Police search for con-artists who swindled Private Hire Driver out of his life savings with elaborate jewellery scam

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Greater Manchester Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to after a private hire driver was swindled out of his life savings in what has been described as an “elaborate bogus jewellery con.” The victim was approached while sitting in his vehicle outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel at Manchester Airport and asked if he would be interested in a job driving a church group around during an upcoming trip to the UK. The PHV driver agreed to do the job and met up with the man three days later. At this point the man began to talk about a jewellery offer he may be interested in. Two other men were introduced to the driver; one posing as a potential jewellery seller and the other as a potential buyer.

As part of the offer, the driver was told that he would receive £6,000 if he paid the deposit of £15,000 to release the “precious stones”. The private hire driver agreed to the deal and drove to the Christie Gospital in Whithington at 2pm to meet the conman. The conman had told him that his father was being treated at the facility. The conman then gave the victim some jewellery in exchange for the money and then left. Over an hour passed and the man still hadn’t returned, this is when the private hire driver realised the jewellery he had been given was worthless. The police were then called. Set Sgt Alex Wild of Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Operations Unit said: “This was a complex and unusual con involving three offenders.

“They went to great lengths for this to appear as a legitimate transaction involving valuable jewels. “It’s easy to think that you’d never fall prey to such a scam - but these were organised criminals who went to great lengths to appear bona fide. “They have thought nothing of conning a hardworking man out of his life savings and we believe they may have tried the same trick on others. “This is an in-depth investigation that has involved forensic and covert evidence gathering, some of which can take months to complete. “However, our most valuable source of information is the general public. “If you have any information, please get in touch with police as soon as possible.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police on or Crimestoppers anonymously, on .

(Images:GMP)

January 30, 2019 at 01:17PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi makers LEVC lays off 70 workers just a day after royal visit

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Production workers based in Coventry at the London Electric Vehicle Company were told yesterday to expect 70 job losses. Senior staff notified workers at the Ansty Park site of its plans to reduce the workforce by around a fifth just one day after a royal factory visit from HRH Prince of Wales.

According to The Coventry Telegrapha spokesperson for LEVC said: “2019 will be a challenging year for UK automotive. "To prepare the business we are reducing the number of agency staff and making productivity improvements.

January 30, 2019 at 07:49AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Biggest-ever minicab protest as thousands of drivers are expected to block three London roads

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Hundreds of minicab drivers gathered outside Transport for London's headquarters on Blackfriars Road yesterday, in what was the biggest-ever demonstration of minicab drivers in the UK. The protest called by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain's (IWGB) United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) branch against regressive congestion charges on minicabs to be introduced in April, builds on two previous demonstrations that were attended by hundreds of drivers. The growth of these protests shows the rising anger among minicab drivers that feel ignored by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who refuses to speak to them or address their concerns. After the protest on 28th January the drivers vowed to repeat the protest every Monday. Hundreds of stationary minicabs blocked large parts of the Cut, Union Street and Blackfriars Road. Drivers were joined by Labour councillor Maurice McLeod, who called on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to scrap the congestion charge extension. The policy introduced by the Mayor and TfL amounts to a “tax on the poor” and will see minicab drivers’ take home pay slashed by up to 25%, while doing little to reduce congestion. TfL expects its policy to reduce congestion by only 600 cars per day or just 1% of the private hire traffic that goes through the congestion zone. TfL's own impact analysis showed a disproportionate impact on poor and BAME workers with 71% of TfL licensed minicab drivers hailing from designated deprived areas and 94% identifying as BAME. Black cab drivers, who are 80% white British, continue to be exempt from paying congestion charge. The IWGB proposes an alternative policy to deal with the problem of congestion, including:

A cap on the total number of minicab driver licenses.A licensing cost levy on private hire operators, based on the frequency of private hire vehicles from their fleet appearing in the congestion zone.To reduce the amount of time drivers spend on the road waiting for passengers, TfL should provide dedicated rest spaces for at least 4,000 minicabs.Minimum wage enforcement, which would provide the necessary incentive for operators to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Abdurazak Hadi, chair of the London committee of the IWGB's UPHD branch, said: "The Mayor's new regressive congestion charge will leave minicab drivers like myself, already suffering from Uber's poverty wages, unable to feed our families. London elected the Sadiq Khan on the promise of a fairer city, but instead of targetting the operators like Uber who are really responsible, he is punishing working families. We desperately need the Mayor to listen to us and scrap his ruinous tax on the poor."

January 29, 2019 at 08:37PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Former Private Hire Driver found guilty of fraud as he attempted to obtain a new licence with a number of licensing authorities

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A man who was attempting to obtain a private hire licence has been given a 12-month community order for failing to disclose his licence history during his application for licences with South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire district councils. Ali Hassan, of Burton, failed to inform either licences authorities of a number of previous offences including having a previous PHV licence revoked for falling asleep behind the wheel while driving young people as part of a school ‘taxi’ service. 35-year-old Hassan also failed to disclose six penalty points on his licence which he received for speeding while he was licensed by East Staffordshire council. In addition to speeding and falling asleep behind the wheel, Hassan had also received four penalty points on his licence for crashing his vehicle, causing injuries to three people. Leicester Magistrates Court found Hassan guilty of fraud by false representation and was given a 12-month community order. Evidence against Hassan was presented in court by both South Derbyshire District Council and North West Leicestershire District Council. The court heard that Hassan was only caught giving false representation during his licence application when a former Borough Council worker spotted him submitting documents in support of his licensing application. The Borough Council worker noted that Hassan had failed to disclose his licence history during an attempt to obtain a licence with them. Hassan also failed to disclose that he had his licence revoked twice while licensed with East Staffordshire Borough Council. Along with a 12-month community order which requires him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, he was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85, and, due to his limited means, a contribution towards costs of £500. As reported in the Derby Telegraph, if the community order is breached, he will be brought back to court and could face jail. Councillor Alison Smith, deputy leader and portfolio holder for community services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “This case highlights how seriously we take passenger safety and that we will always scrutinise licensing applications fully to ensure the public are not in danger.”

January 29, 2019 at 01:59PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbie wins licence appeal after bomb threat

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A cabbie who posted a Facebook message claiming that his parked vehicle contained a bomb has had the decision to revoke his taxi license overturned.

Barrow Crown Court heard how Gordon Welsh, had parked his car on a piece of land in New Road, Kendal. He then posted a message on Facebook claiming that the vehicle had been packed with 40kg of the explosive amatol along with a mercury switch. The incident took place in Novermber 2017

He then, in an unrelated incident, was convicted and subsequently fined for common assault.

As a result of the conviction, Welsh's license to operate was revoked according to a report by The Westmorland Gazette

The cabbie subsequently launched an appeal against the revocation of his license in August 2018, but his appeal was rejected.

He successfully made a second appeal, with the judge stating that the decision to lift the revocation was marginal.

Justice Gibson took into consideration the fact that Welsh's assault conviction was at the lower end of the scale, and as such was not strictly grounds for the revocation itself.

He also considered the bomb threat to be not a serious or credible threat.

Welsh, a dual license holder, was warned about his future conduct.

South Lakeland District Council made no comment on the outcome, other than to state that it respected the courts decision.

January 29, 2019 at 08:44AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The Toyota JPN Taxi: Changing the Asian landscape, can it change the UK’s?

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Back in October 2017 Toyota threw their hat in the taxi manufacturing ring. Has it been a success and could it be a taxi for British shores?

Toyota claimed at launch that they wanted to make bad cab experiences a thing of the past with a new taxi inspired by the best qualities of Japanese hospitality. The JPN Taxi, launched in 2017 for the Tokyo Motor Show, was designed to be accessible, comfortable and safe for all kinds of passengers, from children to wheelchair users so say it’s manufactures.

Toyota plans to use the new cab to greet and transport visitors to Japan from around the world when Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. It sees the new model as a way of presenting Japan as a more accessible, tourist-oriented country, making its cities, in particular places, where everyone can enjoy barrier-free travel.

The new model is unmistakeably a taxi in appearance, with its tall, classic shape and deep indigo paintwork – the colour koiai that’s long been a symbol of Japan. But clever features make it a modern, user-friendly vehicle, including a low, flat floor, a power sliding rear door and space inside to accommodate a wheelchair. The driver’s field of vision has been maximised through the shape and position of the front pillars and fitting side mirrors towards the further edge of the front wings. Inside, the navigation system and fare meter have been placed so they can be clearly seen by passengers in the rear.

Clever details include LED lights and extenders for the rear seatbelts to make them easier for passengers to find at night; windows with soundproof glass; and a sophisticated climate control system with a built-in air purifier.

The JPN Taxi runs on a Toyota hybrid power system that combines an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) engine and an electric motor, giving cleaner running in city centres with lower CO2 emissions and fuel economy of around 55mpg. It has impressive safety features, including a suite of Toyota Safety Sense active protection features and six cabin airbags.

Toyota has a fine heritage of taxi design and manufacturing, stretching back to its original model, the AA saloon, in 1936. Its cars have earned a reputation for reliable performance over extended mileages, often working in harsh conditions.

The only blot on the JPN taxi has centred around its wheelchair ramp. Approximately 12,000 signatures were submitted to Toyota calling for the redesign of the ramp. Drivers of the vehicle said it took at least 15 minutes to install the ramp. Toyota have since agreed to a new ramp and hope to have them ready by April of this year.

So is this a taxi for the UK? For some cities it’s a yes! In London, with too few seats and no turning circle its hard to imagine the vehicle in the capital though. However, for cities with historically fewer seat spaces, it might just be opinion if Toyota chose to market further than Asia as British authorities look for cleaner taxis in their city.

What’s the cost of the vehicle currently selling in Japan? ¥3,277,000. That’s roughly £23,000 to you and I.

January 29, 2019 at 08:56AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Prince of Wales visits LEVC Ansty Park taxi factory

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Prince Charles took his time speaking to factory operatives, including Production Apprentice Ellie Bowes, here he learned about LEVC’s electric eCity technology which supports the green transformation of the blackcab, & the commitment to the responsible sourcing & recycling of materials in our manufacturing processes.

HRH was pleased to see young people being encouraged to pursue manufacturing as a career option through apprenticeship schemes STEM

The Prince of Wales takes a closer look at a true British icon, the clean green electric black cab – TX eCity.

In the main reception area staff, along with representatives from The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers – the 104th Livery Company of the City of London – watch as HRH unveiled a unique plaque commemorating today’s visit.

HRH was greeted by LEVC CEO Chris Gubbey, Chairman Carl-Peter Forster & Master of The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Phil Davis. After learning about the new vehicle, company & vision, Prince Charles embarked upon a tour around the new EV factory which champions British manufacturing & engineering.

(Credit: LEVC Facebook)

January 29, 2019 at 07:53AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Portslade cabbie convicted of drink-driving

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A cabbie from Portslade has been banned from the road after being convicted of drink-driving.

Peter Sourial, 34, of Trafalgar Road, Portslade was caught by Sussex Police during a sting operation over the Christmas period.

According to Brighton And Hove News the operation is part of a yearly campaign, in an effort to reduce the number of drink-drivers on the road.

Sourial was stopped, and subsequently arrested, whilst driving his Vauxhall Zafira, in Lincoln Road, Portslade on December 19.

He was found to be more than double the legal limit, with 71 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Sourial faced Brighton Magistrates’ Court on January, where he was sentenced to a 17 month driving ban and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

January 28, 2019 at 04:32AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire Driver says the industry is in desperate need of a cap on licences as he claims to work 40 hours just to break even

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A Teeside private hire driver has said the industry is in desperate need of a cap put on the amount of licences issued, claiming he’s having to work a 40-hour week before earning a single penny. The driver, who didn’t want to be named, told Teeside Live that the roads are now flooded with drivers from different firms, all spiralling into debt as they struggle to “make ends meet.” The current state of the industry has left the driver battling depression he has claimed. Along with having to work ever increasing hours, the driver highlighted the risks driver take when dealing with the public, saying he’s been beaten up by passengers and calling the job “scary” at times. The unnamed driver said that “each firm is trying to beat the other” claiming that it causes a drop in fare prices leading to the drivers earning even less. The man said that you become reliant on tips from your passengers to help with earnings, saying customers are aware of the issues and sympathise with their drivers because they know the fares are extremely low. He is now calling for Middlesbrough Council to put a cap on the number of licences granted, but the council say there is no current legislation to enforce such a limit. The driver said that having no cap on licences is profitable for the council, as they make money from every licence issued, saying: “it’s business for them.” The council however said that they can and do limit the number of hackney vehicles unless they are purpose built wheelchair accessible type.” The driver has claimed that he has to work a “70-odd hour shift” just so he can clear a couple of hundred pound earnings for himself. Vehicle rent, fuel and licence fees all add up for drivers who don’t get sick pay or holidays. The taxi and private hire industry has seen an unprecedented increase of drivers since the emergence of ride-hailing apps like Uber, making it more and more difficult for individuals to earn a living. Supply seems to be outweighing demand within the industry and not many of those in power to make a positive change seem to be acting in time. The industry is bursting at the seems and its only a matter of time before it pops, leaving drivers out of work and in serious debt.

January 28, 2019 at 09:47AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cab driver found guilty of causing death by careless driving

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A Wolverhampton cab driver has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving and has been warned that he could face jail time. Moqadas Hafeez, 39, knocked down 91-year-old Ukrainian born Mychajilo Dudok as he crossed a street within the inner Stourbridge ring road at around lunchtime of September 22 2017. Hafeez, who was driving his VW Passat, didn’t see Mr Dudok until it was too late, but made the claim that the victim had fallen back off the pavement into the path of his vehicle. Hafeez’s claims were challenged by Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting, who accused him of lying in a bid to avoid responsibility for the death. Spratt said: “As the pedestrian crossed the third lane and got close to completing the crossing he was hit by the taxi.” Witness to the collision was Joan Lester, who was in the middle lane alongside Hafeez. She told the jury: “As I turned I saw an older man crossing the road. He was stooped over and moving very slowly. “When I first saw him he was in the first of the three lanes he had to cross. “I said to my husband: ‘I don’t know if he(Mr Dudok) is going to make it.’ “I thought I was going to have to stop but as I started to slow he cleared my lane and moved into the third lane where there was a collision between him and another car. “I had started to slow but the other car had not done anything. “The man stepped into its lane and it him him.” Hafeez maintained that he did not see the victim until he had crossed the road, but the prosecution insisted that he could of stopped in time to avoid hitting the pensioner. Hafeez said: “the first time I saw him he was on the pavement. I didn’t see him cross the road. “As I approached him he fell onto the wing of the car, hit the wing mirror and fell onto the ground. I got out and asked him if he was OK. He said: ‘I am OK and want to go home’.” Mr Spratt said: “there was no obstruction and no vehicle between you and him. You were distracted in some way and were not paying proper attention to the road in front of you and collided with the man as he was crossing the road.” Senior forensic expert in the Police Collision Investigation Unit, Sgt Adam Green, said: “if the pedestrian had fallen, or even stumbled, I would expect a different pattern of damage on the Taxi because he would not have been moving in the same way as when walking. “The collision occurred as a result of the driver failing to react as the pedestrian crossed the carriageway. There was sufficient time for the driver to bring his vehicle to a halt.” The cab was travelling at an estimated speed of 28mph in a 30mph zone according to experts. At the point of seeing Mr Dudok, Hafeez braked to 18mph, which was the speed of contact. Dudok was taken to hospital but died from multiple injuries. As reported in the Express and Star, Hafeez was unanimously found guilty and remanded on bail for pre sentence report until February 13. Judge Simon Ward said: “I will then decide what is the appropriate sentence but do not rule out prison.”

January 27, 2019 at 06:57PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Age limit cut proposal is an insult to a trade already going green as fast as possible says LTDA

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Obviously, the hot topic on everyone’s lips at the moment is the scandalous announcement by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, of his intention to consult on cutting the taxi age limit to just 12 years. What made it even worse was the fact he decided that just before Christmas was the time to announce it, or if you are more cynically inclined, to bury the bad news. Then he also decided he wouldn’t even bother giving us any details about how or when it might be implemented but said we would have to wait for the consultation early in 2019 to see the finer details.

What is even considered as early in the year? Is that January? Maybe February Could it even be April? How long will the consultation last two months? Three months? Maybe four months? Then there’s the period after the consultation where we get the collated information and summaries, before we finally get the decision. That will mean we will be in limbo until the summer of 2019 at best, but perhaps even as late as Christmas 2019. So, many of us will be spending a whole year not knowing what we should do with the cab we’re currently driving, is that any way to treat the world’s greatest taxi trade? So, what have we been told? Well, this announcement pretty much sums it up: “In early 2019, we will also consult on proposals to reduce taxi emissions further, including a proposal of phased reductions of the taxi age limit for the dirtiest vehicles to 12 years. The 15-year age limit would be strictly mandated in 2019, with a proposed reduction in the age limit each year until a 12-year age limit is reached. The age limit for Euro 6, LPG and Zero-Emission Capable taxis is proposed to remain at 15 years. The consultation will launch early next year.” So, if you’re currently driving a Euro 6 TX4 (approx. 16 plate) or Mercedes Vito (approx. 66 plate) you will still get 15 years along with the TXe and cabs running on LPG. The latter of course could have had a lifespan of up to 20 years, if a cab in its last year of its diesel life was converted to LPG, thus giving an extra five years. For the rest of us they are proposing to lower the age limit to 14 years in 2020, 13 years in 2021 and finally 12 years in 2022. This isn’t the first time they’ve tried to lower our age limit. We defeated them last time and let me assure you the LTDA will be doing everything it can to prevent this unnecessary attack on hard working cabbies, which has wiped millions of equity from the value of taxis at a stroke. Let’s be clear they have no real proof that we’re as dirty as they claim. The 20% of pollution we’re blamed for, or the 40,000 premature deaths figure is all complete and utter tosh. They seem to be of the view that “if we say it often enough, it becomes true.” It is in effect a straw man, a manufactured a problem, which never existed before, built up to show that they are taking action: blame us, white vans and then use a sledge hammer to crack the nut. Clearly, with all the outrage from the minicab trade about being forced to pay the C-Charge, TfL can’t be seen to be letting us off the hook. But what they have failed to take in to account is that they are delivering a slap in the face to people who have already taken up the challenge and are going green as fast as they can, with more than 1,000 electric cabs on the roads already, despite there being only one relatively expensive option. At the current rate of change we will be fully zero emission capable before TfL’s beloved London bus service, but yet they still want more blood. What an insult!

January 27, 2019 at 04:50PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Paul Brennan - LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pavement protection device for people bursts car tyres in seconds

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The threat from pavement parking and terror attacks involving cars could be dramatically reduced by a simple new device installed along kerbs that quickly punctures tyres claims the Environmental Transport Association (ETA). Catclaw is the size of half a small orange and is designed to be installed in its thousands along kerbs and pavements. When a car or lorry drives over a CatClaw, its weight exposes a sharp steel tube that quickly punctures the tyre. However, it poses no threat to pedestrians – a person standing on top of the device would not be heavy enough to activate it. Yannick Read from the Environmental Transport Association was inspired to invent CatClaw after watching footage of terror attacks involving cars: “43 people were killed last year by cars and lorries as they walked along a pavement or verge, so I invented CatClaw to reduce this type of terror as much as to tackle politically-motivated attacks.”

In order to prevent terror attacks at certain locations, physical obstructions such as steel bollards or concrete blocks have been placed in public areas.

It is unclear whether the device could further hinder emergency service response times if vehicles in traffic were unable to allow emergency access. Other driver concerns could focus on the visibility of the device, especially if hidden by leaves, snow or litter.

January 27, 2019 at 11:04AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Glasgow City Council approves use of LPG taxis as UK momentum gathers

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Autogas Limited is pleased to announce that Glasgow City Council has followed its approval of allowing taxis running on LPG to be licensed in the city by officially approving the vehicles through the LOW CVP CVRAS scheme.

Taxis running on LPG will be compliant with Euro 6 emission limits that are set to be in place in line with upcoming Low Emission Zone (LEZ) introduction at the end of 2022.CVRAS is a robust scheme that is designed for manufacturers of retrofit emissions reduction technology to enable Clean Air Zone (CAZ) compliance of legacy fleet vehicles and taxis. This certification scheme supports the operation of Clean Air Zones in our towns and cities and looks to address the air pollution emissions from vehicles that commonly operate in these environments such as buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, mini-buses, taxis and vans. Diesel black taxis contribute to urban NOx and PM levels, there are the most harmful pollutants in our air. Therefore cleaning up the emissions from these vehicles can quickly and effectively improve air quality where it is needed most. In order to qualify for the CVRAS scheme independent emission testing demonstrated a 98% reduction in NOx and a 95% reduction in PMs. This recent announcement means that TX1, TX2 & TX4 owners and drivers in Glasgow can now convert their Taxi to LPG, this will allow owners to reduce their fuel spend by 20-30%, prolong the life of their Taxi, reduce indoor and outdoor engine noise and significantly reduce harmful tailpipe emissions. In addition to Glasgow LPG repowered TX4 Taxis are now seeing traction in the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh, where after the LPG technology recently being approved interest and orders of the repowering are on the increase. Towns & Cities that currently incentivise the use of Automotive LPG for Taxis are:

EdinburghGlasgowLondonReadingBirmingham

To find out how you can reduce your automotive fuel spend contact Autogas Limited today.

January 26, 2019 at 05:24PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Autogas Limited THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT