Monthly Editorial: The Easter Blues

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Easter. Bleargh. If there was such a thing as a least favourite kipper it’s this one. After slogging away in In the first quarter and starting to see some normality starting to creep back in money wise, Easter comes along and whacks you right across your knee-caps if you’re not prepared for it. As a Butter Boy eight years ago I deemed never to work the first week after Easter weekend again. However, with a second child due any day, I found myself on the Paddington rank with the other brave souls wishing we weren’t there. Role on eight years and it’s not much better, but at least it was expected. After the first year or so you learn when you’re going to be busy and when it’s best to take time away from the cab to rejuvenate. However, there are some drivers who are a gluten for punishment and still religiously work Easter (excuse the pun) after 27 years in the trade expecting the streets to be paved in £50 notes and shuttling between Edgware Road and Harrods. In fact, looking on social media you’d think the taxi trade had just unexpectedly combusted like a 2006 TX4 engine. That’s the same TX4 that had drivers up in arms and now want to keep by the way. So I’m told there’s an old saying: “The only people left in London over Easter are the poor and the cabbies.”Nine months in It’s now nine months in since TaxiPoint went fully live on 9th July 2017 and we’d like to thank you for your ongoing support. In those nine months we’ve welcomed 79,456 different readers to the site, 23,232 of those are now regular returning visitors from across the UK and we’ve had a whooping 410,956 page views. Incredible results in such a short amount of time. However, it’s just the start!

We’re asking readers to subscribe to our service, as always, free of charge. Our TaxiPoint Subscribed publication is an interactive email which lands in your inbox (oh-er) three times a week. It includes all the latest trade news, videos, audio and more in each edition. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the trade.

We aim to bring the UK taxi trade together and you’ve only got to look at the comments on Facebook to see we’re well on our way. Drivers from all regions in one place discussing the same topics.

We need your continued support though. Subscribe to stay in touch as we aim to reach every taxi driver in the UK in the next two years.

Say hello if you see us at ranks handing out leaflets and please do share our service with fellow colleagues. Also, if you fancy yourself as a writer please do get in touch. We’re looking for drivers, especially those outside of London, to put their region on the map. Fingers crossed for a better week and as always... be lucky!

April 09, 2018 at 10:43AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

GMB: Electric Car Costs Must Not Fall On Bill Payers

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The GMB is calling for the Government and Ofgem to reassure the public that the costs of setting up electric vehicle charging points at motorway service stations across the country won’t be passed on to household billpayers.National Grid recently said it would support the government bringing forward its 2040 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by a decade.The company, which runs the UK’s national electricity network and wants to build superfast car charging points at motorway services, told MPs it could cope with the demands of an earlier surge in electric car numbers – but didn’t say who would pay for the new infrastructure.National Grid has forecast up to 35 million pure electric vehicles will be on the roads by 2050.That scenario sees peak demand from electric vehicles rising by 30 gigawatts — the equivalent of 10 Hinkley Point power stations — adding to a current peak demand of 61GW.A separate National Grid Report from March 2018 says gas will be fundamental to any realistic future energy scenario and that it is not feasible to switch over to electric heating on the scale required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80 per cent of 1990 levels by the middle of this century.The report says that a move to electric heating would require a seven fold increase in the capacity of the grid to 290 gigawatts, emphasising the future importance of gas and the need for our own independent gas supply.For the 12 months from 7 March 2017, every one in 5.6 days was a low wind day (65 days in total) when the output of the installed and connected wind turbines in the UK produced less than 10% of their installed and connected capacity for more than half of the day.For 341 days in the year, solar output was below 10% of installed capacity for more than half of the day.Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary, said:“When National Grid wraps up a warm welcome to the end of sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040 with vital upgrades to motorway service station electricity infrastructure, it is not being upfront.“What National Grid fails to make clear is that as Ofgem guidelines stand, it could be household energy bill payers who are hit with the huge costs of installing sufficient electric vehicle (EV) charging points into all the country’s motorway service stations.“National Grid needs to be straight and stop using its support for an early ban on new petrol and diesel car sales as a Trojan horse for extra taxpayer cash to pay for ‘expensive’ and ‘difficult to co-ordinate’ new charging infrastructure.“When Grid says the more rapid roll out of EV’s ‘could be facilitated by the close alignment of the transmission and motorway networks’, what they really mean is with some extra cash.“GMB is saying very loudly and very clearly to Goverment and Ofgem - make clear now that the costs of upgrading the electricity grid to Britain’s motorway service stations with sufficient electric vehicle charging points will not fall on household energy bill payers.”

April 09, 2018 at 10:18AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Scenic Sorrento Coast holiday 7nts from £290pp - incl. 4* hotel, flights & breakfast

Ahoy pirates! Head for the south of Italy with this excellently priced holiday we've spotted placing you on the gorgeous Sorrento Coast. You will be staying at the 4* Le Axidie about 40 mins south of Naples offering fantastic views across the bay to Mount Vesuvius, a private beach and a popular restaurant so you… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Family tribute to cabbie who died at Manchester Airport

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The family of a man who died at Manchester Airport have paid tribute to him.Shortly after 8.25am on Friday 6 April 2018, police were called to reports of an assault at a car park at Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport.A taxi driver, who has now been formally identified as 57-year-old William Brent Taylor, was taken to hospital where he sadly died.Two men, aged 55 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have been released under investigation.Enquiries are ongoing.Paying tribute to William, his family said: “First of all can we say thank you to the family that was with our dad at his final moments.“We would like to thank the emergency services for all their efforts with our dad and GMP who have been amazing with keeping us informed and up to date.“Dad will be home soon so our family can try and come to terms with the circumstances and we’d ask that people please refrain from pointing the blame and let the police do their job.“We will miss him so much and respectfully ask for time to grieve as a family.”Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We are continuing to support William’s family who are understandably devastated by their loss.“Our investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing and I would ask anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to please get in touch.”Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 0250 quoting reference number 455 of 06/04/18, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

April 09, 2018 at 09:59AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxury getaway in Marrakech from £195pp - 3nts 5* hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, check out this luxury getaway in Marrakech, staying in the 5* Grand Mogador Menara with a great pool and spa plus more, you won't have the chance to be bored during your stay here. The holiday includes breakfast each morning and you can upgrade to half board or full board at time of booking.… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Springtime in Cape Verde: 7nt package from £270pp - incl. flights, resort, bags & transfers

Pirates, get some sunshine this spring! Our Package Finder is offering 7 nights by the beach in beautiful Cape Verde for this low price. You'll be staying at Aguahotels Sal Vila Verde, with direct flights, luggage, transfers and ATOL protection all included. There in limited availability at this price in April. Bag a bargain whilst… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Crete 4* half board holiday 7nts from £378pp - incl. flights & hotel

Arrr mateys! Let's meet on Crete?! Enjoy a relaxing holiday at the stylish 4* Miramare offering gorgeous panoramic views overlooking Agios Nikolaos beach and great spa facilities. Half board is included in your holiday and you can easily adjust the length of your stay with the cheapest dates to be found April and October. Details… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

To Represent Or Not To Represent That Is The Question. Why Are OurLeaders Not Shaking Spears At Mike Brown?

TFL licensing stats from last week

TfLTPH issued 275 PHVs (455 previous week, staff are on holiday) while the Licensed Taxi trade lost 12 drivers, with only one new licence being issue. 

And now conformation (as if were needed) that there's a definite cull of Taxi drivers and TfLs promise to promote the Taxi trade through the knowledge was just another lie. 

Another week where TfL have allowed an unlicensed company (UberBV) to illegally dispatch journeys direct to the driver for acceptance, before any details are taken (also illegal under current regulations), while the leader of our largest representative group is off swanning about, promoting a vehicle that allegedly the trade can't afford with current work levels. 

So we asked the LTDA:

In light of Tim Fenton’s evidence posted on Zelo Street Blog, when are Steve Mc and the other leaders in the UTG, going to demand Uber’s illegal operation be shut down ?"

The LTDA disregarded the issue in question (Tim Fenton's evidence) and answered with their letter to TfL concerning Uber LL's relicensing....not quite what was asked.

This is their answer: Click link below !

https://twitter.com/theltda/status/982201838219837441?s=21

Notice that page two is blurred out!!!

We then asked the LTDA:

Why no mention of UberBV and the TfL cover up since 2013?

They came back with:

"Uber BV was in our objection to licence letter, only two trade orgs actually objected!!!

Until Uber are proven not fit and proper in court, there is no case against TfL- just because some idiot on twitter says it’s easy, it ain’t!"

Nothing however about TFL's cover up alleged by Mr Fenton and backed up by FOI recovered emails!

God forbid we might expect the LTDA to do anything other than easy!!!

So we thought we'd offer some advice:

"As you're finding this too difficult let me spell it out for you 

• All jobs are being dispatched illegally by Uber BV and not Uber LL.

• UberBV are operating without a licence

• TfL closed down Taxify for operating through a third party! 

• If they can close done Taxify, they can close down Uber BV"

Easy enough?

But apparently the LTDA are not finding it easy enough and replied:

"No! Tfl say they “are minded to believe” this is the case! 

Very different from a statement of fact!!

Get yr own lawyers if it’s so easy."

Carrying on the conversation, the LTDA were asked this question by another driver:

"If it’s the driver that’s accepting the booking then surely it must void their insurance, why haven’t TFL revoked the license, also what’s happening with them committing perjury in court ?"

To which they replied:

"Yes, if, as we say, the driver accepts the booking. That’s what will be determined in the court! 

As for allegations re evidence given in meter case, we have written to LCJ, DPP and Police, replied from all, police investigating our allegations."

Hold on a second "Yes, if, as we say, the driver accepts the booking"

It's actually not as you say, Uber have already admitted on oath in two court cases that it is the driver who accepts the booking..... But also you have the fact that Uber London limited (whom TfL licence as operator) do not dispatch the jobs ..... It's unlicensed Uber BV a company based in the Netherlands.

This being the case, you can now understand why the LTDA's reply below to another driver, has again left us puzzled at the attitude (or lack of it) towards this issue with TfL!

Well then,  if you're a member of the largest trade representative org, or an associated group under their wing, will this conversation make you feel proud and relaxed that everything possible is being done to save and protect your livelihood?

Or are you now of the opinion that in the background, actually nothing's being done!

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Luxe 5* Morocco seaside break 3nts from £243pp - incl. Sofitel resort, breakfast & flights

Incoming: super sleek seaside break in Morocco! The 5* Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is situated in Mogador right on the sea, with views over the picturesque port-city of Essaouira a luxury oasis a few hours removed from bustling Marrakech where you can enjoy a relaxed vibe with views over the peaceful gardens… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pod or Treehouse glamping in Cornwall 2nts from £37pp - incl. BBQ facilities & private wet-room

Arrr pirates! We know you like quirky accommodation just as much as we do and this time around we've found these super cute glamping pods (sleeping up to 2 adults & 2 children) on a tranquil farm in Bude in north Cornwall, each finished off to a very high standard featuring an individual decked area… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mexico all inclusive family holiday 7nts from £658pp - incl. 4* hotel, flights, bags & transfers

Pirates, we are getting well sick of this weather here in the UK and would love to head to sunny Mexico for a week in the sun. Thomas Cook are offering great prices through May and June and there is even £200 off holidays over £1,500 using code BOOKIT. There are many party sizes and… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stylish 4* Croatia escape 5nts from £390pp - incl. flights, spa hotel & breakfast

Arrr mateys! Next up we are sending you to Croatia for a luxury stay at the sleek 4* D-Resort Sibenik, flanked by a yacht marina and offering an inviting 220m² swimming pool plus a state-of-the-art spa centre with sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Breakfast is included in this deal with the option to upgrade,… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Dreamy 5* Bali glamping escape 7nts from £801pp - incl. flights, luxe beach resort & breakfast

Arrr mateys! We've just spotted the gorgeous 5* Menjangan Dynasty Resort in the North of Bali offering luxe beach glamping in a scenic setting away from the crowds almost resembling something you would see in the Maldives! You will be staying in a luxurious African style tent with a host of mod-cons and en-suite bathroom… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Algarve getaway from £84pp - incl. 4-7nts aparthotel & flights

Pirates, there's still time to escape the UK in April with the bargain offers from our Holiday Finder! We're looking at between 4 and 7 nights in the Algarve, staying at Studio 17. Flights are included from several UK airports. The cheapest options depart in April, with May available for a few pounds more -… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2 in 1: Visit 2 Caribbean islands in one trip from just £262 return

Ahoy mateys! We've just spotted these great multi-city direct flights departing from Paris visiting not 1 but 2 Caribbean islands in one trip! Discover Guadeloupe and Martinique before returning back to Paris, with dates spanning Aug - Jan 2019, so you have plenty of time to plan your journey. There's a slew of airlines to… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The Taxi Charity is proud to support “There But Not There” campaign

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The Taxi Charity is proud to be supporting fellow charity, Remembered, and its 2018 There But Not There campaign. November 2018 will mark 100 years since the end of World War I. The There But Not There campaign is attempting to capture the indelible imprint of war with art. Life-size sculptures of British First World War soldiers, who were known popularly as 'Tommies', have already been installed in Northern Ireland, London, Wales and Edinburgh. Smaller 10-inch statues are being sold throughout the project. The goal is to raise £15 million for charities that help veterans.

April 08, 2018 at 12:32PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Explore Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan during 8nts from £239pp - incl. flights, hotels & trains

If you can't choose where in Italy you want to visit, check out 4 of the finest cities in one fell swoop with this package from TourCenter! With this deal you'll spend 8 nights exploring Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan. A hotel stay is included in each, along with train travel around Italy, return flights… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* London stay: Tower Bridge hotel from £44.50pp per night - incl. pool access

Ahoy mateys! We've spotted some good rates over at the 5* Grange Tower Bridge Hotel close to the Tower of London along with bustling Borough Market. Here you will be sleeping comfortably in an elegant room, with complimentary access to the hotel's inviting indoor pool. You also have 3 bars and restaurants to choose from… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 5* Gran Canaria escape 4nts from £344pp - incl. half board, Sheraton hotel & flights

Ahoy mateys! Treat yourself to some scorching sunshine in Gran Canaria! We've spotted this great package holiday to the hillside 5* Sheraton Salobre Resort offering a private beach, luxe spa facilities and no less than 7 pools (!) in popular Maspalomas. Half board is included in this holiday, and you can adjust the duration of… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Egyptian court overturns Uber and Careem suspension

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A court in Egypt has overturned the decision to suspend ride-hailing firms Uber and Careem allowing them both to continue working whilst awaiting a definitive decision from the Highest Administrative Court.

Originally, only last month, both Uber and Careem were banned from operating in Egypt following a lawsuit filed against the firms by a group of 42 traditional taxi drivers. The lawsuit filed by the taxi drivers accused the two companies of breaking traffic laws by using private vehicles as taxis and also registering themselves as internet and call centres respectively. Both companies were always likely to appeal the decision at a high court, but the news was hailed a success by Egyptian taxi drivers at the time.

Like London, Egyptian drivers must now go through the arduous legal systems before they have any chance of waving goodbye to both Uber and Careem.

April 08, 2018 at 09:14AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT