective way.

Steve McNamara, LTDA General Secretary, said: “The Department for Transport (DfT) have unveiled proposed changes to taxi and private hire licensing Criminal record checks for drivers every 6 months form a key part of the standards, as does safeguarding nationwide. One of the requirements will be that taxi and private hire drivers will need to have an enhanced training to help drivers identify and respond to passengers that may be being abused or exploited. A DBS check every six months. recommendation for licensing authorities to consider “We will be proposing to TfL that the new whether the use of CCTV would be beneficial or requirement is only introduced when a licence is proportionate in their areas is also included, which renewed and a fresh DBS check required. It will then sets out that potential privacy issues must be taken be possible for members to subscribe to the DBS into account. update service which is paid for annually and negates

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NEW GUIDANCE

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the need to ever update your status.

ways: firstly, these are not statutory requirements “The annual cost of the update service actually works and secondly, they are not what most licensing professionals would regard as standards. They do not out cheaper than paying for a check every 3 years.” address the requirements for drivers, vehicles, or As is always the case with change, there appear to be operators in any detail: rather they are a broad many in favour of the new standards and of course overview. those that have raised concerns. One leading taxi licensing expert described the new guidance as “sadly "Notwithstanding this, they are a welcome addition and should assist licensing authorities in arriving at a misleading”. slightly more standardised approach. The almost According to James Button, President of the Institute wholesale adoption of the Institute’s “Guidance on of Licensing, the standards are not what most Determination” as the “Assessment of Previous licensing professionals would regard as standards, Convictions” is gratifying. and he hopes that the new guidance is a “prelude” to a further and more substantial updating of legislation "However, they are no substitute for updated hackney carriage and private hire legislation, the surrounding the industries. need for which remains as vital now as when the Law Button said: "The long-awaited Guidance issued commission looked at this almost a decade ago. It is under section 177 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 hoped that this Guidance is a prelude to further and has finally been published by the DfT. It is now more substantial updating of the archaic legislation referred to as “Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle that governs hackney carriage and private hire Standards” which is sadly misleading in a number of licensing."

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NEW GUIDANCE

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14

LEGAL VIEW: GOVERNMENT’S STATUTORY TAXI STANDARDS

Article written by:

Stephen McCaffrey The Government’s newly published statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards will change the face of taxi and private hire licensing.

forthcoming statutory guidance.

As a minimum, the department has stated that policies should include comprehensive sections on convictions, a ‘fit and proper’ person test, licence conditions and vehicle standards.

Stephen McCaffrey, a regulatory defence barrister specialising in taxi and private hire licensing law, appeals and defence, runs through the changes. The legal expert is keen to point out that both new applicants and existing licence holders will be The department has formalised an approach by affected by the statutory guidance, so it’s important defining fit and proper in the statutory guidance: we understand the new rules and guidance taking ‘Without any prejudice, and based on the place in the industry. information before you, would you allow a person Here’s a run through of the changes and Stephen for whom you care, regardless of their condition, to McCaffrey’s opinion on what it all means for the taxi travel alone in a vehicle driven by this person at any trade. time of day or night?’

FIT AND PROPER TEST

LICENSING POLICIES The statutory guidance will compel licensing authorities to have “cohesive policy documents”. In areas where there are existing and comprehensive licensing policies, the DfT has made it clear that it expects these to be reviewed in light of the statutory guidance and for licensing authorities to implement changes. Therefore either way, the licensed trade should expect policy changes in light of the

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE BARRED LIST The biggest changes the licensed trade can expect are to criminal records and other background checks.

At present, all taxi and private hire drivers and applicants for a driver’s licence are subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service (BDS) check.

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NEW GUIDANCE

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However, not every taxi and private hire driver and applicant for a driver’s licence is checked against the barred list. The statutory guidance will make this a mandatory requirement for individuals applying for or renewing taxi and private hire driver licences.

equality awareness training for the licensed trade.

There is no indication from the Government that it will set the training requirements/content and so mandatory training courses will be developed locally.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS FOR PHV OPERATORS AND STAFF

MANDATORY CCTV

Private hire operators should also expect more rigorous checks. The statutory guidance has recommended basic disclosure checks for licensed operators as a minimum standard (including overseas convictions checks). Additionally, the statutory guidance has suggested that licensing authorities should request that, as a condition of granting an operator licence, a register of all staff that will take bookings or dispatch vehicles is kept and the operator should be required to evidence that they have had sight of a Basic DBS check on all individuals listed.

MANDATORY TRAINING The trade should expect the imposition of mandatory safeguarding and equality awareness training. The Government has been consistently indicating the importance of safeguarding and

The statutory guidance has upheld the merits of CCTV in licensed vehicles but stopped short of making CCTV mandatory. Having said that, there is no doubt that more licensing authorities will seek to impose CCTV requirements on licence holders.

CROSS BORDER ENFORCEMENT Licensees should expect to see more collaborative approaches to enforcement powers. At the moment licensing authorities cannot formally enforce against drivers and drivers not licensed by them. I expect more formal agreements to be adopted that will sub -delegate enforcement to other council for example in places where cross-border hiring is a particular problem.

To read more from Stephen McCaffrey visit: www.taxidefencebarristers.co.uk

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JUST FOR FUN

July 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23

against two guys from North London. It was on!

The arguing went back the earth to suck me up. I took one look in my

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UK FEATURE

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

For the most part, taxi drivers around the UK enjoy hearing the words “to the airport please”.

Journeys can be a bit more pleasant if major routes are not jammed, and in most cases the distance is of enough significance that the earnings from that one job can mean the pressure is off for the next hour or two.

However, a thorn in the side for some cabbies is the fee which needs to be paid at most major UK airports when dropping directly outside terminals. As a door to door service, you would be hard pushed to find a taxi driver who didn’t want to make sure his or her customer got right outside the terminal.

Some drivers bite the bullet and pay the fee themselves, whilst others sometimes include the fee in the price at the start of the trip.

But with many airport runs coming at fixed prices, often discounted as a way of securing the job, additional fees for drivers to pay can feel like a kick in the teeth.

Here we take a look at some of the most expensive airports to drop-off at around the UK, bearing in mind that it can take up to ten minutes to complete a dropoff once luggage is unloaded, payment is secured and you’ve queued to exit to terminal road.

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UK FEATURE

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Leading the way with the most expensive fee is London Stansted Airport, with a £5 charge for the first ten minutes. It may not seem a terribly high amount at first glance, but if a fixed discounted price has been arranged and payment is being made by card then a transaction fee is likely to be charged to the driver, and it all adds up.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport - £4 – up to ten minutes Manchester Airport - £3 – up to five minutes - £4 up to ten minutes Edinburgh Airport - £2 – up to five minutes - £4 up to ten minutes

In second place is another of the London connected Bristol Airport - £3 – up to ten minutes airports, Luton, with a £4 charge for the first ten Newcastle Airport - £3 – up to ten minutes minutes.

Leeds Bradford Airport - £3 – up to ten minutes Taking the bronze medal is East Midlands Airport, Aberdeen Airport - £3 – up to ten minutes with its recently increased fee of £4. But unlike Luton’s ten minute time limit, East Midlands offers London Southend Airport - £3 – up to ten minutes fifteen.

Birmingham Airport - £3 – up to fifteen minutes All three airports listed so far charge an additional Glasgow Airport - £2 – up to ten minutes £1 for every minute once the timer strikes the limit, Southampton Airport - £2 – up to fifteen minutes so that cost can mount up pretty fast if you’re not Cardiff Airport – first five minutes are free - £3 for sharp out the blocks. every ten minutes thereafter Here is a list of other airports which charge a fee to Belfast Airport - £1 – up to ten minutes use its rapid/quick drop-off area. It must be noted that London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London All airports listed charge additional fees for failing to City airports do not charge to drop outside the leave the drop-off zones in the specified times. terminal, although they are all clear on making sure Those fees vary across the board. no drivers take longer than necessary to complete So, as you can see, it is rare to come across an their drop. airport around the UK that doesn’t charge for drivers to drop a fare.

And with East Midlands Airport citing “measures like this [the recent price increase] will help us reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 and to keep the airport operational”, might we see others following suit and having a further impact on the real price of an airport run?

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MOTORING

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

PROPOSED CHANGES AFOOT The Department for Transport (DfT) have proposed multiple changes to The Highway Code with the introduction of a hierarchy of road users, clarifying pedestrian and cyclist priority, and establishing safer overtaking.

In the consultation on proposed changes to The Highway Code, which runs until 27 October, the focus is heavily centred around improving safety for vulnerable road users, particularly the groups of cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

The main alterations to the code being proposed are: people in the UK and around world have an • Mostintroducing a hierarchy of road the users which image in their minds ofroad whatusers a UKwho taxi can looks ensures that those dolike. the The reputation of the service and recognition of the vehicles is paramount to drivers receiving street work and having presence where they ply for hire.

Each month we will be focusing on one of the taxis used around the British Isles to learn more and see how it compares to the taxi you are currently driving.

This month focusses on the highly popular Ford ProCab. The latest generation hackney taxi has been designed and manufactured jointly by Ford and Cab Direct. Built on Ford’s Tourneo Custom chassis, ProCab™ provides an interior with a wealth of equipment, space and the latest safety technology to complete a great hackney taxi for both the driver and passengers. With its six-seat rear compartment and

greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others •

clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road

•

providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead

•

establishing guidance on safe passing distances the option of a double seat up front, ProCab™ can and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse comfortably riders. accommodate up to eight passengers.

According to Cab Direct, the ProCab™ promises a smooth and consistent journey for all on board, whether that’s one passenger traveling alone or a full complement with bags of luggage.

Features like cruise control, Hill Start Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition will all aid the cabbie during his or her working day. The new generation taxi is also 13 per cent more efficient than its predecessor, returning an impressive 44.8mpg on the combined cycle. Power isn’t lost either as it offers 20 per cent more torque for maximum power and responsiveness.

With its bold new grille, fully body coloured exterior, specially designed spoiler, ten-spoke alloy wheels and

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MOTORING

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21

As part of the proposed changes, cyclists will be asked This technique advises that road users open the door to ride in single file, unless in large groups on narrow of their vehicle with the hand on the opposite side to roads, to allow motorists the opportunity to overtake. the door they are opening, which naturally causes the person to twist their body making it easy to look over In the new rule entitled ‘Hierarchy of their shoulder and check for other road users.

Road Users’ the objective will not be to give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation, but rather to ensure a more ‘mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users’.

Finally, there will be another one to look out for if you drive an electric taxi. Drivers are being asked to recognise that charging cables can be a trip hazard for pedestrians and every care should be taken when charging vehicles to minimise any danger.

For cab drivers there will also be a new ‘waiting and parking’ chapter of The Highway Code which will be of particular interest, and which recommends a new technique commonly known as the ‘Dutch Reach’.

Electric vehicle drivers will be asked to park as close as possible to the charge point and neatly tidy connectors to prevent obstacles for other road users.

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO INCREASE SPEED LIMITS WHEN DRIVING THROUGH ROADWORKS Highways England is to increase the basic speed at which motorists can drive through roadworks.

After extensive and innovative research and trials, they have confirmed that where it is safe for road users and roadworkers, and where shown on road signs, vehicles can be driven at up to 60mph. That’s 10mph faster than the current 50mph norm.

The move comes in response to feedback from road users who said they were frustrated at not being able to go quicker. And the results show as well as saving time, more people are sticking to the higher speed limit, so bringing safety benefits.

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SUPPORT UPDATE

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WHAT NEXT? SEISS SECOND PAYMENT TO START AND FURTHER TAXI PAYMENT BREAKS CONFIRMED Image: gov.uk

Taxi drivers and other self-employed workers will be able to start making their second Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) payment claim from 17 August.

monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.

Taxi drivers and other motorists still struggling with the The payment comes as self-employed workers struggle financial effects of COVID-19 can now also take a across most industries to recover from the effects of further 3-month payment break on vehicles according the coronavirus pandemic. to new Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance.

Workers eligible for the first grant had until 13 July to Cab drivers will no doubt welcome the extra support measures now available for users of motor finance, buy claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment -now pay-later and rent-to-own, who continue to face covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at payment difficulties due to coronavirus. £7,500 in total. Those eligible had the money paid into As part of the new guidance released by their bank account within six working days of the FCA, taxi drivers can extend their completing a claim and covering the impact of COVIDpayment break by a further 3 months until 19 during the months of March, April and May. Applications for the second grant will open on 17 August. This time individuals will be able to claim a second taxable grant worth 70% of their average

31 October and the ban on repossessions will also continue until the end of October.

Image: LEVC

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SUPPORT UPDATE

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Christopher Woolard, Interim Chief Executive at the FCA, said: “Our measures will ensure that people who are still facing temporary payment difficulties because of this pandemic, continue to have access to the help they need. However, if you can afford to start making repayments, you should.�

TaxiPoint recently surveyed drivers on social media, asking whether they think they will need further government financial support to run their business after the second and final SEISS payment lands. Of the 412 taxi drivers who took part in the poll, 95% responded stating they need further help.

Image: LEVC

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COVID SUPPORT

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24

PETITION FOR TAXI DRIVERS TO RECEIVE £10,000 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT ROLLS ON An ongoing petition to grant taxi drivers access to Aimed at the Transport Minister and Chancellor of the small business support payments has now been signed Exchequer, the petition says: “Taxi drivers are in the by nearly 24,000 people. highest risk category for catching COVID-19. Many taxi owners are self-employed and did not qualify for the The petition, which is hosted on the online petition website Organise, calls for taxi drivers, customers and small business grant of £10,000. members of the public to support the growing need for extra help to be given to the taxi industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A grant would ensure we can make our vehicles safer for both driver and passengers.”

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POST-COVID

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26

CLOSED...

NOW OPEN TRADERS REVOLT BRINGS SWIFT CONCLUSION TO COVID CLOSED ROADS. WILL MORE FOLLOW? As quick as some roads closed in the UK, they are already back open, as the realisation of the damage caused by partial or complete closures hits home hard in some cities.

Residents’ groups and local businesses already struggling with the impact of COVID-19 have become increasingly vocal and active across the UK in response to recent changes.

Shop traders in New Milton who campaigned against the closure of a town centre road, originally shut to help social distancing, have now become one of the first to welcome its reopening following a review by councillors. Barbers, shoe repair outlets and a DVD rental shop were among those business representatives who complained their trade was suffering after access to the road was blocked.

In the north-east, new traffic restrictions lasted just two days in Gateshead before being scrapped following a backlash from motorists. The changes included a cycle lane on an already busy flyover carriageway and caused huge tailbacks. An online petition against the changes quickly received hundreds of signatures which forced councillors to rethink the plans.

Across the UK, local communities are only just beginning their fight

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POST-COVID

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27

against the new measures which could last up to 18-months.

other motor vehicles have been banned from the busy Bishopsgate thoroughfare.

Despite reassurances made to disabled In Edinburgh, temporary parking groups that access would not be affected restrictions to make way for social distancing measures have also prompted for those who could not walk or cycle, a backlash from businesses. According to Transport for London (TfL) banned wheelchair accessible taxis and Blue the BBC, one shop owner said streets Badge holders from a newly constructed looked like a "war zone" while another Bus Gate. Disabled group Transport for said it was "a nail in the coffin" for businesses. The council said it was trying All (TfA) released an open statement sharing their disappointment and to make spaces more "welcoming" for frustration at the lack of consultation shoppers, however some business around the plans. owners have said they had already noticed a drop in customers.

The changes come at a time

when businesses, both those on the highstreet and those who rely on moving around our road network, are at their most In Cambridgeshire, Mill Road traders are vulnerable. Whilst there is little regularly taking to the streets to protest debate that there must be some against the controversial Mill Road future change to address bridge closure. emissions and air-quality, the And it’s not just those living and/or economy must be allowed to trading in the areas effected complaining recover which requires either. Commuters, especially those movement and footfall, and classed as the more vulnerable, have weighed in on the debate too. accessibility for all shouldn’t be In London’s financial district, taxis and all compromised.

Worried shop keepers in Market Harborough are calling for two vital roads in the town centre to be re-opened immediately as they fear being forced to shut for good.

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VEHICLE

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28

MERCEDES-BENZ EVITO ON THE MARKET The eagerly awaited all-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito battery-electric commercial passenger transport” in has arrived on the market, taking orders at a price terms of mile performance and range. The vehicle which is raising eyebrows in the UK taxi industry. produced will be aimed at those wanting a hotel Since its market launch of the eVito and the eSprinter shuttle, a large-capacity taxi or a vehicle for ridesharing services. in 2019, Mercedes-Benz have been sending a clear signal of its commitment towards providing local emission-free commercial freight transport in urban areas.

Andreas Böger, Head of Sales of New Vehicles Mercedes-Benz Transporter and Vans Germany, said: "Battery-electric mobility from Mercedes-Benz is The manufacturers of the new eVito Tourer, state that already suitable for everyday use, as shown by a range the new electric vehicle can reach a new “dimension in of 421 kilometres and the fast charging function.

Image credit: Daimler

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VEHICLE

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

"Through attractive leasing rates and public funding, the eVito Tourer can easily compete with the conventionally driven Vito at the TCO."

energy and used for charging high-voltage battery (recuperation).

The driver can regulate the strength of the To look at, the new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer takes recuperation via shifters behind the steering wheel as over the style of its trusted combustion engine taxi required. A particularly efficient and comfortable predecessor, the Vito. driving style enables a new feature in the eVito Tourer: recuperation level DAUTO. However, under the front sits the electric powertrain, which drives the front wheels Image: Daimler with a peak power of 150 kW. The energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery in the underbody of the vehicle. With a top speed of 140 km/h (86mph), the new EV ensures a rapid advance away from urban traffic.

The Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer features a water-cooled AC On-Board charger (OBL) with an output of 11 kW. This means that it is prepared for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. Charging is via the CCS charging box in the front left bumper. This also enables direct current (DC) charging. Thanks to a maximum charging capacity of 110 kW at a DC fast charging station, the eVito Tourer can be charged from 10 to 80% in around 45 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz say that the eVito Tourer meets the highest demands in terms of functionality and variability in many areas of passenger transport. The locally emission-free van can be ordered in two different lengths: one with a total length of 5,140 millimetres, and as an extra-long version which comes to 5,370 millimetres.

The battery, with a usable capacity of 90 kWh, enables Taxi companies and other ride-sharing services benefit a more than healthy range of 260 miles (421 from the wide range of seat configurations. With two kilometres). benches in the rear, the eVito Tourer becomes a Thanks to its intelligent operating strategy, the comfortable shuttle vehicle that meets all the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer also charges its battery requirements for modern passenger transport with an while driving. In thrust or brake mode, the mechanical agile and particularly quiet driving experience. Thanks rotational movement is converted into electrical to its flexible seating configurations, it can be

Image credit: Daimler

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VEHICLE

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

equipped, for example, with up to nine seats or a vis-a €53,990 (excluding VAT). That’s just over £49,000 in -vis seating. the UK (excluding VAT and before EV grants).

The eVito Tourer will be integrated as a production vehicle into the normal production process of the plant in Vitoria, northern Spain, where the MercedesBenz Vito, V-Class and EQV are also produced.

The price of the eVito Tourer starts in Germany at

Can the eVito provide a competitive vehicle for cabbies to drive? Only time will tell.

Image: Daimler

Image credit: Daimler

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VEHICLE

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31

Image credit: Cab Direct Whilst there may or may not be an eVito taxi waiting conditioning front and rear, in the wings, we look at why so many cabbies have the durable leatherette comfort current Mercedes-Benz Vito as their cab of choice. seats, electric passenger doors, power-folding mirrors, cup holders and handy storage Built on the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer chassis, the Vito benefits from design enhancements, specification compartments all combine to create a cabbie’s upgrades and the all-important addition of Mercedes’ working environment. new generation Euro 6 diesel engine.

Passengers can come heavily laden with baggage and a spacious rear compartment and a carefully designed Featuring Mercedes’ innovative BlueEFFICIENCY technologies under the bonnet, the latest Euro 6 diesel front luggage pen caters for all eventualities. engine offers a 20% improvement in fuel consumption The Vito is equipped with a robust and solid platform and reduced CO2 emissions, meaning more money in for loading wheelchair passengers safely and standard cabbies’ pockets. Power steering as standard and the access features such as twin electric side-steps, grab option of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic handles and a hearing loop helps make the Vito a fully transmission, the Vito provides the balance between accessible vehicle.

Image credit: Cab Direct efficiency, smooth performance and ride comfort and 38.6 mpg in and around town.

The comfortable, ergonomic interior of the Vito reflects quality of materials and craftsmanship throughout. Air

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OPERATORS

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32

UBER BUYS

AUTOCAB

Uber have announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire UK technology company Autocab.

Autocab provides private hire and taxi operators with technology to run their business, including booking and dispatch software, and also connects them with trips through their iGo marketplace.

the growth of their customers’ businesses.

Post-acquisition, Autocab will remain independent with its own board focussed exclusively on providing technology to the taxi and private hire industry around the world.

Safa Alkatab, CEO of Autocab, said: “Autocab has been working with local operators across the world to provide the technology to make them more Through Autocab’s iGo marketplace, Uber will now efficient and open up a marketplace to provide hope to connect customers in places the company more trips. Working with Uber we can scale up our doesn’t operate, giving local operators the choice to ambitions, providing hundreds of thousands of take their booking. In turn, Uber hopes that additional trips for our customers, and help cement operators could be able to expand their operations the place of licenced operators in their local and offer more earnings opportunities to local community.” drivers. Uber will also explore providing drivers with Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager, additional revenue opportunities related to its Northern & Eastern Europe, Uber, said: “Autocab platform for other services, such as delivery. has worked successfully with taxi and private hire The companies involved in the acquisition have not operators around the world for more than thirty released details of the value of the deal. years and Uber has a lot to learn from their Autocab’s mission has been to encourage local experience. We look forward to working with the private hire and taxi operators to transform their Autocab team to help local operators grow and businesses, and their CEO believes Uber’s provide drivers with genuine earnings technology can help Autocab’s global ambition and opportunities.”

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OPERATORS

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& PARTNER UP Gett, one of the global leaders in corporate ground travel, known for using London’s iconic black taxi, and Ola, one of the world’s largest mobility platforms, have announced a ‘strategic partnership’.

corporate taxis often seen as a safer and more efficient alternative than public transport.

Gett and Ola have seen an increase in corporate demand in recent weeks following the easing of lockdown restrictions across the capital, a spokesperson for the companies has said.

corporate platform to include on-demand privatehire across London, alongside other services such as black taxis and pre-booked black cars, all through Gett’s SaaS platform for business travellers.

In June, the number of corporate rides reached up to 89% of the volumes recorded in February, with July even higher, compared to April and May where volumes were 67% and 74% of pre-Covid levels respectively, data from the firm says.

Ola officially launched in London in February 2020 following its UK launch in August 2018, and now operates in 27 cities in the UK and over 250 globally.

“Similarly, Ola’s timely addition of safety features as well as incentives such as the new tipping option The partnership will allow Gett’s corporate clients have resonated across customers and driveraccess to Ola’s platform in London, enabling them partners, helping boost demand and supply back to to request a variety of Ola ride options, on-demand, pre-Covid levels.” through the Gett SaaS Platform from September.

The partnership enables Gett to expand its

Dave Waiser, Gett CEO, commented: “We are delighted to be announcing this strategic A spokesperson for Gett, said: “Gett has significantly partnership with Ola. We continue in our mission to increased its client base as corporate clients seek to organise the world’s best mobility providers in one upgrade their ground transportation solutions with platform, optimising the entire experience, from Gett’s technology to cut costs and meet the booking and riding, to invoicing and analytics, so increasing safety requirements and mobility needs businesses can focus on what they do best. With our of their remote workforces. differentiated technology and business model, we are partnering with consumer ridesharing “Businesses are taking extra precautions in recent companies, instead of competing with them.” months to enhance the safety of their employees and their own safety while commuting, with

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FUEL

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

£2.4BN

FUEL REVENUE

SLUMP

GOVERNMENT WATCHES FUEL TAX REVENUE DRY UP DURING TWO MONTH COVID-19 PERIOD The coronavirus lockdown has left a massive hole in the Treasury’s coffers from lost fuel duty revenue, with income down by £2.4bn in April and May compared to the same time last year, according to the RAC’s analysis of new HM Revenue and Customs data.

Collectively, the duty taken on petrol and diesel fell to £2.1bn during the months of April and May 2020 compared to £4.5bn during the same months in 2019. HMRC figures dating back to 1990 show the lost revenue from April and May 2020 was similar to the duty receipts of £2.4bn from just one month in May 2015.

RAC Head of Roads Policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “The financial impact of the coronavirus on the Government has clearly been immense. The lost revenue on fuel duty is a further blow to the public finances and while motor traffic volumes have recovered during the summer, they are still between 10-15% below pre-lockdown levels.

“The temptation for the Chancellor might be to recoup some of the losses by increasing fuel duty, but with the country staring down the barrel of one of the sharpest recessions on record such a move would risk choking any economic recovery at a time when drivers and businesses are most struggling.

“This perhaps gives the Government a glimpse into the future of when fuel duty revenues start to decline more sharply with the rise of electric and other alternatively fuelled vehicles.

“Treasury officials might want to start thinking about how the Government approaches such a scenario considering fuel duty normally generates around £27bn a year.”

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JUST FOR FUN

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36

BIZARRE...

GUESS WHO I HAD IN MY CAB? Many taxi drivers, especially those working in and around major UK cities, will be able to reel off a long list of famous people they have had the pleasure (or not) of ferrying around. But how many can say they had a truly memorable experience while a celeb was present? I’d like to think I can.

Picture this, I’m sitting at the front of a set of traffic lights in West London on a Friday evening wondering if I’m ever going to be lucky enough to get a job heading East, so I can end a long shift in the saddle.

Then I take a look down to my right to see the blacked-out back window of a luxury German car slowly slide down.

Article written by: Michael Murphy could take him. Catching me by surprise, I didn’t have a chance to even reply when this A-list celeb and his American wife (there’s a clue) jumped out of the vehicle and into mine.

We were only 5 minutes or so from our destination, so it was only going to be a brief encounter. Enroute the man and woman explained to me how they had been driving around for 25 minutes trying to find the restaurant, but their driver had no idea how to get there.

A head appeared. Don’t panic it wasn’t just a head, it was still attached to a living body, of someone that looked very familiar. It took me a few seconds and then it clicked who it was.

As I weaved my way through the “Helter Skelter” (another clue) just off the Fulham Palace Road, I assured them both that I would have them at their table enjoying a glass of their choice in no time.

The gentleman kindly asked me if I knew where the River Café was. Of course I did, I’m a London cabbie.

Just as I was beginning to direct him, he asked if I

As I pulled up outside the restaurant along the narrow road it sits on, I was thanked profusely for my knowledge and ability to, well, simply do my job.

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JUST FOR FUN

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37

As payment was being made, a private hire driver You’re probably thinking “I should have known who was also dropping off a passenger around 20 feet better” (clue) than to trust a man to keep to his word, ahead of me stuck his vehicle into reverse. and you are right. But this wasn’t going to end here.

Slowly, as my passenger was standing crouched over in the back of my taxi pulling cash from his trouser pocket, the private hire vehicle continued to reverse back. I thought, surely he’s going to stop, right?

Nope! He continued reversing until he smashed into the front of my taxi.

My passenger lost his footing and stumbled back into the seats. We all looked at one another, and I’m pretty sure we were all thinking the same thing: “I’m only sleeping (clue), this cannot really have happened.”

We all exited our vehicles and stood in amazement.

Did this driver not see the huge iconic taxi parked behind him? Did he not see the glaring headlights in his rearview mirror? Your guess is as good as mine.

In all fairness, the private hire driver was very apologetic and accepted that it was his fault. My absolute gentleman of a customer and his ever so polite wife asked if I was ok, and offered me a generous tip, “from me to you” (clue), as they now knew my night in the cab was over due to this incident.

I was handed a contact number for someone who represented this worldwide superstar in case a witness statement was needed. But as the driver seemed more than happy to accept liability, I thought it wasn’t going to be needed. We shook hands and parted ways. It was an absolute pleasure despite how unfortunately eventful the short journey was.

The collision was now in the hands of the insurance companies.

About a week passed when I received a phone call from my insurance company telling me that there was a problem. The private hire driver decided it was in his best interest to claim that I had driven into him, and as I was the vehicle at the rear, I was going to be held liable unless I could prove otherwise.

My first port of call was directly to the driver’s private hire firm, and a big one at that, to confront them. I made it clear that I knew what was going on and I was clearly being stitched up. I gave them two hours to contact their driver and have him finally tell the truth, otherwise I would be contacting my passenger/ witness to settle the claim once and for all.

I heard nothing back, so I put the wheels in motion. I eventually managed to have contact with this famous man’s representatives, who would see if they could get in touch with him. The issue was that he had just travelled to Brazil, which felt like it was “across the universe” (another clue).

About two weeks had passed and I hadn’t heard anything. I truly thought that I was going to pay the price for trusting this private hire driver. The excess I was set to pay to have the insurance settled was eyewatering and left me feeling extremely disappointed.

But then a phone call came... One from my insurance company. They told me that the driver had changed his statement and had finally told the truth, accepting liability. It turns out that my A-list celeb had got in touch with the private hire firm directly and told them everything.

He took the time out of his busy schedule to make sure little old me would not be done over by a dishonest man. I was assured that it was that direct phone call that forced the tables to turn and saved me from being out of pocket.

I was over the moon and this celeb will always get my “love me do” (clue). That Friday definitely seemed like “a hard days night” (your final clue!).

Got it yet? Of course you have…

That’s right... It was indeed Sir Paul McCartney.

What a legend.

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GLOBAL NEWS

August 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

AROUND THE WORLD SINGAPORE Ride-sharing is big in Singapore and the market is led by companies such as Grab. One of the latest to make their mark on the industry is Ryde, who operate in several large cities.

The company has recently announced that its customers based in Singapore will now be able to pay for rides using bitcoin.

The firm’s customers will be able to convert bitcoin into its own ‘RydeCoin’ without the worry of any transaction costs, and in a single payment they can top up a digital wallet named ‘RydePay’ to a total of SGD999 (£574.72) in bitcoin to pay for rides.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Ryde Technologies, Terence Zou, said: “The addition of cryptocurrency as a payment method was always going to be the natural next step as its transaction volume increased.”

AMERICA Gig economy workers in New York, including those working for firms such as Uber and Lyft, have won a landmark case against the city to be recognised as employees and not independent contractors.

A judge ruled that the state has to pay Uber and Lyft drivers unemployment benefits, saying there had been “an avoidable and inexcusable delay in the payment of unemployment insurance”.

The case, which was lodged against the state in May, alleged that payments were being delayed and it was taking months to process claims.

The state argued that both Uber and Lyft delayed handing over drivers’ earnings data, which contributed to the process taking much longer than it usually would have.

The state can appeal the decision, but have not decided to take that route as of yet.

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GLOBAL NEWS

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RUSSIA The largest ride-hailing app in Russia, Yandex, have announced the company’s second quarter financial results. They show revenues of RUB (Russian Ruble) at 41.4 billion (£425.8 million), with a net loss of RUB 3.7 billion (£38 million), compared with net income of RUB 3.6 billion in the same quarter a year earlier.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Given the persisting uncertainty around the full economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and potential further disruptions caused by the health crisis and related Government and businesses response, we are unable at this time to reliably predict the pace and the shape of the recovery for our businesses.”

THAILAND Ride-sharing firm Bolt, who originate in Estonia and have a big presence around the world, especially in Africa, have announced it is rolling out its platform Thailand.

A spokesperson for the company said: “For a minimum of six months, Bolt in Thailand commits to charging drivers no commission for using the platform and offers fares 20% lower than other competitors.”

Backed by Daimler and China’s Didi Chuxing, the company said its pilot venture in the Thai capital of Bangkok has more than 2,000 drivers and will offer “better rates” to drivers and riders.

NEW ZEALAND

INDIA A convicted serial killer from India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh, has confessed to murdering 50 taxi drivers and dumping their bodies in a crocodile infested river. The murder spree was said to have taken place in the early 2000s.

Spain

Devender Sharma, a former Doctor, had been convicted in 2004 for the murders of seven A Spanish taxi driver who had taxi drivers but has recently confessed to repeatedly transported coronavirus many more. Police fear that the number could patients to a Madrid hospital for free, even be larger than 50, with officers believing received a surprise standing ovation by he may have been involved in more than 100 staff at the hospital for his kind actions. murders.

In addition to the heart-warming gesture, the driver was handed an envelope containing cash for his wonderful contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

iCabbi, the cloud-based taxi technology company who design software to be used by cab firms around the globe, have announced that it is now powering taxis in New Zealand.

The company says they have so far put over 350 taxis live across Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

The software offered by iCabbi is being utilised by taxi firm Corporate Cabs Ltd (CCL) who according to iCabbi came to them looking for a complete platform.

Cameron Allison, CEO of CCL, said: “CCL was looking for a fully integrated dispatch system. One that could provide a user-friendly experience for our staff and drivers, but also had the additional products that customers have come to expect, such as a passenger app and web booker.

“In the early stages of our due diligence it became clear that iCabbi was the preferred option amongst the team at CCL.” Image: LEVC

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GLOBAL NEWS

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LILIUM AIR TAXI AIMED AT PASSENGERS TRAVELLING AT LEAST 12-MILES Lilium, one of the world’s leading developers of ‘air taxis’, has said customers should not expect to use one of its flying taxis to pop to the local shop or drop the kids to school, as this is just not “practical” for the future of airborne taxis.

Instead it says the firm’s focus is different from what most people expect from electric air mobility, and different from the vast majority of competitors in the field.

With a range of up to 186 miles, Lilium will be focusing

Image credit: LILIUM

on journeys which are, for the most part, likely to be a minimum 12 miles.

The aim will be to connect entire regions with highspeed transport, rather than trying to persuade customers that an air taxi is quicker than a crosstown journey on another mode of transport.

Spain A Spanish taxi driver who had repeatedly transported coronavirus patients to a Madrid hospital for free, received a surprise standing ovation by staff at the hospital for his kind actions.

In addition to the heart-warming gesture, the driver was handed an envelope containing cash for his wonderful contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image: LEVC

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ACCOUNTANTS

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INSURANCE

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FINANCE

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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.

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CARD PAYMENTS

Cabvision—The easy way to take card payments CabPay is a Mobile Point of Sale (POS) payment system from Cabvision

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BUY, RENT OR REPAIR A TAXI CAB DIRECT Driving for perfection Trust the UK’s leading taxi sales specialist. With more than 20 years experience in the hackney and private hire industry, shop direct to find your perfect new or used taxi for sale.

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MEMBERSHIP

APPS

More jobs every shift with your Black Cab app. Join over 17,500 licensed UK taxi drivers already using the app.

For more information CLICK HERE

Join Gett!

Sign up today by clicking here or pop into the Gett Driver Office at 162 Farringdon Road.

The LTDA retains experienced barristers with specialised knowledge of the London cab trade.

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EV Chargers

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.

HORIZON SYSTEMS LTD

LEGAL

Horizon Systems Ltd supply and install OLEV home electric vehicle charging points across London, Essex and Kent.

Visit www.easyevcharge.uk or call 0800 13 13 057 to find out more.

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Charity

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