Sunday Report :"Only license Taxis can rank up", Said EdThompson...They Lied Back Then...They're Still Lying Now.

It has been bought to the attention of Taxi Leaks that a reply to driver’s complaints from then spokesperson Luke Howard included a number of incorrect statements.

Mr Howard says;

“It is perhaps worthwhile letting you know something about the current legislation covering 'immediate hirings'. There were a number of court case rulings before 1976 that stated that minicabs should not be available 'for immediate hire'. This changed however, when legislation was passed in that year (for areas outside London) and in 1998 when legislation introduced private hire licensing in London for the first time.

The act of 1976 as Mr Howard quite rightly points out does not apply to London and therefore is irrelevant full stop.

The 1976 and 1998 legislation does not have this 'not for immediate hire' restriction.

Even though the 1998 act makes no reference to ranking or parking of mini-cabs, doesn't make it legal for them to do so. 

Just going back to the year 2002, a judge made a decision on the definition of “plying for hire” and found two mini-cabs cabs guilty of such an offence based upon case law...

The PCO/TfL have never sort to overturn the judgement laid down by the court and we believe, in this instance, they may be acting outside their remit and role by interpreting what they believe the “right to ply for hire” actually is, even though they and their lawyers know of recent court decisions like the judgement in Eastbourne......!

The requirement now is that the booking must be recorded before the journey commences, so it is legitimate for the vehicles to be waiting as describe.

In the complaints made to TfL/PCO the private hire vehicles in question were describe as being parked on red routs, double yellow lines, zig zag lines and 24 hour bus lanes. Legitimate?

This was a very misleading statement from Mr Howard and we asked why it was made?

At that time, TfLTPH did not reply!

Just because the legislation of 1998 did not include the phrase "minicabs should not be available for immediate hire" does not mean that it is now legal for them to do so. 

This part of the original act has never been repealed, replace or challenged and still stands in common law.

This is again more proof of the lenient attitude shown towards private hire’s illegal activities and proof also of TfL/PCO reluctance to enforce current legislation.

  

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Early-bird: 4* Malta all inclusive winter escape 4nts from £227pp - incl. spa hotel & flights

Ahoy mateys! Check out this rather gorgeous spa escape to Malta that we found giving you 5 nights (longer durations possible) of all inclusive bliss at the well-renowned, Travellers' Choice awarded 4* db San Antonio Hotel & Spa resort slap bang in picture pretty St. Paul's Bay. This holiday is available all season with the… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Over Eight Thousand people have signed a petition calling for Sadiq Khan to announce London's first ever Car Free Day

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More than 8,000 Londoner's have signed a petition calling on the Mayor Sadiq Khan to launch the capitals first ever 'Car Free Day'. According to the Evening Standard, nearly 100 organisations have pressed Khan to ban cars from London's streets on September 22 as they look to cut air pollution in one of the worlds most congested cities. Campaigners have said that celebrations and parties would be held in London as part of the days events. Groups such as Friends of the Earth, environment law firm ClientEarth, King's College London researchers and neighbourhood forums across 15 boroughs have sent an open letter to the Mayor urging him to seriously consider the suggestion. Campaigners hope that the event which could become a more regular date would spark long term reductions in air pollution and encourage more people to walk or cycle around the capital. Deputy Mayor of Transport Valerie Shawcross has said in the past that she would work with teams to examine the possibility of an event such as this one taking place.What would this mean for London's taxi driver's?

The final details of the proposal are yet to be disclosed so it's not clear to whether or not they will be granted access to ply their trade if the event is to go ahead.

May 06, 2018 at 11:53AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sunday Special Report : They Lied To Us Then....They're Still Lying To Us Now. Blast From The Past.

It has been bought to the attention of the Anderson shelter that a reply to driver’s complaints from spokesperson Luke Howard includes a number of incorrect statements.

Mr Howard says;

“It is perhaps worthwhile letting you know something about the current legislation covering 'immediate hirings'. There were a number of court case rulings before 1976 that stated that minicabs should not be available 'for immediate hire'. This changed however, when legislation was passed in that year (for areas outside London) and in 1998 when legislation introduced private hire licensing in London for the first time.

The act of 1976 as Mr Howard quite rightly points out does not apply to London and therefore is irrelevant full stop.

The 1976 and 1998 legislation does not have this 'not for immediate hire' restriction.

Even though the 1998 act makes no reference to ranking or parking of mini-cabs, doesn't make it legal for them to do so. Just going back to the year 2002, a judge made a decision on the definition of “plying for hire” and found two mini-cabs cabs guilty of such an offence based upon case law...

The PCO/TfL have never sort to overturn a judgement laid down by the court and we believe, in this instance, they may be acting outside their remit and role by interpreting what they believe the “right to ply for hire” actually is, even though they and their lawyers know of recent court decisions like the judgement in Eastbourne......!

The requirement now is that the booking must be recorded before the journey commences, so it is legitimate for the vehicles to be waiting as you describe.

In the complaints made to TfL/PCO the private hire vehicles in question were describe as being parked on red routs, double yellow lines, zig zag lines and 24 hour bus lanes. Legitimate?

This is a very misleading statement from Mr Howard and we would ask why it was made?

Just because the new legislation of 1998 did not include the phrase "minicabs should not be available for immediate hire" does not mean that it is now legal for them to do so. This part of the original act has never been repealed, replace or challenged and still stands in common law.
This is again more proof of the lenient attitude shown towards private hire’s illegal activities and proof also of TfL/PCO reluctance to enforce current legislation.

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Last minute: 5* Turkey from £300pp: 7nt all inclusive holiday - incl. SENTIDO hotel & flights

Ahoy mateys! We've just spotted some very reasonable last minute prices over at the gorgeous 5* Gold Island SENTIDO Hotel in Alanya, Turkey. This instagrammable 5* resort is situated on your very own private island and comes with all inclusive and heaps of stylish facilities. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer durations available) Dates… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Part Two: School Boy to Knowledge Boy to Butter Boy

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I After a few weeks of going out and following the set runs and points, I started attending classes at ComCab Knowledge School in White City. At the school, I teamed up with Andreas who became my call over partner. Day after day, week in, week out, we sat up the school calling the runs and revising points. After months and months of doing the same thing each day – going out on my bike for a few hours, then going up the school to revise – I put in for my map test. Once I passed that, I felt I was finally on my way. I was now due for my first appearance – suddenly it all became real!The day of my first appearance finally arrived. In the waiting room, I got chatting to the person sat next to me while feeling like we were waiting to be called in by an executioner. After what felt like a lifetime, I was called in by Mr Thomas. ‘What a touch!’ I thought, as I had heard good things about him. One more mistake to tick off. When he asked me to take him from the Wellington Hospital to Clapham Junction station, I fell apart. I could barely think of my name let alone a straight line across a map of London. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I went through my time without picking up a D as that’s exactly what I got on my first day in front of the examiners. I picked up one more on 56s and 2 more on 28s.

Not passing an appearance wasn’t the only set back I had while on the Knowledge. Like a lot of Knowledge boys, I had to go through the experience of coming off the bike. Once, when I was at a zebra crossing on Willesden Lane letting a lady cross the road, the person in the car behind me failed to stop and ploughed straight into the back of me. The second, and luckily last time, was when a minicab (bet that surprised you) decided to change lanes without looking on Hyde Park Corner and took me out in the process. It wasn’t all doom and gloom though. Looking back, I do have some lighter stories. Like the time I was on Stockholm Road next to Millwall’s ground. I went down there looking for something, goodness knows what, when I spotted a scruffy, old dog. A bit worried that it was by itself, I stopped to see if it was with its owner. I waited a few moments, then the dog turned round and noticed me. I’m not sure if it wasn’t keen on my hi-vis jacket or what, but this dog did not like me. All of a sudden it made chase for me barking with every step. It’s safe to say that I’ve never left Bermondsey so quickly or been back down Stockholm Road to see if that devil-dog was still there.A couple of months later I was back up the office in front of Mr Harvey. I was 2-1 down after passing my second appearance and not my third. Mr Harvey then asked me a run that had come out quite often and I rattled it off no problem. The next question was the same, as were the next two. At the end of the appearance I sat there feeling that I had done quite well. He then handed me back my card with an A on it. Lovely! That A really boosted my points, and as I scored a C on my next appearance, I got my drop on to 28s and had overcome the 56 day hurdle.I had Mr Gunning for my first 28 day appearance and he absolutely slaughtered me. Out of the whole 40 points he could have scored me for the appearance he gave me a grand total of 4 and they were all on the first question! At the end of the appearance he told me “28s is a new world compared to 56s” and it again felt like an overwhelming challenge to pass. However, I kept my nut down and carried on working hard, picking up Cs and the last D with a silly mistake on one appearance.After getting my drop to 21s with Mr Whitehead and picking up 2 Cs (one which was from Mr Gunning which I was especially happy about), I found myself in front of Mr Harvey again. I was not expecting the same result as the last time I had him (although it would have been nice!), however he again asked me questions that had been coming out regularly. The first three runs he gave me I knocked them out with ease. I was starting to think that I could be on for another A. That would mean I would be getting my req! I must have got a bit carried away in my mind at this point as he asked me a question that had been coming out regularly again, one that I knew. I felt like I was back on my first appearance again as my mind went completely blank. In a panicked effort to finish the run, I made an illegal turn and I scored 0. The req would have to wait. It completely ruined my week thinking that I could have been leaving with my req but my dad cheered me up by saying that I wouldn’t have complained before the appearance if I knew that I would be leaving with a C. He was right. As gutted as I was, I knew the end was in sight . . . it was just a matter of time.

Next week... gaining the badge and what it means to be a cabbie.

In the meantime, Dean Richardson returns to the ring at York Hall, Bethnal Green for his seventh pro fight.Having won his first five fights by way of knockout, he was taken the distance for the first time in his last outing where he won by unanimous decision against Jan Balog.Richardson’s next fight, which is on 19th May, will be a step up as he is scheduled to fight in his first 8-round bout. Due to the early stoppages, he has only gone a maximum of four rounds, despite one bout being scheduled for six.Winning this bout will take Dean another step closer to a fight for the Southern Area Light-Middleweight Title, which he hopes will be within his next two fights.Tickets are priced at £40 Unreserved Seating, £65 Ringside and £100 VIP and are available on 07702 887088. Alternatively if you wish to pay by credit/debit card, please click here.

May 06, 2018 at 08:40AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luton taxi driver convicted of two unsolved rapes thanks to DNA evidence

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A taxi driver from Luton has been convicted of rape after DNA evidence linked him to two unsolved cases that happened more than a decade ago.Shipu Ahmed, 35, of Avondale Road, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court of raping a 15-year-old girl and a 22-year old woman within the space of two weeks in late 2007 after he had picked them up in his black taxi cab.During the trial the jury heard how on 30 November 2007, between 11pm and 11.30pm, Ahmed offered a lift to the 15-year-old girl walking along a street in Eaton Bray. He took her to a secluded picnic area in Totternhoe Knolls where he raped her before taking her back to Eaton Bray.The incident was reported to police and the following day a forensic examination of the scene was carried out, resulting in the recovery of a condom which contained some DNA.Ahmed’s next attack was on a 22-year-old woman. The victim and a friend got into Ahmed’s car at a taxi rank after a night out in Dunstable at around 4am on 15 December 2007. After dropping her friend off, Ahmed sped away with the victim in his taxi and drove the woman to an area of Luton, where he raped her in the back of the car.She reported it to the police the same morning and had a medical examination, where samples of DNA were taken.At the time of the attacks, several lines of enquiry were carried out to trace the offender, but officers were unable to identify him. Then, in September 2017, Ahmed was arrested for an assault and his DNA was collected as part of the investigation. It proved a match on the DNA database from evidence collected during both rape investigations, linking him to the offences.Officers carried out further lines of enquiry following this discovery and in October 2017, Ahmed was arrested and charged with two counts of rape.Detective Inspector Pushpa Guild from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “We’re really pleased that Shipu Ahmed has been found guilty of the heinous crimes he committed more than 10 years ago.“These attacks have had a huge impact on both the victims and their families since 2007 and its remarkable they finally have justice. This investigation and the advancements in DNA profiling and forensic science show that we now have the means to review cases and bring offenders to justice; no matter how many years ago the offence took place.“We would like to commend the bravery and courage of the two young women who had to endure the ordeal of giving evidence and reliving their ordeal so many years later.“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual abuse, no matter when it took place, to come forward and report their experiences, get support and more importantly know they are not alone.”Ahmed has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on 25 May 2018.

May 05, 2018 at 08:30PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Medieval castle hotel in Rome from £24pp per night - incl. breakfast (flights from £42 one-way)

Ahoy mateys! Get transported back to Medieval times with a stay at the impressive 5* Castello Orsini Hotel in Nerola, just outside of Rome. There's an outdoor pool here with sweeping views of the valley, and breakfast is included in your stay. Be the king of the castle from just £24pp per night! Details: Overnight… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Romantic Lake Garda 4* break 2nts from £222pp - incl. half board, Jacuzzi, flights & more

Ahoy mateys! Next up we are sending you to the gorgeous Lake Garda placing you at the luxurious 4* Lago di Garda Hotel with amazing azure views and a lush spa. You will be staying in the most exclusive room overlooking the lake and a sun terrace with your own private jacuzzi, with half board,… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Adults Only 5* Tenerife luxury escape 3nts from £323pp - incl. hotel, flights & breakfast

Ahoy pirates! Tenerife is up next with a luxury escape to the sophisticated 5* Iberostar Sabila in the popular Costa Adeje. Here you can enjoy an Adults Only vibe right on the beach with a host of luxury amenities at your disposal, including a gorgeous infinity pool with Balinese beds, with breakfast included in your… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4 May is Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) in The Netherlands.

An occasion that is very dear to our family. My uncle Ronnie was wounded as he dropped into a field during Operation Market Garden (17–25 September 1944) an unsuccessful Allied military operation planned, and predominantly led by, the British. 

The success of the operation depended on taking a series of nine bridges, the last being at the city of Arnhem over the Rhine river. Airborne and land forces succeeded in the liberation of the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Nijmegen, but failed in keeping their farthest positions in and around the city of Arnhem including the bridge over the Rhine.

4 May is Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) in The Netherlands. On this day we remember the victims of wartime violence.

Members from the team from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, join members of the British embassy to attend Remembrance ceremonies  across The Netherlands.

London Taxis, taking our veterans to ceremonies across The Netherlands 

London Taxi Radio's team (Joe Cartwright, John Cox) have been keeping us informed on Periscope. See video link below:

https://www.pscp.tv/LondonTaxiRadio/1gqGvpEvAjQxB

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Waymo self-driving vehicle involved in crash not at fault

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May 05, 2018 at 04:09PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Flights to the exotic South Pacific island of Vanuatu from £682 - incl. meals & bags

Wow! Drop what you are doing right now dear globetrotters, and check this out: Cheap flights to the remote exotic island nation of Vanuatu, nestled deep in the South Pacific, east of Australia. This hidden jewel should appeal to those of you who prefer something a bit different and off the beaten track. It's your… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bargain beachfront Croatian bliss: 7nts B&B from £266pp - incl. flights & 4* hotel

Winter seems to have lasted an age, so why not extend your summer this year with a late season visit to the coast of Croatia? The 4* Hotel Pinija sits right on the coast of the Dalmatia area of Croatia. Offering stunning views over the sea as well as top rated spa facilities, this is… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Relaxing Mykonos holiday 7nts from £294pp - incl. flights, beach hotel & transfers

Ahoy mateys! We've found the super cute, family-run Paolas Beach Aparthotel in Agios Stefanos in Mykonos at a bargain price: 7 nights for under £300pp! The top-rated hotel offers typical white-washed Cycladic style living with modern amenities, 2 pools and the beach only a short walk away! This holiday is available all season with the… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

USA Sale: Super cheap early Christmas flights to Boston from £250 return

Mateys, we know it's still 10 months away but believe it or not, now is actually the best time to book flights for Christmas in Boston. Norwegian has just released seats on its London to Boston direct route for November and December so prices are now the cheapest they are gonna get, starting from just… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Escape winter in Majorca: 7nts from £172pp incl. aparthotel & flights

Pirates, escape that gruelling British winter with a week in Majorca from £172pp including the 3* Portofino Sorrento Aparthotel & flights. Booking in advance offers good rates for this famously thronging tourist hotspot, so travel off-season and avoid the crowds. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date: 19th … jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 4* Sardinia half board holiday 7nts from £293pp - incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy pirates! Next up we are sending you to gorgeous Sardinia. We've just spotted some awesome rates over at the top-rated 4* Grande Baia Resort & Spa situated in a quiet spot surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean vegetation, just a short walk from the beach. There's an inviting pool and a relaxing spa at your disposal… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

School's out for summer: Family holiday in Costa Blanca from £348pp - 7nts hotel & flights

Pirates, if you are looking to go away with the family this Summer it can be hard to find a deal which is reasonably priced. This holiday in Spain is under £350 per person based on a family of 4 sharing! There are a choice of departure airports at really good prices and a range… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Councils join forces to tackle rogue taxis

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Several Nottinghamshire councils have joined forces to tackle rogue taxis.Nottingham City, Gedling, Rushcliffe, Broxtowe, Bassetlaw and Newark & Sherwood have all signed the ‘Cross Border Enforcement Protocol.’ In a first for the region, it will give officers from each council the ability to check, challenge and enforce against each other’s licensed private hire vehicles and hackney cabs.The agreement follows concerns that private hire drivers are illegally operating across different areas without the fare being ‘pre-booked’ – a criminal offence known as illegally plying for hire. Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, private hire taxis cannot be hailed in the street and councils are urging to people to ensure they travel safely by pre-booking through a reputable firm or using a licensed hackney cab.As well as a criminal offence, the act of plying can also leave the driver and passengers uninsured. There are a number of other offences, behaviours and standards officers will be looking out for.Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for community and customer services, Councillor Toby Neal, said: “The joint protocol will allow officers to work together with the aim of keeping the public safe, as well as helping to ensure we have a healthy private hire trade operating in our area. Illegally operating private taxis are a real concern but we also need to ensure suitable driver behaviours, safe vehicles that are maintained to high standards and be allowed to manage our streets.“We will now begin to take a zero tolerance approach to taxis needlessly parking in bus stops, pedestrianised areas or parking dangerously. While we are working hard to support the trade, drivers need to understand their responsibilities.”Under the protocol, officers will be able to check vehicle standards and remove its licence if they believe it poses a risk. They will also be able to check the driver’s identity and ensure they are operating legitimately.Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Debbie Mason, said: “As a licensing authority we have a duty to ensure public safety and wherever possible licensed drivers operate lawfully in designated areas. This protocol will allow all of the officers to use their collective powers and work together across greater Nottingham.”Gedling Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “This joint work will raise the standards we provide for customers using taxis across the region and will give our officers the tools they need to continue to enforce against illegal pickups, wherever they happen. This should act as a warning that we will prosecute drivers, wherever they are, who pick up passengers knowing it’s illegal to do so.”An increased number of joint operations will now start as the joint effort seeks to catch those who put the public at risk.

May 04, 2018 at 07:48PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT