Council planning on introducing practical and geographical exams for all new Taxi and Private Hire applicants

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Practical driving tests could be introduced for all new taxi and private hire applicants in Taunton as members of the borough’s licensing committee begin to discuss potential changes to improve the industry. The recommendations have been put forward to follow practice of the former Driving Standards Agency test for all new applicants that apply for hackney carriage and private hire licenses. The request will also see any current drivers that accumulate six or more penalty points on their driving licence within the three year period of their taxi or PHV period. Current requirements that must be met before a licence is granted are that all applicants submit a medical report, undergo a driver history check as well as a DBS check. If all those requirements are successfully met, applicants will then undertake a knowledge and suitability test, which is the last stage of the application process. Currently there is nothing in place that covers a practical driving test. Taunton Deane Borough drivers are not required to complete a geographical knowledge test of the area either, but if the new proposals are agreed then this would be included in the practical test. The licensing officer has said that adding the new test would promote greater safety for passengers, theSomerset County Gazette.

November 16, 2018 at 04:26PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Female Private Hire driver avoids jail after police officer is zapped by stun gun disguised as a torch

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A female private hire driver has avoided jail time after a policeman was zapped by a stun gun which was disguised as a torch when he discovered it wedged between seats in the vehicle. Mum-of-five Jayne Bird lied about the weapon claiming she thought it was just a torch. Bird, who works for Delta Taxis in Liverpool avoided jail because of the impact it would have on her autistic son. The minimum jail term for such an offence is five years. The court heard how the officer pulled over Bird’s car on the morning of June 7. The officer was due to perform a routine taxi or private hire inspection when he spotted what he thought was a torch wedged between the drivers seat and the door. Whilst attempting to pull the item out, he received a shock up his arm, causing severe pain. Bird was arrested and during questioning said that the item was brought through customs from China and didn’t think it would get through. According to the Liverpool Echo, Bird later suggested she meant to say she was surprised an item like that could be imported, after buying it online for £8. She said that it was not intended to be used as a weapon and that she only wanted a strong torch to use for her job at night. Bird accepted that when she first tested the item, it made a noise and vibrated. She admitted possession of a disguised firearm, on the basis she did not know it was a stun gun. Her claim was rejected by prosecutors and Judge Robert Trevor-Jones ruled against her, saying he found her claims “incredible” and that he believed she knew it was a weapon. Judge Jones said the officer suffered “excruciating pain”, underlining the danger of the weapon. Bird is the primary care worker for her 12-year-old son who has autism, and it was on those grounds that the decision was made to hand her only an 18 month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to attend a 10-day rehabilitation course and complete 160 hours of unpaid work.

November 16, 2018 at 12:08PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London taxi trade set to act following planned taxi restrictions on busy Tooley Street

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The taxi trade could be set to demonstrate as London regulators announce plans to restrict taxis access along the busy south east London area around Tooley Street. TfL are proposing to change the layout of Tooley Street. According to the regulators the changes will reduce road danger, improve air quality, and provide better facilities to enable people to walk, cycle and use public transport, supporting the objectives of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS). The proposals include:

Introducing a 20mph speed limit along entire length of Duke Street Hill/Tooley Street (between Borough High Street and Tower Bridge Road)Introducing a 2 metre wide mandatory cycle lane westbound, on Duke Street Hill/Tooley Street, running between Borough High Street and Bermondsey Street junctions, separated from traffic with wands on the Duke Street Hill sectionIntroducing a protected right turn ‘pocket’ for cyclists waiting to turn right into Bermondsey Street from Tooley StreetMaking Duke Street Hill no entry, apart from cyclists and buses, from the junction with A3 Borough High Street. This will mean that eastbound traffic along Duke Street Hill and Tooley Street as far as the junction with Bermondsey Street is restricted to buses and cycles only.

There will also be restricted access from side roads onto Tooley Street to westbound travel only. Any motorized vehicle turning onto Tooley Street from the following roads will not be able to turn onto and travel eastbound towards Bermondsey Street:

Tooley Street onto Duke Hill StreetBridge Yard onto Tooley StreetCottons Lane onto Tooley StreetHay’s Lane onto Tooley StreetBattlebridge Lane onto Tooley Street

Westbound traffic will continue to be able to travel along this section of highway as it does at present (i.e. accessing via Bermondsey Street or from roads further east) which lead onto Tooley Street. A spokesperson from the LTDA said via Twitter: “The consultation on the proposed scheme in Tooley Street is in direct contravention of the MTS. We have written to Heidi Alexander and Transport Commissioner pointing this out and asking for public comment.“ Taxi card payment providers Cabvision also said via Twitter: “Drivers enter in to a covenant with TFL when you agree to complete the Knowledge and receive a license that states 'licensed to ply for hire'. License doesn't have exemptions, TfL have broken that covenant by restricting taxis on streets they own.” The LCDC said: “Transport for London now want to ban us from Tooley St. WE ARE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.... What next? “Members calling for mass ply for hire on London Bridge - Tooley St - Tower Bridge” The UCG have also shown their dismay by saying: “The United Cabbies Group see the possible banning of Taxis from Tooley Street as a restriction of trade. We are fully wheelchair accessible and being forced to buy a £63k electric taxi. With this in mind we are not ruling out any demos.”

November 16, 2018 at 09:02AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ride-hailing giants Uber have reported quarterly losses of £820 million

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Ride-sharing “giants” Uber have reported a quarterly loss of £820m after pumping money into scooters, bikes and food deliveries. Although between the period of July to September their revenue rose 5.4% and gross bookings increased by 6%, the figures show an overall slowdown in growth compared to the same period a year ago, according to sky news. Throughout 2017 Uber’s growth was in double digit percentages, but for the third quarter in a row this year the figure has failed to grow more than a single digit percentage. Uber, who have said they will push for an IPO next year, will have the challenge of showing it can still grow into a profitable company. The controversial app is now a decade old but has yet to prove to be a substantial profitable business for the long term and is now seeking to expand in the haulage, food delivery and electric bikes market. It also faces a number of issues around the world with regulators finally confronting the mammoth from Silicon Valley about how its ride-sharing service actually works and if it can conform to current legislation.

November 15, 2018 at 02:18PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Autonomous cars and cabs could have a seedy side

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A study has outlined a potentially seedy by-product of autonomous cars and cabs.....prostitution.

CNET have reported, that whilst vehicle manufacturers try to convince drivers that they will have more free time, have less stress whilst travelling in these vehicles, as well as encoutering fewer road traffic accidents and incidents, autonomous vehicles could also end up replacing the hotel room or brothel and become the go-to place for sexual encounters.

Researchers who have produced the study believe that the vehicles could be turned into "micro-brothels," complete with beds for seats as well as electrochromic or smart glass, which could darken at the flick of a switch.

The study highlighted the fact that companies who produce autonomous vehicles will also have to find ways of preventing vehicle users from disabling in-car monitoring systems.

Disabling these systems will invariably allow vehicle users to commit numerous acts inside the vehicle.

November 15, 2018 at 04:01AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Leading employment consultant highlights “significant back pay liabilty” facing Addison Lee following court loss

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A day after GMB secured another workers’ rights victory, this time against Addison Lee, a leading employment consultant highlights the “significant back pay liability to compensate their drivers for losses suffered“. Yesterday the courts agreed that Addison Lee drivers are legally entitled to workers’ rights such as the national minimum wage and holiday pay rights after a tribunal threw out Addison Lee’s appeal. The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) rejected Addison Lee’s arguments that their drivers are self-employed contractors running their own businesses. Paul Holcroft, Associate Director at national human resources and health & safety consultancy, Croner tells TaxiPoint what this means for employers and the “gig economy” in general. “The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s decision is further confirmation that employment status cases are won, and lost, based on the reality of how the working relationship operates in practice. Although Addison Lee argued that their drivers were self-employed contractors who were operating their own business, the Employment Appeal Tribunal EAT found that the terms and conditions drivers were required to sign were “unrealistic” and did not reflect the true nature of the working relationship. Instead, the EAT upheld the earlier employment tribunal’s decision that the drivers were actually ‘workers’. This means the drivers are entitled to receive worker rights including National Minimum and Living Wage, paid holiday, minimum rest breaks and more. “As the latest case to be lost by a ‘gig economy’ organisation, the decision is an important reminder that employers need to ensure they are correctly determining the employment status of their workforce. Rather than solely relying on their contractual documentation, employers need to take note of the employment status tests, including whether they have control over the individuals and if they have to provide personal status. Other factors will also be considered by the tribunal such as whether they can work for others, how they are integrated into the company, who carries the financial risk of a job being doing poorly, and whether pay can be negotiated by the individual. “With nearly 4,000 UK drivers, Addison Lee are facing a significant back pay liability to compensate their drivers for losses suffered by being incorrectly classed as self-employed. Another high-profile employment status case, whilst we await the Court of Appeal’s decision in the Uber hearing, will again raise the question in individuals’ minds of whether they are being treated lawfully by their employer or contracting organisation. Without having to pay a fee to go to tribunal, employers may find they are receiving employment status claims from self-employed contractors, or even workers, to test whether they should be entitled to greater employment rights.”

November 15, 2018 at 12:42PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Suspect hands himself into police after pedestrian pushed in front of minicab

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A man who pushed a pedestrian in front of a minicab has handed himself into police.

The incident, which took place in New Bridge Street, Blackfriars, last July saw the 57 year old man suffer cuts and grazes after being pushed into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

According to the victim, the incident was sparked after the two men had brushed shoulders whilst walking, and then subsequently had a brief verbal confrontation.

Police said that the suspect had contacted them and voluntarily handed himself in for questioning.

Members of the public followed and confronted the man after the incident, which occured at 8am on July 23rd, whilst one managed to take a photo of the attacker, which was subsequently published by police.

November 15, 2018 at 02:43AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Yet another New York cabbie takes his own life

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In yet another tragedy to hit the New York taxi industry, 58 year old Roy Kim is the latest cabbie to take his own life.

Roy Kim's death is the eighth suicide in twelve months, as debt-ridden drivers struggle earn a living in the wake of the unchecked growth of ride hailing apps such as uber and lyft.

Mr Kim, who lived in Bayside, Queens, had recently purchased his medallion, however he saw his income plummet, and was trying to service the $500,000 debt according to reports in theNew York Post.

Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Meera Joshi offered her condolences to Mr Kim's family. Initial reports have confirmed that Mr Kim had hanged himself with a belt on November 5th.

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance Director Bhairavi Desai stated the crisis can be fixed, and compared the situation to the 2008 housing crisis.

She added that banks and lenders need to write off 20 percent of outstanding debts, lower interest rates, and restructure contracts so that no owner-driver has to lose more than 20 percent of their monthly income to the mortgage.

News of the suicide broke on the same day that a bill was passed to look at the falling value of medallions and how drivers can be helped.

November 15, 2018 at 02:18AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi drivers approach city MP to help tackle rogue parkers leaving their vehicles on licenced ranks

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Black taxi drivers in Preston are calling for urgent action to prevent vehicles from being parked and left on taxi ranks in the city centre. Taxi drivers are complaining that in the evenings and on Sunday when there are no parking wardens around, liberties are being taken on the ranks that they are trying to work. Now, according to a report in the Lancashire Post, hackney carriage drivers are taking their protest to the city’s MP Sir Mark Hendrick. Drivers are stressing that the current situation is becoming dangerous and frustrating for those trying to get on the ranks to pick up journeys. Taxi drivers are being forced to double park along ranks which is causing congestion on the streets, making it difficult for even emergency services to get through. According to drivers claims, Lancashire County Council have been informed of the issue on a few occasions but nothing seems to be getting done about it. Sir Mark Hendrick has assured drivers that the issue will be discussed in the next few weeks, but in the meantime more officers will make evening swoops to catch any offenders.

November 15, 2018 at 07:16AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Council committee agrees more action is needed by the government to tackle the influx of Uber drivers

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Members of Wokingham's council committee met on Tuesday to discuss what action can be taken to limit the impact Uber is having on local Taxi and private hire drivers.

Taxi drivers from the borough have highlighted their concerns surrounding the amount of work that is being lost to Uber and the committee has agreed that stronger action by the government is needed to tackle the issue.

The council will now push for stronger recommendations regarding the operation of Uber in Wokingham Borough, the Bracknell News has reported. During the meeting, one councillor said that it is clear that there is not a level playing field in Wokingham and highlighted what they believe to be a potential public safety issue with so many drivers obtaining their licences from outside the borough. The council is calling for current legislation to be updated to grant licensing authorities the power to carry out compliance checks for any taxi or private hire vehicle within their area. The Licensing Committee may also call on TfL to make it a condition of licensing that drivers cooperate with requests from compliance officers in areas such as Wokingham. Its claimed that an increasing number of drivers are now operating almost entirely at a significant distance from where they are licensed, making it impossible for licensing authorities to effectively monitor their activities. The government could now be asked to bring forward legislative changes to protect public safety and to ensure fairness for all drivers in the borough. National rules mean Uber drivers can be licensed by Transport for London but can live in and operate in Wokingham without needing to be checked out by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC).

November 14, 2018 at 06:40PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Camden Council launch consultation on proposed changes to Tavistock Place and Torrington Place

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Camden Council have today launched a consultation on proposals to make alterations to the Tavistock place and Torrington Place area of London.

This consultation follows the implementation of the current street layout (the eastbound option) under an experimental traffic trial in 2015, the subsequent public inquiry in 2017 that further examined the merits of the scheme and the Cabinet’s decision in September 2018.

The Tavistock Place/Torrington Place consultationalso gives links to further information and where it can be found online on walking, cycling, motor vehicle flows, collision data, loading and air quality. The leaflet also states that additional information on routes for motor vehicles, traffic modelling and the predicted impacts on both options.

The consultation on the proposed changes to the area closes on December 24th 2018.

November 14, 2018 at 05:36PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New York City cabbies release latest revealing calendar for 2019

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New York City taxi drivers have again harnessed their flamboyant side by creating a pinup calendar in aid of charity.

The 2019 calendar features a dozen yellow cab drivers in “unique” positions in and around their distinctive cabs. Some of the profits made on the calendar will go to charity to help immigrants obtain better education and housing opportunities. To date sales of the calendar has generated nearly $70,000 for charity.

November 14, 2018 at 05:21PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT