Ex-Uber exec, Rachel Whetstone, responds to racism claims

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Former senior vice-president of communications and public policy for Uber, Rachel Whetstone, has responded to racism claims, made by Uber's former head of Asian business development, Eric Alexander according to The Times

Ms Whetstone, who is being sued by her former colleague, has issued a strong denial against all of the allegations made against her.

Eric Alexander was fired by Uber in the wake of a passenger being raped by an Uber driver in India. It was discovered that Alexander had obtained the victims medical records after the rape had come to light.

Eric Alexander instructed his legal representatives last week to file a suit against Ms Whetstone.

Mr Alexander has claimed that he was an innocent party who had been on the receiving end of a personal vendetta by Ms Whetstone, after castigating her in public for allegedly making racist remarks.

Rachel Whetstone is no stranger to controversy after questions had been asked regarding her close ties to David Cameron, as well as other members of the Conservative Party, along with links to both The Institute of Economic Affairs and The Adam Smith Institute.

September 16, 2018 at 05:07PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mayor of London drops in popularity according to study

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Increasingly fewer Londoners believe that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is doing a good job, according to the latest poll conducted for the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London.

Under half (44 per cent) thought the Mayor was doing well compared to 52 per cent in April 2018. Almost as many, 40 per cent, think he is doing badly, a rise of 10 percentage points since April.This results in a net score of +4, the lowest since Queen Mary’s Polling London project began.

Philip Cowley, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary and Director of the Mile End Institute, said: “In April 2018, Sadiq Khan was still ahead among those aged 50-64, working class Londoners, those living in outer London and white voters. He’s now behind among all of these groups”.He added: “When we first started polling, he was one of the most popular politicians in Britain. Such was his cross-party support, he even had net positive support from Conservative voters. Those days are long gone”.Roger Lawson from the Alliance of British Drivers said: “The Mayor’s policies such as ULEZ will particularly affect those groups where his rating has been declining most sharply. Folks are waking up to the Mayor’s attack on all forms of private transport – not just cars but motorcycles, PHVs (minicabs) and taxis and the costs that they will incur as a result.“Other contributions have probably been his mismanagement of Transport for London’s budget which is heading for a massive deficit and has been focussed on by some politicians, and his record on tackling rising crime levels in London has also been criticised.

“Similarly, his record on housing is no better than his predecessor and very different to what he promised. His promise to freeze public transport fares and improve public transport which he made to get elected have been shown to be mistakes or unachievable. Surely the apt quotation here is “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time” (Abraham Lincoln). Voters are now becoming disillusioned with the Mayor as he is seen to be good at rhetoric and photoshoots with children but bad at actually managing the metropolis.“London needs a Mayor who does not just spout fine words, but can actually tackle London’s problems and get them solved.”

September 16, 2018 at 04:44PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Are New York cabbies lives about to made easier or more difficult as the City Council mulls over new proposals

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Could New York's beleaguered cabbies may get another boost from the city council? A raft of new bills will be heard, aimed at assisting both the New York taxi industry as well as a Uber drivers.Of the City Council’s for-hire vehicle committee's nine proposals which are under consideration, The Corey Johnson proposal which would add a surchage onto both taxi fares as well as jobs taken on ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft stands out.Any monies raised from the surcharge will be put into a fund to assist drivers in paying for health insurance cover.At present there is an 80 cents surcharge added to all taxi fares, 50 cents of that figure goes to funding the MTA and 30 cents goes toward helping pay for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).A $2.50 surcharge will begin next year if a fare is taken below 96th Street in Manhattan.Whilst some taxi drivers see this as a positive move, there are others who are less than impressed, with drivers who already have health cover concerned that it will just become another way of "milking" the industry.Other bills which are under consideration are plans to create a system which may help financially assist taxi medallion owners.Another proposal is a bill to stop companies such as Uber and Lyft from taking money out of drivers pay to cover debts.The list of proposals will be heard on Monday.

September 16, 2018 at 11:54AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber drivers admit manipulating app to raise fare prices

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An investigation into fare boosting practises by Uber drivers has been slammed by tech experts who say they are “shocked that Uber allows this to happen.”

The Daily Star Sunday found that drivers “rig” prices to inflate fares and pocket cancellation fees by not bothering to pick up clients – who then cancel the request.

Drivers admitted they were manipulating the app to boost their earnings, with one member of staff saying they worked together to push up demand and create a “surge price” where the fare can be doubled or even tripled.

“Drivers basically hack the app so their location is hidden. That means the app thinks there aren’t many cabs available in the area, so the surge price rockets.

“Then they reveal their location to book a fare and wham, they get three times extra money.”

But Fareed Baloch, a taxi expert who works in technology for zoom.taxi, said the blame actually lay at the feet of Uber, who are behind the technology used by drivers and passengers.

“With the massive engineering team behind Uber’s technology, it is beyond understanding how they have left loopholes in their driver app – which is what allows this deception to happen.

“But if they are aware of the loopholes that means they must turn a blind eye to allow their drivers to benefit and of course this means Uber in turn makes more money from commissions.”

The discovery will raise questions after a judge at Westminster Magistrates Court ruled that Uber was a ‘fit and proper’ company after its managers said that “wholesale changes” had been made following Transport for London’s refusal to renew its operator license last September.

Mr Baloch said the discovery “raised yet more doubts about the decision to award Uber a license in London.”

“The short term license was granted because Uber pleaded in court that they had changed. Well, I believe that many people would question whether having a piece of technology that allows what is essentially fraud to take place makes them a ‘fit and proper company’.

“Uber has put many private hire companies out of business because consumers thought they were ‘easier’ and ‘cheaper’. I hope potential passengers now look to local, reputable companies when they need to book a vehicle.”

September 16, 2018 at 06:57AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London Black Taxi drivers help tackle knife wielding moped thugs during late night mugging of woman

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Most of us may say that if a dangerous incident was unfolding in front of our eyes we would step up and intervene, but it can be a whole different ballgame in the heat of the moment.

Thursday night, knife wielding muggers on a moped attempted to rob an incident woman of her necklace in Marylebone, London. The woman’s boyfriend reacted to the attack by fighting back, eventually tackling one of the men to the ground.

Struggling to contain his attacker, the man screamed for help. A number of innocent bystanders jumped to his aid, including London black taxi drivers who were passing the commotion.

The dramatic footage can be seen on a clip filmed by London taxi driver Mark Parker.

Even local residents who heard the screams from their homes ran outside to assist holding the robber down as he fight to escape their clutches.

Reports suggest that the police arrived on the seen to detain the mugger within 5/6 minutes.

A large kitchen knife was found at the seen along with the victims necklace which must of came loose during the attempted robbery.

Witnesses to the incident said they saw “a couple of taxi drivers and several more people” help pin the alleged attacker to the ground. A total of around 15 people assisted in containing him.

(Image: Twitter)

Scotland Yard has said:

"Police were called at around 10.30pm to George Street, W1, following reports of two males on a motorcycle attacking a couple in the street. "A male and female were reported to have been threatened by the two suspects, one armed with a knife, in an attempt to steal the male's watch. "One of the suspects is reported to have attempted to stab the male victim. "The victim fought back and was assisted by members of the public in detaining the male until police arrived. "Police attended and arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and attempted robbery. "Neither the male or female victim were injured. "The male arrested was taken to a central London police station where he currently remains.

"The rider of the motorcycle made off; enquiries are ongoing to trace him."

September 15, 2018 at 02:47PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbies Urged to Back Cycling Crackdown

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The widower of a woman killed by a cyclist has urged taxi drivers to back new dangerous riding laws being put forward by the Government.

Matthew Briggs urged cabbies to take part in the consultation, days before another pedestrian was left in critical condition by a cyclist.

Mr Briggs’ wife Kim was killed by Charlie Alliston, who was riding a fixed gear bike with no front brakes when he hit the 44-year-old mother-of- two as she crossed a road in east London in February 2016.

The cyclist was cleared of manslaughter but found guilty of causing bodily harm by “wanton or furious driving” - a Victorian-era law intended for drivers of horse-drawn carriages which carries a maximum sentence of two years.

Mr Briggs has said that the existing laws are “arcane” and wants them up brought up to date.

The new law would see riders facing “death by dangerous cycling” or “death by careless cycling” charges similar to motorists, with a maximum sentence of 14 years.

The widower said: “Could I call upon the fine men and women of the black cab trade to contribute to the consultation on new cycling laws? And thank you for the continued support and kindness you show me.”

In the latest incident, a woman was said to be in critical condition after being struck in Kingsland High Street, in Dalston, on Tuesday, August 28, just after 5pm.

The cyclist initially stopped due to coming off his bike but left the scene a few moments later. A bike was later found abandoned a mile away in Approach Close.

Detective Constable Darren Case, Serious Collisions Investigations Unit, said: “This is a shocking incident as it appears the cyclist involved did not stop to assist the victim or contact the emergency services, instead making off.

A 12-week consultation on whether new offences should be introduced for dangerous cyclists has been launched by the Department for Transport and can be completed here.

September 15, 2018 at 09:46AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire Driver prosecuted for completing around 300 trips without a valid MOT certificate

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A private hire driver has been prosecuted for making around 300 paid journeys in a vehicle which didn’t have a valid MOT certificate. Fahad Shabbir, who drove for mini cab firm L E Taxis in Long Eaton, was found to be operating without the appropriate certificate during an inspection in April this year. The MOT was found to of expired 6 weeks prior to the inspection and had during that period completed around 300 trips with paying members of the public.

In most cases, as soon as your MOT expires, your insurance will no longer be valid. Driving without insurance is considered illegal, so if you're caught, you can face an unlimited fine or even disqualification from driving, plus 6 to 8 penalty points.Mr Shabbir pleaded guilty to driving or allowing another to drive a motor vehicle on the road without a valid MOT, and was consequently fined £121, made to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs to the council of £115. In a report published in the Derbyshire Live, lead member for Environment at Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Garry Hickton, said it is important that the correct tests and checks are carried out to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. He went on to say that this prosecution sends out a clear message that action will be taken against anyone who fails to complete and pass any relevant inspections.

September 15, 2018 at 08:44AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Minicab drivers deliver coffin to London Mayor in protest to driver exploitation

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Minicab drivers staged a protest at London City Hall on Thursday to highlight Transport for London's inaction on driver exploitation, increased costs and assaults on drivers.

The funeral protest involved workers from UPHD holding a vigil outside City Hall before delivering a coffin to Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. Minicab drivers, who are already suffering from poverty wages, protested about increased charges by TfL that would cause them further financial strain. The plan by the the Mayor to impose a daily congestion charge on minicab drivers, was already rejected last week by the London Assembly and dismissed by Assembly Member Len Duvall dismissing as ‘discriminatory’.The protest continues UPHD's campaign to end TfL's discrimination against private hire drivers. Uber were exposed as using "sweated labour" in a report by Frank Field MP, yet the Mayor has failed to address working conditions.Muhumed Ali, UPHD London Organiser said: “Instead of addressing the scandal of sweatshop conditions in the minicab trade, TfL are adding to the misery by punishing drivers with a congestion charge. Their failure to act amounts to institutional racism. The Mayor should follow New York’s lead by capping licensing and protecting workers from exploitation.”

September 14, 2018 at 11:58PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Rotherhithe Tunnel closes for weekend in preparation for new vehicle access restrictions

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The Rotherhithe Tunnel will be closed from 22:00 tonight until 05:00 on Monday morning, so that Transport for London (TfL) can carry out essential investigative work on the tunnel’s ventilation system. From Monday morning, when the tunnel reopens, new restrictions will be in place for goods vehicles.TfL has carried out a detailed analysis of the century old tunnel’s ventilation system. The tunnel was built in 1908 and was never designed to cope with modern levels of traffic. A recent inspection of the ventilation system has identified the need to carry out improvements.The tunnel will be closed this weekend to allow engineers to conduct a more detailed assessment of the ventilation system. They will be working around the clock during the closure to complete the assessment, which will allow TfL to set out plans for any future repairs that may need to take place. A planned closure Blackwall Tunnel for Saturday evening has been cancelled to help relieve traffic and give drivers an alternative option. Additional vehicle restrictions in the tunnel will be needed once it reopens to traffic on Monday. The maximum permitted vehicle height will now be set at 2m (with a maximum weight of 2 tonnes for goods vehicles) - smaller than the previous maximum vehicle size.

Taxis will be exempt from the weight restriction and can carry on using the tunnel.

Goods vehicles are advised to use Tower Bridge, as these vehicles will not be allowed to use the Rotherhithe Tunnel.Glynn Barton, TfL’s Director of Network Management, said: “Safety is our top priority and this closure and changes to the vehicles allowed in the tunnel are absolutely necessary to ensure the tunnel’s future. This assessment can only be carried out when the tunnel is fully closed to all traffic, and while the work takes place we strongly advise drivers to avoid the area around the tunnel and to allow more time for their journeys.”

September 14, 2018 at 05:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi driver jailed for killing cyclist after gruelling 13 hour shift

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A taxi driver from Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, has been jailed for three years for killing a cyclist after falling asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle.

Craig Gough, 36, crashed into Jack Berry, 26, who was cycling on the A48 near Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan in October last year. The court heard that Gough had worked a “grossly excessive” shift of 13 hours, causing him to fall asleep behind the wheel of his taxi moments before he collided with Berry and two other cyclists. All three cyclists were said to be dressed in reflective clothing and safety equipment, making them “well lit” and easily visible. Cardiff Crown Court heard that Berry would have been visible for 15 seconds leading up the the time of impact. Mr Berry, who was described as a “great husband”, spent six months in the Army and completed a tour of Afghanistan. His dream was to one day own his own restaurant.

(Jack Berry, 26)

Mr Berry’s family have decided to carry on his legacy filled with anger, but instead stay strong and celebrate his life. With the help of fundraising and their own savings, his family has built a school in his wife’s country of birth, Fiji. Craig Gough previously admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to three years in jail.

All images courtesy of South Wales Police and family handouts.

September 14, 2018 at 05:20PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

UCG to launch group legal action against TfL, Uber and Westminster Magistrates Court

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Taxi organisation United Cabbies Group has instructed senior commercial QC to provide a legal opinion on taking legal action against Transport for London, Westminster Magistrates Court and Uber along with support from a “key group of trade suppliers”.

The UCG day it is now time for drivers to support action for the right earned by completing the Knowledge of London, abiding by strict regulations enforced by TfL and being forced to drive a prescribed purpose-built vehicle which is both Wheelchair Accessible and subject to very rigorous Conditions of Fitness.

“This is an unprecedented legal challenge against Uber, Transport for London and Westminster Magistrates Court. It will shock many how Uber operate and are allowed to operate under the watchful blindness of the regulatory body there to protect” says Robert Griffiths QC and Barrister Stuart Jessop of 6 Pump Court, Temple.

This group action will take action:

Against Westminster Magistrates and Judicially Review the decision to grant a license to Uber on the basis of conflict of interest and flawed reasoning.Against Transport for London under multiple causes of action including its failure to regulate the statutory regime.Against Uber under multiple causes of action including economic torts and the interference of your exclusive right to ply for hire.

In a statement made the UCG added: “It has long been known by members of the trade that Uber operates a model which is identical to hailing and therefore infringes London taxi drivers’ exclusive right to ply for hire. This action will seek to address that injustice.

“In this action we will forcefully pursue the argument that TfL knew or ought to have known that Uber is not and has never been a fit and proper person to hold an Operators’ Licence.

“One of the many reasons why it will be argued that Uber is not a fit and proper person includes issues relating to its corporate structure and fiscal operations.

“This is a concerted, comprehensive and unprecedented action against key parties including the regulatory body (TfL) and will seek to bring each and all parties to account for their part in the damage caused to our 360-year-old trade.

“Other similar actions are exclusively seeking damages, but this action will seek more than damages for any previous loss. It will seek to protect our exclusive right to ply for hire and ensure that PHV drivers and London Taxi drivers compete fairly.

“It will seek to protect the trade from current and further threats to its exclusive right to ply for hire and ensure that the distinct Two-Tier System is restored and not eroded.”

“We will seek to protect and preserve your exclusive right to ply for hire from current and future threats, the two-tier system has to be restored” added Darren Rogers from Chiltern Law

Although the initial instructions have been given by UCG, this is not a singularly UCG action. The United Trade Action Group (UTAG) is made up from a “wider group of taxi supporters”.

The UTAG will rely on donations made via a crowdfunder to proceed.

September 14, 2018 at 10:55AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mobile phone users could be caught out by new speed camera technology

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New speed camera technology, which can detect a myriad of other offences, including mobile phone offences have gone live in Devon and Cornwall.

Among other offences which can be picked up by the high definition cameras, are seatbelt offences, as well as not having the vehicle under proper control.

The camera's work equally as well at night as they do during the day, and have been deployed next to average speed cameras in the area.

It seems that it will only be a matter of time before the cameras go nationwide.

Therefore the simplest way to avoid detection is not to commit an offence in the first place, as technology becomes smarter there are fewer and fewer places to hide.

September 14, 2018 at 10:32AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ex-Uber exec Rachel Whetstone could be sued

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A former Uber executive is set to sue Rachel Whetstone, former senior vice-president of communications and public policy for Uber for allegedly spreading false rumours.

Business Insider revealed that Eric Alexander, who was fired after it was discovered that he had obtained the medical files of a rape victim, is suing Whetstone for the alleged false rumours which led to his dismissal.

There is, at this moment in time, no documentary ecidence to support Alexander’s claims.

The case centres around a 2014 rape case in India, Alexander was the head of Uber's Asia Pacific region.

Alexander had worked with police in New Delhi to get the attacker jailed for life, however it was revealed that the rapist had faved a previous accusation.

The victim then sued Uber, during which time Alexander obtained the victims medical records.

Uber subsequently agreed to an out of court settlement totalling $3 million.

Lawyers representing Alexander believe that Whetstone was responsible for spreading false information in relation to Alexander's response to the rape.

In the past Alexander has publically accused Whetstone of racism, she in turn criticised Alexander over the issue surrounding the medical files.

It is alleged that when Whetstone left Uber in 2017, she insisted that she be protected from disparagement, however this goes against the norm when receiving a payout.

This then became the basis for which Whetstone is being sued, as Alexander was named (amongst others) on a clause pertaining to her final settlement.

The basis of the lawsuit can be read here at Eric Alexander vs Rachel Whetstone

Rachel Whetstone is no stranger ro controversy given her links to former Prime Minister, David Cameron, other members of the Conservative Party, as well as her family links to the Institute of Economic Affairs and The Adam Smith Institute.

September 13, 2018 at 10:50PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Door slammed on CS11 cycle route as TfL thwarted by Westminster council

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Westminster Council have sensationally won a High Court action against Transport for London thwarting CS11, the cycle route between Regents Park and Swiss Cottage.

Presiding judge, Sir Ross Cranston, agreed with Westminster Council that Transport for Londons plans surrounding the cucle route were unlawful. The decision itself could be seen as setting a precedent.

Although the scheme garnered 60% support from across London after a consultation, residents and businesses in the areas adjacent to the cycle route were heavily opposed to the plans.

The ruling followed a judicial review hearing last Thursday, with TfL claiming that legislation passed in 1999 on strategic planning matters countermands local authority legislation.

Concerns were raised over traffic modelling, with displaced traffic being forced into residential streets around the Hampstead area seen as a major concern.

The original plans drawn up for CS11 would have seen the cycle route stretch from the heart of the West End up to Brent Cross.

This plan was pared back, leaving the stary point (or finish point) at Portland Place.

The full judicial report can be read here at Westminster City Council vs TfL

Tfl are now looking at the possibility of appealing the decision according to Ham and High

September 13, 2018 at 08:32PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Three males who used strong acids, alkalis and knives to rob and maim taxi drivers are jailed

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Two men and a teenager have been jailed today at Wood Green Crown Court for a total of more than 30 years for carrying out 19 knife and acid attack robberies in north and east London.The horrific attacks targeted taxi drivers and people selling items via Gumtree. The group used strong acids, alkalis, and knives, to rob and maim their victims, some of whom will never recover from their injuries.Antoine Mensah, 21, was sentenced to 13 years, extended to 17 years, in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to rob comprising 19 counts of robbery as well as a planned robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article. Mensah also pleaded guilty to six counts of assault in an unrelated case. Mensah will serve a minimum of 8 years and 8 months in prison.Miracle Osondu, 19, was sentenced to 11 years, extended to 15, in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to rob comprising 19 counts of robbery as well as a planned robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article. A separate charge of theft from 2017 will remain on file. Osondu will serve a minimum of seven years and four months in prison.Reporting restrictions were lifted on the teenager involved at the instruction of the judge. He is Mohammed Ali, 17, was sentenced to eight years, extended to 12 years, in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to rob comprising 19 counts of robbery as well as a planned robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article. Ali will serve a minimum of five years and four months in prison.

The court heard that between 26 April and 14 May 2018, the trio embarked on a series of robberies that involved robbing mini-cab drivers at knifepoint and using strong chemicals to rob people they had arranged to buy and sell mobile phones from the Gumtree website.The first offence they committed occurred on 26 April, where the three took a taxi to a street in Enfield where they robbed their taxi driver, threatening to stab him.This quickly escalated to physically restraining taxi drivers and on two occasions producing a knife with which they threatened the drivers. Following this, they moved on to targeting unsuspecting victims from Gumtree.In one incident on 11 May, the trio arranged to meet their victim, a 40-year-old male, in High Road, Barnet N12, pretending that they were going to buy a phone from him. There Mensah and Osondu sprayed ammonia in the victim’s face, tackling him to the ground and stole his phone. The victim was left with serious eye injuries with irritation, burning and permanent impact on his vision. The psychological impact on the victim has been considerable and ongoing.In another, on 12 May, the trio arranged to meet a different victim, a 49-year-old male, in Meadow Close, Barking IG11, on this occasion pretending that they were going to sell a phone to him. There they sprayed acid in the face of the victim before stealing cash and the contents of his wallet from him, then returned and sprayed him again before making off. The victim has sustained life-changing injuries, losing the majority of the vision in one eye, causing him to have to leave his previous employment.On 14 May Enfield Proactive Unit officers, using a wide range of policing tactics, tracked the suspects to a taxi travelling from Enfield to Ilford en-route to commit another robbery. The trio were stopped in Mortlake Road, IG1 with the assistance of armed officers. Mensah, Osondu and the 17-year-old were stopped in the taxi and were found in possession of a bottle of PH1 acid, a 22cm long knife, nearly £2,000 in cash, balaclavas and multiple phones.They were taken into custody where they gave no comment interviews. All three were charged on 17 May.In a Victim Personal Statement, one of the victims who suffered life-changing injuries said: "The initial injuries were that my skin was burnt all over, even in my mouth and on my tongue. The whole thing was just so excessive. Even after I gave them what was in my pockets, they kept pouring acid over me, just because they could."When I looked in the mirror and saw my injuries for the first time, I felt like I had become a zombie in just two hours. They could have taken my money or physical possessions if they had just threatened me, I wouldn’t have fought back because they’re just possessions. Even when they threw acid over me, I still didn’t fight back and just tried to shield my face from them. It was horrid trying to wash my face and feeling the acid all over me and it was so hard to clean it off and so painful. My right eye went entirely white, which was horrible to see. Friends came to visit me and I didn’t want them to see me because I knew it would upset them."Socially, my life has been really impacted. I used to be an outgoing, bubbly person. I enjoyed running, cycling and other activities, and anything that relied on my eyesight has been robbed from me. My mood from day to day hinges almost entirely on my vision and my medical condition. I feel happier when it improves, but that rarely lasts, and when it hasn’t improved or is worse, I feel worse too. Even things that don’t rely on my eyesight I have been less willing to do. I used to never be at home and would always be out socialising, but now I’m always at home, I feel tired and sleep a lot. I used to be a really trusting person, but since what happened I have lost so much confidence in other people.”Investigating officer Detective Constable James Rush, from Enfield Major Crime Unit, said: “These males appeared to feel no guilt over their actions, using strong acids, alkalis, and knives, to rob and maim their victims without a second thought for the impact the injuries they inflicted would have.“Over the course of their offending they carried out 19 robberies, leaving victims with life-changing injuries. They also conspired to rob many more.“They are dangerous individuals and these lengthy prison sentences are the only way to ensure the public are kept safe.“Their behaviour is truly shocking. I commend the bravery of all the victims and witnesses who provided the evidence to help secure these convictions.“I would also commend the efforts and teamwork of the many officers across multiple units whose work contributed to this excellent result.”

September 13, 2018 at 08:02PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

City of London Corporation votes to ban taxis permanently at London’s Bank junction

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The City of London Corporation’s most senior decision-making body has today voted to make the 16-month experimental safety scheme at the Bank junction, permanent.

This decision will be seen as a bitter blow for the London taxi trade who have now seen their access permanently denied. The Court of Common Council made the final decision after months of rigorous scrutiny and consideration by a range of City Corporation committees. With over 4,200 responses to the consultation, the wide-ranging needs of local road users and other stakeholders were considered along with the operational needs of the Square Mile.The scheme, first implemented in May 2017 on an experimental basis, restricts vehicle access to Bank junction to buses and cyclists only, Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm.Chris Hayward, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation said:“It has been a pleasure seeing the Bank junction monitoring area become a safer place for members of the public to enjoy.“Compliance to the scheme is currently at 96%. Additional measures will be explored to further improve the scheme’s performance and reach that end goal of 100% compliance at the junction.“This would inspire City workers, visitors and residents to truly enjoy the iconic surroundings such as the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange.“I look forward to applying our learnings from this project and continuing to spearhead positive changes across the Square Mile after the City Corporation unveils it’s 25-year Transport Strategy next year.”The ‘Bank on Safety’ experimental scheme is part of ‘All Change at Bank’, an improvements programme which describes the City Corporation’s broader aspirations and long-term proposals for Bank junction.

September 13, 2018 at 04:54PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Landmark case could see huge fines issued for every trip taken place by Uber drivers in Copenhagen over a three year period

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A Supreme Court in Denmark has upheld fines given to four Uber drivers for operating illegally. The decision will now pave the way for similar fines to be issued against a further 1,500 drivers. The drivers were found to not have the correct permits to operate which violates a law that was introduced to combat Uber in Denmark. One of the four drivers was fined £59,778 according to a report in euronews. The landmark case will now give Copenhagen police the power to issue fines for every single journey that has taken place between 2014 and 2017. Uber withdrew from Copenhagen in 2017 when Parliament passed a law that introduced more stringent requirements on taxis, such as mandatory fare meters and sensors on seats. According to sources Uber has said they would pay any fines issued to its drivers.

Copenhagen police will now look into what steps they will take from here.

September 13, 2018 at 03:10PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Drivers suffer petrol price rises for eight out of the last 12 months

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August saw yet another rise in the price of both petrol and diesel meaning that prices have gone up for eight of the last 12 months making both fuels 13p more expensive than this time last year, new RAC Fuel Watch data reveals. Pump prices continue to creep ever upward with unleaded increasing by 1.65p to 130.59p and diesel by 1.32p to 132.19p in the month. A year ago, however, petrol was 117.51p and diesel was 118.37p. Sadly, the combination of a weaker pound and an oil price of over $70 a barrel has sent prices shooting up. In the past year only the months of June, February and October have given drivers a little respite at the petrol pumps. And it was worse for diesel drivers with nine months of increases. The average price of petrol in the UK is now at its highest since the end of July 2014 just before the price of a barrel of oil began to freefall and diesel is at its most expensive since the beginning of October the same year. The very important costly difference for every driver, however, is that back then oil was $106 a barrel and the pound was worth $1.70. Now, in stark contrast, oil finished August at $77.54 while sterling was only worth $1.29 which means both petrol and diesel are far more expensive for retailers to buy on the wholesale market. So despite the lower oil price, the substantially weakened pound has caused fuel prices to reach their highest levels for the last four years. There have been no significant reductions in the average cost of supermarket fuel since 24 June, meaning by the end of August prices had crept up by 3.38p for petrol (123.77p to 127.15p) and by 3.12p for diesel (127.23p to 130.35p). The cost of filling a 55-litre family car with unleaded is £71.82 – an increase of 91p on July and £7.32 dearer than a year ago. For diesel, the equivalent cost is £73.29 for a tank today – 73p more than last month and £8.19 more expensive than at the end of August 2017. RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “August was another bad month for motorists and it’s rapidly becoming a horrible year on the UK’s forecourts and it looks like further increases are inevitable. Having benefitted from some very low prices two and a half years ago drivers get a nasty shock every time they go to fill up their cars, having to fork out more and more. “While it’s clearly a tough time for regular motorists unfortunately there is currently no end in sight to the rising cost of fuel. With the pound at such a low against the dollar, and fuel being traded in the US currency, it will only take a moderate rise in the price of oil for some eye-wateringly high prices to be seen at the pumps. “With many factors at play on the global oil market the price of a barrel could easily break through the $80 mark and stay there. If this were to happen it would be dire news for drivers and we could even see pump prices heading towards the record highs of April 2012 when petrol hit an average of 142p a litre and diesel 148p.”Pricing – what has happened to UK pump prices since September 2017

Regional fuel price variation

Regional average unleaded pump pricesThe North East and Scotland suffered the largest rise in the price of unleaded in August at 1.81p a litre. Northern Ireland once again had the cheapest petrol at the start and end of the month, closing August at 129.38p but the East Midlands had the smallest a 1.45p a litre. In the South East unleaded was the most expensive across the UK at 131.46p.Regional average diesel pump prices Diesel went up the most in the North West and North East, increasing by around 1.48p a litre. Northern Ireland experienced the lowest increase at 99p as well having the cheapest diesel at 131.77p a litre. Unsurprisingly, the South East also had the dearest diesel in the land at 134.03p.

September 13, 2018 at 02:59PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Gett Delivers Carbon Neutral Rides and Funds 'Carbon Positive' Projects

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Gett, the ride hailing company for business and consumer rides, is launching a major new initiative to deliver Carbon Neutral rides in further efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in the UK.

The company is reducing its carbon output as it continues to support the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles across UK cities. Gett will also now give its London business clients the opportunity to ride ‘carbon positive’ through the Gett app, simply by paying 20p extra per ride.

These additional funds will be donated to the 12 central London schools identified in the Mayor of London’s school air quality audit programme. The company is also offsetting 7,500 tonnes of CO2 - the amount it is expected to produce through all business and consumer rides in the following 12 months - by investing in accredited carbon reduction projects provided by Carbon Clear.

In what is a first for a major taxi company in the UK, Gett’s yearly CO2 emissions from its rides will be offset by Carbon Clear, the climate and sustainability consultants.

Gett’s business booking platform, One Transport, gives clients access to the largest black cab and Private Hire mixed fleet in the UK, and through various accredited and recognised global energy solutions they will offset their carbon output in projects that take urgent action against climate change. It is important for global corporations like Gett to have a strong Corporate Social Responsibility to showcase their environmental concerns for the planet. The company will be investing in a Wind Power Generation project in India that displaces the burning of fossil fuels, and the Madre de Dios Project in the Peruvian Amazon that dramatically reduces deforestation. As well as offsetting their carbon emissions across all Gett and One Transport business rides, Gett is offering London cab customers the opportunity to turn their ride ‘carbon positive’ by paying an optional 20p extra per journey. By simply selecting Gett Green on the app when booking a black cab, riders can help contribute to other clean air projects. Part of the funds raised from Gett Green will be donated on an ongoing basis to the 12 central London schools identified by the Mayor of London’s school air quality audit programme. The audits, supported by TfL’s Local Implementation Plans, have made recommendations to reduce emissions and exposure to CO2 around London’s schools. The schools will be able to use the money from Gett Green to help with measures to serve their air quality goals, as outlined in the Healthy Schools London programme. In further efforts to reduce the carbon output from its rides, Gett is continuously supporting the adoption of LEVC TX Electric Taxis in London, Coventry, Edinburgh and Glasgow by promising electric cab drivers that zero commission will be taken on all fares with Gett for their first six months of driving with them. These are the first fully-certified electric taxis to be introduced to the streets of the UK, in a pledge to reduce pollution levels in the dangerously contaminated air. As Gett works with cities existing infrastructure, it does not add any extra vehicles to the UK’s already congested streets. Through electric black cabs, Gett is supporting efforts to improve mobility in UK cities by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, and therefore also pollution levels in the UK. Matteo de Renzi, Gett’s UK CEO says, “Air quality is increasingly becoming more of an issue, not just in London, but across the UK. By becoming Carbon Neutral we’re incredibly proud to be helping cities achieve cleaner air and reduce pollution levels, something that our business clients consider imperative. Offsetting the CO2 our UK rides produce we will positively impact multiple climate projects across the globe. At Gett, we strive to offer the best quality of service and part of this is to ensure our customers that their ride is carbon neutral. With Gett Green, we are also providing our customers with the option to be ‘carbon positive’ to further support the cleaning of London’s air.” Mark Chadwick, CEO of Carbon Clear says, “We are proud to partner with Gett to help them provide their customers with carbon neutral journeys. The science tells us that carbon neutrality is necessary to protect the planet and sustain our livelihoods. Companies making bold commitments to carbon neutrality are taking the lead in climate action.

“The offsetting projects that Gett are supporting are subject to rigorous international standards to ensure they deliver the promised emissions reductions. As well as this, these projects support sustainable development in international communities and have a tangible impact on people’s lives”.

September 13, 2018 at 09:03AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lead claimant against Uber pen's open letter to Sadiq Khan and says it's time he helped fight the ride-sharing app

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Co-founder for UPHD (United Private Hire Drivers) branch of the IWGB and one of the lead claimants against Uber for workers rights Yaseen Aslam, has written an open letter to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asking for his backing to tackle the ride-sharing giants.

Read to full letter here:

Sadiq Khan defeated the odds to become a top lawyer and one of the most powerful Labour politicians in the country. I come from a similar hard-scrabble background, common to first generation Pakistani immigrants, so he’s something of a working-class hero for me.

My parents, devout Muslims, came to a booming Britain of the 1960’s around the same time as the Khan family. Sadiq’s father was a bus driver and mine a factory worker. Nobody had it easy, but the social contract remained intact for immigrants – if you worked hard you could create a better life for your family in the new country.Trade union membership was part of the glue that held these important social contracts together. Unions not only defended people at work but also acted as an important support system helping newly arrived immigrants feel welcome and to become active in the community.My father was a member of the Transport and General Workers Union and was always grateful for what the union had done for him. Sadiq Khan once lamented to the BBC on how his father, as a union member, enjoyed decent pay and benefits whereas his mother, a seamstress, did not have the benefit of union protection and suffered for it.In his declaration of interests as Mayor, Khan boasts today membership of Unite, Unison, GMB and CWU who are meeting this week in Manchester as affiliates of the TUC. It’s a tricky time for the large, affiliated trade unions because membership is on the decline, while abuse of workers, especially in the gig economy has never been more brazen and brutal.Like my father, I too am a trade unionist. But as the nature of work itself is reshaped for the next industrial revolution, I find the IWGB is more responsive to the challenge than the legacy trade union model that served my father’s generation so well.The IWGB’s heartland membership is amongst precarious and gig workers of the low paid service-sector workers. In London alone, there are 114,000 minicab drivers from mostly BME and/or migrant backgrounds who desperately need a trade union on their side. Grassroots organising for this sector is bottom up, hard graft and trust must be earned. But the IWGB is bucking the overall trend and growth in membership, particularly in the minicab drivers branch of which I am a co-founder. Membership here is skyrocketing to make us the largest dedicated union representing minicab drivers in the UK.The struggle for social justice is more complicated than you might think. Yes, we are going back to court against Uber next month for basic employment rights with IWGB lawyers, and we are also taking on other minicab firms in similar battles up and down the country.But what people might not know, is we are all too often having to fight for social justice against local councils and transport authorities such as Transport for London. Surely they should be protecting workers, not fostering their exploitation?Two years ago Frank Field declared Uber labour in London to be sweated labour and called on the Mayor of London to act to eradicate sweatshop conditions – but we’ve seen precious little action. Instead, Transport for London doggedly refuses dedicated trade union recognition for 114,000 mostly BME minicab drivers.Yet 23,000 mostly white British black cab drivers enjoy the choice of five separate driver representative bodies recognised by TfL. We were staggered to even find that TfL tried unsuccessfully to block the Met from working with us on passenger and driver safeguarding issues, despite an epidemic of violence and abuse suffered by working drivers.The Mayor missed an important opportunity in Uber’s recent re-licensing appeal to insist on statutory worker rights protections as a condition of getting their license back. More worryingly, TfL’s most recent private hire strategy paper promotes more of the same by endorsing technology-enabled ‘demand responsive’ business models, that is so wasteful of human capital and the cause of so much congestion. Why can’t the Mayor do more to take the lead from New York to reduce cab levels fairly and protect worker rights?Instead, the Mayor plans to make minicab drivers start paying the congestion charge despite firms like Addison Lee warning that they fully intend to make drivers pay the charge, rather passing it to the customer. The additional cost would mean an extra 11 hours per week on the road for drivers, currently making little more than £5 per hour. This was the last straw for London Assembly Member Len Duvall who said TfL’s ‘discriminatory’ policies had been “rumbled”.That’s why, on Thursday, I will be joining dozens of Uber, Addison Lee and other private hire drivers as we demand that TfL and the Mayor put an end to their discriminatory policies that deny us a voice and bury us in regulatory costs.Like most British people of Pakistani origin, I’m proud to see Sadiq Khan rise to become Mayor of London. But I do want him to remember our common heritage and everything the trade union movement has done for both of us.To Sadiq Khan, we say it’s time to welcome – not block – the work of unions like the IWGB in helping the new generation of workers – gig-economy workers – succeed, just as our fathers in the 1960’s did before us. Who knows – maybe one day a minicab driver’s son might become the Mayor of London.

September 13, 2018 at 08:46AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT