The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication
Edition 3 | July 2019
Exclusive!
Wes Streeting MP Interview ”I haven’t seen enough evidence of change to convince me that Uber should be operating.” VEHICLES | APPS | LICENSING | CROSS -BORDER | POLITICS | AND MORE... www.taxi-point.co.uk
Taxi CCTV Why do we need it? Trade expert views
Tinted Windows What’s legal?
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Editorial
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3
TaxiPoint Chief Editor:
TaxiPoint: Your publication In June 2017, as a taxi driver of many years, I found communications between fellow cabbies both regionally and nationally was limited at best. Drivers relied on stumbling across information, rather than having up to date news at their fingertips. So myself and two other London taxi drivers set out to produce a publication which was open to everyone. A platform where content is free to submit and all views heard. Two years on and we’re accelerating in our growth, we’re delighted to be reaching so many of you and thrilled that we are taking taxi industry news into mainstream global news platforms such as Google and Apple. TaxiPoint has always been, and will always be, for you. So we want to hear what you would like to see more of...
Perry Richardson
TaxiPoint Joint Editor: Steve Kenton TaxiPoint Joint Editor: Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquires at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk
Would you like a forum to talk to drivers throughout the UK? Would you like to see TaxiPoint do more in terms of passenger PR? Would you like to see new features added anywhere on the website? Would you like impartial surveys? Emails us at contact@taxi-point.co.uk so we can ensure that this publication helps make the industry better informed and more connected than ever before. Thank you and be lucky,
Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver
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. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2019. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.
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Contents
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 5
p6 Tinted Windows
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Wes Streeting MP Age Limits
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In July’s Edition… •
Speed cameras and their tolerance levels, how fast do you have to be travelling before they are triggered?
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UK Government calls for action to tackle particulate matter released from tyres and brakes
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Half of all cab firms believe Uber poses a ’severe or moderate threat’ according to new research
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Electric taxis exempt from higher tax rates as UK moves towards net zero
p15
Liverpool Credit Cards
p21
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Interview
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6
Wes Streeting MP ”I still have a big health warning attached to Uber and I haven’t seen enough evidence of change to convince me that they should be operating.” Steve Kenton met with Wes Streeting MP on 13th May at the Parliamentary Chambers to find out his views on the current opportunities and challenges facing the taxi trade. With questions from our readers, we found out what Wes thinks about everything from cross border hiring to our regulators, technology, and more. Q. Lee, who is based up in Sheffield, asked: Is there going to be any movement soon in combating cross border hiring, which seems to be affecting both the
taxi industry and private hire industry in a pretty negative way across the country? A. Cross border hiring is one of the biggest issues that we have taken up through the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which I set up soon after being elected. Both our report as an APPG and the working group that was commissioned by the Department of Transport to look into the future of Taxi and private hire licensing, both recognise that cross border hiring is a big issue. What is effectively happening is a system where drivers and operators are getting their licences awarded in one authority, but then working in another authority and sometimes not even in the original licencing authority at all. They are only really doing that for one of two reasons: either they have found it cheaper to get the licenses somewhere else, so it’s a cost issue; and/or they have decided that the licensing requirements in certain areas are too stringent and they are trying to work their way around it. This can’t go on, and at the moment we are having a battle with Government. Government says they are going to introduce a national minimum standard which they think will correct the problem. But it’s our view, and this is a view that is shared across parties as well, that we need to have a system where a journey can begin or end within the licensing authority. So what you can’t do is go and drive around somewhere else.
Image: Chris McAndrew (UK Parliament) CC3.0
For me, this is about transparency and consistency, but also congestion as well. One of the issues we’ve got is that there has been an explosion in the number of private hire vehicles, and if drivers can just operate
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Interview
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 7
anywhere they like regardless of where they were licensed, I don’t think that is a system that benefits anyone.
it comes to things like: congestion charging policy; the grants that he has put in place to help drivers move on to zero emission capable taxis; putting in place taxi So, we will be pushing for an end to cross border hiring ranks at stations in outer London to support the night hopefully when the Government brings in a transport tube; and calling for, although he doesn’t have the bill. I really do understand the frustration of taxi drivers power to do it, a cap on the number of private hire vehicles. because this is urgent, this is overdue. I don’t understand why we are still delaying, and l am pushing for Government to act, because I think to be honest taxi drivers have had enough of waiting and they can see the unfairness in the system.
I think it probably tells us about the mayor’s views on these issues. I think he has been pretty clear by his actions, and this tells us more about how TfL view the taxi and private hire industries.
Q. What are your thoughts on how taxis and private hire were covered in the London Mayor’s Transport Strategy?
I think it is pretty short sighted on the mayor’s part to omit taxis from the strategy, as I think when we are planning transportation for a city as big and as complicated as London, you have to have taxis and private hire vehicles in the mix. I think more than anything else, it has added insult to injury to a whole lot of taxi drivers who already feel like TfL hasn’t understood their concerns and that it hasn’t been on their side.
A. I saw the level of upset that the exclusion of taxis and private hire vehicles from the transport strategy caused, and I thought that was a real shame because, actually on a number of levels, Sadiq Khan has done more for the taxi industry than his predecessors when
Interview
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8
I am also increasingly coming up against concerns from taxi drivers about decisions that are made by local authorities. I don’t think that councils are fully understanding the benefits that taxis bring, and I am concerned about the way in which taxis are being excluded as if they were other motor vehicles on the streets of London.
running London Transport, because I think London can work for everyone and can work for every mode of transport, but at the moment this situation isn’t working well for anyone.
I do think cyclists put themselves at risk unless they are proficient cyclists, and I think we do have to reconsider this whole issue about what basis a cyclist Q. As councils increasingly focus on improvements is cycling alongside motor vehicles and whether there for the cycling and pedestrian communities, what do should be a system of insurance in place to protect you think about cycle schemes and the increasing cyclists and other drivers and pedestrians. I think they accidents which come from increased cycle use? are big and important questions and ones the Government should look at. Q. Gill, a cabbie in London, has asked the following question: - Who is checking that Uber are compliant with the current legislation pertaining to their licensing, given that they were granted a probationary license?
A. On cyclists, I just want London to be a city where cyclists can travel around safely. I do think we have had some real hair-brained schemes in the past. The Embankment strikes me as the worst, and actually there are better technological solutions. I notice down the Embankment that during rush hour you do get quite a few cyclists down there going to work, so at that time of the day, having the bollards up on the cycle lanes, that works. But I have been down the Embankment at weekends, actually throughout most of the day, you barely see a cyclist, and when you do, they are largely tourists.
A. Well that is the job of TfL. I actually met with Uber recently in San Francisco with a group of cross-party MPs, and we were looking at the future of technology and the impact on the economy and society. They’ve clearly got big ambitions around the future of transportation, and I think they acknowledge that they have made some grand mistakes. What I am yet to be convinced about is that they have fundamentally changed, and that they understand the impact of their approach on the whole of the London transport industry. I still have a big health warning attached to Uber and I haven’t seen enough evidence of change to convince me that they should be operating.
There is no reason why we couldn’t design smarter schemes, bollards can come up at peak cycling times and go down for the rest of the day. I think we need a more integrated approach to
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Interview
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9
Q. Do you think that any other ride-hailing company a pretty fair one actually, is when you take on a taxi wishing to operate within the UK will now have more you take it on knowing what the rules are and you stringent prerequisites to adhere to? make a whole lot of cost benefit calculations on that basis, and I am concerned that there are a lot of A. Yes I hope so, and that is why we need a taxi and people out there who have bought taxis and with the private hire bill as soon as possible so we can have a fresh look at all of the taxi and private hire legislation age limit in mind and now the goal posts have been shifted, it makes their livelihoods harder. and bring it up to date with the 21st century for an industry that is so different to the one that was in place when the last bill was put in.
Q. What is happening with the development of infrastructure for charging electric taxis?
Q. At the moment (time of interview), the current age limit for a diesel vehicle is 15 years (with an LPG conversion it extends to 20 years) and TfL are looking to reduce that figure to 12 years. With the new electric taxi being zero emission capable, do you think the age limit on it should be removed?
A. I think this is something that is on the mayor’s radar, he wants to improve environmentally sustainable transport in London and he wants to improve air quality. I think we need to go a lot further faster, and not just in London but right across the UK. The vehicles are there, the technology is there but the infrastructure is playing catch up.
Q. Do you think it is an acceptable policy for TfL to insist on dictating which credit card systems taxi drivers use?
A. I support TfL’s overall objective of getting polluting vehicles off the streets of London, and I think taxi drivers do as well, but the message I am getting from taxi drivers is they would love to have ZEC taxis but the cost is still too high, especially at a time when taxi drivers ask questions about their livelihoods and about how sustainable the taxi industry is.
A. This is a totally indefensible position by TfL. It is perfectly reasonable for TfL to ask taxi drivers to take card payments as part of the terms of operation, I’ve got no problem with that. But to impose a system and to impose a charging structure, I think it is mindnumbingly stupid. I think taxi drivers ought to have the freedom to choose their own providers, and it’s so easy these days. I don’t believe in monopoly providers like that because you guys are effectively a captive audience and the choice of payment systems seems to me to be one that belongs to taxi drivers.
I think TfL has either got to be a bit more flexible about the age limit, or they have got to introduce more generous grants than the ones they already have and help people make that transition over to a ZEC taxi. At the moment the complaint I hear, and it is
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Image: Pixabay
Interview
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10
Q. A cabbie who wishes to remain anonymous has asked the following:- Do you think TfL are fit for purpose in relation to regulating the licensed taxi industry and the private hire industry, or should it be devolved back to the metropolitan police where it was previously? A. That’s a good question. TfL are getting better, I would not pretend they are currently perfect. I think there have been some conflicts of interest at points where TfL are making decisions, but they are not entirely impartial. I think sometimes TfL's role as a transport provider can come into conflict in terms of TfL's role as a transport regulator.
particularly around the safety angle. I am not convinced given the state of the Police funding at the moment that the Police would be better, that would be my concern. Q. As technology advances and driverless cars are evolving, can you tell us more about what you think the impact will be for taxis?
A. In my view, driverless car technology is here, it is developing quite quickly. I don’t think driverless technology means we are going to do away with drivers any time soon, I think there is a whole other challenge beyond the technology which is about culture, how many of us would want to be in a car I think in particular, under Sadiq Khan we have had a with no driver I think is a big question. I have always very different direction. TfL now want the power to been convinced that the taxi and private hire industry cap the number of private hire vehicles because the in London is going to change enormously over the next mayor wants to do it. I think prior to Sadiq Khan being 10, 20 or 30 years, but I think that in 30 year’s time there, TfL saw private hire licences as a nice litter the iconic black taxi will still exist and it will be driven earner, and they haven’t really thought properly about by a human being. having the number of enforcement officers on the I believe that taxis are providing a quality of service streets to enforce, which is something that Sadiq Khan and a recognised brand of service, and frankly a has tried to put right. tourist attraction and an iconic service, that will mean I am not entirely convinced it should be devolved back people will still want to be in a licensed black taxi in to the Met; I think there is an interesting case the future.
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Feature
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12
CCTV in Taxis Why do we need it?
Article written by: David Pawlaszel-Lawrie Safe Systems CCTV Ltd Image: Mark Twyman
Over recent years the number of violent attacks on drivers and drivers accused of offences from assault, rape, to complaints of a verbal nature, has risen and is becoming far too common place. Without CCTV installed, it is your word against theirs.
an undeniable witness. This can be used to back you up (this evidence is accepted by Uber, local authorities, police and by courts), but only if it is compliant, tamper proof and legal.
So who makes the rules?
As much as the laws of the land state “innocent until proven guilty”, in reality it is more “no smoke without Simply put, the ICO set the regulations on this topic, under the Data Protection act (DPA) now known as fire”. the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Given the level of abuse and backlash that would Local authorities simply translate this into policies occur if the allegation was proven correct, the and criteria, many LA’s then have an approved list of licensing authority or “LA” have a duty to act in the approved devices and installers in order to make sure interest of public safety, which often leads to that any devices used are legal, compliant and fit for immediate suspension or revocation of your license. purpose, and this removes the risk of drivers being Even in the case of Uber, they will deactivate your prosecuted by the ICO for non compliance. account based on complaints, as has been seen far These policies also take into consideration the Road more frequently lately. Traffic Act, construction and use regulations and The ONLY defence you have is your own word, but if many other regulating bodies. you have CCTV to support your word, then you have
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Feature
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 13
There are a small minority of dashcams which are encrypted, however, the decryption software can be The rules are set by the ICO, there are blogs and press downloaded from the device’s website, which renders releases, camera commissioner response to the recent the encryption useless. consultation, the 6 principles of the GDPR and the 8 principles of the DPA all available online. It takes some 5. Data must only be accessed when it is fair, proportionate and with probable cause. reading and digging, but all the information is online should you wish to find it.
Where can I find these rules?
What are the rules? 1. There must be a registered data controller, where the LA has made it a mandatory requirement, they assume this role.
Image: LTDA (Twitter)
For a LA this is not an issue since they are already data controllers anyway for other purposes, such as holding your driver license number, date of birth, name, address etc; but for drivers there is a lot more to it.
This means that the only time the data can be accessed is when a report or allegation is made, not for 24 hours or 3 days or more previous, this is known 2. Where the device includes audio, this must be as “fishing” and is considered highly intrusive and permanently disabled, or only used by way of a visible unlawful. panic switch in order to prevent being “too intrusive”. This rules out most dash cams as there are only a very few of them which have this “panic switch” for audio. Most of the panic switches you might see merely store the event into an alarm file due to a crash, they have no bearing on the use of audio.
So why now?
With the number of attacks and allegations on the increase, as seen in several press releases, and the number of drivers having lost their licenses, we simply MUST have some form of defence. This saves you a There are some which may have this feature, but since fortune on legal fees in the event of being subject to a most don’t, there isn’t a LA in the country that has the false allegation. time to double check, plus, it would be very It will also protect you from loss of earnings, damage unreasonable to say one dash cam is allowed, but to life and reputation, and could also reduce your others are not. insurance premiums to offset the cost. 3. The device must be securely mounted and protected from theft.
CCTV is everywhere, on all forms of public transport, in all premises including council buildings, so why This rules out most dash cams which are merely stuck should taxi and private hire drivers be any different? to the windscreen of the car, one quick tug and It’s time to get the respect back in the trade, it’s about anyone can remove them. time to turn the tables on this once and for all. 4. The data must be encrypted to a minimum of FIPS 140-2.
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Feature
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14
Tinted Windows Article written by: Jason Clauson London taxi driver and ex-traffic police officer
I am a retired Met PC of 30 years now a London Green Badge. I was a Traffic PC for my last 10yrs, which included being a Vehicle Examiner, PG9 prohibitions officer, Advanced Pursuit driver and motorcyclist. Plus, a very busy Family Liaison Officer. I have held a passion for vehicles and road safety long before I became a Black Rat.
manufactured in the UK with clear glass was 1974, since then manufacturers have built in a level of tint into all vehicle glass. In the early 80s these levels of tint were standardised and from 1985 that system is still used today.
The AS system etched into the glass denotes the level of tint. All windscreens have AS1, side & rear windows Quite often I notice a repeat tweet from Transport for have AS2. AS1 denotes 25% tint, meaning 75% of light London (TfL) reminding PHV drivers that their Roundel passes through. AS2 denotes 30% {Vauxhall motors Identifier must be clearly displayed etc. What usually actually have the % on the glass}, meaning 70% light follows is a load of responses from Cabbies talking passes through. about the rear one being obscured by tinted film fitted Now enter the after-market tinted film issue. Drivers in PHVs and asking why it’s allowed. Before I discuss often add tinted film to their cars on the assumption PHVs specifically, I think it’s best to explain the history they can ‘have 30%’ without understanding their glass of tinted glass in vehicles and the Law, and hopefully is pre-tinted to the legal maximum already. dispel some myths and misunderstandings in the A quick Google search found 2 sites talking about world of tint. adding tint legally, but neither mentioned the fact Vehicle windows all over the world are made to front windows are already at max allowed. general standards set within the industry. They are all Some manufacturers offer extra tint added in the pre-tinted in manufacture. The last vehicle
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Feature
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15
factory, so you may see AS3 4 & 5 on some vehicles, for TfL testing there is nothing that can be done to but only behind the driver. legally tinted glass behind the driver. Any film added to a vehicle on the front side windows or windscreen is 100% illegal. Offences are, at a minimum, ‘Glass not as prescribed up to a Dangerous Condition’ (carrying penalty points).
I asked TfL some years ago why they didn’t have a screw on plate as many towns and cities do, making them instantly identifiable. I was told it’s because the PHV trade is ‘generally’ a part time job, and they So, unless a PC with knowledge, or a DVSA Inspector didn’t want to damage bodywork fixing on plates or a Trading Standards Officer get involved, nothing lowering the sell on value of vehicles. That was nonsense then and even more so now. is done with those idiots who tint the front of their cars. So, the regulation that says the roundel must be visible is at odds with the fact it’s legal to add tint to The law states that a the glass behind the driver above that of AS2 levels.
pedestrian should be able to make eye contact with a passing/approaching driver and heavy tint makes that impossible. So, saying “I can see out ok” is immaterial.
Many people add tint to hide the usual no seatbelt and mobile phone use, as well as other offences. Coming on to the PHV question, as I have said, it’s not tested as part of the MOT so if a car is presented
As a Taxi is a specialised vehicle not a normal car, we cannot add more tint to rear windows, but rest assured it’s not clear glass, just the same all round. AS1 windscreen & AS2 side windows. But as it’s a specialised market, it may not show AS1 or AS2 and it may have other codes. The TXe has glass approved in Belgium E6 not UK E11 for safety and light standards. I hope this has clarified this subject a bit better for those frustrated with TfL
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Taxi Age Limits
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16
TfL reduces London black taxi age limits, wiping off £50million in fleet residual value London’s transport regulators have reduced the age limits on taxis in the city from fifteen years to twelve. The reduction announced by Transport for London (TfL) will be placed on all taxi vehicles meeting Euro 3, 4 and 5 standards by 2022. From November, the current 15-year age limit will apply to the anniversary of the date when the vehicle was licensed, with a proposed reduction in the age limit to 14 years from November 2020 and an annual reduction of one year each year until the 12-year age limit is reached.
Image: Pixabay
The LTDA is currently investigating potential technological solutions to retrofit 4,600 Euro 5 diesel The reduction could have a devastating effect on an taxis to meet Euro 6 standards. TfL will keep this under industry already under pressure, with the residual review and if a Euro 6 retrofit is approved, TfL will values of the fleet estimated to drop by roughly £50 consider ways to incorporate retrofitted Euro 5 taxis in million. the new Conditions of Fitness and age limits. If such It is argued that a reduction in age limits will also affect vehicles can be shown to meet the required Euro 6 emissions standards in real world driving conditions, resale value of the vehicles. Drivers leasing their cabs they could be eligible for the 15-year age limits in the from garages are likely to face higher rental prices to same way as factory standard Euro 6 taxis. cover any shortfalls on the vehicles’ investment too. The capital’s regulators say that the industry is currently responsible for 25 per cent of harmful NOx emissions and next year they will be the biggest source of transport pollution in central London.
London’s cabbies have been supportive to this point in accelerating the greening of its fleet. Individual taxi drivers have invested roughly £100million on new zero-emission vehicles with 2,000 of the iconic vehicles now on London’s roads.
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Taxi Age Limits
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17
Steve McNamara, General Steve Garelick GMB Regional Secretary of the Licensed Organiser said: “Whilst we Taxi Drivers’ Association accept the need to improve (LTDA), said: “We’re deeply air quality we are still deeply disappointed by the Mayor’s decision to reduce the age concerned that this will affect drivers in their twilight limit for taxis to twelve years, which will put work years. hardworking London cabbies out of work. “We are concerned that with the extra cost to keep “Our alternative proposal to retrofit older vehicles to vehicles on the road those companies that rent vehicles reduce emissions would have delivered better will stop this as the cost and will not show a decent emissions savings and avoided penalising drivers. return on investment. We’re committed to doing our bit to tackle London’s air “It is already difficult for pollution, but the Mayor has gone for the simple, drivers to find vehicles in Subscribe to headline-grabbing proposal rather than one that would the rental market. give better results for Londoners and the taxi trade. TaxiPoint “GMB is committed to CLICK “We’re pleased that at least the Mayor has listened to drivers and their families.” us on exempting retrofitted older vehicles that meet HERE stringent emissions standards."
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Motoring
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18
Speed cameras and their tolerance levels, how fast do you have to be travelling before they are triggered? We've all been there, travelling down any given road at what we believe to be the correct speed limit, not realising that our speed may have crept up by a mile per hour or two, and then we see the flash from a speed camera in our rear-view mirror. We then wait nervously for a couple of weeks to see if a fixed penalty notice arrives on our doorstep. But what is the speed camera threshold? At what point does a camera get triggered? The answer is, they all vary; different police authorities have different thresholds. The first thing that drivers must be aware of is that any given police authority will apply guidelines and thresholds at their discretion. The golden rule of thumb is of course not to break the law by committing a speeding offence. With figures collated by Auto Express, who contacted all of the UK’s 45 police authorities via Freedom of Information requests, the thresholds attributed to some of the 3,224 speed cameras across the country were revealed. 34 police authorities across the UK disclosed information pertaining to their speed camera activation thresholds, with the majority triggering at 10% plus 2mph. Therefore at 30mph a camera may be triggered at 35mph, 40mph could trigger a camera at 46mph, and at 70mph that threshold could increase to 79mph. There are a number of police authorities where the threshold varies, such as the Metropolitan Police Authority where a camera may trigger at 10% plus 3mph.
Some authorities refused to disclose if they operated a threshold, citing that knowledge of this information could encourage drivers to speed. The threshold, or buffer zone, exists so as to help prevent drivers from concentrating on their speedometer rather than the road. A vehicle's speedometer is not 100% accurate, in some cases they are allowed to over-read a car’s speed by as much as 10%. However, a vehicle’s speedometer is not allowed to under-read. The police authorities which operate a 10% plus 2mph are: • • • • • • • • • • •
Avon and Somerset Cheshire Cleveland Derbyshire Devon and Cornwall Durham Gwent Hampshire Kent Leicestershire Merseyside
• • • • • • • • • • •
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Norfolk North Wales Northumbria Northern Ireland South Wales South Yorkshire Suffolk Thames Valley Warwickshire West Mercia West Yorkshire
Charity
May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20
Private Hire
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20
“Mayor Sadiq Khan is choosing to punish BAME drivers who are only trying to make an honest living,” says IWGB
Court hears how congestion charge for minicabs in London does "serious harm" to black and ethnic minority A court has heard how the introduction of congestion would be adversely affected by the reduction in the charging for minicabs in London does "serious harm" to number of minicabs available to them, despite the fact black and ethnic minority (BAME) drivers. that there is no legal requirement for minicab drivers to have disabled-friendly or wheelchair accessible vehicles Private hire vehicle drivers in London had their in London. exemption from the £11.50 daily charge removed last April. As a result of the decision, the Independent Workers Union (IWGB) decided to challenge the withdrawal of the exemption at the High Court. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said the move had been designed to reduce congestion and pollution across London's charging zone. However, the IWGB argues that removing the exemption from minicabs is tantamount to discrimination against a 94% BAME workforce.
The BBC reported that Ben Collins QC, who is representing IWGB, told the court that 71% of minicab drivers affected live in the capital's most deprived areas and have to work long hours to meet their commitments. However, the Mayor and Transport for London's (TfL) legal team stated that the removal of the exemption was an "important means of reducing road congestion and traffic within the Congestion Charge zone".
The IWGB believe that because 88% of the licensed London's taxi industry are white and exempt from the charge, it reinforces the perceived discrimination.
They also spoke of the fact that the removal of the exemption does not reduce the number of wheelchairaccessible vehicles available to the disabled community.
The union also claim that because women are more likely to work as private hire drivers on a part-time basis, they would also be disproportionately affected.
They went on to explain that the decision was a proportionate act in relation to reducing road traffic and congestion.
The union are also claiming that disabled passengers
With the case being heard over two days, Mr Justice Lewis is expected to reserve his judgment.
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Credit Cards
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21
Liverpool black taxis set for mandatory credit card facilities in all vehicles Travelling by black cab in Liverpool will soon be even easier after city council licensing chiefs agreed that all vehicles should provide the facility for customers to pay by debit and credit cards. At a meeting of Liverpool City Council Licensing Committee on Tuesday 9 July, members backed a proposal to introduce mandatory card payment facilities in Hackney Carriage vehicles. The move means Liverpool will follow in the footsteps of cab drivers in London, who already accept card payments. The proposal originally came before the city council’s Licensing Committee in April of this year. Members deferred a decision on the plan, following concerns from drivers about where the card payment reader should be located in the cab. It was originally proposed that the reader would be placed in the passenger compartment but drivers feared this could lead to it being damaged. A revised report to the committee now recommends that the reader be placed in a plastic holder in the partition between the driver and passenger.
about the need for a printer to be installed alongside the reader to issue receipts.
During the consultation, drivers expressed the view that a printer was not needed because they had the option to text or email receipts to the passengers. The new recommendation means it would be left to the driver’s discretion whether they installed a printer. The report to the committee says that the council has a responsibility to make sure a ‘safe taxicab and private hire service is available to meet the demand across all sectors of the public, especially those vulnerable groups to whom a taxicab is often the only means of completing a journey’. Chair of Liverpool City Council’s Licensing Committee, Cllr Christine Banks, said: “This is a positive move for the city’s taxi trade and one that will make it easier for people to travel by cab in our city. As part of the process, we have listened to the concerns of the taxi drivers and acted upon them, by amending the proposals.”
The card payment readers cost about £60, and the drivers will have to meet the cost of the installation. The council consulted with members of the trade in the Drivers now have six months to make sure their cab is fitted with a card reader. run-up to the proposal. Drivers also raised concerns
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From Our Readers
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22
Which way would you turn?!
World Cup winning service! “Picked up Emma Hayes MBE today... she was off to the BBC and left her phone behind. Naturally I drove back to Broadcasting House and passed it back to her. This wonderful lady just thanked me on Radio 5 Live during the commentary she is doing on the USA game of the Women’s World Cup. I have a great smile on my face, proud to be a London Cab Driver!”
David Stenson, London
We asked our readers “What has been the strangest thing left in the back of your cab”. As you can imagine, we got some cracking responses!
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A tip from an Australian
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A woman’s placenta after she delivered her baby
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Drugs
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Handbag full of sex toys
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A dog
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A baby in a pushchair
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£10,000
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Chickens
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False teeth
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A wooden leg
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Full drum kit Image: LEVC
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Videos
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23
LEVC: The Story So Far...
The taxi industry is moving fast; whether it be the vehicles we drive or the methods used to hail us down. Take a look at the story so far for taxi manufacturers LEVC.
A new anthem for the cab trade as "We Are London" by The Knowledge hits the streets The Knowledge, a new band comprising of two-thirds London cabbies, has released their first single “We Are London”. Initially launched via a lively YouTube video, it will be available for full download/streaming from the usual sources from 19 July.
It was premiered live at the Taxis Show Talent Charity Gala in April, when it also featured Joe Cartwright’s daughter Ellie onstage.
The anthemic song, co-written and performed by London taxi drivers Joe Cartwright and Jon Cox, plus theatre impresario and entrepreneur Vaughan Williams, The video also features a cameo from Maureen Lipman, also features actor Lee MacDonald, best known for his driving the latest taxi on the market, LEVC's zero role as Zammo in Grange Hill, guesting on lead vocals. emission capable TXE.
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Courtroom
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24
Cabbie pleads guilty to theft after finding watch in the back of vehicle and trying to sell it on eBay
A Tenby cabbie has pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing after finding a gold Cloggau wrist watch in the back of his work vehicle and attempting to sell it on eBay.
“The complainant saw the item for sale online and recognised it, then got a family member to contact the seller and once they got Mr. Powell’s details, they passed them onto the police.
Thirty-four-year-old Mark Ian Powell, of Jameston, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court to the offence which took place on 15 September 2018.
“Initially Mr. Powell denied the offence and said that he had bought the watch legitimately himself and that it was just a coincidence.
As reported in the Tenby Observer, Powell was handed “This case is aggravated as it is a breach of trust from a 12 month community order, which was to include someone in his position. Quite often things are left in 150 hours of unpaid work. the back of a taxi by mistake - but customers don’t expect the drivers to pocket such items for He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 themselves,” added Mr. Pritchard-Jones. and an £85 victim surcharge. Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that a female passenger reported that her watch had fallen off in the back of the taxi she had been travelling.
Mike Kelleher, defending, said that his client had made a ‘huge mistake’ which was out of character by not handing the watch in and instead choosing to take it home.
Addressing the court, Pritchard-Jones said: “Mr. Powell who was the next driver to take over taxi duties for this vehicle, must have found the watch and instead of handing it into the firm’s control, he kept it.
“This has been hanging over his head for some time and caused him some considerable grief. The watch has been returned unharmed. He has pleaded guilty to the matter which is made rather more serious by the breach of trust aspect,” he added.
“He attempted to give it to his wife as a gift but she didn’t like it, so he then tried to sell it on eBay to make some money off it. Find TaxiPoint on social media
Transport
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25
Woman riding e-scooter tragically dies in London lorry crash First of its kind accident in the UK Image: Google Maps
A woman travelling on an electric scooter died at the Earlier that same week, Transport for London (TfL) scene of a crash involving a lorry in south-west London chief Mike Brown had called for a review of the safety on Friday 12 July. of electric scooters on public roads, citing the The rider of the scooter has been named as 35 year old inevitability of them becoming legal. TV presenter Emily Hartridge.
In an interview with the Evening Standards, he The popular presenter and You Tuber was involved in a expressed concern that e-scooter riders could present collision with a lorry at Queens Circus, on the southern a danger to both the public and themselves. side of Chelsea Bridge at just after 8.30am. When questioned about the rising use of e-scooters, Mr Brown rejected the suggestion of an outright ban, According to Metropolitan Police sources, Ms but recognised the need for riders to show dueHartridge suffered serious injuries and was sadly caution. pronounced dead at the scene. Current legislation dictates that e-scooter riders can be hit with six points on their driving licence and face the prospect of a ÂŁ300 fine, if they use the machines on Roads in the area were closed for most of the morning, public roads. whilst officers completed on the scene investigations. Mr Brown stated that TfL would need to liaise with the The junction was redesigned by Transport for London Department of Transport in obtaining some sort of and Wandsworth Council to incorporate segregated guidance, given that the use of e-scooters is a raised kerb lanes for cyclists in 2015. However, countrywide issue rather than a localised one. concerns surrounding the new layout have been A spokesperson for TfL stated that Mr Brown wanted raised. Last year a cyclist was hit by a bin lorry and involvement in any new rules in legislating e-scooters tragically killed. and is not looking to ban them. E-scooters are currently illegal to use on public roads. That also includes using the vehicle on pavements and in cycle lanes. Enquiries are underway and there are currently no arrests at this early stage.
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Apps
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26
Half of all cab firms believe Uber poses a ’severe or moderate threat’ according to new research Half of all cab firms surveyed believe Uber poses a ‘severe or moderate threat’, according to new research. The consultation involving 103 taxi operators also highlighted that cab firms believe digital hailing is the future of the taxi industry.
cab companies are well aware of the changing dynamics of the cab market and the threats that they pose. Cabs.com is in a unique position to help.”
Cabs.com, a cab firm aggregator, announced the results of its latest survey into the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) market. Cabs.com lists over 8,000 cab firms on its website, more than 50% of the UK market. This is the second survey the company has conducted and it was sent out to 3,000 independent cab firms (103 responded), 20% of the total in the UK.
10 to 15 drivers
The picture emerged of a robust and optimistic sector of the taxi market, but one aware of the challenges facing it. Below is a summary of some of the major findings:
Berry added: “82% of companies surveyed said they would be interested in our service if we could lower costs and increase bookings. You can see from the figures above that the market bears significant office and staff costs.
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The survey also built a picture of the infrastructure of an average cab firm:
Average fare of c£12 Monthly passenger bookings of 1000-2000 Monthly staff costs of £8000 Office rent of £500 - £1000 per month
52% of companies believe Uber poses a severe or “An automatic dispatch system would significantly moderate threat reduce these costs, whilst our passenger and driver 73% believe digital hailing is the future of the taxi apps ensure a quality of industry service that would see 79% believe independent cab firms should join increased bookings.” together to effectively compete with Uber
William Berry, CEO of Cabs.com, said: “Independent
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Apps
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27
Councillor shows support for local taxi drivers and warns residents to stay clear of Uber “There is a clear safety message here and that is that taxi and private hire users should make sure they only use licensed vehicles.”
A Tunbridge Wells councillor has issued a warning to members of the public not to get into unlicensed vehicles, after reports surfaced across social media that Uber drivers were circulating looking for work in the area. Controversial ride-sharing app Uber is not licensed to operate in Tunbridge Wells and now councillor Bob Backhouse wants to remind local residents that getting into an unlicensed vehicle can cause all sorts of problems.
unlicensed vehicle chances are the insurance won’t be valid.'
As reported first in the Times Local News, Councillor Bob Backhouse, chair of the licensing committee said: “Uber is not licensed in the borough and has not made an application to the council’s licensing service. “There is a clear safety message here and that is that taxi and private hire users should make sure they only use licensed vehicles.”
Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Hackney Carriages, The council posted a message on their Facebook page Shujaullah Baraki said: “Nobody should get in a taxi that after receiving reports of Ubers operating illegally in the is unlicensed, and if Uber were allowed to operate here area. they would not be good for the taxi business. “I am against Uber coming to Tunbridge Wells, as are a lot of taxi drivers as it will lose us our jobs.” A spokesperson for the San Francisco app company said: “We recognise there have been concerns about private hire journeys crossing jurisdictional boundaries. In the message posted on social media, the council said: “Last year we introduced changes that means drivers 'Going out tonight? We’ve seen a post from someone are only able to use our app within the region where on a local online selling site saying Uber is in town. they are licensed as a private hire driver. 'Uber isn’t licensed by TWBC so please be careful. Only “We continue to work closely with local councils on this use licensed cabs and private hire vehicles. If you use an issue.” Image: LEVC
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UK
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28
UK Government calls for action to tackle particulate matter released from tyres and brakes
Image: pxhere
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Transport Minister Michael Ellis are leading a push to tackle the impact of particulate and plastic pollution from brakes, tyres and road wear.
that have a detrimental impact on human health but also the tiny particles that are released from their brakes and tyres.
As outlined in its landmark Clean Air Strategy, the UK Government is now calling for industry to support the development of standardised methods for measuring emissions from these sources, leading to a new international standard for tyre and brake wear.
ways to address the challenges of air pollution from other sources”.
“That is why an ambition of our Clean Air Strategy is to While air quality has improved significantly over recent address all sources of particulate matter, including decades, a new report published by the Air Quality those from transport. Today’s research goes a long way Expert Group (AQEG) calls for urgent action to address in helping us better understand the problem. the problem of tyres and brakes which is predicted to “Emissions from car exhausts have been decreasing account for 10 per cent of national emissions of PM 2.5 through development of cleaner technologies and there by 2030. is now a need for the car industry to find innovative
It comes as the government also publishes the summary of responses to its call for evidence on these emission sources, which indicate that the problem is still poorly understood.
Transport Minister Michael Ellis said: “We are committed to reducing all transport emissions and cleaning up our air. With record levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on the UK’s roads, things are clearly moving in the right direction.
“To continue this progress, we are looking for ways to reduce emissions from other sources such as brakes Calling on the automotive industry to consider action to and tyres. We are engaging at an international level to address the problem, Environment Minister Thérèse identify how to measure these emissions as well as Coffey said: “The documents published today make aiming to develop standards to control them.” clear that it is not just fumes from car exhaust pipes
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UK Each time a car is driven, tiny pieces of particulate matter such as dust are released into the air from the brake wear, tyre wear and road surface wear.
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29 Industry innovation is one way to tackle the challenge and the government is also advising drivers to consider how their driving style can reduce emissions, with
These particles enter the airstream having a detrimental impact on human health for drivers, passengers and bystanders. Plastic particles from tyres are also deposited into our sewers and lead to harmful consequences to our marine wildlife and aquatic food chains.
Image: UK Government
While focus has previously been on tackling exhaust emissions, this report offers the most globally comprehensive analysis to date of the impact of brake and tyre wear. The government is also due to shortly publish the results of a new ÂŁ200,000 research project with the University of Plymouth, assessing the impact of microplastics from tyres and clothing on the marine environment.
Michael Ellis MP
gentle braking, driving at a consistent speed and using hybrid and electric vehicles with regenerative braking some of the ways to play a part.
Licensing
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30
London taxi demos continue as road access concerns remain unheard Hundreds of London taxi drivers continued their weekly protest at Parliament Square on Wednesday, calling for the authorities to listen to industry concerns over road access in the capital. The drivers have congregated in Westminster for a least one day a week since early Spring, to voice their concerns. The drivers hope to stop any future plans to ban taxis from driving on key parts of the capital’s road network. The message from the protesters is very much ‘where buses go, taxis go’.
with a number choosing to lobby their respective MPs in Parliament whilst the demonstration is on for the 3 hour period. This is proving to be a popular and effective move, as sadly there are still some MPs who are of the opinion (wrongly) that this is an anti-Uber demonstration, rather than one of prevention of access to bus lanes to Taxis in some areas of London. The more this is being done then the more the message is slowly transcending through it appears.
“Andy Nichols of the RMT union was also present, and it was seen later that BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine had taken a podcast video of the demo whilst in the square.
Both Transport for London and local authority officials have continue to acknowledge the demands of “Members of the public and tourists are still asking the organisers. questions and being told exactly why the demo is A spokesperson from industry PR group, London Taxi happening, and again they are being informed and PR, said: “Once again London Taxis were present at the given leaflets by those present as to the exact reasons, Proactive ITA demonstration in Parliament Square on with the vast majority in full support it has to be said.” Wednesday, where they have been for the past 20 plus The demo will continue indefinitely with the next one weeks. planned on Wednesday 1-4pm at Parliament Square. “Some 400-500 Taxi cabs and drivers were present,
Image: @The_LCDC (Twitter)
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Vehicle
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32
LEVC selects Oxford Direct Services for servicing of TXE electric taxis Oxford Direct Services (ODS), the commercial arm of Oxford City Council, has been approved as an authorised service dealer for the world’s first purpose built electric taxi - the TX. Under a three-year agreement, ODS will join a network of LEVC dealers outside London servicing TX black cabs, carrying out warranty work, supplying parts, responding to any breakdowns and undertaking body repairs in its insurance approved body repair centre. Its wide geographic catchment area will span from Bristol, south of Birmingham to west London.
Image: LEVC
Four ODS technicians will be trained and LEVC certified, with ODS investing in the appropriate diagnostic and specialist insulated tools required to keep electric taxis on the road.
Image: LEVC
LEVC reveals its new light van based on the successful zero emissions-capable TX electric taxi The clean and green urban delivery van of tomorrow is here: LEVC’s new commercial vehicle, a zero-emission capable light van, draws on more than 70 years of knowledge from the same company that manufactures the world’s only purpose-built range extended electric taxi. Revealed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and LEVC CEO Joerg Hofmann at the Institution of Engineering and
Technology – where the city committed to introducing five new flagship charging hubs, new rapid charging infrastructure and a dedicated ‘one-stop-shop’ to handle infrastructure enquiries – LEVC’s new LCV has been designed to meet rapidly increasing global demand for green, electrified commercial transport; medium-sized vans capable of moving goods around urban areas efficiently, while helping to improve air quality. Image: LEVC
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Vehicle
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33
Electric taxis exempt from higher tax rates as UK moves towards net zero
Image: LEVC
New incentives have been announced by government for taxi drivers and companies to buy zero-emission capable vehicles.
year. This follows the success of Coventry based LEVC, which has now manufactured almost 2,500 electric cabs in the UK.
It is hoped that more taxi drivers will be encouraged to buy environmentally friendly vehicles, thanks to new legislation exempting them from the premium rate of vehicle excise duty.
Michael Ellis, Roads Minister, said :"The government’s ambition is for the UK to be the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle, as the country moves at pace towards net zero.
The move will push forward the government’s ambition for net zero emissions by 2050 by reducing costs for taxi drivers and companies who purchase zero-emission capable taxis over conventional petrol or diesel models.
"Taxis are an iconic feature of our streets and by introducing financial incentives for the most environmentally friendly taxis and improving air quality in city centres, we are proudly putting our money where our mouth is."
The government have said this premium vehicle tax exemption will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in areas where people live, work and shop.
The legislation is just one of a number of measures introduced by government to encourage the uptake of zero-emission vehicles, including providing over £20 million to 27 local authorities to install over 900 dedicated electric taxi charge points. The government The announcement, which coincided with London Climate Action Week, was welcomed by British electric continues to offer up to £7,500 off the price of zerotaxi supplier Dynamo Motor Company, which is soon emission capable taxis through a £50 million grant. to launch its fully electric taxi in the autumn of this
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EV
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34
New £37million investment for British engineering to develop electric wireless, solar and mass chargepoint infrastructure The government has announced it is investing £37 million into British engineering to transform electric chargepoint infrastructure, revolutionising the experience for the record levels of ultralow emission vehicle drivers on UK roads. Twelve projects are set to receive a share of the funding, to support the creation of innovations including wireless charging technologies, meaning electric vehicles of the future could charge without the need to plug in a cable.
Urban Foresight, a smart city consultancy, has been awarded over £3 million with Urban Electric to demonstrate Urban Electric’s ‘pop-up’ changing hubs, which are built into the pavement and provide a discreet, safe and low-cost charging solution for Future of Mobility Minister, Michael Ellis, said: “We’re electric vehicle drivers without access to off-street parking. charging up the transport revolution and investing in technologies to transform the experience for electric Further projects to receive funding include: vehicle drivers. • a renovation project, installing charge-points in “Ensuring the charging infrastructure for electric car parks to allow for mass charging at night vehicles is reliable and innovative is encouraging more • a project leveraging existing Virgin Media people to join the record numbers of ultra-low physical and online infrastructure to deliver emission vehicle users already on UK roads.” cost-effective and widespread charging, using The Road to Zero strategy sets out new measures to high speed internet connections to better share clean up road transport and lead the world in information online on charging progress and developing, manufacturing and using zero emission parking spaces road vehicles. Through funding these projects, the • a cutting edge storage and advanced electronics government is incentivising drivers to move towards project that will deliver semi-rapid charging buying electric vehicles, supporting the key aims of the using a low power grid connection minimising strategy. the need for costly substation upgrades The news came on the one-year anniversary of the government’s Road to Zero strategy, which has driven a 60% increase in battery electric vehicle registrations this year compared to the same period in 2018.
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Apps
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 35
FREE NOW rebrand driven by broader mobility options including e-scooters and taxi sharing mytaxi has rebranded to FREE NOW as the firm seeks to lean back, enjoy their ride and let us take care of to introduce broader mobility options to users. the details of getting them from A to B. In the UK, FREE NOW is looking to pilot its taxi sharing scheme, “Match”, in some cities outside of London in the coming months. Furthermore, the company is lobbying for legislation of e-scooters which they say will be a great addition to UK cities, especially for shorter, inner-city trips.
“We want drivers using our app to be confident in us taking care of getting them enough jobs so they can earn their well deserved living”, Zimmermann reveals. In order to raise brand awareness FREE NOW is investing a double digit million euro budget into an international brand campaign, which starts today.
FREE NOW is part of the brand family created through the mobility merger of BMW and Daimler. The other verticals within that family are SHARE NOW (Carsharing) REACH NOW (multi-modal), PARK NOW and CHARGE NOW.
Neither passengers nor drivers will have to install a new app. The change from mytaxi to the new FREE NOW app will happen through a regular update, which is available on Google Play and the iOS Appstore. Also all accounts and their settings remain “We believe that being part of a global mobility brand unchanged. family will be a very strong advantage for us, The ride-hailing app currently operates in 100 cities especially when all verticals have finished their across Europe, with 14 million passengers and more rebranding” , Thomas Zimmermann, FREE NOW Chief than 100,000 drivers. In the UK, FREE NOW is Marketing Officer (CMO) explains. “For us, FREE NOW available in London, Manchester, Nottingham, means freedom of mind. We want to free our Edinburgh, Brighton, Reading, Oxford, Derby and customers - both passengers and drivers - from Leicester. everyday worries and stress. We want our passengers
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Charity
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36
The sun shone on the legendary children's taxi charity outing to Southend-on-Sea The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children welcomed volunteer London licensed taxi drivers and 200+ special needs and disadvantaged children to Sainsbury’s car park in Chingford, where their legendary outing to Southend-on-Sea was about to commence. With history dating back 91 years, the charity runs annual outings for special needs and disadvantaged children and also provides funding for appeals in assisting children in need of help.
The committee is run by volunteer taxi drivers, and donations go straight towards helping the children. This year’s recent outing saw the volunteer drivers arrive with their taxis decorated and the children and their helpers allocated their places before setting off for Southend-on-Sea.
“Our Southend outing was a huge success. The taxis looked amazing with our new branding on and the sight of the convoy travelling to Southend was really something special. “Huge thanks to everyone who gives up their precious time for the day, especially our volunteer taxi drivers. “It is a humbling sight to watch the determined children go on all the rides and they are truly inspiring.
“I must also thank our sponsors and committee members for the time and effort that is put into organising Southend each year. It is a privilege to help these fantastic children who are so appreciative of this wonderful day."
On arrival at Southend, the children were treated to lunch and then it was off to Adventure Island, chaperoned by the volunteer taxi drivers, to enjoy the amazing rides and attractions. Later in the afternoon coaches arrived to take the very excited and happy children back to the Cliffs Pavilion for some tea which led on to the disco! Michael Son, BEM, LTCFC Chairman commented:
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Charity
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37
London cabbies set to huff and puff their way to Brighton in aid of the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children As part of the London Taxi Drivers' Charity for Children's (LTCFC) fundraising activities for 2019, a group of 15 riders, comprising LTCFC Committee Members, fellow taxi drivers and friends will be attempting the 55 mile London to Brighton Cycle Ride on Sunday 15 September.
domestic/parental circumstance to a fun filled day that they will never forget. If you would like to sponsor the charity’s cyclists to help fund the children’s party, there are a number of ways you can donate.
You can either:According to charity sources, most of the participating Visit the London to Brighton Just Giving page Committee Members and their associates haven't ridden a bike since their teenage years, so the 55 mile at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ course may prove challenging! LTCFCLondontoBrighton2019 The aim is to raise a minimum of £5,000 to put towards the overall cost of the charity's Mad Hatter's Tea Party, which is held every January at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Use the “Donate” button on the LTCFC website at: https://www.ltcfc.org.uk/
This annual event treats over 600 children disadvantaged by physical/mental impairment or
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Charity
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38
A taxi spectacle like no other: The Edinburgh Taxi Kid’s Day Outing
All images: Sparky Forsyth (Creative Sparks Photography)
Cabbies from Edinburgh have treated local children with special needs to a day out like no other. The children experienced a spectacle of colour and balloons as part of the 73rd Edinburgh Taxi Trade Children's Outing.
The annual taxi outing, which is steeped in tradition, offers the families a memorable free day out which would otherwise not be possible. The outing was formed in the wake of the Second World War and has been popular ever since. Taxi drivers from Edinburgh volunteer their time and
vehicles for the yearly event which takes place on the second Tuesday in June. As always, the children were armed with water balloons and pistols, which (most) of the public took in great spirits!
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Air Quality
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 39
Study finds London’s Embankment flagship cycle highway MORE polluted than City routes Image: Max Pixel
A new study has found London’s air pollution levels are the Embankment wrote on their blog: “The average lower in the City than along the capital’s flagship cycle- NO2 concentrations over all monitoring exercises were lane route on the Embankment. 13% higher along the Embankment route than those measured on the alternative route through the City of Campaign group, Unblock the Embankment, recently London, and, average NO2 concentrations during a commissioned energy firm Ricardo to research and single AM or PM monitoring exercise were up to 65% compare air pollution levels along two cycle routes. higher on the Embankment route than on the The group represent road users who rely on the A3211, alternative route through the City of London. the road between Westminster Bridge and Tower Hill “All the more reason for calling on the Mayor of (which includes the Victoria Embankment as well as London, TfL and the City of London to work together to Upper and Lower Thames Streets). reroute the East-West cycleway up through the City One of the routes studied spanned the congested and Unblock the Embankment.” riverside Embankment road, whilst the second route headed through the heart of the city which included Bank In a recent poll conducted by Junction. TaxiPoint, the vast majority of According to the report, ‘in readers thought cycle lanes were general, increased NO2 having a NEGATIVE impact on air concentrations were quality and road surface measured at junctions where congestion in their cities. road traffic is more likely to be slow moving or queuing’.
TaxiPoint Poll
A spokesperson for Unblock
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Miscellaneous
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 40
Crazed passenger tried to gouge taxi driver's eye out following disagreement
Thanabalasingham manage to force his attacker's arm away to protect his eye.
Joney Joey Thanabalasingham’s vehicle car on route to a job interview on Saturday 4 May, when he “lost his temper” and began shouting and swearing.
“He asked him to drive further down as he was on his way to a job interview.”
As reported in the Press and Journal, Miah appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where he admitted to the assault and behaving in an aggressive manner.
Representing Miah, solicitor Laura Gracie, said: A man has admitted trying to gouge an Aberdeen taxi “There was a struggle between the two as he had lost driver’s eye in a fit of rage following a disagreement his temper with the taxi driver. about where he was being dropped off. “Mr Miah thought the driver was abandoning him at the side of a road he didn’t know. Taxi passenger, Akter Miah, 34, was in the back of
The court heard that an ambulance was called to the When the taxi came to a stop, Miah grabbed the scene for Mr Thanabalasingham, but paramedics driver and a scuffle broke out between the two. found he only had minor injuries. Miah was Both men fell to the ground, this is when Miah began sentenced by Sheriff Andrew Miller, to 100 hours of unpaid work, which has to be completed within the to thrust his nails into the driver's eye. next eight months.
Idling drivers could face higher fines under new government crackdown
Drivers that leave their engines running while parked could face tougher penalties under new proposals. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, intends to launch a public consultation, looking at increasing fines for idling drivers. Vehicle idling is a major factor in poor air quality, particularly in areas with large numbers of waiting vehicles - such as outside schools, at taxi ranks The consultation, and bus stations. expected to launch this Councils already have the power to fine drivers, but the Department for Transport is looking at toughening summer, will also up those powers to try and put a stop to unnecessary explore how to deal with repeat air pollution. offenders who Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said: “We are keep their engines running following several warnings. determined to crack down on drivers who pollute our These proposals are the latest move in the communities by leaving their engines running, government’s drive to improve air quality, which particularly outside school gates where our children include grants to encourage the purchase of cleaner are breathing in this toxic air. vehicles, the commitment to end the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040 “Putting a stop to idling is an easy way to drive down as part of our Road to Zero strategy, and the doubling dangerously high levels of pollution, reducing its of investment in cycling and walking since 2010. impact on the environment and our health.”
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Courtroom
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 41
Man jailed after driving a van head on into a taxi he falsely claimed had been stolen from his home A Runcorn man reported to police that his Dad’s van had been stolen, when he had in fact crashed it into a taxi whilst driving on the wrong side of the road. George Ellis, of The Wharf, fled the scene of the collision and the following morning contacted Cheshire Constabulary to claim that burglars had stolen the van from outside his home.
Image: Cheshire Police
Officers untangled the 24-year-old’s web of lies and to an insurance company. Ellis has been jailed after admitting charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop following a collision Officers investigated Ellis’ claims and as his story failed to add up, he was arrested on Monday 29 and perverting the course of justice. October 2018. The head-on collision occurred on the A56 Chester During police questioning, Ellis admitted crashing the Road in Preston Brook, Runcorn, shortly before van and confessed that his burglary report was a 10.30pm on Tuesday 23 October 2018. complete fabrication. Activating the deployment of airbags in both vehicles, Forensic analysis of his mobile phones revealed it left the taxi driver, a 25-year-old man from messages to a friend in which Ellis admitted fleeing Ellesmere Port, with minor injuries that required the scene after causing the collision. hospital treatment and caused more than £30,000 worth of damage to his vehicle. Dashcam footage from the taxi shows that the van was travelling on the wrong side of the road when the collision occurred.
Ellis was able to get out of the van and flee the scene on foot following the collision. He made his bogus burglary and van theft report to the police the following day in a bid to evade justice. Ellis also reported the van as being stolen
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Courtroom
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 42
Ellis was sentenced for his crimes at Chester Crown Court on Monday 8 July. He was jailed for 12 months, ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge and banned from driving for threeand-a-half years. Ellis will have to take an extended retest to get his driving licence back.
Police Constable Stuart Beswick, who led the investigation at Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “At 6.40am on Wednesday 24 October George Ellis reported to us that the keys to his dad’s van had been stolen from his house in Runcorn and the vehicle itself was then stolen from the driveway. “The truth was that the previous night he had driven it on the wrong side of the road on the way home from watching a football match at a hotel. He collided head-on with a taxi, and after briefly talking to the driver he fled the scene on foot.
“The taxi driver was left with minor injuries which required hospital treatment and the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles. The consequences of this incident could have been far worse. “Forty-six people died on Cheshire’s roads last year, with many of these collisions caused by dangerous driving.
“Ellis told a series of lies in a bid to evade justice regarding his dangerous driving, to no avail. “We are delighted that he is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions and we hope that this case deters others from driving dangerously, fleeing the scene of a collision and attempting to pervert the course of justice.”
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Private Hire
July 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 43
Image: Aylesbury Vale DC
Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) successfully prosecuted THREE drivers for illegally plying for hire at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court on 28 June.
Council successfully prosecutes THREE drivers for illegally plying for hire
The cases were brought before the court following an enforcement operation carried out by officers from AVDC in November 2018.
Raja Sajid Kiani attended Court and pleaded Guilty to plying for hire and driving without motor insurance committed on 3 November 2018. He was fined £140 for plying for hire, £420 for no insurance, given 6 points on his DVLA licence which resulted in the loss of his DVLA driving licence due to exceeding 12 points on his licence. He also has to pay £200 costs and a charge of £42.
The three drivers, who were operating private hire vehicles licensed by AVDC, accepted journeys by council officers who were acting as members of the public. From one destination to another in Aylesbury, they were not pre-booked via their operator. This in turn meant that it invalidated the insurance for the vehicle as the policy in place only covers the vehicle for Amir Yasin failed to attend Court however had pleaded journeys that were pre-booked. Guilty to plying for hire and driving without motor Fayaz Ali Ghumro attended Court and pleaded guilty to insurance committed on 3 November 2018. Mr Yasin is plying for hire and driving without motor insurance awaiting sentencing at a later date. committed on 3 November 2018. He was fined £146 The Council will now consider action regarding their for plying for hire, £440 for no insurance, given 6 Private Hire / Hackney Carriage driver licences. points on his DVLA licence and also has to pay £200 costs and a charge of £44. Councillor Susan Renshell, Chair of AVDC’s Licensing
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Image: Aylesbury Vale DC
Committee, said: “Unlawfully plying for hire is a serious offence. Apart from taking legitimate work from licensed hackney carriages whose livelihood depends on picking up passengers, it impacts significantly on public safety. The effect of unlawfully plying for hire is that it invalidates the drivers’ insurance and may leave customers and third party drivers without financial redress in the event of an accident. These drivers must take responsibility for the safety of the passengers they carry in licensed vehicles.
in place with adequate insurance.
“Licensed drivers are in a position of trust and the public expect that they have the appropriate licences
Aylesbury Vale District Council will continue these operations to ensure compliance with the law in a bid to eradicate illegal plying for hire in the district.
“We hope this will send a clear message to the licensed trade to show the consequences that await any licenced driver who fails to comply with the law. We urge members of the public to make sure that all journeys taken in a private hire vehicle are pre-booked via the operator to ensure their own safety.” All Aylesbury licensed private hire vehicles are liveried with the wording ‘Be booked be insured’.
Glasgow private hire driver attempts to ram four colleagues outside nightclub Police are appealing for witnesses after four private car hire drivers were deliberately driven at outside a nightclub in Partick, Glasgow, on Monday 1 July. Around 2.30 am on Monday 1 July there was an argument between a number of private car hire drivers outside a nightclub on Dumbarton Road near to Thurso Street, Partick, Glasgow. One of the drivers left the area in his grey Citroen Picasso car heading towards the city centre, however, he appears to have come back and driven at speed towards the men, one of whom was standing on the road. All managed to get away from the car, but have been left shaken by the incident.
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is appealing for information. She said: “Although we have spoken to a number of people who were at the club at the time, we are still keen to hear from anyone who may have been driving by – especially if they have dash cams on their car – to see if they have captured the car, which had a South Lanarkshire Council licence plate, in the area at the time of the incident. “Thankfully no one was hurt but it could have had terrible consequences if the car had hit the men, or indeed any of the clubbers or door staff who were about at the time.”
Detective Sergeant Bernadette Walls, Drumchapel CID,
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New compulsory training introduced for Herefordshire taxi and private hire drivers
Herefordshire Council have voted to introduce a new Once completed, this will mean taxi and private hire policy for all taxi and private hire drivers licensed by the licence holders will also be authorised to carry out authority. county transport work on behalf of Herefordshire Council. Drivers will now have to complete mandatory safeguarding training to ensure vulnerable residents are Among those specific work opportunities are such fully protected. transport contracts to take children to and from schools and transporting social care clients. Herefordshire Council, who currently have around 1,050 taxi and private hire drivers working under their legislation, voted to adopt the new policy which hopes to become an invaluable document for council officers while enforcing and regulating the industry.
Councillor Ange Tyler, cabinet member for housing, regulatory services, and community safety, said the council were delighted to have the opportunity to revamp the council's Taxi Policy.
Mandatory safeguarding training is the stand out new She added: "We have consulted with both the taxi trade policy, which has been adopted by many other licensing and stakeholders, and this update is something they authorities around the UK. have been asking for as well."
As reported in the Cotswold Journal, the training will be provided in conjunction with council Children's Services.
Tyler stressed the importance of ensuring that members of the public, and particularly the most vulnerable residents, are fully protected.
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