The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication
Edition 2 | June 2019
Exclusive! TfL to “closely monitor” concerns over shortage of rental black cabs, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan
UK airports squeeze the taxi industry A sign of things to come? VEHICLES | APPS | LICENSING | CROSS -BORDER | POLITICS | AND MORE... www.taxi-point.co.uk
Uber hands back their operator licence in Aberdeen The Local Government (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1976... What is it? Nissan Dynamo set to launch in September
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Editorial
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3
TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson
TaxiPoint Joint Editor: Steve Kenton TaxiPoint Joint Editor:
300,000 TaxiPoint readers and counting...
Michael Murphy TaxiPoint General Manager: Lindsey Richardson
Visit us online at: Welcome to the second edition of our digital magazine, TaxiPoint. After a successful launch last month, we’re delighted to bring you another edition packed full of news and views from across the taxi industry. It’s been an exciting month at TaxiPoint since our last digital magazine as we’ve hit a big milestone; our website has now had over 300,000 different readers in the last 12 months. TaxiPoint has also been accepted onto the global mainstream media news app; Apple News. This development is huge as no other taxi publication in the world has access to the platform. Our reporting is now taking our industry’s news and opinions to a wider audience when they would otherwise not appear in the mainstream. Independent, responsible and accurate journalism is a must, to stand any chance of publishing with these companies... Gold standard journalism for a gold standard industry some might say!
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Thank you for your support and for reading TaxiPoint across our news outlets, and we hope you enjoy our latest digital magazine. Thank you and be lucky,
Perry Richardson
www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: 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. 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.
TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver
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Contents
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 5
p6
p26 p37
p28 p8
In June’s Edition… •
p15
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•
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Heathrow to introduce low emission zone which could cost private hire drivers £10-15 for daily access Uber hands back their operator licence in Aberdeen The Local Government (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1976… What is it? Cabbie jailed for ten weeks for trying to dodge speeding fine Shaun Bailey: I will put taxis back on its rightful pedestal as the premium form of personal transport
p10 Find TaxiPoint on social media
Vehicle
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6
Sound of the taxi industry: From July all new electric vehicles sold must emit noise to warn pedestrians
Image: LEVC
New EU regulations will come into force from July, which will require all new electric vehicles to be sold with a Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS). The AVAS will help protect pedestrians and other road users from silent electric cars.
travelling at speeds up to 12mph. The new rules also state that the noise from the AVAS “should be a continuous one providing the vehicle driving behaviour to other road users and pedestrians”. That means the noise created should mimic that of a traditional internal combustion engine when it accelerates or slows down.
It is said that drivers will be able to select the sound of the vehicle they drive, so long as certain markers are met. Some of the current sounds created range from a traditional V8 roar to a futuristic UFO ‘Some of the current sounds created sound. range from a traditional V8 roar to a Some industries, like the taxi trade, could see this as an opportunity to create an audio brand to help advertise their service and availability in slow moving traffic.
futuristic UFO sound.’
EU Regulation on the Sound Level of Motor Vehicles and EU Requirement ECE R138, state that the AVAS must emit a noise at a minimum sound level of 56db, similar to that of an electric toothbrush, when
The new regulation will start 1 July 2019 and will see all new electric and hybrid vehicles sold with AVAS. It is said that all other electric vehicles will require the “white noise” warning to be fitted by 2021. Campaigners who forced the change in law said that blind people and cyclists using headphones are most at
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Vehicle
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 7
risk from the new electric vehicles. Last year, Kevin Clinton from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said; “The greatest risks associated with electric vehicles are when they are travelling at low speeds, such as in urban areas with lower limits, as the noise from tyres and the road surface, and aerodynamic noise, are minimal at those speeds.”
We asked our readers what sound they thought the new electric taxis should have attached to them, and here’s the top 10! •
Chainsaw
•
Loud moaning / groaning noise
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A raspy rattling TX2
•
Clip clop horse noise
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A dying swan
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Power ballads
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Benny Hill theme tune
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Ice cream van
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Wombles theme tune
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Star Wars lightsabor
Airports
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8
Image: LEVC
London’s Heathrow airport has announced a ‘1 in, 1 out’ policy for new taxi drivers wanting to obtain access tags to the airport’s ranks.
London Heathrow caps the number of taxis accessing rank space due to “over supply”
In a letter circulated by the capital’s busiest airport, the Heathrow Taxi Management team said: “Due to over supply of taxis compared to demand at Heathrow it has been necessary to implement a 1 in 1 out policy. “This policy means that new drivers are only able to join the Heathrow taxi feeder park system and receive a tag and booster when an existing driver closes their account at Heathrow.”
The UCG said via Twitter: “The UCG is totally against the Heathrow Feeder Park Tag waiting list system now in force. The licensed trade is, once again, suffering restriction of trade whilst PH can use the much larger car park without let or hindrance.”
The decision to cap the number of taxi drivers using the ranks at Heathrow has been met with varying levels of support. The GMB Pro Drivers union simply said “and about time too”, whilst the United Cabbie’s Group (UCG) were less supportive. Image: Heathrow Airport Impression
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Airports
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10
New Eye-in-the-sky cameras deployed at Edinburgh Airport to catch rogue taxi and private hire drivers picking up illegally A new high-tech eye in the sky has been deployed at Edinburgh Airport to crackdown on rogue taxi drivers picking up passengers illegally. According to reports in the Edinburgh Evening News, cameras will catch any taxis or private hires that contravene bylaws by picking-up passengers in the wrong area.
The latest crackdown comes after airport bosses noticed a rise in touting, tailgating through the exit barriers and congestion.
Image: M4Kumba82 (Wiki Commons)
Adrian Witherow, Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “The safety of staff and passengers is always our number one priority and practices like touting and tailgating must be addressed to ensure the drop-off zone is a safe environment for everyone.
“Touting is also denying our licenced taxis business and we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of that service”
operators to act in a responsible and safe manner and encourage them to adhere to the agreements that are in place to deliver a positive experience for passengers and drivers.” New signage has been installed to warn drivers of the consequences of picking up in restricted areas. Any vehicles that pick-up passengers in the drop off zone will receive a parking charge notice of £100. A private company will manage this for the airport.
“It’s important that we provide a steady supply of taxis and private hire cars for passengers who land in Edinburgh but, unfortunately, a rise in these unsafe practices is impacting on our ability to do that. "Touting is also denying our licenced taxis business and we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of that service, especially when that agreement ensures a supply of cars available for our passengers and customers at all hours of the day. “We hope that these measures will encourage all
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Airports
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12
Heathrow to introduce low emission zone which could cost private hire drivers £10-15 for daily access
Image: Heathrow Airport
Heathrow has announced it is getting ready to introduce a set of tough new measures to protect local air quality, reduce congestion and tackle emissions, as the airport looks to crack down on motorists to help solve environmental challenges. The UK’s only hub airport is putting plans in motion to introduce charges for passenger cars and all private hire vehicles. This includes the world’s first airport Ultra Low Emission Zone (the Heathrow ULEZ), set to be introduced in 2022.
the airport, the Heathrow ULEZ will transition into a vehicle access charge (VAC) on all passenger cars, taxis and private hire vehicles coming to car parks or dropoff areas. The goal is to tackle the main source of local air pollution – road vehicles – and reduce congestion by encouraging more people to use sustainable ways of getting to and from the airport. Initial proposals for the Heathrow ULEZ could set the charge figure between £10-15, in line with charges set by the Mayor in central London.
The Heathrow ULEZ will introduce minimum vehicle emissions standards identical to the London Mayor’s ULEZ for passenger cars and private hire vehicles entering car parks or drop-off areas at any of Heathrow’s terminals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Taxis will be exempt from the HULEZ charges, in line with the London ULEZ scheme. Taxis will be subject to the Heathrow VAC charge when it comes online with the new runway. Private hire vehicles will be subject to the Heathrow ULEZ and Heathrow VAC charges.
Over time with the opening of the new runway from 2026 and improvements to public transport access to
The airport is currently exploring ways of expanding the current electric vehicle charging points for black
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Airports
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 13
cabs and other cars at the airport to incentivise and make practical the use of the cleanest vehicles possible.
Heathrow will now join London and Birmingham as the third UK zone to impose charges on the most polluting cars.
Heathrow is proposing that private hire vehicles have the opportunity to qualify for a discount under the Heathrow ULEZ if they register their vehicle with the airport. This proposal will be finalised after consultation with the submission of the DCO application. Under the HVAC, Heathrow is proposing to monitor registered private hire vehicles and black cabs for the number of times they are recorded picking-up
Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow Expansion is not a choice between the economy and the environment – we must deliver for both. Today’s announcement shows that we will take the tough decisions to ensure that the airport grows responsibly.” Former London Deputy Mayor for Transport and newly appointed Chair of independent Heathrow Transport Area Forum, Val Shawcross, said: "This is a significant step change in Heathrow’s effort to clean up local ground level air pollution by shifting people into the cleanest modes of transport. I have never pulled my punches talking to the airport about local air quality and I look forward to continuing to hold Heathrow to account in my new independent role as Chair of the Heathrow Area Transport Forum.”
and dropping-off passengers in the same trip (i.e. ‘backfilling’ – cutting down empty trips to/from the airport) and issue a discount on the charge owed to Heathrow per backfilled trip at the end of the invoicing period.
Heathrow will be consulting on proposals for its surface access strategy, including Heathrow ULEZ and Heathrow VAC, in a statutory consultation on the preferred masterplan for expansion which will be launched on 18 June. The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on our proposals as part of this consultation.
Private hire vehicles and black cabs will need to pick-up and drop-off in legally designated areas for these pick-up/dropoff activities within the airport in order to qualify for this discount. These details of the HVAC scheme will be finalised closer to the time of the scheme opening. The announcement comes at a time when action is needed to protect local air quality by changing industry and public behaviour.
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Airports
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14
East Midlands Airport bosses scrap drop-off charge increase after complaints over lengthy queues Image: Robin Stott
East Midlands Airport bosses have been forced into an embarrassing U-turn after they were forced to ditch a new charging scheme at the airport’s drop-off zone. Angry taxi drivers and motorists complained of complete gridlock when attempting to leave the airport after drop-off charges were increased from £2 for 10 minutes to £2 for 5 minutes and then £1 for every subsequent minute. Airport bosses claimed that the charges were revised in an effort to improve the traffic flow when leaving the zone, however according to cabbies and motorists alike it had the opposite effect, creating gridlock as panicked motorists attempted to leave the zone as quickly as possible to avoid being heavily charged, which in turn created massive tailbacks at the airport. One motorist told BBC News that had airport staff not opened up a second barrier he would have been charged £27 to drop off and leave the airport. Airport bosses confirmed that drop-off charges at the airport will now revert back to the original charging regime of £2 for 10 minutes for the foreseeable future.
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Apps
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15
Uber hands back their operator licence in Aberdeen Aberdeen City Council has confirmed the American ride Silicon Valley giant's platform, would have had to -sharing firm Uber, have handed their office booking undergo the same training and tests as ordinary licence back which they obtained in 2017. Aberdeen taxi drivers. According to reports, the controversial app has said it has no plans to operate in the Granite City. The exact reason behind the licence hand-back is not clear as of yet, but a tourism lecturer at Aberdeen University said it could be because the taxi and private hire industry has really struggled in recent years.
This is not the case in some other cities, causing speculation that it may have something to do with Uber's decision to no longer require an operators licence.
Lecturer Andrew Martin said there has been less people coming to Aberdeen, making it hard for tourist-reliant industries to thrive. As reported in the Press & Journal, Martin said: “I would reckon that the business case for Uber just wasn’t as strong as it might once have been.� It is understood that any driver wanting to join the
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Feature
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16
Cities need to strike right balance to address problems of accidents, congestion and pollution A meeting took place between Transport for London (TfL) and Kensington stakeholders on 13 June at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall to discuss plans for a cycleway through Notting Hill and Holland Park Avenue. Part of a number of proposed improvements to the area, TfL say it will make roads more welcoming and the area a safer, healthier and more pleasant place.
Image: LTDA (Twitter)
which it was done.” Mr Brown even went so far as to apologise for the way cycling lanes had been delivered during an event organised by LBC radio. The LTDA’s subsequent tweet during the meeting noted: “Local Coucillors (sic) tell meeting he cannot support this scheme! Standing ovation from audience goes on for over 3 minutes!!”
According to the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) who were in attendance, there was a fantastic This isn’t the first time that TfL have encountered turnout and the meeting hall was awash with residents, business owners, and many others with an opposition and discontent regarding the imposition of cycleways across London; with the recent defeated interest in the area. Swiss Cottage cycleway proposals a clear example. In a series of tweets during the meeting, the LTDA Comments made by David Hughes, TfL’s Director of stated that: “Will Norman, Mayors cycling Commissioner (sic) tells meeting that it’s a myth that Investment Delivery Planning, highlight the objectives cycle schemes cause congestion, pollution or delays for TfL’s proposed changes: “Investment in our streets is vital if we are to tackle some of the greatest emergency vehicles.” challenges facing the capital including air pollution, Such a claim by Mr Norman is in stark contrast to congestion and poor health. These improvements in comments made by Mike Brown, London’s transport west London would be a significant boost for people commissioner, back in May 2018 about the delivery living in, and working in and visiting the area, making of the scheme and congestion. As reported in the neighbourhoods more attractive places to spend time Financial Times, Mr Brown said of London’s “Cycle and enabling more people to walk and cycle.” superhighways” scheme: “I think it was ill-judged, it was too fast and ill-thought-through in the speed in
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Feature However, exploring the reality of what these changes mean at a local level shows that many have real concerns about the viability and success of such schemes. As the LTDA summarised on Twitter: “Cycling groups speaking in support of scheme are massively outnumbered by residents, businesses, freight and cab trade speaking against it!�
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17
Image: LTDA (Twitter)
London, along with Manchester, Image: LTDA (Twitter) Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, and all other major cities, requires an ethical road system which caters for all and addresses the very real strike a balance for all on our roads in west London problems of accidents, congestion and pollution. This and far beyond. meeting has highlighted that once again the taxi industry is involved in a contentious debate on how to
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Feature
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18
The Local Government (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1976...
What is it?
Article by: Lee Ward, Chairman of ALPHA Well, as the title says, it’s an Act from 1976 that gave provisions to the local governments (authorities to you and me) for various matters (or miscellaneous matters if we want to use big words).
So, if all the above is true, then why is the title of the Act that governs this trade got the word Local in it? •
Are the drivers in another area classed as fit and proper by the area that they work in?
So why do authorities still think that technology has altered what was meant by this Act and why is this acceptable?
•
Are the tests required to pass as a driver in their area the same as the area that they work in?
•
Are the vehicle specifications the same from their licensing area as the area that they work in?
•
Can the Licensing Officers in the area that they are working, stop, check or question that driver?
•
Can the Licensing Officers in the area that they are working suspend or revoke that driver’s license?
•
Can the Licensing Officers in the area that they are working suspend or revoke that driver’s vehicle license?
•
Can the Licensing Officers in the area he is working demand to see records from the Operator that he receives bookings from?
Well, lets look at who accepts this argument first.
Local Authorities Local authorities and their legal departments deal with standard day to day issues, nothing as complex as this, so they don’t want to get involved at the tax payer’s expense, which is a myth anyway because the expense comes from the budget of the local license payers, which is you and I.
Drivers
Drivers also like this urban myth that its legal so they can work in your area while licensed in another, why wouldn’t they? I bet these same drivers when playing golf say their • handicap is 18 and shoot to 6 regularly, because the card says they are off 18…
Can the Licensing Officers in the area he is working deal with a complaint from a member of the public for something that happened regarding a journey completely within their area?
Operators
•
Operators say that because of the Deregulation Act 2015 they can sub-contract work to their Operators license in another area and use those drivers to cover work in this area, they use drivers who can’t qualify locally to work in the area that they want to establish themselves in, while taking revenue from all drivers, radio rent or commission, whichever fills their coffers.
The answer to all the above is NO, so tell me again why it’s so legal?
If the Licensing Department in one area prosecute a driver or Operator from another area, can they rely on that other areas Licensing Department to deal with that driver or Operator as they would have dealt with them, such as suspension or revocation of licenses?
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Feature
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19
Let’s start with the Authorities and their excuses.
border hiring, yet.
The Deregulation Act 2015 did not make it so that a vehicle and driver can work anywhere, and any Authority that uses this as an excuse is not an Authority, they are pathetic, simple as that.
Well, all those drivers are nothing more than boiling frogs, they won’t know that they are dead until the water is too hot for them, and those drivers I pity.
What the Deregulation Act did was increase the length of time a license can be applied for and give an Operator in one area the option to sub-contract a booking to an Operator in another area, it didn’t open the borders for anyone to work anywhere. It amended the 76 Act, it didn’t change it, so why would these educated, and highly skilled writers of Acts leave in the ability to subImage: TaxiPoint contract to a local Operator instead of just amending that from a local Operator to any Operator? Because the vehicle still had to be in its licensing area to accept the booking, or the boundaries would have fallen. In other words, it doesn’t matter where you are licensed, provided the triple license rule is kept, and that’s kept by all three not only being licensed by the same authority, but being within that authority’s jurisdiction when the booking is given to the driver. As for the court case, well that’s simple, they don’t understand the Act that governs them enough to understand how to fight this case, they are happy to take umpteen drivers to court for plying for hire or not engaging their meter, but when it comes to something that they would have to work at, the council unwritten policy kicks in where six people lean on shovels while one does the digging.
The other drivers are the ones who say it’s ok, because their operator says it’s ok, or have the nerve to say that until it’s proven in court they will just continue to do what they do. Those drivers are a major issue, and hypocrites at the same time. They are an issue because they say they believe what they are being told but deep down, they know it’s not right, so they have morals but choose to ignore them, their compass is all over the place.
And those drivers would probably be the first to be arms in the air protesting if other drivers came into the area that they worked doing the same as they do, in all honesty, this trade doesn’t need drivers like this, in my opinion none of them are fit and proper. Finally, we have the Operators, what a bunch they are. Now these are the money men. They fight tooth and nail in court to please them, and then want the trade to fight for them when a bigger bully comes along.
Some want it their way only, not caring that drivers are fighting daily to support their families in a saturated market Now we come to the drivers, and this is the fun bit. because they don’t want the opposition to have more We have drivers who concentrate on airports, or school drivers that could then cover more work, no they want runs or are lucky enough that they are not affected by cross more drivers earning less and becoming trapped.
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Feature
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20
These Operators are the main culprits for using the Deregulation Act to their advantage by having drivers from different areas all sat on the same system, that’s not subcontracting, that’s abusing the lack of knowledge from the Officers of the local authority.
The App still must do what the telephonist did, it must accept the booking within the locally licensed area that the company they are working for is licensed. And that Operator still must dispatch a driver who is in that area to that job, it’s so simple.
How in anyone’s small world of knowledge not see that when a driver from one area is in the same queue as a driver from another area that no sub-contracting is taking place?
The App companies are another issue, in the fact that they advertise globally or nationally and its accepted that they can, yet if I owned a Private Hire company in one area, its against the law for me to advertise my services in a local paper in another area, that law has not been challenged since, so why are the internet Apps getting away with it when they specifically mention an area in which they Operate?
This is just a manipulation of the law using a computer system to achieve it, and this is where technology has broken the rules. Or rather, a company has set a programme to break the rules. But they are not alone either, others do it a different way. Apps, the new technology to our trade that everyone is harping on about, but seldom understand. The only thing an App does, whether you are booking a taxi or Private Hire, ordering some food or making a room reservation is it bypasses the telephonist, nothing more. Apps are simply that, a telephonist that doesn’t talk back, doesn’t make mistakes and doesn’t have time off.
Bring this topic up with your local authority and feed back to me what they respond please. Thank you all and be lucky.
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Image: Lee Ward
From Our Readers
Gold Standard! Last night I got flagged down on the Euston Rd by a very distressed Chinese customer who had just been dropped off by a Vito Taxi and that he had inadvertently left his phone in the cab. This customer was at the point of crying and was so distressed and disoriented by the possibility of losing his phone as he is a foreign student and as he explained would be totally lost without it. I calmed him down and explained that I had no doubt that somehow we would get his phone back. I asked for his phone number and then began calling it hoping that the previous cabbie had found it.
First two times it rang off and I carried on calling then after about 15 minutes we got lucky and I heard the voice of the cabbie who had been handed this phone by his new passenger and who happened to be heading to Old Street station. The cabbie was super helpful and we arranged to meet outside Moorfields eye hospital where he handed over to the customer his phone.
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21
Shortage of cabs forcing me out of work The shortage of fleet cabs is going to force me out of work. There is nothing wrong with the cab I drive, it is well maintained and passes every emissions test with no problems, but at the end of August it must come off the road, it is bureaucratic nonsense, I wont be able to afford the rental in future because the shortage of cabs plus the huge influx of private hire firms being allowed to flood London will make earning that extra money impossible.
Dennis Faux, London
Happy Father’s Day “Uber Dad”!
Firstly this cabbie was an absolute gent and his attitude and willingness to help was exemplary. I'm hoping you're reading this and can you please get in contact as I have a little drink for you from the customer who handed me a very generous tip and was absolutely stunned that we managed to return his phone. I have your plate but not your name . When I spoke to you it sounded like you had a slight Moroccan or Algerian accent but I could be wrong. Please contact me Sir! PS: He also said that he has travelled all over the world and believes that only in London and by using us that this could possibly happen! Lambros Savvides, London
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Image: LEVC
Feature
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22
A view of the trade from the South Coast
Article written by: Andy Peters Secretary GMB Brighton & Hove Taxi Section Image: Paul Gillett (Geograph)
I have been in the trade for 36 years since I was 21, and have seen a lot of council officers and indeed many local councillors come and go. I will say that in Brighton and Hove we have a very good relationship with our council officers and councillors, and we meet on a regular basis at our Trade Forum Meetings with all the local trade reps.
licensing control is all about. [What did the appellant do to be revoked?]
It has been some months now since Uber won its appeal to retain its operator licence in the city and, as in every area where Uber holds a licence, we continue to see the deluge of PHVs and - I am sad to say - also hackneys licensed from I consider our relationship to be extremely lucky indeed as I other areas predominantly working here beyond the reach know that this is not the same in other areas. We don’t of their respective licensing enforcement. The main necessarily get our own way all the time, but because of the argument that Brighton and Hove Council submitted for the good cross-party relationship we have, we always have the appeal was based on loss of local control of licensed opportunity to present our case. Hopefully this relationship vehicles and indeed this has escalated. This has been will continue for many years to come. compounded by our next-door council, Lewes DC, which looks like it is on its way to becoming the next I would also like to take the opportunity to state that our Wolverhampton. Where this once sleepy town had probably council has been applauded by the trade with a recent court a couple of hundred PHVs/hackneys, we have now been win against an appeal by a locally licensed driver where the told this has recently grown to around 1,200. council’s decision to revoke the driver’s licence was upheld on appeal by Judge Tain at Brighton Crown Court on The B&H taxi trade has never had an issue with any new February 15, 2019. This was the second appeal following the operator wishing to work in the city. However what we Justices’ decision to uphold the council’s action at Brighton continue to object to is PHVs from not only neighbouring Magistrates’ Court on December 17, 2018. This is what local areas such a Lewes DC but further afield from Portsmouth,
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Feature
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23
Southampton, Havant, Chichester and New Forrest and other areas predominantly working here. These drivers do not have to abide by our ‘Blue Book’ of conditions of licensing such as compulsory CCTV or passing the local ‘Knowledge Test’ for both the hackney and PHV trade which takes a lot of work to achieve. Incidentally at one of our trade meetings an Uber legal bod had put in a proposal for the knowledge test to be removed for PHV drivers “as satellite navigation is better”! I then presented this Uber legal bod with a screen shot of an Uber journey in the city which was more than double the distance it should have been. I am very delighted to state that at that meeting the trade and indeed the local councillors didn’t ‘go around the houses’ and put Uber straight on this and our standards remain high! We are pleased however that under the infamous ‘Uber Mythical Regions’ the likes of Wolverhampton PHVs are no longer here and sleeping night in and night out on the sea front at the car park near the prestigious Roedean Girls School. And yes, we have videos of these sleepy drivers tucked up for the night in their cars.
Incidentally, I have found that Havant Council is notoriously slow in responding to complaints about their licensed PHVs. We do actually have some sympathy with the licensing officers of all these out-of-town cars that we complain to, but we have now found that there has been a slowdown in responding to our complaints and it now appears to us that ‘out of sight-out of mind’ seems to be the policy now. However we are very alarmed at the lack of attention of a specific licensing authority which is even issuing licences against its own conditions of licensing by ‘dual licensing’ TfL PHVs where its own conditions of licensing forbids this, although for some reason TfL allows it. It is only via our own investigations that the respective council becomes aware on each occasion which is quite astonishing! And yes.... this is good old Lewes DC.
Image: Paul Gillett (Geograph)
One of the many issues is that the B&H taxi trade is now engaged in acting as unpaid unofficial ‘enforcement officers’ for all of these out of town vehicles, many of which are not even displaying the correct livery to comply with their own licensing conditions. We have reported many out-of-town drivers/PHVs working completely against their own respective conditions such as where they can only strictly be used for chauffeur work under an exemption to display licence identification. Lewes DC has had many of its cars reported for infringements.
We can only conclude that those TfL drivers must be trying to circumvent the ‘Uber Mythical Regions’ rule to remain as being TfL licensed but also being licensed by another authority and thus being able to work in Brighton & Hove. But... we have a good network of eyes in the trade being alert to these types of licensing infringements.
The only answer to this much disliked cross border hiring is a change in legislation, and the GMB under Mick Rix has been involved with the recent recommendations although Sadly we also have to constantly report a lot of these out-of- we won’t hold our breath for the government to take town vehicles actually sitting on taxi ranks, which we all action; although knowing how things like this work there know is totally illegal. Because of the amount of complaints will be plenty of lobbying from the likes of Uber to prevent we now have trade-specific online complaint forms that our any changes - which means the public has no idea what area drivers can use to instantly upload with photographic the car they are being sent is licensed in. evidence and send directly to the offender’s licensing That’s it for now but if I am invited back again I can report department. I have even suggested to Havant Council that on our forthcoming fare review, updated WAV policy, we should now charge £25 per complaint for acting as their electric cabs, and ‘The battle of the Roundabout’! unofficial enforcement officers.
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London
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24
Shaun Bailey: I will put taxis back on its rightful pedestal as the premium form of personal transport Article written by: Shaun Bailey Conservative London Mayoral Candidate Image: Twitter
London’s black cab is one of our city’s most recognisable icons – known the world over. Its reputation is only matched by its pedigree, made evident by the fact that a taxis have been plying their trade on London’s streets for almost four centuries. Not many people know this, but the profession predates the French and American revolutions, and is older even than Britain’s modern democracy. Because of this very pedigree and the taxi trade’s ongoing service, Londoners continue to cherish their black cabs, and what is cherished must always be protected by those in positions of leadership.
electric taxis, this must be done in partnership with the profession. TfL plans to reduce the maximum age of Image: LEVC black cabs from 15 to 12 years. This will have devastating effects on the resale market for taxis, making it much harder for drivers to upgrade to the new electric taxi, with all the negative effects this will have on air quality.
Indeed, the best way to drive down emissions is to shift people away from personal car ownership. Penalising taxis will clearly not help with that transition. Instead, it would be far better to utilise TfL’s very large capital budget to rollout far more rapid charging points. Sadiq That is why it is all the more tragic to see London’s taxi Khan currently has a target of 300 rapid charging trade suffer so at the hands of an uncaring regulator. points, but this is nowhere near ambitious enough. Sadiq Khan talks a good talk, but on his We will need at least four times that very soon if we watch Transport for London has gone from absentare to have 5,000 TXe taxis on the roads by this time minded to downright hostile with their regulation of next year. As Mayor, I will reallocate some of TfL’s vast the taxi profession. capital budget towards the taxi profession, so that when cabbies go looking for a rapid charging point, they actually find one. I was also very shocked to hear First there is the push from City Hall to reduce taxi age that TfL are planning to continue the trend of limiting limits. While I agree with the shift to cleaner, greener the access of taxis to London’s major roads and
Electric dreams
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London
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25
junctions. While I support initiatives to clean up London’s air and promote healthy streets initiatives, the taxi profession should not be made to bear the brunt of these restrictions. Many disabled Londoners rely on black cabs to get around, so limiting the ability for them to go direct to their destinations will have a disproportionate affect on disabled Londoners. I will reverse this worrying trend from day one in office.
Regulate PHVs
For too long the PHV industry has been operating largely unregulated, especially in central London, where congestion and air quality has become worse due to third failure in regulation.
London icons London’s black cab is as iconic globally as Big Ben and tube trains, but the taxi trade is about much more than just an icon. It is about the over 20,000 cabbies who strive every single day to keep London moving. The cab driver is, in that sense, the perfect exemplar of the principles of hard work and decency that sit at the heart of all of London’s communities.
But it is also the role of the Mayor of London to demonstrate leadership, and what those in the taxi trade are telling me is that they would like City Hall to show leadership with the regulation of PHVs. I am a strong believer that London should be given powers to If I am elected next year as your Mayor of London, I cap the number of PHV licences operating in London. will make it my goal to make sure that the taxi trade is put back on its rightful pedestal as the premium form There is no doubt in my mind that PHV licences have of personal transport, and at the heart of public Image: LEVC ballooned unsustainably over the last decade and transport in the capital. Londoners demand no less. urgent action is needed to get those numbers down. As the Conservative candidate, I would lobby the Conservative Government for amendments to the TfL act that would enable City Hall to set a cap on the number of PHVs operating in the capital.
TaxiPoint Poll In a recent poll conducted on Twitter by TaxiPoint, readers were asked: “As things stand, who are you voting for in the 2020 London Mayoral Elections?”
After one term as London Mayor, Sadiq Khan managed to clock up just 6% of the votes from the 536 drivers polled. Shaun Bailey finished the clear winner with 68% choosing the Tory candidate.
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London
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26
There is “more than enough capacity” for cabbies wanting to charge their electric taxis says London Mayor There is “more than enough capacity as things stand” for taxi drivers to charge their electric taxis and make the change to electric, according to the London Mayor. The news comes after Sadiq Khan was answering questions from Conservative Assembly Member and future mayoral candidate, Shaun Bailey, around the hot topic of taxi charging points in the capital.
Image: Greater London Authority
Whilst over 1,500 licensed black cabs have made the move to electric already, there are studies to suggest the move has been hindered by a lack of rapid charging points located centrally in London. There are also questions surrounding the poor maintenance, lack of enforcement and high costs attached to some of the taxi dedicated sites.
providers. London boroughs have also installed over 1,000 new lamp column charge points in residential areas, as part of the joint GLA/TfL/London Councils Go Ultra Low City Scheme, which will help drivers without off-street parking to charge overnight at home. “This is more than enough capacity as things stand but it continues to be monitored with the trade. TfL are informing drivers where rapid charge points have been installed as well as providing information on those that are less busy.
Shaun Bailey AM directly asked Khan whether he considered there to be enough rapid charge points to support taxi drivers who have switched to the Zero Emission Capable taxi. He also questioned whether the current number of 72 dedicated taxi charge points was “Following the work of my Electric Vehicle enough to encourage more drivers to make the move Infrastructure Taskforce, I will be publishing a new Delivery Plan so that we continue to support the to electric. uptake of electric vehicles and our pioneering taxi London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am helping our trade over the coming years.” world-famous taxi trade to go electric by giving drivers the financial support, priority and charging infrastructure they need to switch to cleaner Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) models. “As of 8 May 2019, TfL have helped to deliver 178 new rapid charge points. 72 of these are dedicated exclusively for electric taxis. There is now a total of over 200 rapid charge points when including other
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London
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27
TfL to “closely monitor” concerns over shortage of rental black cabs says London Mayor Sadiq Khan Transport for London (TfL) will “closely monitor” concerns over a shortage of rental black cabs available to drivers says London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
quality. There are alternatives to decommissioning an older vehicle, such as LPG retrofit or purchasing a new zero emissions capable taxi.
The concerns come as a growing number of drivers within the taxi industry complain about a falling number of available taxis.
“The delicensing fund was increased in February 2019 based on feedback from the trade, including fleet
Fleet-owned diesel taxis are being decommissioned as part of the Mayor’s restructured delicensing scheme, but not replaced by cleaner zero emission vehicles like the LEVC TXE or the forthcoming Nissan Dynamo taxis.
Image: Greater London Authority
The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “Transport for London regularly engages with the taxi trade. While we are not aware of a shortage of fleet-owned rental taxis, I have asked TfL to closely monitor the situation and discuss with the taxi trade if necessary. “The taxi delicensing scheme, along with other measures, is playing an important part in making London’s taxi fleet cleaner, helping to achieve at least a 65 per cent reduction in harmful taxi NOx emissions by 2025.”
owners in the rental market, many of whom also want to transition to more ZEC vehicles. “Fleet owners are, however, limited in the number of vehicles they can decommission per company due to state aid limitations.”
When asked whether TfL had taken into consideration how the new Taxi Delicensing scheme will affect the rental market for taxi drivers, the Mayor added: “Transport for London’s enhanced taxi delicencing scheme, launched in January 2019, was designed to speed up the removal of the most polluting taxi vehicles to improve London’s air
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Vehicle
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28
Nissan Dynamo set to launch in September
Image: Twitter
The first 100% electric and emission free taxi is set for release in September according to a Dynamo spokesperson. Its launch will offer the industry an alternative choice for the first time since the start of the electric revolution back in January 2018.
electricity and will become the most cost effective taxi in the UK. The much anticipated wait to view the Nissan Dynamo taxi ends on 17 June, as the firm opens its new London showroom in Colindale, NW9.
The new taxi will appear at the established Northwest The Dynamo All Electric Taxi, built in Coventry by Taxi Engineering garage, which can be found at 12 Dynamo Motor Company, is based on a Nissan e NV 200 Carlisle Road, NW9 9HD. Evalia and can carry 5 passengers. The price of the taxi The new dealership will be open from 10am to 5pm is confirmed as ÂŁ47,995 after government subsidies/ Monday to Friday and will launch its new website grants. www.northwest-ev.co.uk on 17 June. Dynamo says it will cost less than ÂŁ30 per week on
Image: LEVC
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Vehicle
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29
LEVC appoints new dealer in Manchester LEVC Manchester located at St Mary’s Way in Stockport is the new home of the world’s most advanced electric taxi, the LEVC TX. Operated by Head of Business, Boyd Dennell Image: LEVC says this new flagship dealer will provide Sales and Aftersales support to taxi drivers operating anywhere in see the response from passengers, I know that they're going to love it.” Greater Manchester. As part of the launch, there was a two-day event on 5-6 The appointment of LEVC Manchester comes at a June where taxi drivers learnt about the benefits of TX crucial time as the GMCA consider plans to introduce a and the potential money they could save by making the clean air zone across all 10 local authorities by 2021. Under current plans, vans and taxis are set to be switch to electric. LEVC estimate that drivers should save up to £110 per week in fuel savings alone. Further charged £7.50 per day when operating within the clean air zone. savings can be had by taking advantage of LEVC Manchester’s launch offer which gives drivers £1,149 In addition to this, the LEVC Manchester dealership has worth of extras, including: 5yr extended warranty, vinyl potential to make a huge impact on air quality within pack, upgraded paint and 2 free services. Greater Manchester as more TX taxis are sold. With 32 million trips made using taxis and private hire vehicles Mr Ahmad, who was the first taxi driver to purchase a TX in Manchester said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have in Greater Manchester each year, the electrification of the first electric black cab in Manchester. I can't wait to this fleet could drastically help to cut emissions.
Image: LEVC
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Apps
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30
Bolt launches in London claiming better prices and fairer deals to minicab drivers
Image: Bolt
Bolt, the European on-demand transportation platform formerly known as Taxify, launched in London with a half-price promotion, promising lower fares for passengers as well as more take-home pay for drivers. Bolt also say they will introduce improved safety for Londoners and bring much-needed competition to ondemand transport.
Police directly when activated. For less urgent enquiries, passengers can contact a 24-hour fully staffed customer service team based in London. To protect them from unwanted abuse, drivers can access the in-app panic button service in the same way as passengers. Markus Villig, founder and CEO of Bolt, said: “We’re excited to be entering the UK market by launching Bolt in the nation’s vibrant and cosmopolitan Capital. London deserves more choice in ride-hailing and we believe Bolt offers what passengers and drivers want: a fair, reliable and affordable service.
The Estonian-born company has grown to serve more than 25 million customers in 30 countries across Europe and Africa, on the promise of offering a fair deal to drivers hand-in-hand with lower fares. The recent name change from Taxify to Bolt reflects the widened scope of the business that now extends to “Across the globe, we’ve seen the positive effects that private cars, e-scooters and motorcycles as well as lower prices for passengers and better working food delivery in some parts of the world. conditions for drivers can have on communities. We’re Bolt’s app in London will launch with an in-app panic committed to bringing our customer-focused approach button. The ‘SOS’ service provides an added layer of to London and give people the chance to get behind a safety for passengers by contacting the Metropolitan European brand.”
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Apps
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31
UBER & OUT! New private hire vehicle service, Kapten, calls out rivals in new ad campaign Private-hire vehicle service, Kapten, launched in London taking a witty swipe at rival Uber with a new ad campaign calling the US company out for avoiding local taxes. Overnight, the out-of-home campaign went live with the wording “Others avoid paying VAT in the UK, that’s not uber cool” appearing at several media sites across the capital, including Leicester Square.
Apps
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32
Ride-hailing app xooox expands into 78 UK districts in first month of operation
xooox (pronounced ‘zooks’), the ride-hailing app that lets passengers and drivers strike their own deals, have announced that they already have active drivers in 78 different licensing districts across Great Britain just one month since launching. With drivers signed up from Dundee to Portsmouth, and from Canterbury to Port Talbot, xooox already claim to have the widest geographic reach of any ridehailing app in the country today.
moment in time, picking their ride based on a broad range of criteria, including the type of cab, accessibility, emissions, ETA, vehicle size and the cost of the fare. The 78 districts where passengers can use xooox to hail a ride include major metropolitan areas – where xooox provides a broader range of vehicle options than any other ride-hailing app – as well as the many other smaller towns, rural communities and indeed cities across the nation, where other apps aren’t licensed or aren’t economically viable.
Any private hire or Hackney carriage driver who is fully licensed to operate in any UK district can download the “We’re delighted to see taxi and minicab drivers all across the nation sign up to use xooox. It’s a quick, easy and fair way for them to find their own Customers can pick their ride based on a broad range of criteria, including passengers, and one that gives them complete power over when to work and how much they charge,” said the type of cab, accessibility, Darren Tenney, founder of Perfect Data, the company emissions, ETA, vehicle size and the behind xooox.
cost of the fare
xooox app for free, using it to start building their own on-demand passenger network and set their own fares, all without interference from any algorithm.
“This adoption also means that more passengers – including those living and working in places where other apps aren’t available – can now use the very latest in tech to hail a ride.”
Passengers can use xooox to search for all available minicabs and taxicabs in their vicinity at that particular
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Apps
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33
Ride-hailing app Ola granted one year Brighton licence and say they will only use "local drivers" Image: Ola
Indian based ride-hailing app Ola have been granted a one-year operator's licence by Brighton and Hove City Council.
have to settle for the one-year operator's licence which will start as soon as the firm decides to begin offering its services.
As reported recently in TaxiPoint, Ola said that they would agree to only use local drivers on their platform for jobs in Brighton.
As part of the agreement, Ola have said drivers would also be restricted from working for more than ten
The company said they promise to restrict the use of out-of-town drivers after councillors raised concerns about the future of the local trade.
Driver account will be blocked until they return back to their own area.
hours and have an enforced four to six-hour break Any drivers working on the Ola platform that are not between shifts. licenced by Brighton and Hove City Council will be restricted to picking up a maximum of two fares within As reported in the Brighton and Hove Independent, CCTV must be installed in all vehicles, whether 24 hours. operating as private hire vehicles or as taxis. And all Their driver account will then be blocked until they drivers would be self employed. return back to their own area. The app has a panic button for passengers and drivers. Ola was hoping to be granted a five-year deal but will
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Licensing
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34
Reading Borough Council incurs cab driver fury as councillors vote to keep cap on taxi numbers Reading Borough Council sparked fury among local cab He then explained that if the council say that there is drivers after voting to keep a cap on taxi numbers in not enough work, then how can the drivers have still the region. been working there for a decade or more. The decision by the Licensing Applications committee Mr Abbass asked the council to rethink their stance on was in response to a driver-funded survey, which found the situation. that there was no need for more taxis in Reading. The Reading Chronicle reported that the survey This sparked the fury of a number of rental taxi drivers suggests a 14 per cent reduction in usage of taxis at who have been working in the region for over a decade ranks since the last survey in 2015, while 4 per cent of but do not hold a hackney carriage licence. passengers experienced a delay of a minute or more at a rank. The angry drivers handed in a petition to the council protesting at the decision, branding it totally unfair.
Ali Sheikh, vice chair of the Reading Cab Drivers Sohail Abbass, representing the group of drivers, stated Association, responded to the group by saying: “If all those people suddenly own cabs it is too much for the that the cabbies have been working as rental taxi trade. We are happy to go with what the survey says.� drivers for more than ten years and it's been a long time to wait for a hackney carriage licence.
Image: John Lucas (Geograph)
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Plying for Hire
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36
Private hire drivers fined and slapped with hundreds of pounds worth of costs for picking up plain clothed police officers during undercover sting Two private hire drivers in Nottingham were fined for illegally plying-for-hire after picking up police officers. Nottingham Magistrates Court heard both minicab drivers picked up officers wearing plain clothes and drove without the correct hackney carriage insurance cover. Mustafa Nasserie, 29, was told by the District Judge Leo Pyle that his actions were “for a quick gain and ultimately greed.” The prosecution, Ben Payne, told the court that Mr Nasserie was spotted by an officer at the Queen's Medical Centre on 22 February.
Image: Pixabay
According to Nottinghamshire Live, Mr Payne said: "He (the officer) asked if he would take him into the city. The defendant asked him where he wanted to go and he said the Trinity Square area. The defendant agreed and both officers got in."
Driver’s actions were “for a quick gain and ultimately greed.”
Later that day the courts heard a similar case admitted by 43-year-old Gurnam Taak. He was fined £480 with £85 prosecution costs and a £38 surcharge. The pair each had eight penalty points put on their licences. The judge ordered them to report their court appearances to the councils which issued their private hire licences.
In Taak's case, the court heard that he was seen on Uniformed police officers then pulled Mr Nasserie over Friar Lane on the same night. When asked if he was free, he told the police officer that he was waiting for where he admitted plying-for-hire without being someone. But a few minutes later, Taak told the officer licensed as a hackney carriage and having no "I can take you," added Mr Payne. insurance. District Judge Leo Pyle told him: "You drove your Toyota straight through the licensing laws which are aimed at ensuring all persons are fit and proper, vehicles are safe and ultimately the public are safe.
Taak said: "At the time, I was very confused because I had some family issues."
"The only thing I am able to conclude is that this was for a quick gain and ultimately greed."
"I felt really intimidated when he came back to me," Taak added.
The officer left after the first conversation but then stood in front of the car.
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Charity
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37
Private hire driver branded a “buffoon” after blocking children's charity taxi outing Image: Twitter
A private hire driver has been branded a “buffoon” after blocking a children's charity taxi outing in Edinburgh.
telling him to move.
The driver was subsequently slammed on social media after the video went viral, with councillor Mark Brown The irate minicab driver laid down in the road, blocking tweeting: "Quite incredible scenes captured at today's the procession of taxis after being squirted by children Edinburgh Taxi Outing where one rival cab driver took with super-soakers. the hump about getting skooshed (like 100's of others!) and lay down in front of the procession. Children in the back of the taxis armed with supersoakers and water bombs has been a long-standing "You Sir, are a first class buffoon." tradition when the Edinburgh Taxi Trade Kids Outing The yearly event is organised by Edinburgh's taxi takes place, and is usually taken in good humour by the drivers, who treat children with special needs to a free public. day out to the seaside.
"You Sir, are a first class buffoon."
Watch the video here!
Councillor Mark Brown
However, the private hire driver received no sympathy after lying down in front of one of the taxis in protest at getting wet. Video footage on Twitter shows the private hire driver lying down in the road. The video then shows the driver arguing with a taxi driver, who tries to reason with him. A police motorcycle rider then appears
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Charity
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38
London cabbies set to drive nearly 200 WWII Veterans to Worthing for annual day trip
Image: Twitter
Image: Taxi Charity
Every year since 1948, the Taxi Charity have been taking veterans to Worthing for the day to spend time with their friends and enjoy seaside favourites, fish and chips and ice cream.
Secretary of the Parachute Regiment Association, and enjoy musical entertainment, as well as having the opportunity to catch up with old friends, take in the sea views and grab an ice cream.
This year’s outing is only a week after many of the veterans spent a week in Normandy with The Taxi Charity for D Day 75, remembering the friends they lost.
WWII Veteran, Bill Gladden, 6th Armoured Recce Regiment RAC, says: “I have been going on outings with the Taxi Charity for many years. The recent trip to Normandy for D Day was particularly poignant as I laid a wreath at the memorial service in Ranville and then met a comrade from my old regiment who I had not seen since June 1944. We both thought we were the only one left! The Worthing outing is a money can’t buy experience where I can meet up with an amazing group of old boys and be taken door to door by one of the volunteer London black cab drivers.”
Over 60 kind-hearted volunteer London cabbies will pick up nearly 200 veterans and their carers from their homes across the South East on Tuesday 18 June and take them for a much-loved day trip to Worthing. After a pit stop at South Holmwood Village near Dorking in Surrey, for homemade sandwiches, cakes and refreshments, the taxis will travel in convoy along the A24 to Worthing. Once in Worthing, the veterans will enjoy a fish and chip lunch with the Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Hazel Thorpe, on Worthing Pier. The Mayor, veterans, cabbies and invited guests will hear from guest speaker Paul Raison, National
Graham Pike, one of the London cabbies taking part, and a committee member of the Taxi Charity, said: “Our annual Worthing trip is something we look forward to all year. It’s a pleasure to treat these ladies and gents to a trip to the seaside as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for all they’ve done for us.”
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Charity
May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20
Speeding
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 40
Cabbie jailed for ten weeks for trying to dodge speeding fine A Dudley taxi driver has been jailed for trying to dodge a speeding fine, after being caught on camera on the A41 Black Country New Road in Sandwell on 26 June 2018. When Majid Hussain was sent a notice of intended prosecution by the central ticket office for driving at 56mph in a 40 limit, he named a fictitious person as being the driver at the time. He was subsequently interviewed and when he was shown the photographs taken by the recording cameras, 28-year-old Hussain admitted to making up fake details. Majid Hussain of Ivanhoe Street in Dudley pleaded guilty on 30 April at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced on Tuesday 21 May to 10 weeks in prison.
Image: West Midland Police
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Service
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 41
Shut out due to sight loss: Three in four guide dog owners illegally refused service New figures show that three-quarters of guide dog owners have been illegally turned away by businesses and services, such as minicabs, restaurants, shops, cafes, hotels and pubs. The research, from Guide Dogs, shows that more than two thirds (72%) of guide and assistance dog owners say it negatively affects their ability to go out socially, 70% say it has a negative emotional impact and more than half say it negatively affects their quality of life. To tackle these refusals, Guide Dogs and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have collaborated to create new support to empower those facing discrimination. The Equality Act toolkit provides information and advice to guide dog owners across England, Scotland and Wales, informing them of their legal rights and including practical information and guides to challenge access refusals. Guide Dogs’ research also offers insight into where access refusals happen most often, with data showing that the most commonly reported businesses refusing access were:
obligations in law, but ignorance is not an excuse. This discrimination has a devastating impact on people’s lives, their confidence, and their sense of belonging to society.” David Clarke, Director of Services at RNIB, said: “Although I have experienced access refusals firsthand, it is shocking to see just how widespread everyday discrimination against blind and partially sighted people really is.”
- minicabs and private hire vehicles (73%), - restaurants (71%), - convenience stores (60%), - and cafés (59%). Kirstie Bower, Director of Skills, Information and Support at Guide Dogs, said: “Often establishments, businesses and services don’t fully understand their
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UK
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 42
Glasgow taxi driver suspended after ignoring wheelchair user who was next in line at rank
New noise camera trial to crack down on noisy vehicles
The government has commissioned a prototype noise camera to Image: Albert Bridge be tested at several locations over the next 7 months The Department for Transport is targeting drivers who disturb communities, with a crackdown on vehicles which are breaking legal noise limits. New camera technology to be trialled by the government aims to measure the sound levels of passing vehicles to detect those that are breaking the law on noise limits, and could use automated number plate recognition to help enforce the law. Research commissioned by the Department for Transport, found that a noise camera system could help tackle extremely noisy vehicles which breach legal noise limits. It could also help to catch those who rev car or motorcycles engines beyond legal limits, making life a misery for those who live close by. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling said: “Noise pollution makes the lives of people in communities across Britain an absolute misery and has very serious health impacts. “This is why I am determined to crack down on the nuisance drivers who blight our streets. “New technology will help us lead the way in making our towns and cities quieter, and I look forward to seeing how these exciting new cameras could work.”
The trial is not intended to target law-abiding drivers, but those who are flouting laws around noise. All vehicles must legally meet strict noise limits before they are allowed on the road. Once a vehicle is in service, exhausts and silencers must by law be maintained in good working order and not altered to increase noise. Studies have found that exposure to noise can have significant physical and mental health implications – with heart attacks, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and stress all linked to long-term contact with loud environments. Currently, enforcement is mainly reactive and relies on subjective judgement. The trials of the new technology will determine whether the legal noise limit has been breached by taking into account the class and speed of the vehicle relative to the location of the noise camera. The government has commissioned a prototype noise camera to be tested at several locations over the next 7 months. If the trials are successful, recommendations will be made to further develop the system across the UK.
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Plying for Hire
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 43
Milton Keynes private hire driver has his licence revoked with immediate effect for illegally picking up £12 fare which was not pre-booked A Milton Keynes licenced private hire driver has had his badge revoked after being successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates Court for illegally plying for hire. Ghulamali Ramazani accepted a £12 trip, which was not pre-booked, from MK Station to Bletchley in July 2018.
“This case should highlight to drivers that if they illegally ply for hire then they will be caught.” on his DVLA licence for no insurance, and ordered to pay costs of £800 with a victim surcharge of £30. Councillor Mick Legg, Chair of the Council’s Regulatory (Taxi) Committee said: "This case should highlight to drivers that if they illegally ply for hire then they will be caught. Image: M4Kumba82 (Wiki Commons) "This driver’s decision, which had followed repeated warnings about his conduct, has cost him his livelihood as a private hire driver. I hope that drivers are getting the message: if they break the law the consequences will be severe."
Ramazani, who worked for minicab operator Skyline Taxis was only insured to cover journeys booked first through the firm but agreed to take the £12 job which only hackney carriage drivers are licenced to accept.
He concluded: "Our priority is public safety when using licensed vehicles. Customers who accept a journey from a private hire vehicle which has not been prebooked are not insured if they’re involved in an accident – it’s not worth the risk."
Milton Keynes Council started an immediate review of his private hire licence following the offence. Following the review, MK Council revoked Ramazani’s licence with immediate effect. Ramazani attended Court on 6 June and pleaded not guilty to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance. He was found guilty of both offences following a trial. He was fined £240 for plying for hire, given 6 points
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Cross-Border
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 44
Twelve councils look to create a taxi licensing agreement in bid to clamp down on out of area drivers
Image: Colin (Flickr)
Twelve councils are seeking to create a taxi licensing agreement in a bid to clamp down on ‘out of area’ drivers. The councils from the North East region will discuss the regional agreement when they meet on Tuesday 18 June. Taxi drivers across the North East may face more compliance checks coming in and out of their authorities. These new plans aim to keep passengers safer when drivers work outside of their licensing authorities.
environment and transport, said: "As the report to cabinet sets out, there have been recent and national concerns relating to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children. "These are draft statutory guidance and haven’t yet been adopted by government but there is a will to adopt these as local policies.
"This council, as are others up and down the country, is reviewing its taxi licensing functions to further reflect these guidelines and new powers.
“Our review is considering mandatory safeguarding The new agreement would mean councils signed up to training for drivers and further checks for if a driver is the scheme could carry out checks on all taxis, not just a 'fit and proper person'. those within their licensing area. The move is being "This North East Memorandum of Understanding is seen as an effective way to manage safety concerns very much a first stage of this licensing review process. surrounding cross-border hiring in the region. “It is all about ensuring more effective regulation of According to Sunderland Echo, Councillor Amy Wilson, the taxi trade and protecting the public." Sunderland City Council's cabinet member for
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London
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 45
Image: pxhere
London unlikely to see iconic taxi turning circle scrapped anytime soon says London Mayor Sadiq Khan London is unlikely to see the iconic taxi turning circle scrapped anytime soon according to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
tighter turning circle than standard cars.
Currently only one vehicle meets the strict criteria set by the regulators Transport for London. As of January 2018 all new taxis in London must be zero-emission capable, wheelchair accessible and able to complete a
“The turning circle enables the taxi to complete a Uturn in one movement, for example when picking up a passenger hailing from the opposite side of the road, and consequently reduces congestion.”
The London Mayor rejected Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon’s opportunity to support the The feature, synonymous with the capital’s black taxi, scrapping of the turning circle requirement and added: will remain despite some sections of the industry “The turning circle requirement ensures London taxis claiming the requirement is too expensive and restricts can manoeuvre in the tight spaces and narrow streets vehicle options. of the Capital.
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Licensing
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 46
Private hire driver who deliberately drove his vehicle into a man has a new licence granted by Glasgow City Council A private hire driver who deliberately mowed down a man at a petrol station in Glasgow’s West End has been granted a new licence, according to a report in the Glasgow Live. Gary Anderson was convicted for assault by endangering someone’s life, following a collision with a pedestrian in November 2015.
Image: Google Maps
Glasgow City's licensing committee heard how Anderson drove his private hire car at the man, knocking him to the ground before fleeing the scene. Anderson was called to appear before the licensing committee to explain his actions. Members of the committee were informed by Anderson's representative that he had no prior convictions and had not been in trouble with the law since the incident in 2015. As reported, Solicitor Mr Banks, said: “My client was a private hire car driver for two years but was suspended three and a half years ago. When he sought legal advice for this offence, he was advised to plead guilty during the trial.
driving ability. “As my client began to drive away the pedestrian ran over to the car and hit it with a can. Mr Anderson then collided with the man who received relatively minor injuries. “My client says he was not driving very fast at the time.”
Mr Anderson was asked why he left the scene. Councillor Alex Wilson wanted an explanation as to why Anderson drove off after hitting his victim instead of stopping at the scene. Wilson said: “It is very lucky that this gentleman only sustained some bruising to the body. He could have ended up underneath the vehicle. “Why didn’t you stay to make sure he was okay?”
“He received an extremely lenient sentence for this Mr Anderson replied: “I left because he had chased me crime as he was told to complete a community payback out the garage which the CCTV clearly shows.” order. Following the hearing, committee members decided in “At the time of the offence he was not acting as a cab favour of granting Anderson a new licence. driver and had gone to the garage to get milk. The complainer had started to comment on Mr Anderson’s
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Vehicle
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 48
Bury taxi drivers accuse council of ignoring complaints after accusations of vehicles failing inspections on minor non-safety related issues A storm is brewing according to a trade representative in Bury after angry taxi and private hire drivers accused councillors in the region of ignoring complaints regarding vehicle testing stations. Chairman of the Hackney Drivers Association, Charles Oakes, along with four private hire drivers, attending a meeting at Bury Town Hall, gave council staff a dressing down recently. Anger has risen over claims that vehicles are unfairly failing their inspections due to minor cosmetic issues such as scratches, which as a result is creating hardship for drivers by putting them out of work. Criticism was also aimed at town hall staff because drivers were forced to travel outside of the borough to have their vehicles tested. Another issue raised by Mr Oakes, who was addressing councillors on the licensing and safety panel, was the claim that driver complaints are being ignored and that there is a backlog of unanswered complaints. Mr Oakes asked the panel what was going on regarding the matter.
Bury Private Hire Drivers' Association representative, Shaf Mahmood claimed that the department in question were deliberately ignoring complaints about the current situation. One of the examples Mr Mahmood put forward to the panel was that of a vehicle which failed its MOT for having tinted windows despite passing the previous year, however licensing unit manager Michael Bridges claimed that he had sight of a complaint regarding the matter and would respond in due course. It was reported in the Manchester Evening News that angry drivers believe that examiners are going over their cabs with a fine tooth comb with a view to failing the vehicles so as to bring in additional revenue. Other points which were raised included the pressure being put upon the only licensed MOT station in the borough in relation to the increase in numbers of cabbies in the area. Mr Bridges fired back claiming that drivers often fail to give the testing station enough notice before turning up for a test, stating that drivers come in two days before their licence expires. The panel member went on to say that it’s never the driver's fault, it’s always the council’s fault.
Mr Oakes also raised concerns about proposals which could Head of trading standards and licensing, Angela Lomax, see cabbies who use certain vehicles paying a daily fee for claimed that complaints were getting lost because they travelling on highly-polluted roads, as well as proposed new were not sent to the right individuals, she also claimed that industry standards which could hit cabbies hard. staffing levels aren't adequate enough to deal with the level of enquiries regarding the issue.
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UK Google Maps trialling new technology that will alert passengers when their taxi or ride-sharing driver goes off route Google Maps is testing a new feature which will alert you if your taxi or ride-sharing driver begins to drive you off route. The new alert feature is designed to improve public safety when using taxi or ride-sharing services in unfamiliar towns and cities. According to a report by Trusted Reviews, Google will only let you know if you go off course by at least 500 metres. It's thought that the app will not alert you about a wrong turn, a minor reroute or a shortcut by your driver designed to avoid traffic, as long as the car remains on track to your destination.
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 49 Normally when a driver begins an alternative route, Google Maps will adjust a reroute to accommodate, but with this new feature the journey does not get rerouted automatically. So in order for the drivers to avoid the alert being triggered, they will likely need to stay close to the original route set out by the app. The new alert feature is currently live in India, but is expected to hit the UK in the near future. As reported, the move comes just after Image: Pixabay Google released a fresh update to its Android Q beta. The Android Q beta is a test ground for the next version of Google’s operating system, which is expected to launch alongside new Pixel 4 phones in October.
EV
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk |50
BP Chargemaster unveils new 150kW ultra-fast charger
BP Chargemaster’s new 150kW ultra-fast charger has been unveiled at the Fully Charged LIVE event at Silverstone. It will soon start to appear across Polar, the UK’s largest public charging network, allowing the latest electric vehicles to charge at their maximum speed. The Ultracharge 150 is the first 150kW ultrafast charger ever made in the UK and is expected to deliver around 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Image: BP Chargemaster
Government introduces stamp of approval for dealerships trained to work with electric cars Image: LEVC
Car dealerships with staff skilled in selling and servicing conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040. electric vehicles will be formally approved and “The accreditation recognises businesses with promoted by a new government-backed scheme. knowledge, capability and commitment to electric With uncertainty and poor advice having been vehicles, and will help to encourage more car owners to identified as a key barrier to electric vehicle switch to a greener alternative.” ownership; the scheme aims to create a trusted brand The standard for electric vehicle dealer accreditation and increase the confidence of drivers looking to buy an has been developed by the National Franchised Dealers electric vehicle. Association (NFDA) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST). The scheme will also encourage car dealers to develop their expertise in servicing electric vehicles, as the country continues to move towards a zero-emission future - backed by the government’s comprehensive £1.5 billion Road to Zero strategy.
Successful dealerships will be known as ‘Electric Vehicle Approved’ and recognised for their commitment to training, their quality advice, and their effective service.
Following a pilot scheme, in which the electric vehicle skills of 12 dealerships were audited, it is already Future of Mobility Minister Jesse Norman said: “Record estimated there will be 130 Electric Vehicle Approved levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads are sites across the UK by the end of 2019. good news, as we seek to end the sale of new
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Classifieds
June 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 51
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Charity
May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20