Cabbie stripped of licence for not securing wheelchair properly

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A taxi driver in Coventry has been stripped of his licence after twice failing to secure a wheelchair passenger in correctly. The local licensing authority, Coventry City Council, withdrew the cabbies licence after findings showed the driver failed to use the restraining straps required to secure the wheelchair whilst in transit.

Full details of the two complaints were heard by the local Licensing and Regulatory Committee who took the bold decision to revoke the driver’s taxi licence.Members of the committee stressed that the cabbie tried to pass on responsibility to the disabled passenger, claiming that they had requested for the straps not to be used.

The decision to take away the drivers livelihood comes as a stern warning to other drivers to not make the same mistake.

Andrew Walster from Coventry City Council said:

“Members are unanimous that the Council wants to ensure that all taxis operating in our city are accessible to all members of the public and that they are carried in a safe and proper manner.“There are further enforcement operations planned in the future to ensure compliance by all our taxi operators.“It would be clear discrimination should taxi operators decline to take wheelchair users based upon their disability. If reports of any refusals are received then the driver leaves themselves open to a licence review.”

This decision has caused some concern not only in Coventry, but across the UK. Many cabbies do as requested by their paying customer whether they have a disability or not. If a customer chooses not to wear a safety belt it is ultimately their decision and not many drivers will get in the back to clip all uncooperative passengers in.

So like the grey area surrounding bilking right now, who is responsible for the actions of the customer? Can drivers lose their livelihoods for customers choosing to make their own choices?

If councils are trying to persuade taxi drivers to improve its wheelchair user coverage this strong and harsh action isn’t the answer. This will no doubt deter drivers away from jobs flagged as wheelchair users, especially on account, as the risk of a complaint could mean an end to your career.

April 23, 2018 at 02:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hong Kong's Transport Minister accuses US diplomats of lobbying behind closed doors for Uber

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Hong Kong's transport minister has blasted controversial ride-hailing app Uber for it's "big ego". US diplomats have been accused of lobbying for Uber behind closed doors as they attempt to set new rules within the industry to suit their business model. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the US consulate in Hong Kong has "reached out" to the city's traditional taxi drivers as they look to ease tension between them and their app based "competitors". A recording which was obtained by the Post, revealed Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan telling stakeholders that Uber has "a big American ego" who thinks they are the boss and "rule setters". Uber is facing an uphill struggle to legalise their product (ride-sharing) which is currently illegal in Hong Kong. A number of protests have taken place by taxi drivers who oppose the illegal operations of Uber. Taxi drivers have even threatened to take more "drastic" action to defend their rights. Mr Fan met with Uber representatives and advised them to ditch their ride-sharing business and to start operating within the law. One of his suggestions is to link with taxi drivers and offer the technology for them to use and in return to take a small commission from each journey. Uber were considering offering a taxi service to run alongside their ride-sharing service, but Mr Fan has said it ,will only be considered if it is strictly "taxi's" only. Ride-sharing will not be tolerated. Taxi leaders have now said that unless Uber close down their ride-sharing business and start operating legally they will not even consider any offers that may be put on the table by the highly controversial Silicon Valley firm.

April 23, 2018 at 02:13PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Family time in Florida from £343pp: 7nts - incl. 4* villa resort & direct flights (4-sharing)

Mateys, we are loving this family-friendly Florida offer we've stumbled upon on our holidays finder and we think you will too. Get a week in Orlando at a plush 4* resort, with direct flights, from as little as £343 per person, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing this September. Smaller families and couples… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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Pirates, get yourselves some peak season sunshine in Gran Canaria deal with this deal from our Holiday Finder starting from just £185 per person, based on 3 sharing or £230 per person, based on 3 sharing. You'll be staying at the 3* Natural Park, close to the beach in picturesque Puerto Rico. Flights are included,… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

My My, Majorca: 7nts All-inclusive from £303pp incl. 3* hotel & flights

Pirates, if your idea of heaven is clocking off, lounging by the pool and enjoying some great food & drink in the sunshine, check out this relaxing all-inclusive Majorca trip: 7 nights from £303pp including the 3* Gavimar Ariel Chico Club & Resort, & flights. Only a 4-minute walk from the beach, the hotel has… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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Now is the time to experience Sin City and The Big Apple in one fell swoop with this incredible package from TourCenter! This deal will see you exploring New York City and Las Vegas, 2 of the most exciting cities in the USA, with all your hotels and flights with United Airlines included. This deal… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

How much for this top of the range Kahn inspired TX4?

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The London Taxi Company, now the London Electric Vehicle Company, recently announced that it would be ending production of its diesel TX4 cabs with a run-out edition of 300 Limited Edition taxis and had looked to commission a designer to create five ultra exclusive vehicles.

The taxi manufacturers announced that it had commissioned renowned British automotive designer Afzal Kahn to create this limited Last of Line run black cabs, as a collector’s edition of this iconic vehicle.

An LTC spokesperson said: “There was only one person for the job. Afzal Kahn is famous for his original designs and willingness to push the boundaries and we admire his ability to capture the essence of a vehicles’ character. We believe he is the best designer to give this iconic vehicle the send off it deserves.”

These five ‘Last of Line’ models will be a reimagining of the TX4; designed with a super luxurious finish and understated design features selected by each owner.

Adorning a bespoke rooftop light-box, and other elegant design touches, such as heritage inspired paintwork and luxurious leather the ‘Last of Line’ aims to utilise classic design cues to surpass luxury limousines as the ultimate way to travel.Each vehicle will be truly unique and will be badged ‘one of one’. As the very last TX4s ever made, they are expected to become a hugely desirable - and valuable - collector’s item.Afzal Kahn said: “While it is sad to see a beautiful, iconic vehicle reach the end of its life, it is a great honour to be given the opportunity to refine and celebrate what is truly one of the most famous cars in the world. I look forward to embarking on a journey with a select few clients who wish to possess their own piece of British history.”

The model show in the photos includes:

ExteriorTwo tone Rolls Royce paintColour-coded Contrast wheelsInteriorVIP roof LED Interior star lightingThick quilted leather seatsPiano black instrument surroundColour-coded seat beltsPrivacy VIP glassLast of Line door sillsLeathered steering wheelLast of Line BrandingEngineVM Motori 2499cc four cylinder diesel with power upgrade

The price... a reported £80,000!

(Image credit: Facebook - Martin Nash)

April 23, 2018 at 08:00AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Woman forced into Bury St Edmunds taxi and later raped

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Three men arrested following a report that a woman had been raped near Bury St Edmunds have been released under investigation whilst police enquiries continue.The victim, a 19-year-old woman, reported that at around 3.00am on Saturday 21 April, she was made to get into a taxi by three men outside the Flex nightclub on St Andrew’s Street in Bury St Edmunds. She was driven to a property in a rural location between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury where she was then raped. The woman was later able to leave the house on foot and alert police who were immediately despatched.A 19-year-old man from Sudbury and a 22-year-old man from Bury St Edmunds were arrested by police on suspicion of rape. A 26-year-old man from Banbury, Oxfordshire was also arrested in connection with the incident. All three men were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre yesterday where they were questioned by detectives.The woman is being supported by specialist trained officers, as detectives continue to make extensive enquiries into the incident, including forensic and CCTV work.Police are appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of the Flex nightclub around 3am on the morning of Saturday 21 April and who may have any information relating to this incident to call the West Safeguarding Unit at Bury St Edmunds Police Station on 101 quoting reference 21378/18.

April 23, 2018 at 07:59AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2 week mega bargain Zante holiday from £160pp - 14nts hotel & flights

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Tilehurst Private Hire Company Fined For Operating In Reading With Expired Transport For London Roundels

A Tilehurst Privat Hire company has been heavily fined for breaking the rules.

In a routine inspection, licensing officers spotted a silver Mercedes Vito operating as a school transport vehicle outside The Holy Brook School in Ashampstead Road, Southcote.

On closer inspection, the officers realised the car was displaying an expired Transport for London private hire vehicle licence plate.

The operation, carried out by Reading Borough Council's licensing officers and legal team, then managed to track down the offenders.

The men responsible have both been slapped with fines for breaking the rules at separate hearings in Reading Magistrates Court.

Anthony Roe, 51, of Lower Armour Road, Tilehurst, the operator of 1st Class Cars, was found guilty in his absence of operating a private hire vehicle without a current licence, during a hearing on Monday, April 9.

He was fined £800 and ordered to pay legal costs of £1,500 and an £80 victim surcharge.

Clarence Harry, 63, of Halls Road, Tilehurst, Berkshire, the driver of the Mercedes Vito, appeared before magistrates on Thursday, April 12, and was found guilty of driving/plying for hire without a licence.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay legal costs of £120 and a £30 victim surcharge.

The council's licensing officers are regularly out and about in the borough carrying out checks on private hire vehicles, their drivers for the safety of all their customers.

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2 in 1: Visit 2 Caribbean islands in one trip from just £305 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

Adults only festive party Cruise to Dublin from £208pp - 3nts incl. full board

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Staffordshire cabbie loses licence after masterbating at a park

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A taxi driver form Staffordshire has lost his hackney carriage licence after allegations of him ‘masturbating’ at a local park.Staffordshire Police received a complaint about the driver, Abdul Hakim Baig, from a member of the public back in October at Bathpool Country Park, in Kidsgrove.

This latest complaint follows three others of ‘inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature’ between 2015 and 2017.Mr Baig’s hackney carriage licence was stripped from him at a private meeting in December with local authorities Newcastle Borough Council. The driver appealed the decision however the decision was upheld at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 9th April.Mr Baig had been caught speeding in 2015 and more worryingly driving without insurance in December.

A statement made to the council’s public protection committee said: “The police received a complaint from a member of the public that Mr Baig had been witnessed masturbating in Bathpool Park. Also, between 2015 and 2017, there had been three other complaints made against Mr Baig of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature.“The council resolved that due to the serious nature of the complaints received and considering the council’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the public that, on the balance of probabilities, Mr Baig was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a hackney carriage licence. In the interests of public safety the licence was revoked with immediate effect.”

The driver was ordered to pay costs of £300 after the failed appeal.

April 22, 2018 at 01:50PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT