Westminster publishes proposals for Oxford Street revamp which could see taxi access restricted

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Westminster City Council has unveiled its ambitious plans to “future proof” the Oxford Street area which may see restricted access to taxis.

Whilst the council say “traffic will remain on Oxford Street as it is a key transport corridor” there maybe restrictions put on non EV vehicles and at certain times of the day.

The Council’s fresh Place Strategy and Delivery Plan has identified 94 projects across 85 different streets in nine zones, including proposals for major improvements at Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Cavendish Square. It has looked in depth at every street in order to understand what makes the place so special and what needs to be done to enhance the heritage and character that makes the district unique and gives it the edge as a `must visit’ destination over domestic and international rivals. As a result, the city council is planning on setting aside £50 million each year for the next three years in order to provide a massive kick start to turn the strategy into reality and is calling on private and public partners to back the improvements. A draft of the detailed Place Strategy, which has been developed over the summer following rounds of discussion with 50 stakeholder groups, including residents, businesses, workers in the district, young people and special interest groups, will now be considered by the Council’s Cabinet when it meets on 25th October ahead of the expected launch of the final document for formal public consultation from 6th November to 16th December 2018. The top ten proposals in the strategy include:

Prioritise pedestrians by massively increasing walking space throughout the whole district whilst retaining two-way vehicle movement along the length of Oxford Street. It’s proposed to create the equivalent of two Trafalgar Squares of additional pedestrian space amidst beautiful new public spaces.Major improvements are proposed at key locations, including a new public piazza style space at Oxford Circus and a reinvigorated gateway to the West End at Marble Arch.Work towards a future where all commercial vehicles that are not zero emission are banned and introduce a 20mph limit across the districtRetain buses on Oxford Street 24 hours a day and ensure they are zero emission.Enable space on higher floors on Oxford Street to have different and diverse uses to bring new life and vibrancy to the districtCelebrate and revitalise the historic garden squares in the District by maximising pedestrian space and connections from Oxford StreetDeliver an ambitious greening programme for the whole district, including side streets, by providing many new street trees, pop up parks and oases for relaxation, rest or playEncourage cycling by retaining access for cyclists to Oxford Street and develop proposals for new cycling routes across the district with two new east–west cycle routes, to the north and south of Oxford Street as well as providing a number of key north-south connections across the district and more cycle parking.Improve shopfronts and exteriors, provide special lighting and promote world class architecture throughout the district, celebrating the eclectic mix of heritage and stylesEncourage a year round programme of amazing cultural events and activities, in collaboration with local, national institutions and retailers, including celebrating cultural events

Cllr Richard Beddoe, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping and Planning, said: “No other major city in the world has sought to refresh and revitalise a whole district in such a comprehensive and ambitious fashion. “In developing this strategy we have listened carefully to those who know best – those who live, work, visit and do business in the area that has helped shape our deep understanding of what makes the place so special and what we should do to enhance the area. “We are all well aware of the challenges the district faces and we want to bring all the available public and private resources to bear to tackle them head on and future proof the district’s ongoing success which is vital for Westminster and London. This strategy and the significant funding we have set aside is the enabler to make this happen.”

October 18, 2018 at 09:41PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New proposals put forward by a Government task group would see a major shake up of the Taxi and Private Hire industry in the second city

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New proposals published by a Government task and finish group could see a major shake up of Birmingham taxi and private hire industry. A list of more than 30 recommendations has been listed by the group, which was set up last year by the Department for Transport. An urgent review as been called to tackle out-of-date legislation that is struggling to deal with issues surrounding ride-sharing apps that have reshaped both the taxi and private hire sectors. Some key recommendations include CCTV to be fitted in all licensed vehicles, DBS checks to be undertaken every six months and for all drivers must be able to speak and write in English. One of the main proposals, an issue that has been highlighted by many licensing authorities across the UK, is that taxi and private hire vehicles can only operate in the area they are licensed, however, the proposal does suggest that multiple licences can be obtained from different authorities. Additional proposals include establishing a national database of drivers - allowing licensing authorities to cap the number of licences they hand out - an updated list of convictions which can serve as grounds for refusing or revoking a licence and mandatory child sexual exploitation training for every driver. In a report by the BirminghamLive, acting head of the council’s licensing Emma Rohomon said that the current legislation is “outdated” and is in serious need of “updating or replacing”. Rohomon didn’t seem too keen on the six monthly DBS checks, stressing it would cause a significant increase in administration time for the council to implement.

Current legislation require all drivers to undergo DBS checks every three years.

October 18, 2018 at 08:48PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Addison Lee pursue £300 million refinancing deal to strengthen it's fight in the war of the roads

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Private hire giants Addison Lee are in talks with Investment banks about a deal reportedly worth £300 million as they seek to strengthen their war chest in the battle against ride-hailing app Uber. According to a report in Sky news online, discussions for the mega refinancing come as Uber Technologies Inc. begin preparations for an IPO some time next year. According to sources, for the first time, part of Addison Lee’s borrowing deal is most likely to be denominated in US dollars, which mean the company may be looking to further expand into the United States. Addison Lee currently has a fleet of about 5,000 cars operating in London. The company has recently said they are transforming from a London private hire business to a “global premium ground transportation provider”. Despite fierce competition from black taxis and Uber, Addison Lee have said that at their current rate of growth they expect to double the size of Addison Lee group in the next three years.

October 18, 2018 at 03:43PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

LEVC announces launch of TX in Paris set for early 2019

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The TX eCity has now been approved by Parisian authorities and will legally be able to be used as a working taxi in the City.

This news comes many months ahead of the vehicle’s intended launch into the City and underlines the ongoing international interest in LEVC’s flagship commercial vehicle.

With almost 600 TX cabs now on the streets of London, the vehicle is already contributing to the Capital’s air quality, whilst offering drivers and passengers alike a notably superior ride as well as greater comfort and connectivity. Added to this, drivers are reporting fuel savings of more than £100 a week. Similar benefits would be expected to be replicated in Paris. The Paris launch is currently tabled for the first half of next year, with a launch date to be confirmed once negotiations with the favoured importer have been completed. This means that Paris will soon join Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg and Oslo in seeing this electric taxi on its streets.

With air pollution killing around 48,000 people in France every year, and growing levels of smog in Paris itself, the TX has come at a vital time. Under Mayor Hidalgo, Paris has taken an aggressive stance towards conventional petrol and diesel vehicles with pre-2005 diesel vehicles to be banned next year, and all diesel vehicles to be banned by 2024. These changes will have a significant impact on Paris’ 20,000 taxis, and LEVC believes it has a cost-effective solution for the City’s cabbies.

Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVC said: “Given the air pollution difficulties facing French cities, we are very much looking forward to giving both drivers and passengers new options in Paris following a very positive reception on the streets. This truly bolsters our European position and we look forward to serving the cities of France alongside those in Norway, the Netherlands and Germany.” Claire Perry, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, said: "The UK has led the world in cutting emissions whilst growing our economy - with clean growth driving incredible innovation and creating hundreds of thousands of high quality jobs. Ten years on from the Climate Change Act, the first ever Green GB week is a time to build on our successes and explain the huge opportunities for business and young people of a cleaner economy. I’m delighted to see how many more businesses and organisations such as LEVC are seizing this multi-billion-pound opportunity to energize their communities to tackle the very serious threat of climate change.”

October 18, 2018 at 11:26AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber Technologies Inc raises $2bn in debut bond sales

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Ride-hailing app Uber, this week sold $2 billion worth of bonds in what’s known as a private placement, according to a report in the FT.

The company was originally reported to of been offering up a total of $1.5 billion worth of bonds, but the demand was such, that they increased the available bonds to a staggering $2 billion.

The firm, which has been no stranger to controversy, was still able to raise $1.5 billion through the sale of eight-year notes with a yield of 8%, and an additional $500 million through the sale of five-year notes with a yield of 7.5%.

Uber is gearing up for an initial public offering which they hope to push through some time in 2019, with an evaluation reported at around $100 billion. The firm is currently one of the most valuable privately held firms in the world.

October 18, 2018 at 10:38AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Over 7,500 London cabbies sign up to win back loss of earnings against Uber

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Over 7,500 London cab drivers have registered their interest in the action which seeks to win back loss of earnings against ride-hailing operators Uber.

Cabbie Group Action sets to bring a potential group legal action against Uber for damages and loss of earnings due to the alleged unlawful operation of Uber under the relevant statutory framework. The action is being lead by leading law firm Mishcon de Reya and is fully funded by litigation firm Harbour. If a minimum number of drivers sign up, Harbour will pay all of the legal costs in return for a share of any damages received. It means cabbies will not have to pay their own legal fees. If the group action is not successful, it also means they won’t have to repay Harbour. It is only when there is a win, and damages have been received, that Harbour will get a pre-agreed share of the award.

The group are urging more drivers to sign up to the action. Richard Leedham a Partner at Mishcon de Reya, the London law firm leading Cabbie Group Action, said earlier this year: “Many have criticised the case because they say the black cab trade have failed to modernise and that Uber's success is just an example of lawful competition. “The claim isn't about stopping Uber operating or based on complaints around uncompetitive behaviour. Competition on price, innovation, service and quality is a positive thing. What it is about is holding Uber to account for what we believe are their unlawful operations since 2012. “We believe they failed to adhere to the statutory framework which regulates the London taxi trade and this has been to the detriment of licensed taxi drivers that have been operating lawfully. Uber should not be able to get away with this and Cabbie Group Action aims to hold them to account.”

October 18, 2018 at 02:07AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wakefield council accused of forcing cabbies to ignore disabled passengers

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Wakefield council have come under fire from irate cabbies after it was claimed that new rules imposed by the council are preventing them from picking up disabled passengers.

The new legislation which is being brought in will see around 90% of all vehicles used as cabs taken off of the road, as the council seek to ban vehicles whose registration pre-dates September 2016.

As a result of this, both the private hire industry and the taxi industry are claiming that a dearth of wheelchair accessible vehicles will make it inpossible to service the area.

As a result of the impending changes, a 200 strong petition is to be subnitted to the council by the cabbies registering objections to the legislative alterations.

Concerns have been raised as to the alleged disctiminatory nature of the changes which may invlude breaches of the 2010 equality act.

Other changes which may come into force could see cabbies who have been convicted of driving offences which incur a license suspension, face a tougher time in getting their license back.

Wakefield council have responded, claiming that drivers will have until 2020 before they have to change their vehicles.

October 17, 2018 at 11:45PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Council to press government to help deal with the influx of TfL licenced Uber drivers that are flooding the borough looking for work

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Bracknell Forest Council are said to be preparing to push government figures to deal with the age old issue of cross border hiring, after taxi licence holders in the borough stressed their concerns over the amount of private hire vehicles working for Uber that are picking up in areas where they are not licensed. “Under existing legislation, private hire vehicles are not restricted geographically, meaning they are not limited to working in the area they are licensed” a report by taxi drivers to the council said. Bracknell taxi drivers claim that a vast number of TfL licensed Uber drivers are now plying for trade in the borough, with figures rising.

Taxi drivers are feeling disgruntled with the fact that they pay a lot of money for their badges to work in Bracknell, whereas Uber do not have to pay a penny. According to the Bracknell News, the report says that the influx of Uber drivers has effected the earnings of taxi drivers who are struggling to earn a living. Bracknell Forest Council have said they will now meet with representatives to discuss what actions it could take to deal with the ongoing problem.

October 17, 2018 at 09:20PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbies ear bitten off in dispute with passenger

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A taxi passenger attacked a cabbie after a dispute over whether he should have indicated or not.

Vimal Jadeja, 27, from Colchester in Essex, attacked Russell Page after becoming angered at the cabbies driving style.

The attack which took place on a journey between Torquay and Paignton left Mr Page with part of his ear severed.

Jadeja, who, according to Devon Live has a history of violent offences to his name, drunkenly threatened Mr Page after he had failed to indicate on a bend.

The cabbie argued that he didn't have to indicate on the stretch of the road, this led to the driver and the passenger both getting out of the vehicle after Jadeja became threatening. In the ensuing fight, Mr Page had part of his ear bitten off.

Jadeja was subsequently arrested by police and charged with actual bodily harm.

Judge David Evans sentenced Jadeja to 20 months imprisonment at Exeter Crown Court, with an extra seven days added for failing to turn up at the court for sentencing.

October 17, 2018 at 04:17PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber announce new in-app safety features across Europe including access to driver checks

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Uber have today announced new safety features for passengers and drivers in more than 40 cities and towns across the UK. A “safety toolkit” will now give riders and drivers easy access to a number of features including an option to share live trip details to up to five trusted friends or family members. There is also an Emergency Assistance Button which will give riders the ability to contact local authorities directly through the app. Drivers will gain access to an “Insurance Hub” which puts all insurance details in one place so they can easily access documents such as proof of insurance and information about coverage whether they are on or off a trip. According to a report in the Evening Standard, riders can also access their details about their Uber drivers licence and DBS checks. You can access the full details of Uber’s new toolkit in their online newsroom.

October 17, 2018 at 01:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Are taxi dress code policies legally justifiable?

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Last week a number of news outlets reported on a proposed dress code policy due to be adopted by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s licensing committee.

Reports suggested that a council official justified the proposed dress code “banning shorts” by saying: “This is intended to provide a standard condition where no member of the public travelling in a licensed vehicle is made to feel uncomfortable by a driver whose choice of shorts (or other clothing) may be inappropriate and make them feel uncomfortable…The dress code, whilst subjective in manner, is there to encourage drivers to convey a professional appearance, thereby improving the confidence of the public in choosing licensed vehicles as a preferred form of transportation.”

Can such a policy be justified legally?

Dress code policies are not uncommon in lots of taxi and private hire licensing policies around the country. Whilst dress code policies are a common occurrence, their enforcement is less common in formal terms.

Clearly having such a policy is no good if it is not enforced. A driver found to be acting otherwise in accordance with a dress code policy is likely to have their licence reviewed before a licensing committee with the option to either suspend or revoke their licence for the policy transgression.

It is worth bearing in mind that licensing policies are just that, policies are not the law. As such, there is discretion to deviate from policy where circumstances deem it appropriate to do so. Using the example of the drivers in Bath, extreme temperatures may be sufficient to argue in favour of a policy deviation.

A licensing committee will need to rely on section 61(1)( b) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 which gives licensing authorities the power to suspend or revoke a driver’s licence for “…any other reasonable cause.”

This then begs the question whether such a drastic action, i.e. to deprive someone of their licence, is reasonable as per section 61 above. Strictly speaking, a driver’s licence can only be taken away if they are no longer deemed fit and proper. This reduces the question then to whether not complying with a dress code policy makes someone not a fit and proper person.

Taxi and private hire licensing law principally exists to protect the public from harm and to keep them safe. There may be instances where a dress code policy could be appropriate. Examples of this may be cases where driving a licensed car could be dangerous due to inappropriate footwear or where clothing may portray offensive slogans or imagery.

To my knowledge there is no ruling on whether the definition of “fit and proper” can extend to include a situation where a dress code policy is not being complied with. In my view it is arguable, in light of the legislation’s intention, that the definition of “fit and proper” should not be reduced to an argument over whether shorts are appropriate for a taxi driver to work in.

The right approach in the first instance is to legally challenge such a policy on the grounds of reasonableness, lawfulness and/or irrationality.

On appeal, the Magistrates’ Court will not have the discretion to overturn the policy per se. Notwithstanding, an argument can be advanced in an appeal situation arguing that the council should have exercised its discretion to deviate from their policy – assuming the case’s circumstances would have deemed this appropriate.

TaxiPoint are running an online poll to asking whether Drivers think shorts should be banned. Currently, 73% of 657 voters think the shorts should stay. Click the poll below to cast your opinion!

October 17, 2018 at 09:02AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbie Dean Richardson makes it eight consecutive professional wins

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London Taxi Driver, Dean Richardson, won his first fight under new trainer Gary Logan on Saturday night, making it his 8th consecutive victory.

Richardson improved his record to 8-0 with 5 knockouts with a shut out 60-54 points victory over Arvydas Trizno from Lithuania. The South Ruislip boxer used his height and reach advantage to good effect using long jabs before landing hard left hands through the guard. Trizno only occasionally fired back with hard hooks but was ineffective as they were defended well by Richardson.

The fight, which was held at Tottenham Green Pools and Leisure Centre, was the first that Richardson and Logan had worked on together. The improvements were evident and the pair plan to continue their success together as Richardson eyes a shot at the Southern Area title in 2019.

October 17, 2018 at 08:23AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

App based cabbies in illegal street race

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Two Madrid cabbies have been arrested after taking part in an illegal street race.

It has been reported in Euro Weekly News that the two cabbies who operate on an unnamed app platform, were filmed competing on an industrial estate in the Spanish capital.

A specialist police unit, specifically set up to smash street-racing rings, managed to identify the vehicles and the drivers, despite their registration markings being hidden.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) database was accessed by officers who then visited the app companies headquarters.

The drivers were then identified by the app company and the drivers were subsequently arrested and charged with reckless driving.

October 17, 2018 at 01:07AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber could be valued at $120 billion

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Its been revealed in The London Free Press that Uber could be valued at $120 billion and the initial IPO could be put forward as early as next year.

Although the valuation has been made by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley it is not a forgone conclusion that the $120 billion figure will be achieved, or that the private hire giant will go public anytime soon.

Were the IPO to go ahead, Uber could be worth more than Fiat, Ford and General Motors combined.

It has also been revealed that Lyft are looking to JP Morgan and Credit Suisse to issue an IPO valued at $15.1 billion at the beginning of 2019.

October 17, 2018 at 12:24AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbie cleared of sexual assault after his accuser admitted lying during conflicting statements

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A cab driver from Paisley who was accused of a sex attack on a female passenger has been cleared after it was proved that the woman had lied to the police.

Norbert Tumwesigye was accused of sexual assault by a woman he had picked up following a festive night out with her family, a report in the Scottish Sun said. The 27-year-old woman claimed that Mr Tumwesigye grabbed her face and kissed her on the mouth and put his tongue in her mouth without consent. During police questioning, the woman said the incident took place in a car park in Thornly Park Gardens, Paisley on January 2. Speaking in court, the alleged victim said that she felt “slightly uncomfortable” the moment she entered the taxi because it was night time and dark and because she was alone. Her police statement said that she chatted to Mr Tumwesigye when she got in the cab, casting doubt on what she said in court about feeling uncomfortable straight away. The woman had also told the police that she had given the driver her full name and that she had drunk at least four glasses of wine before she had entered the vehicle, yet giving evidence in court she said she had only drunk one glass of wine. When challenged about her different evidence statements, the woman admitted giving two different versions but called it “an honest mistake”. The mother of the woman gave evidence in court, saying that she received a phone call from her daughter who was distraught and “crying down the phone.” The court heard that she rushed to her daughter’s aid when she was told that she had been sexually assaulted. Giving evidence in his own defence, Mr Tumwesigye said he helped his accuser into his cab and also out of the vehicle because she was struggling to walk. He told the court that she tried to kiss him as he helped her out but he pulled away because he’s a married man. Tumwesigye said: “She didn’t want to leave the car, she was chatting, chatting. I wanted to get her out the car” This is when she allegedly tried to kiss him. Tumwesigye, 37, had always denied the claims and was found not guilty by Sheriff Frances McCartney at Paisley Sheriff Court. McCartney said that she didn’t believe his accuser. A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council, where Mr Tumwesigye held his licence, said he could now apply to get his licence back.

October 16, 2018 at 10:07PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Government hate crime action plan requires taxis to report any crimes seen or heard

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The Government’s latest action plan on tackling hate crime includes plans for taxi and private hire drivers to report incidents of hate crime.

The plan, Action Against Hate, includes proposals to make “…taxi and private hire vehicle drivers identify and report hate crime in the night-time economy.” The Home Office said that it will do this by including advice “…in the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle licensing.” The DfT’s best practice guidance is due to be updated and republished in 2019 and the Government will encourage all 293 licensing authorities in England to adopt the guidance, including the “advice” that taxi and private hire vehicle drivers who witness cases of hate crime report it. The hate crime action plan does not make it clear whether there will be a statutory requirement on taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to report hate crime but it will be important for the trade to use the opportunity to comment on the revised best practice guidance – if there is an opportunity to do so.

October 16, 2018 at 09:30PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT