Uber team up with Adidas to develop onboard customer fitness guide

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Are passengers REALLY going to do this?!

Ride-hailing firm Uber have teamed up with Adidas to develop a fitness guide for customers to complete whilst onboard.

An Uber spokesperson said: “At Uber, we are always looking for new ways to help you enjoy the ride. That is why we’ve teamed up with adidas to develop the Uber Fitness Guide.

“Designed to maximize riding time and ensure that your minutes in an Uber are well spent, we collaborated with fitness instructor Megan Roup to create quick and effective moves that anyone can do safely in the backseat.”

Uber claim that “These small isometric movements sculpt and tone, and are easy to do with your seatbelt fastened. So whether you are on your way to the airport, expending nervous energy en route to a meeting, or heading home from brunch with friends, you can make the most of your ride.”

February 02, 2019 at 02:33PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

As the London taxi industry demos intensify, Uber and Cabify suspend operations in Barcelona on the back of protests

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As the demonstrations surrounding the proposed taxi exclusion from Tottenham Court Road intensify, it's been revealed via social media that the protests will be shifting away from that area from the week beginning February 4.

According to the Independent Taxi Alliance (ITA) twitter feed there will not be a protest on Monday February 4, protests will resume at an alternative location on February 6.

There may be some positive news on the horizon as it has emerged that TfL may be willing to discuss the situation, but we are awaiting confirmation of this.

Meanwhile, Uber and Cabify are to suspend operations in Barcelona following the Catalan Governments ruling that ride-hailing services could only pick up passengers after a 15-minute delay from the time of booking.

Reuters have reported that the Catalan Governments ruling followed mass protests by taxi drivers in Barcelona who complained that the services did not operate on a fair playing field.

Uber and Cabify announcing the suspension of its services in Barcelona falls just before the city hosts the annual Mobile World Congress.

Uber have stated that the restrictions have left them with no choice but to suspend UberX, whilst Cabify have stated that it was disappointed that the city had capitulated to the demands of the taxi industry. Whilst Barcelona have adopted new legislation, the taxi protests in Madrid rumble on, with no resolution in sight between the taxi industry and Madrid authorities.

February 02, 2019 at 01:32PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Air pollution - a crisis created by politicians

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“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.” H L Mencken Imaginary might be a little harsh, but exaggerated certainly isn’t. The latest hobgoblin is the air quality ‘crisis’, which is being used to justify more taxes on some drivers in the guise of clean air zones (CAZ) such as the ULEZ scheme in London. If the much-delayed carbon dioxide hobgoblin doesn’t get us, which we were previously using diesel to help slay, then NOx and particulates (dust) certainly will, according to the likes of London mayor Sadiq Kahn. In fact, London is where the hobgoblin meets the ‘zombie’ statistic in the form of the mayor’s false 40,000 air pollution deaths claim, which has been shot down by the likes of respiratory physiologist Professor Tony Frew, a former member of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP).

This Frankenstein’s monster of statistical constructs doesn’t refer to real people, but is derived from the estimated 340,000 life years lost by everyone in the UK as a result of an average ‘early death’ of around three days due to air pollution, all things being equal, which in reality they are not. In fact, there are a number of factors that can influence life expectancy in positive or negative ways. These include the likes of genetics, wealth, lifestyle, diet, environment, medical advances, etc. It’s clear from the increased life expectancy from birth that we enjoy as a developed nation driven by carbon fuels that the balance of all factors is strongly positive in favour of increased longevity. Professor Frew also points out that just because pollution levels have been made illegal doesn’t mean that they are dangerous. There’s a lack of publicity for the latest report from COMEAP where experts can’t agree on any link between NOx and mortality, and the latest Office for National Statistics data shows that the North-South divide for life expectancy is clearly wealth-related rather than related to air quality. Dates of birth and death are ‘hard’ data compared to junk epidemiological guesswork. Making people richer, rather than poorer with unjustified taxes, is the best way to make their lives longer and happier. As for asthma, it was identified by the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and China BC – Before Cars. There are many potential attack triggers for people who are genetically predisposed to asthma and it’s a well-known fact that indoor air quality, where we spend 90 per cent of our time, can be many times worse than outdoors. Also, individuals with compromised respiratory systems are susceptible to spikes in poor air quality due to very specific combinations of weather conditions. To mayor Khan’s credit, he has recognised the stupidity of wood-burning stoves, which can emit 18 times as much pollution as a modern diesel car and six times as much as a diesel truck. But there is no sign yet of any wood tax or recognition of the impact of the ‘prettiest pollutant’ known as fireworks. It’s ironic that London bus shelters carry posters side-by-side advertising the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) and firework displays. If there really was an air pollution emergency or crisis, wood-burning stoves and fireworks would be top of the banned list. Regressive taxes, which is what CAZ charges are, target the less well-off who can’t afford new or newer vehicles. CAZ policies also fail to pass any cost-benefit analysis. Close to home for me personally, but not affecting my Euro 6 car, the planned Birmingham CAZ is projected to provide purely theoretical health and environmental benefits of £38m over ten years against a negative overall cost of £122m. This makes Birmingham’s EU-threatened fine of £60m for failing to tackle levels of air pollution declared illegal (by an EU we were supposed to be leaving) look like a bargain. Additionally, areas outside the Birmingham CAZ are likely to lose thousands of free parking spaces and the 6,000 free parking spaces within the zone could also face charges or restrictions. UK vehicle emissions have declined significantly over the past 40 years against a background of increased vehicle usage. The fact that urban pollution ‘hot spots’ remain can to a large extent be blamed on deliberate congestion-causing policies, which have been designed to obstruct and slow traffic. Banning all transport in London, for example, would only reduce particulate levels from the current average 14 micrograms per cubic metre to 12, the worldwide background level being 7 micrograms per cubic metre. The potential air quality benefits of a ULEZ or CAZ will therefore be insignificant. We should instead be pleased with the significant improvements in air quality that have been achieved thanks to advances in vehicle technology and look forward to continued improvement from reduced vehicle emissions driven by technology. Our tax- and restrictions-obsessed politicians should recognise the longer, happier lives that people in the UK are enjoying largely due to the economic benefits of carbon fuels. But we won’t be holding our breath waiting for that to happen!

The following article is by Paul Biggs, ABD Director and Environment Spokesperson. It first appeared in Local Transport Today, the magazine for local road traffic engineers. Paul Biggs is environment spokesman for the Alliance of British Drivers. He is a biological sciences graduate and retired cancer researcher.

February 02, 2019 at 10:29AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Alliance of British Drivers THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

LEVC expect 2019 to be a challenging year for the UK automotive sector

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Earlier this week, electric taxi manufacturer LEVC announced that they would be reducing the number of temporary agency staff currently employed at its factory in Coventry.The decision to reduce staff was largely due to the likelihood of 2019 being a challenging year for the UK automotive sector and the need to match staff levels with its expected production volumes.An LEVC spokesperson offered TaxiPoint an update on it’s discussions with the agency staff affected saying: “Given our desire to treat the affected individuals fairly, we have sought to brief those directly impacted first. We have sought act with pace, care and transparency to ensure that uncertainty for affected staff is kept to a minimum. Following our initial communication earlier this week, this afternoon temporary staff have now been given their notice and release dates will be agreed with those affected next week.“Our agency staff recruiter has already started reaching out to their other clients to see what other roles might be available for those leaving the business, and we will support those affected through this process. Where appropriate we are also encouraging agency staff to apply for non-production vacancies at LEVC.“These associates have all played an important role in helping LEVC build our new factory and our new vehicles over the past few years and we are extremely thankful for their efforts.”

February 01, 2019 at 09:06PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

No-one likes getting into a cold cab; How to warm your LEVC TX

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In an electric vehicle, the cabin temperature is maintained electrically using energy from the drive battery. When charging your TX, whether overnight at home or on-street, you can set a ‘Parking Climate’ timer to pre- warm or pre-cool the cabin using the mains electricity. This feature automatically activates the climate control system to restore the last set temperature and fan speed. This means energy isn’t taken from the battery to do the same job after you’ve driven away, helping to preserve your electric range...plus, you get to climb into a cab that’s just the way you like it.How to set Parking Climate Open the heating and ventilation display on the touchscreen by pressing the fan icon at the bottom of the screen. Swipe the screen from left to right, or select ‘Parking Climate’ at the top of the screen

Preconditioning

(1) Touch ‘Add timer’ to create a new preconditioning timer

- Set the time and applicable of days of the week. - You can also set a timer for a specific date (2) Touch the timericon to active (or deactivate) the timer/s (3) Check the relevant heated seat box to also switch on the heated seat whenever preconditioning is active. (4) You can change the settings of a timer, or remove unwanted timers by touching ‘Edit list’. (5) You can also touch the ‘Preconditioning’ button to manually activate the feature. This restores the previously set cabin temperature without turning on the ignition. It is possiblet to lock the vehicle and leave just the heating active. This is useful when leaving the cab for a short break.

As long as the vehicle is plugged in to a charge point and the ignition is switched off, the preconditioning will activate and warm/cool the cabin, ready for your shiftKeep climate comfort (6) The ‘Keep climate comfort’ button works to maintain the current heating and ventilation settings while the cab is parked and the driver remains in the vehicle. It uses only the fans to distribute residual heat in the system or draw in cool air from outside, so is an effective way of maintaining a comfortable temperature for short periods of time, while consuming very little energy.

- It is deactivated when the ignition is switched back on, the vehicle is locked from the outside, or if the vehicle is plugged into a chargepoint.

February 01, 2019 at 12:18PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Digital taxi firms, private sector competition and multi-modal tickets – A vision for taxi transport in London

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Licensing more private providers and consider the potential of digital innovation proposed

The London Night Time Commission has published its report and recommendations on London’s night-time economy.

Included in the recommendations for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to implement are the following:

This group would consider the potential of digital innovation and artificial intelligence to improve how people travel at night. Transport, as shown already by the activities of digital taxi firms, is likely to be one of the big areas of urban innovation. By looking ahead, the group can secure the benefits for those active at night.

Furthermore, it should look at how to best increase competition amongst cab and bus operators. This would be enabled by licensing more private providers. The aim is to continue to drive costs down for Londoners who travel at night whilst driving up standards. This group should include private sector operators offering non-public transport solutions at night to ensure it considers market-led solutions.

The group should look to increase availability of night time transport options while reducing cost through a new ‘Night Rider’ ticket. This should be multi-modal and could be enabled by a switch to the transport pricing model common in Germany. There commuters pay a fixed price for a journey regardless of the method of travel.

February 01, 2019 at 08:47AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Transport for London licensed Uber driver fined after pleading guilty to benefits fraud

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A Transport for London Uber driver failed to reveal he was a private hire driver when he claimed benefits St Albans Magistrates Court heard. Murat Coker, from Watford, has been ordered to pay £619 for failing to disclose his working status while claiming state benefits. Coker chose not to tell Watford Borough Council that he had a Transport for London private hire licence and had been working on the ride-hailing platform since 2015 and went on to claim £2,355 in benefits. Fraud investigators from the council made checks through the National Fraud Initiative after they discovered Coker had not been honest in his application. Coker was interviewed in May under caution, where he admitted to falsely claiming the £2,355 worth of benefits. He pleaded guilty to one charge under the Fraud Act 2006.

He was issued a financial penalty of £335, as well as costs of £284 for prosecution and victim surcharge.

As reported by the Watford Observer, arrangements are being made to pay the benefits back. Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford, said: “Our consistent success in prosecuting benefit fraud sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated. It is a great example of how we ensure money is not taken illegally out of the public purse.”

February 01, 2019 at 07:08AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London taxi and private hire firms urged to help cut idling pollution on the road

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Deliveroo first to back council pledge to cut engine idling

Deliveroo, a company that works with thousands of riders in the capital, has agreed to support #DontBeIdle to urge drivers not to idle their engines at the side of the road.

This comes as the council has written to more than 20 business leaders from some of London’s top freight, delivery, coach, taxi and private hire companies this week, asking for support given delivery drivers and commercial vehicles make up a large proportion of idling drivers. Research shows that an average vehicle idling produces enough exhaust emissions containing harmful chemicals every minute to fill 150 balloons, and vehicles such as buses, taxis, vans, cars and delivery vehicles account for more than half of the deadliest emissions in the air. The impact if poor air quality on the health can be significant, especially for children with pollution linked to 40,000 deaths nationally each year. Westminster City Council Leader Nickie Aiken said: “We have to get the message out there, turning off your engine can save lives. So having the support of Deliveroo is fantastic, as with their support we can spread the message further and help cut pollution in our city. “Our #DontBeIdle campaign is really sparking the imagination of people in the city and I’d urge other businesses to get involved. Poor air quality is our residents’ number one concern and so we’re leading the way to tackle this issue.” In just over a year more than 10,000 people have signed a pledge not to engine idle and to spread the message. The council’s team of dedicated air marshals have had more than 20,000 conversations with people in the city convincing them to switch off their engines when stationary at the side of the road. The team has also held engagement days, visited schools, spoken to parents and even gained the support of celebrities. The focus of the campaign in now on those most likely to idle – professional drivers – supporting them to switch off their engines while waiting at the side of the road in a bid to further help cut pollution in London. The council is also offering advice and guidance to businesses who pledge their support. Dan Warne, UK Managing Director of Deliveroo, said: “Deliveroo is delighted to support this campaign, working with our riders to make small changes that together result in big improvements for all residents. “Deliveroo riders are on the capital’s roads delivering amazing meals every single day and will be some of the biggest beneficiaries from improving air quality across London. This is a great initiative from Westminster City Council and we look forward to supporting initiatives like this across the city.”

January 31, 2019 at 07:35PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Proposed £28m revamp of The Strand could signal the end of The Aldwych gyratory system

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A proposed £28m revamp of a section of The Strand could see the end of The Aldwych gyratory system.

The ambitious plans, which are backed by Westminster City Council, would see the 200 meter section of The Strand to the south of Aldwych paved over and given over to pedestrian traffic, whilst The Aldwych itself becomes a two-way traffic system, ending the chaos which has blighted The Strand on the approach to Waterloo Bridge, which is regularly brought to a standstill by the sheer volume of buses, as well as other road users.

The are hosts a plethora of high profile venues and buildings, such as Somerset House, Kings College, and a number of hotels and theatres.

Among the proposed revamp, a new plaza will surround St Mary Le Strand (The RAF) Church, as well as Improved connections to The South Bank, Covent Garden and the West End.

The proposals could also see an improvement in air quality, as well as an improvement in facilities for both walking and cycling.

Westminster City Council are now looking to hear the views and opinions of businesses and organisations as well as the general public on these draft design ideas. The Strand and Aldwych Consultation will run from 30 January 2019 to 13 March 2019.

Cllr Richard Beddoe, Cabinet Member for Planning and Place Shaping, said: “This historic gateway into the West End is home to some of the capital’s most famous cultural and academic institutions, as well as a major leisure destination in its own right with landmark theatres, hotels and other attractions. “But the future success of the area is at risk because of traffic, poor air quality and inadequate public spaces. So working with local organisations we’ve developed some fresh ideas for the Strand Aldwych. These concept designs have come together following a great deal of discussion with local groups and we now want to get as much feedback as possible. “Nothing is set in stone at this stage and we look forward to having constructive discussions as to how we can deliver a world-class scheme that benefits Westminster and London for many years to come.”

January 31, 2019 at 01:43PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New 15 minute advanced booking rule forces Uber and Cabify to suspend services in Barcelona

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It has been announced today in The Guardian, that ride-hailing app’s Uber and Cabify are to suspend operations following new rules requiring vehicles to be booked at least 15 minutes in advance. Both firms will suspend their services from Friday February 1. The new regulations were put in place by the government after immense pressure was brought on by taxi drivers who demanded tighter rules be put in place on VTC’S (private vehicles with driver). An Uber spokesperson said that the new regulations leave the controversial ride-hailing firm no choice but to suspend UberX while they asses their future in Barcelona. Following suite, soon after, a spokesperson for Cabify accused the Catalan government of “caving into pressure and demands of the taxi industry.” Cabify said that almost 100% of it’s trips were booked with less than 15 minutes notice so the new regulations sole objective seems to lead to a direct expulsion of their business model. According to VTC, an association of transport companies, the new regulations could lead to 3,000 drivers losing their jobs. A spokesperson for VTC said that the regional government in Catalonia are “yielding to the blackmail of the taxi drivers, who are again kidnapping the city of Barcelona and using violence to shield their monopoly.”

January 31, 2019 at 01:30PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

HRH The Prince of Wales visits the home of LEVC’s electric taxi, as Coventry celebrates 70 years of taxi production

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His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales earlier this week visited the home of the electric taxi, LEVC’s Ansty facility on the outskirts of Coventry.

The visit to LEVC’s facility - the UK’s newest car factory and the UK’s first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing centre - was an opportunity for His Royal Highness to see how the UK car industry is becoming more sustainable.

LEVC produced and sold over 1,200 electric taxis in 2018 – which have helped significantly reduce emissions from the taxi sector in London and beyond. Emissions from the sector in 2018 in London were cut by at least 8,600 tonnes of CO2 and 1.9 billion mg of NOx compared to 2017 levels.

Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman of LEVC said: “LEVC were delighted to welcome The Prince of Wales to see the UK’s first dedicated electric vehicle factory which was built following investment from Geely – particularly given his efforts to promote more sustainable living in the UK. We believe that LEVC’s new factory and our ground breaking new electric taxi represents the future of UK automotive and builds on the UK’s world-leading expertise in light weighting technology.”

As part of the visit, The Prince was introduced to the team behind LEVC’s new electric taxi, the TX eCity. This included those who work in LEVC’s aluminium body shop who use parts made from recycled aluminium sourced from a recently re-opened facility in Wales. His Royal Highness’ visit coincides with the start of celebrations of 70 years of taxi production in the city and showcases Coventry’s close cultural connection with the iconic vehicle.

As part of the celebrations of this anniversary - a new exhibition, “Taxi: The history of A to B” opened at Coventry Transport Museum, which celebrates the city’s taxi building heritage.

The first electric taxis were actually built in Coventry over 110 years ago. However, it is the diesel versions of the taxi, the iconic black cab, which the city is famous for building and was put front and centre of Coventry’s successful bid to become City of Culture 2021. These vehicles have been produced by LEVC (and its predecessor companies LTC, LTI and Carbodies) since 1948.

As such, High Royal Highness was introduced to all of the key vehicles built by the business over the past 70 years – including the world-famous Fairway.

‘Taxi: The Story from A to B’ was officially opened at the Coventry Transport Museum by Councillor John Blundell, the Lord Mayor of Coventry; Curator Patrick Murphy; and LEVC Chief Executive Chris Gubbey.

As well as charting the evolution of the taxi from a manufacturing and engineering point of view, the exhibition uncovers the part they play in people’s everyday lives.

Stories can be shared with Coventry Transport Museum by emailing marketing@culturecoventry.com or on social media using #CoventryTaxi.

Ruark Jon-Stevens, Marketing and Communications Manager of Culture Coventry, said: “We had a very successful launch event with a range of key figures from across the city and with many people who have played and continue to play a major role in the taxi industry.

“TAXI includes fantastic exhibits that show how taxis have changed over time and the huge role that Coventry has had to play in manufacturing and engineering.

“There are also some wonderful documentaries on show that highlight some of the stories behind taxis in the city and we are really keen to capture more of those throughout the duration of the exhibition, particularly through social media.”

Cllr Blundell, the Lord Mayor Coventry, said: “This is a wonderful celebration of a big part of Coventry’s manufacturing heritage. It’s incredible to think that the taxi developed in the city has gone on to become a global icon.

“My praise goes to everyone involved in the Taxi exhibition for producing such as fantastic record of the vehicle’s past, present and future.”

Curator Patrick Murphy said: “The whole project started in 2017 when I undertook an artist residency at Coventry Transport Museum.

“Part of that was concentrating on an untold story or a hidden gem and that is where the idea came from to look at the taxi, from the very first beginnings of the early vehicle right through to the work is going on at LEVC today.

“Through this work, we highlight that Coventry produced an electric taxi as early as 1897 – which had a range of 30 miles and could only travel nine miles an hour!

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to pull out some of those stories and the links to Coventry and its people in this exhibition. It has been made possible by great support from Coventry Transport Museum, LEVC and many others.”

January 31, 2019 at 12:08AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL moves forward with plans for major new cycle route in West London

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“Improved provisions” for buses highlighted; none for taxis

TfL is moving forward with plans to start construction of a new 7km cycle route later this year, which will transform roads between Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith and Brentford Town Centre - making walking and cycling safer and easier and making the local environment more attractive for residents and visitors so say the transport regulators. A consultation on Cycle Superhighway 9 (CS9) in 2017 received more than 5,000 responses, with nearly 60% of respondents either supporting or strongly supporting the proposals and many saying the scheme would have a positive impact on cycling and walking in the area, as well as improving provision for buses. Wheelchair accessible taxi ranks were not mentioned or deemed as an improved provision despite vehicles moving to zero-emissions and providing the only door-to-door public service in the capital. Recent TfL research has highlighted the economic benefits of walking and cycling to town centres, with infrastructure improvements such as new cycle routes leading to increased retail spending of up to 30%. TfL has now published a report with its responses to issues raised during the consultation on CS9. So what changes await the taxi trade? In response to this feedback, TfL has developed new designs along sections of the route, which address comments raised during the consultation. TfL is inviting people to have their say on new designs in two sections between:

Kew Bridge/ Kew Bridge Road (High Street Brentford to Wellesley Road)Duke Road and Duke's Avenue on Chiswick High Road

At Kew Bridge and throughout Kew Bridge Road, the improved designs would provide two-way segregated cycle lanes on the south side of Kew Bridge Road and South Circular Road, rather than the partially segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the road that were proposed in the earlier consultation designs. This change will ensure that people cycling are fully segregated from traffic throughout this section and it also removes the requirement for two bus stop bypasses on the north side of Kew Bridge Road. The change also addresses concerns raised about cycle safety at Kew Bridge junction, Green Dragon Lane and Lionel Road South. The new consultation will also propose a second southbound traffic lane on Kew Bridge to improve the efficiency of the Kew Bridge junction. In addition, the changes will make crossings wider and easier to use, with cyclists signalled separately from conflicting traffic at the Kew Bridge junction.

January 31, 2019 at 11:08AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man and woman sentenced to nine years each for series of robberies on taxi drivers in Slough

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A man and woman have been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment each for their involvement in four knifepoint robberies in Slough.Fizan Syed, aged 36, of no fixed abode, and Aalia Chaudhary, aged 36, of Minister Way, Langley, Slough, were both sentenced on Friday (25/1) at a hearing at Reading Crown Court.Their sentence was in connection with their conviction by unanimous jury of four counts of robbery following a trial at the same court which concluded on 11 January.Over an 18 month period between November 2015 and May 2017 Syed and Chaudhary were found to have carried out four robberies on taxi drivers in Langley. .The pair would get into the taxis asking the drier to go to Langley.Syed would sat directly behind the drivers, while Chaudhary sat in the other rear passenger seat.She spoke to and engaged the driver in conversation and when they arrived at their destination Syed placed his arm around the neck of the driver and placed a knife to their necks.Chaudhary then searched the taxis, taking items such as money, wallets and other items of value before the pair ran away.Two of the taxi drivers sustained cuts to their faces as a result of the robberies, but have since recovered from their injuries.Following an extensive investigation, officers tracked Chaudhary and Syed to an address in Langley.Chaudhary was arrested on 8 June 2017 and Syed on 9 June 2017. They were both charged on 17 October 2017.Investigating officer Detective Constable Edward Elms, of the Investigation Hub based at Slough police station, said: “Chaudhray and Syed targeted taxi drivers in the late evening and lulled them into a false sense of security and then robbed them at knifepoint.“These were despicable acts on people carrying out a service to the public and I am satisfied that they have both been given a significant sentence.“Thames Valley Police will strive to work to bring offenders to justice in this way, especially for offences such as this which cause a lot of concern and impact to the public.“I want to thank the victims and witnesses who assisted with these investigations and hope this case will encourage others with any information relating to criminality, or witnessing crimes, to come forward so that we can work together to reduce crime and bring offenders to justice.”

January 31, 2019 at 08:16AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The production of the Toyota JPN electric and LPG taxi

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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?

Read more here about which cities could benefit should Toyota take the plunge in the UK.

January 30, 2019 at 02:32PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tragic loss to London taxi industry as garage proprietor dies

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Tragedy has struck the London taxi trade with the passing of one of the industry's stalwarts.

Jason Chilmead, owner of J & J taxis in East London, died on the morning of Thursday, January 24, after a short illness.

52 year old Jason had been involved with the taxi trade for many years and was a highly respected member of the industry.

Members of the taxi trade have been paying tribute to Jason.

Farley Freeman of Spectrum Taxis said: "Jason was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him for many years."

He then added: "He always had time for everyone and was prepared to help others with advice and problems with their taxis."

A1 taxis, Howard Kovler said: "Jason was a lovely guy and will be sorely missed."

All of us at TaxiPoint wish to send our condolences to Jason's family and friends.

January 30, 2019 at 01:53PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT