LEVC announces electric van trials to begin next year

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LEVC has announced that it is due to start trials with potential customers of its new electric van in London in the second half of 2019.The business is currently in discussion with a number of major public-sector fleets about joining the trials of prototype vehicles. This includes the Metropolitan Police Service and the London Fire Brigade – both of whom have ambitious programmes to clean up their vehicle fleets, with a target for all new vans being zero emission capable from 2025.Earlier this year LEVC, who currently manufactures the world’s most advanced electric taxi, announced it would be entering the van market with a zero-emission capable product. The product combines 70 years of knowledge of designing vehicles for city streets with a proven electric vehicle powertrain.Like the taxi, the van will combine a fully electric powertrain with an economical petrol range-extender, This approach means cleaner vehicles that are able to go the distance but also lower running costs. LEVC expect that the vehicle – for its size – will deliver a competitive total cost of ownership.LEVC have previously announced that this product is not intended for “last-mile delivery” and will instead focus on fleets where vehicles undertake demanding duty cycles – for example, travel over 100 miles a day. This is a segment currently dominated by 1 tonne medium sized diesel vans.Other key features of the van will include class leading safety systems as standard. This means some of the latest semi-autonomous safety systems from some of the world’s leading technology providers – as well as meeting the world’s highest crash safety standards. The vehicle is also required to meet LEVC’s million-mile TaxiDur test – one the most stringent vehicle durability testing regimes.

September 11, 2018 at 11:03AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber rival Didi Chuxing announce losses of almost £445 million in the first half of this year

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Chinese super-firm Didi Chuxing, a major global rival of ride-sharing giants Uber, announced losses of around £445 million in the first half of this year. In December Didi were valued at a staggering $56 billion, but with huge subsidiaries forked out to drivers and passengers, the SoftBank backed firm averages a "razor thin" margin of 1.6 percent of every ride, Reuters has said. In comparison, main rival Uber Technologies Inc. keeps on average 23 percent of each transaction, putting them in a much better financial position to push for an IPO during their target year of 2019. Didi has also faced a major public backlash after two women were killed by two of their drivers within a matter of months tarnishing their image. Regardless of any heavy financial losses, major firms still stockpiled Didi with some serious monetary investment last year, with a whopping $12 billion pumped into the company by the likes of Apple and Japan's SoftBank. The Didi Vs Uber battle will no doubt run on for years to come, but with such stiff competition, will either of the ride-sharing juggernauts ever make a healthy profit to make all their efforts and controversy worth it?

September 11, 2018 at 09:54AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

CCTV in taxis - What is the law on continuous recording?

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CCTV systems installed in taxis and private hire vehicles is becoming an increasingly common feature. An increasing amount of councils are either allowing CCTV cameras to be installed or making it a mandatory requirement as a way to combat crime, to protect drivers and vulnerable passengers.

The Information Commissioner (ICO) recently reported that they have seen an increase in cases of CCTV in taxis and more particularly, taxi CCTV systems that continuously record.

Continuous recording CCTV systems are systems that start recording whenever a vehicle is running and continues to record until the vehicle engine is switched off.

When a taxi or private hire vehicle is used privately (i.e. not for hire or reward), the CCTV system continues to record.

Is continuous recording CCTV systems installed in taxis lawful?

As a starting point, capturing a person’s movements on camera is accepted as particularly intrusive and as such subject to strict data protection rules and human rights law. The legislation referred to specifies that information captured and processed via CCTV must, among other things, be necessary and proportionate.

When a taxi or private hire driver is working, clearly the use of CCTV would be proportionate and arguably necessary in light of its purpose; to combat crime, to protect drivers and vulnerable passengers.

However, when a taxi or private hire driver is off duty, the continued use of CCTV recording is likely to be unlawful, unfair and excessive in light of data protection and human rights legislation.

The ICO’s view is that in most instances, continuous recording CCTV systems in taxis and private hire vehicles are unlawful.

Licensed holders need to take steps to protect themselves from complaints of excessive use of CCTV systems in their licensed vehicles. The use of CCTV in taxis must be limited to instances where it is necessary and proportionate. As such, CCTV should only be recording when you are working and switched off then you are off duty.

Additionally, cases where CCTV systems in taxis are a mandatory requirement, the ICO’s view is that the relevant data controller is the council not the individual vehicle licence holder. In other words, in most circumstances where a council instructs CCTV systems to be installed, the instructing council will be responsible for controlling and processing the data even though it is being recorded in a taxi or private hire vehicle.

Taxi Defence Barristers act for taxi and private hire licence holders who are facing difficulties with their licences – Licence revocations, refusals, suspension and all criminal matters.

September 11, 2018 at 07:31AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Nicklas Bendtner charged after cabbies jaw is broken

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Former Arsenal striker, Nicklas Bendtner has been charged by police after a cab drivers jaw was broken, according to a report in Reuters. The assault happened in Copenhagen and left the taxi driver needing surgery. Bendtner, who now plays for Norwegian side, Rosenberg, was named as the attacker by the communications manager of DanTaxi. The incident took place at around 2.40 am local time on Sunday. Bendtner was omitted from Denmarks squad due to play Wales in their nations league match Bendtner played 171 games for Arsenal, scoring 45 goals and is one of Denmarks most capped players, making 81 appearances and scoring 30 goals

September 10, 2018 at 11:47AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Metrocab “Remains on course” despite debt worries

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The new electric Metrocab is still on course to enter the taxi market despite several setbacks, the company has told TAXI magazine.

Frazer Nash was ordered to be “wound up” by a High Court judge last month over more than £1.5m of unpaid debts.

But a spokesman for the company said its legal team was thrashing out a response which he hoped would resolve the issue.

He said that greater setbacks had been caused by LEVC’s claims of copyright infringement, which Frazer Nash had to fight in court.

The Metrocab manufacturer won the case and the subsequent appeals, which caused significant delays to the introduction of the vehicle to the taxi market.

The Metrocab electric vehicle, was hoped to be manufactured in Coventry, and if built will help improve air quality by tackling emissions of diesel fumes, allowing cities like London to meet international air quality standards.

The Metrocab became London’s first licensed zero-emissions capable taxi in 2014 and took part in a two-year Trial in London, covering hundreds of thousands of miles with 75% zero-emissions operation, substantially enhancing air quality, reducing emissions, and delivering significant fuel savings to drivers.

The Metrocab is fully ready for the introduction of London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone and in 2014 introduced a host of new features never before seen on a London taxi, including all-LED lighting; the London taxi market’s first panoramic glass roof for the passengers; USB charging; and zero-emissions capable operation.

September 10, 2018 at 10:58AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bristol based air-taxi aims for the skies within the next four years

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Bristol-based start-up Vertical Aerospace, which was founded in 2016, has taken to the skies to become the UK's first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, with hopes of launching an 'air taxi' service within the next four years. The aircraft which has four propellers at the front and back aiding it's ability to take-off and land vertically, will be able to travel between "exact locations" without having to land at designated aircraft landing spots. Test flights took place in Kemble, Gloucestershire, after the company obtained permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate the prototype. Vertical Aerospace said they hope to launch an intercity air taxi service by 2022.

The race for the skies has become extremely competitive with a number of different companies working on their own "flying taxi" projects including ride-sharing giants Uber, British luxury automobile kingpins Rolls Royce and German based start-up Lilium, who made the world's first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in 2017. According to a report in the Telegraph, the Bristol-based start-up will focus on specific intercity routes such as journeys from Bristol to London, or Sheffield to Liverpool.

September 10, 2018 at 10:50AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Leeds Taxi and Private Hire licensing manager wants to see more action to tackle Uber cross border issues

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Leeds City Council's taxi and private hire licensing manager Andrew White highlighted his concerns this week over the amount of out-of-town licensed Uber drivers that are operating in the city. In a meeting organised to discuss the proposed clean air charging zone in relation to the taxi industry, White could not pass up the opportunity to talk Uber. Mr White stressed that the lack of legislation surrounding where a driver must obtain a licence and where they are able to pick up work as being a "major source of frustration" for the Leeds trade. The ability to obtain a licence in London and work on the Uber app in Leeds was closed earlier this year, but it has not stopped the influx of drivers who have been granted a licence in other parts of Yorkshire flooding the streets of Leeds looking for work. White believes that if you have the Uber app and want to e-hail one of their drivers while you're in Leeds, then you should only see the Leeds-licensed drivers that are available on the app.

As reported in the LeedsLive, White said the whole situation has become a major source of frustration for the local trade who work to a high standard and said that some of the out-of-town drivers are seen not to be working to those same high standards. Mr White believes conditions within the trade need to be updated to keep up with the new technology that has been introduced into the industry. White confirmed that Leeds City Council has lobbied central government on the issue.

September 09, 2018 at 06:07PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

“On yer bike Uber!” says LTDA’s McNamara

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You may have heard that there’s a new PHV competitor on the market – Indian app Ola. It has already launched in South Wales, has gained an operating licence in Greater Manchester, and told the Evening Standard that it is in “constructive conversation” with Transport for London.

Ola is just one of a number of PHV firms trying to capitalise on Uber’s struggles both in London, and around the country as a whole. Ola has been making bold claims that it is the only app in the UK offering both PHVs and black cabs through “one consumer-friendly platform” and has pledged to “lead the industry” with its approach to driver working conditions and passenger safety. So, Ola is already telling fibs then! It doesn’t have any “black cabs” and won’t have - Uber tried that and after two years of trying, all sorts of incentives and giveaways only a handful of our trade sold their souls to join the dark side.

Ola’s ambition is to be nationwide by the end of 2018. Only time will tell whether it is really prepared to be a fit and proper operator, or whether it wants to be just another cowboy like Uber. While Ola’s moving into PHVs in London, Uber might be moving out. Its Chief Executive recently announced that he’s planning to ditch cars and switch focus to electric bikes and scooters in the next phase of its plans for domination. Uber’s planning to promote “alternative transport options to car use.” Ironic really, when they’re the biggest cause of increasing congestion in city centres. If Uber thinks that jumping on the back of the anti-car revolution will help its fortunes with TfL, it’s getting a little carried away. It will be directly challenging City Hall’s own Santander bikes, and joining the ranks of dockless bike schemes such as Mobike, which are already causing headaches for TfL. Uber’s also getting ahead of itself if it thinks it can pioneer electric scooters in London. We don’t have the regulation in place to allow electric scooters to be used on public roads in the UK; meaning it would quite simply be illegal to put them on our streets. At the end of the day, pushing its bike and scooter business in London is unlikely to give Uber the long-term security it is looking for. That’s not to say we won’t be pleased to see a few less Ubers around! While we’re on cycling, we are feeding into a new Government consultation on new laws which would introduce offences for cyclists causing death or serious inquiry. This has been a long time coming. Being out on the streets all day long, taxi drivers know better than anyone that dangerous cycling is becoming an increasing hazard to drivers and pedestrians alike. It’s great to finally see politicians take notice and work to better align penalties for offences for dangerous driving between car users and cyclists. With London roads becoming ever more congested, it’s up to all of us -cabbies, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – to do our bit to make our streets safer.

September 09, 2018 at 10:05AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve McNamara - LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

“Londoners should not be denied the benefits that come with new technology” says Boff

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As an integral part of modern life, the quality of our transport infrastructure should reflect the aspirations that we hold for the kinds of lives that we wish to lead. My 40 years’ experience in local government and my own career in the technology sector tells me that Londoners want, most of all, an transport system that embraces new technology and offers a wide range of competitive, affordable transport choices. If elected as the next Mayor of London, I will deliver a clear and comprehensive plan that will do exactly this, offering Londoners the reliable, affordable and high-quality transport system that they deserve, and which our city can be truly proud of. And I want to make one thing abundantly clear; the expansion and growth of new technology is something that we should all embrace. Nobody now would reject the mobile phone because it threatened the livelihoods of telephone operators. But, undoubtedly, with every new invention there are inevitably ‘grey areas’ and that is why new transport solutions are often piloted before they are rolled out for widespread public use. However, a general fear of new technology should not hold London and its transport system back in the twentieth century. This is especially so in areas where there are already clear, tangible benefits that can be gained for Londoners, their families and London’s millions of commuters. In my view, what London needs – and has needed for a while now – is a modern, innovative, and fully integrated transport system that keeps costs low while making passenger safety the number one priority across all transport services. This is what Londoners are going to get if I become Mayor in 2020. Each of us have our own particular transport preferences and this is especially relevant in an increasingly populated, commuter-dominated area such as central London and its neighbouring boroughs. Innovative, agile transport systems such as Uber and other digital taxi apps offer Londoners an unprecedented choice when it comes to travel options, and the enhanced level of freedom that comes with this should be cherished by all as a fundamental element of a modern transport system. This is why I strongly believe that Londoners should not be denied the benefits that come with these modern and highly sophisticated new options. But there is another side to this. Transport for London (TfL) needs to properly enforce its regulations on all vehicles and drivers that they are responsible for, now and in the future. This includes performing regular driver checks and doing better when it comes to dealing with feedback and formal complaints alike. This is because I want a fully integrated, transport system that is equally fair to black cab drivers and private hire vehicle drivers alike. Over the years, the London Black Cab has become an iconic symbol of London and is a treasured, reliable mode of transport for many Londoners. Irrespective of the Black Cab’s esteemed place in London’s transport hierarchy, our transport system should be governed by an underlying principle of fairness, so it creates a healthy, thriving economy and a competitive transport network which is therefore affordable for the everyday Londoner. So I will say this again: Londoners should not be denied the benefits that come with new technology, especially in those areas where they are already delivering a positive impact, such as in those parts of London’s suburbs, poorly served by Black Cabs. To support Black Cab drivers, I will offer an interest-free loan scheme to help them purchase modern zero-emission cabs. I will also invest in a rapid expansion of the EV charging network to support this broader modernisation of our transport system. These two initiatives will help deliver a modern, affordable transport system that creates more choices for Londoners about how they travel in and around London and keeps travel costs at a competitively low price. At the same time it will play a part in cutting pollution and improving air quality in London. Nevertheless, more must be done to enforce the current regulations covering Private Hire Vehicles so that Black Cab drivers get a fair deal and can make a decent living from their trade and we can restore public confidence in a licensing system that is designed to keep passengers safe. In order to ensure that adequate and fair regulations on all providers in the ride-hailing industry are enforced I will split the licensing function off from TfL into its own organisation, answerable to me, with a remit for never compromising on public safety and I will invite the London Assembly scrutinise its operation and give a voice to interested parties. My plans for London on transport, as much as in other policy area are ambitious, but not unachievable. I want to improve reliability of the tube by embracing driverless technology; I want to speed up buses and make them more reliable, but the debate over Black Cabs and Uber rather defines the direction our City will decide it wants to go. Sadiq Khan’s protectionism will gum up the system not improve services for everybody irrespective of whether they want to take a cab or book an uber.

September 09, 2018 at 06:31AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Andrew Boff THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London's LEVC taxi drivers left unable to charge vehicles as non-cabbies park on taxi charging points.

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London's taxi industry have discovered that they are facing a problem when attempting to charge their electric taxi......the geneeal public.

It has emerged that members of the public as well as private hire vehicle drivers are ignoring road markings where electric vehicle chargers, specifically for the use of electric taxis are sited.

As a result of this cabbies are left unable to charge their vehicles. This problem could be exacerbated when the new Nissan Dynamo electric taxi becomes available as there is no petrol engine in the vehicle which will allow the battery to hold its charge.

There is serious concern from cabbies at the lack of enforcement surrounding this problem.

Whilst no offence is committed if a member of the public uses the charging point to charge a vehicle which isn't a taxi, an offence occurs if that vehicle is parked in a space which is designated for a taxi, therefore becoming a parking offence punishable with a fixed penalty notice.

With around 400 low emission taxis already on the road there are serious concerns at the number of charging points available to those taxis, especially with many drivers unable to have a home charging point.

Londons LEVC drivers have now called for an increase in the number of charging points as well as on-street enforcement to be stepped up to combat the problem.

As it stands at the moment, the best form of policong the situation seems to be taxi drivers seizing the initiative and videoing, as well as photographing offending vehicles, and then forwarding all evidence to TfL.

We will be approaching TfL for a comment surrounding this issue.

September 09, 2018 at 02:29AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbies fear that Lisson Grove muggers could kill

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As the Lisson Grove muggers attack taxi drivers in the area with impunity, some cabbies have expressed fears that somebody will be killed.

A report in the Ham and High has highlighted that attacks seem to be increasing.

Some of the attacks have iincluded the muggers trying to force drivers to stop in the middle of the road, as well as hailing a taxi and then convincing the driver that a disabled person needs assistance, before jumping into the front of the taxi and robbing the driver.

In what has become an even more serious turn of events, the muggers are now resorting to attacking drivers with fire extinguishers before robbing them.

Concerns have been raised at the lack of police presence and their failure to deal with the criminal activity in the area, the Metropolitan Police Commisioner, Cressida Dick, has come in for criticism from the LTDAs Steve McNamara, who also stated that boots on the ground are needed to deal with the situation.

September 08, 2018 at 02:19AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

“A Small Step Towards Your Phone Replacing Your Car” says Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi

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Ride-hailing firm Uber have reaffirmed their desire to move short city trip customers from the car onto bikes and scooters instead.

It was revealed that Uber are set to use bikes and scooters to replace private hire vehicles for shorter journeys claiming it will help ease congestion and pollution.

Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement in its website:

“At Uber we believe that having a variety of transportation modes at your fingertips makes it easier to live life without owning a car. So when we first partnered with JUMP to bring their electric bikes into the Uber app in San Francisco, we knew there was potential to take people out of cars and put them onto two wheels, which can be better suited for short trips around the city. We quickly saw that not only were e-bikes popular with early adopters, but some Uber trips, especially during congested times of day, were replaced by JUMP trips.

“That was a powerful signal that we were onto something, and one reason why we’ve made a big bet as a company to move beyond ridesharing. Instead, our aim is to become a one-stop shop for all your transportation and delivery needs, so that your phone can replace your personal car.“We’ve expanded our JUMP bikes to more cities; announced a car rental pilot with Getaround; struck a partnership with transit ticket provider Masabi, and are working to offer scooters—all inside the Uber app.“But as sometimes happens, we moved a bit more quickly than our app could handle! Today, it’s hard to see the other modes of transportation available to you in your Uber app. And if you don’t know all your options, you may not choose the right one for you at that moment.“That’s why we’re excited to introduce Mode Switch, a small but meaningful step toward making Uber your go-to app, whenever you need to get from point A to B.

“Riders in cities where we offer modes in addition to ridesharing will begin to see this option right on their home screen.

“While it may seem like a minor tweak, it’s just the beginning. We’ve got more app improvements in store, and in the meantime we hope this change makes it a bit easier for our customers to live their lives without a personal car.”

September 07, 2018 at 12:04PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Six Yorkshire licensing authorities agree partnership to tackle cross bordering issues

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Five West Yorkshire licensing authorities - Bradford, Calderdale, Kirkless, Leeds and Wakefield, along with York have agreed on a joint enforcement scheme that will give each the power to take action against any private hire or taxi driver that is operating "illegally" or "unsafe" within any of the six licensing regions. Up until now, each licensing authority only had the power to take action against rogue drivers who were licensed by themselves, but the new partnership will see cross-border action put into use and give the power to compliance officers to to action against drivers from any of the six licensing authorities. The new scheme would help deal with issues such as drivers who do not have the correct insurance, illegal plying for hire, vehicle defects, incorrect signage and drivers who are operating without the correct licence. Councillor Sarah Ferriby said it makes "absolute sense" to have cross-border enforcement in place. It was also stressed in the Telegraph and Angus that Ferriby also said that the "majority" of taxi and private hire drivers and their vehicles are safe and comply with the law. The new partnership has been welcomed by the Hackney Carriage Owners and Drivers Association in Bradford although they have said that a process should be in place to prevent the same drivers from being checked every day.

September 07, 2018 at 09:01AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Dial-a-cab credit union is now in default: Will cabbies lose out?

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The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has announced the failure of Dial-A-Cab Credit Union Limited, based in London, which was declared in default on 4 September 2018.This means the credit union can’t pay money to its 1,250 members. FSCS is stepping in to protect customers and we expect to pay over £21,000,000 to nearly all 1,250 customers within seven days of the failure being declared. We’ll send payments to members automatically, using the credit union’s records.Jimmy Barber, Chief Operating Officer at FSCS, said:“FSCS is committed to helping get people’s lives back on track by returning deposits as soon as we can. I’m pleased we’re able to return the majority of Dial-A-Cab customers’ deposits and that FSCS has lessened the disruption they would have otherwise experienced as a result of the credit union’s failure.”FSCS protects up to £85,000 of money in UK authorised banks, building societies and credit unions. If you have a joint account, your money is protected up to £170,000. Customers with balances over our limits will be contacted directly by the administrators.Dial-A-Cab Credit Union customers can find further information here.For any queries please speak to Jo Milner and Stephen Cork of Cork Gully LLP who are the Administrators of Dial-A-Cab Credit Union Limited. You can call them on 020 7268 2150 or email: DACCU@corkgully.comPlease note: Dial-a-Cab Limited (Radio Circuit) of 39-47 East Road, London N1 6AH is unaffected by the administration of Dial-A-Cab Credit Union Limited.

September 07, 2018 at 03:08AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Police hunt driver after retired taxi driver is killed in hit and run

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Officers have named the victim of the Leighton Road fail to stop collision who has now died as they continue to appeal for help to trace the whereabouts of a man wanted in connection with the incident.Although formal identification awaits, officers are confident that the victim is 77-year-old Richard Dougherty from Camden.Police were called to Leighton Road, NW5 at 0235hrs on Thursday, 23 August to reports of a traffic collision.At the scene a Nissan Primera vehicle had been in collision with Mr Dougherty, who was walking, before crashing into the front garden of a house.Mr Dougherty was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service having suffered a severe head injury.He died on Tuesday, 4 September. His next of kin are aware. Formal identification awaits.The occupants of the vehicle, which is believed to have been stolen, made off from the scene on foot.Due to the vehicle leaking fuel and being at risk of catching fire the immediately affected properties were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. The vehicle was made safe and residents returned to their homes.Three females aged 17, 16 and 14 who were in the vehicle also made off from the scene. They were arrested by police a few hours later on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and taken to a north London police station. They have since been released under investigation.Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), said: “Sadly, the victim of this selfish crime has passed away and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.“We are continuing our search to find Alistair McWilliams and would like to hear from anyone who knows of his whereabouts or has seen him in the past few days. Any information, no matter how big or small, will help us to take this very selfish and dangerous man off the streets.”Anyone with information should call the Incident Room at Alperton on 0208 991 9555 quoting reference CAD874/23AUG, by dialling 101, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

September 07, 2018 at 03:03AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commissions detailed study into the pedestrianisation of Parliament Square

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The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has ordered a detailed study into the potential pedestrianisation of Parliament Square following the suspected terror attack outside the Houses of Parliament in August. New plans could see traffic banned from certain sections of Parliament Square if any future proposals were to be approved. Sadiq Khan, along with Parliament, Westminster City Council and the Minister for Security have commissioned a detailed feasibility study into making the area safer. The Evening Standard have confirmed in a report that the Metropolitan Police and government security advisers will also assist with the inquiry. A joint statement by Mayor Khan, Westminster City Council leader Nickie Aiken and Deputy Speaker of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle highlighted the need to consider what changes may need to be made to improve safety in the area. Measures were implemented last year following the Westminster Bridge terror attack, but they say last months suspected terror attack has forced them to consider yet more safety measures around parliament.

September 06, 2018 at 10:42PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Angry woman bites off man's ear after he confronted her for jumping Taxi queue

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A 35-year-old woman has admitted to a court that she bit off a part a man's ear following an argument at a taxi rank in Paisley. Linda McKillop pleaded guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court to the assault of Mr Brogan, 41, who was left needing surgery on his damaged ear. The attack happened at the taxi rank located in Paisley County Square, not far from Paisley train station in the early hours of 21 October last year. Brogan had just returned from a night out in Glasgow and was waiting at the rank for the first taxi to arrive. As the taxi pulled up, McKillop walked straight to the front, bypassing Brogan. The two began to argue as the taxi drove away empty. McKillop, who was intoxicated, lost her temper and lashed out at Brogan who was trying to walk away. The court heard that she then ran after him, scratching him on the face before grabbing his head and biting his ear. The attack was caught on CCTV which was used in court. The court heard that the attack has had a "lasting impact" on Mr Brogan, who now has to alter his haircut so it covers both ears to try and hide his permanent disfigurement. McKillop is due for sentencing next month.

September 06, 2018 at 02:26PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Benefits cheat who claimed nearly £9,500 was working for Uber all along

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A Cardiff Uber driver has admitted claiming almost £9,500 in benefits while also working for the ride-sharing app. Cardiff Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday that 51-year-old Mohammed Chowdhury, claimed a total of £9,460 in Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance between June 2016 and May 2017 after failing to inform authorities of his job as an Uber driver. The court heard Chowdhury attended the Department of Work and Pensions where he confirmed to interviewers of his job as an Uber driver and told them that he had faced "financial difficulties" following legal disputes with the tech giants. Chowdhury said that because of the dispute with Uber he was unsure whether he would have to pay back all his earnings, therefore decided to declare them. In November 2016 Chowdhury declared himself too sick to work but following a medical examination it was decided that he was fit enough to seek work. According to a report in the WalesOnline, It was accepted that his claims were not "initially fraudulent". Chowdhury admitted a single count of fraud by dishonestly failing to disclose his change of status and is due for sentencing on September 12 after a probation report is carried out.

September 06, 2018 at 07:32AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Toyota announce the recall of over a million hybrid vehicles including the popular ride-sharing Prius model

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Its been announced today that Japanese car giants Toyota is recalling about 1.03 million hybrid cars which were built between June 2015 and May 2018. All vehicles will undergo safety checks after an issue with the engine harness came-to-light. Affected Toyota models include the CHR, Prius and Prius PHV which is the car of choice for many ride-share drivers who work on platforms such as Uber. Sky News reported a total of 554,000 of the recalled vehicles are in Japan, 217,000 in North America and 219,000 across Europe, with 32,393 of those currently in the U.K. According to sources the issue involves the engine wire harness which is connected to the vehicles power unit. A portion of the wire which is not protected could possibly cause an electrical short circuit after a period of time. Toyota said that retailers will check the engine wire harness assembly on all recalled vehicles. The Japanese car makers have said all costs will be covered by the company. This is not the first time that Toyota have recalled vehicles. In 2016 they recalled 3.37 million of their vehicles worldwide because of issues with the air bags and a fuel emission control unit. In 2014 they had to recall 1.9 million vehicles because of an issue with the windshield wiper switch assembly which may of short circuited.

September 05, 2018 at 08:34PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL taxi licence renewal debacle could force drivers off the road

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Sometimes you hear stories emulate from the ranks that you’re never quite sure is gospel or not. Did Dave really do the Knowledge all on foot? How did Linda fit a live llama into a TX2? And did TfL really sit on Pete’s taxi licence renewal for months meaning he was unable to work after its expiry? Well one, the later statement, I can now vouch for as I’m left infuriated just days before my licensed taxi bill is due to expire. So let’s run through the background. I received my pack from my regulators Transport for London in good time and completed the necessary DBS checks as quickly as the process allows. My renewal application with full DBS check was submitted on 28th June 2018. That meant TfL had over two months prior to my current bill expiring to issue me with another one. Five or six weeks pass and I hadn’t heard anything, so I call the the Taxi & Private Hire licensing number to check on its progress. A helpful member of the TfL licensing team assured me that the application had been submitted correctly, it was processing as expected and there was nothing else for me to do or worry about. When I queried when I was likely to expect my new bill, he said “by the end of August”. August passes and no bill lands on the Richardson household doormat. I call again. I go through the 20+ minute wait on the phone and go through the usual security checks. I then sense a little more urgency from the lady I’m speaking to. “I’ve spoken to our urgent licensing team and they’ve informed me the DVLA licence check code has expired.” says the TfL representative. Of course it expired. The check code generated on 28th June 2018 hadn’t been accessed by TfL in the 21-days it remains active for. This raised questions from myself as to why this wasn’t flagged when I rang three weeks prior for which the TfL representative couldn’t comment on. The call handler now had the code and I was told that the team would be acting fast and I could expect an email from TfL soon confirming my new completed renewal. Two days later. No email. I ring the TfL number again to check its progress. I was then confronted with a more sinister conversation just 9 days prior to my licence expiry. The TfL representative checked my details and said he “hoped” that I would have an email confirming my renewal by the end of this week. If I haven’t heard anything call back after the weekend on Monday. That would leave just three days left on my current bill to sort this ever growing mess out. Not happy with relying on the “hope” that I might receive my bill by the 14th September, I asked what would happen if this carries on being unresolved past the expiry.“You will not be able to work Sir” the gut-wrenching, stress inducing, anxiety laden response. Being told you can’t do a job despite following the instructions by the book can only be described as outrageous at best. In my household I’m currently the only earner what with my wife giving birth to an amazing little girl just 4 months ago to go with our other inquisitive little 2-year-old. Things are tight for many in the trade and you can never have enough money where young families are concerned. My thoughts switched straight to how do I pay the mortgage and keep the family home ticking over whilst this carries on! I call my union representatives now as stress levels rise. They took details on my behalf and assure me they will act quickly. Which they have. Much to my delight a TfL email arrives within the hour, but it doesn’t confirm my new bill renewal! This time the regulator wants my National Insurance Number. A piece of data that was included in the original online licence submission over two months ago! A piece of data that wasn’t requested in the three other conversations I had had. So that’s where I’m at. And on closer inspection there are more drivers facing this very same problem as Transport for London appear to sit on online renewal applications letting DVLA check-codes expire.

Will I get a licence in time to provide for my family. My regulator will “try”. I’ll have to hope.

September 05, 2018 at 08:02PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT