Private Hire firms merge together to supersize the fight against Uber

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Private hire firms in the 'Black Country' have joined forces as they look to take the fight to controversial ride-hailing app Uber.

247 Cars’, which covers Darlaston and Wednesbury, has taken over Link Up cars, making it the largest private hire firm in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Wednesbury, according to the company's director Ali Shahzad.

Thanks to the deal which will see more than 450 vehicles merge under one operator, local drivers will have a chance of competing for work against the American industry export. The merger will have every area from Wolverhampton to Walsall covered by the prebooked firm.

According to a report in the Express and Star, Shahzad believes the takeover will result in quicker pickup times and a higher availability rate for those wishing to order a vehicle.

The new Black Country firm is also looking to take on another 100 drivers with or without their own suitable vehicles. Shahzad believes the company has ‘everything’ Uber has – and claims the service to be ‘more convenient’. The company will take card payments and also has a driving app available for any passenger that is hoping for an easier transaction.

The "Black Country" has seen an influx of private hire drivers working on the Uber platform over the past couple of years, with Wolverhampton coming under the most criticism for the amount of licenses they have reportedly issued to many drivers who travel into other licensing areas to pick up work.

The big question now is; will the passengers stick with a reputable local firm or turn to multi-billion dollar giants from Silicon Valley?

November 21, 2018 at 07:23AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Police appeal to identify woman causing £1,500 worth of damage on Uber vehicle

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Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after two women caused more than £1,500 worth of damage to an Uber minicab they were travelling in.At around 4am on Friday, 22 June, two female passengers were travelling in a cab - a white Toyota Prius - from Peters Street, Soho to St Paul Street, Islington.An argument broke out between the passengers and the driver, after the driver asked them to get out of the vehicle as they had cancelled the trip.The two women refused for a prolonged period of time, before getting out at Pentonville Road, where they caused damage to the vehicle by banging on it and pulling the front and rear window wipers.The driver reported the incident to police shortly after, at which point both women fled the scene.A 39-year-old woman was interviewed under caution by appointment on Sunday, 9 September.Police wish to identify the second female [shown in the image, who is believed to have caused most of the damage to the vehicle.She is described as a white female, aged between 20 to 30 years, with blonde, shoulder-length hair. At the time of the incident she was wearing a dark-coloured leather jacket. She is believed to have an Australian accent.

November 20, 2018 at 07:20PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Quadruple stabbing linked to Enfield minicab shooting

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A quadruple stabbing has been linked to a minicab shooting which left three people injured.

The shooting took place on Saturday, 17 November 2018 in Gordon Road, Enfield. Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene after gunfire was reported in the area

They found three people injured, two 22-year-old men and and a 16-year-old a boy, after a shotgun was discharged into the vehicle they were sitting in.

A quadruple stabbing the following day in the same area has been linked to the attack on Saturday.

The knife attack happened in Fraser Road, Enfield and left four men in their 20s needing hospital treatment, their conditiin is unknown at this time.

Police have confirmed that there have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact police on 101.

November 20, 2018 at 06:13PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Television personality Martha Stewart "Ubered"

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Television personality, writer and businesswoman Martha Stewart has criticised Uber after being “less than impressed” after ordering her first ride with the minicab giant. It was reported in The Daily Mail that Ms Stewart had ordered the Uber, her first, from Tiffany’s in Fifth Avenue, New York, and it went downhill from there. Upon ordering an Uber, 77 year old Ms Stewart found that the first was a “no-show.” Another Uber then arrived 10 minutes later, Ms Stewart then complained that the vehicle was parked so far away that she couldn’t see the license plate, and then found that it was facing the wrong direction, facing East when she wanted to go South West. Ms Stewart alleged that the Uber driver then took 20 minutes to get the vehicle travelling in the correct direction. The entrepreneur also alleged that the vehicle that she had to travel in was a mess, both inside and out. An Uber spokesperson has been in contact with Ms Stewart to discuss the issue.

November 20, 2018 at 04:58PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

City of York councillors criticised over handling of Uber

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City of York council officers have been criticised by pre-eminent licensing barrister, Gerald Gouriet QC over their stance pertaining to the licensing of Uber. Representatives of York’s licensed taxi industry, asked Mr Gouriet to submit an opinion after they found responses to their concerns from officials at the City of York council to be inadequate. According to MinsterFM, Matt Boxhall, Acting Head of Public Protection, along with Mary Weastell, Chief Executive of the council, have been furnished with a communique from Mr Gouriet, expressing his legal opinion. Mr Gouriet has quoted the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act (1976), sections 46 (1)(d) in his summing up of the situation. This particular section of legislation means that drivers may bring people into an area for which they are not licensed for but is forbidden to then pick up somebody in that same area. York’s cabbies have stated that when Uber’s licence was initially refused by York City Council, they should not have still been allowed to continue to operate. City of York council have now forwarded Mr Gouriet’s communique to their legal advisors for consideration in relation to the QCs legal opinion.

November 20, 2018 at 04:55PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Business leaders condemn London's rickshaw drivers

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Business leaders have roundly condemned, what has been considered to be by many, the plague of unlicensed and unruly rickshaw riders, encroaching onto Londons streets , ripping off members of the public and completely disregarding the law.

Rickshaw riders have been witnessed mounting footpaths, ignoring traffic regulations, riding through crowded areas at what could be considered “breakneck speed,” as well as charging unsuspecting riders exorbitant fees for relatively short journey’s. Business leaders have said that “enough is enough,” and are calling for a crackdown. Westminster City Council have been attempting to bring in legislation for in excess of a decade but to no avail as they have been thwarted time after time, for a plethora of reasons. With the proliferation of electric pedicabs, business leaders are now getting behind Paul Scully MPs bill, which if passed, will give Transport for London the power to regulate rickshaw owners and drivers, as well as protecting riders. Under current legislation, pedicabs fall into the category of “stage-carriages” and as such are subject to some aspects of Hackney Carriage legislation. It was reported in Get West London that TfL figures show that in the period between 2015 and 2017 there have been 16 reported injuries involving pedicabs. Business leaders have stated that they wish to see pedicabs licensed, insured, carrying some form of plate, and all drivers DBS checked, as well as all rickshaws subject to safety checks. All of these features have been written into Paul Scully’s bill, which has cross-party support. Other demands have included that all fares should be fully displayed on the estimated 1400 rickshaws so as to prevent customers being ripped off.

November 20, 2018 at 04:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Three Rivers “Knowledge” student rumbled for cheating in exam to become cabbie

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A Rickmansworth “Knowledge” student was found to be cheating after his smart phone gave him away in an exam.

The student was sitting a test in Rickmansworth last Monday to become a Three Rivers District Council taxi driver. During the exam the would be cabbie typed an address into his phone to assist him in answering the first question on the paper.

However, for the hapless student his Android phone proceeded straight to speaker and announced the address to the examiner and the two other candidates sitting the exam. As a result the student has been banned from sitting the knowledge test again for 12 months.According to the Watford Observer,Councillor Steve Drury, chairman of the licensing committee, said: “Before people are granted a licence, they go through a rigorous screening process, which includes criminal and driving checks. They also have to show basic communication and language skills, literacy, the ability to give the correct change and their local route knowledge. “These checks are in place to make sure people are who they say they are and so that we know when you get into a taxi, the person sitting in front of you is able to drive you to your destination safely.“

November 20, 2018 at 03:13PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Poop on the Green: Students watch as Private hire driver defecates on school field

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A Bradford private hire driver has allegedly defecated on a school’s playing field it has been reported. Two students reported the incident to council wardens and now Bradford Council’s Licensing Service are investigating the claims. As reported in the Telegraph and Argus, a spokesperson for the council has confirmed that all illegal and unacceptable behaviour by taxi or private hire drivers will be investigated thoroughly and any appropriate action will be take against any offenders. The law states that any person caught urinating or defecating in a public place otherwise than by using a lavatory commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine. No further details have be disclosed as of yet.

November 20, 2018 at 02:14PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Historic 1970 Metrocab Portotype taxi up for sale

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You can now own a unique Prototype London Taxi offered on behalf on its late owner.

The Metrocab was built by Henley Craft of Portsmouth and was first registered in 1970. After trials lasting around two years, it was displayed in the London Cab Company museum in South London. When the museum was dispersed it came to its current owner.

The vehicle unused for about three years is likely to needsome recommissioning to seeing it running on the roads again.

There were just two different prototype Metrocabs built and this particular taxi is number one.

Yours for offers over £5,000!

November 20, 2018 at 11:18AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ola continues to expand across the UK; Services now live in South West England

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Ola, one of the world’s largest ride-hailing platforms, today announced the launch of its services in South West England.

Starting yesterday, people in and around the city of Bristol can book rides on the Ola app, with services launching in Exeter and more towns in the coming weeks. To celebrate its launch, Ola is offering a limited number of discounted rides to customers to try its new, dynamic and responsible service. This move marks Ola’s first entry into England after launching in south Wales earlier this year, as it looks to build an integrated mobility experience across the UK. Ola is the only ride-hailing app in the UK that offers passengers the option of PHVs and metered taxis through one platform. As of today, over a million people in the UK can now access transport through the Ola app. Ben Legg, Managing Director of Ola UK, said: “We could not be more excited about launching services in South West England in the thriving city of Bristol, ahead of the busy holiday season and in many more towns in the weeks ahead. “While we remain in the early stages of our UK-wide rollout, we have seen passengers and drivers respond positively to what we offer and are more confident than ever that Ola will transform the market with its dynamic, responsible service that enables people to travel safely and conveniently. “It is in our DNA to contribute to the local communities in which we operate, and we look forward to working closely with the local authorities across South West England to ensure we deliver the best possible service to all.” Ola is committed to leading the industry with its approach to passenger safety including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) screened drivers and processes such as 24/7 voice support, options to share ride details with emergency contacts and in-app emergency features. Recognised for its collaborative approach, Ola also says it works with national governments and local authorities, to help solve transport mobility issues in innovative and meaningful ways. The company conducts one billion rides a year around the world, with more than a million drivers and 150 million customers in over 125 cities. Ola is now operational in India, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The company continues to work with local authorities across the UK to expand nationwide.

November 20, 2018 at 10:06AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Remembrance Sunday attack leaves Private Hire driver badly beaten by two passengers who threatened him with a knife

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A private hire driver has been left unable to work after being brutally attacked by two passengers who said they didn’t have the money to pay for a journey. The attack took place during the early hours of Remembrance Sunday, when PHV driver Sebastian Ziomkowski, 29, picked up two men that wanted a routine trip to Marske, North Yorkshire. The Teeside Livereported that on arrival to their destination, the two men told Ziomkowski that they didn’t have the means to pay for the ride but they did have a knife. The two men then began to attack Ziomkowski, repeatedly punching him in the face. I passerby was able to alert the police and the two men were able to flee the scene. Mr Ziomkowski sustained cuts and bruises to his face as well as a broken nose. He has been unable to go back to work since the attack and its not yet clear if he will continue to drive a private hire vehicle in the future. The police are now investigating the attack and any leads that may bring the offenders to justice are welcomed. The first attacker is described as “white, of slim build, 5’7” tall, with blonde hair and a chubby oval face.” He was wearing a red puffy type jacket with a white stripe on it. The second man is described as “medium build, 5’9” or 10”, short dark hair. Anyone with information which may assist the police’s investigation is urged to contact DC Iona Leigh-Jones via 101 number, quoting Event 207715.

November 20, 2018 at 09:57AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Getting more people walking and cycling could help save our high streets says TfL

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Transport for London has published research that shows improvements to make it easier and safer to walk and cycle in London's town centres and high streets lead to an increase in retail rental values, more retail space being filled and a 93% increase in people walking in the streets. The research has also found that people walking, cycling and using public transport spend the most in their local shops, spending 40% more each month than car drivers.

In one major study published today, locations including Bromley North Village, Hornchurch Town Centre, Clapham, Woolwich Town Centre and Walworth Road were studied to assess the impact of improvements, such as widened footpaths, increased space for outdoor seating, new public squares and pedestrian crossings. The study, commissioned by TfL and conducted by Matthew Carmona from University College London's Bartlett School of Planning, found that compared to unimproved areas:

Footfall increased - the number of people standing, waiting and sitting nearly doubled and people walking in the streets increased by 93%People spent more time in the street, with a 216% increase in activity such as going into a shop, stopping at a café or sitting on a benchRetail rental values increased by 7.5%, suggesting that local businesses are thriving in the areaMore retail space was filled by businesses, as there was a 17% decline in retail vacancyOffice rental values increased by 4%, showing that improving streets is good for many types of business

Economic benefits

The research has been published as part of a new online hub demonstrating the economic benefits of TfL's Healthy Streets Approach, which aims to create high streets that are designed for people, inclusive and easy to access by foot or bike. Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: 'With businesses across London really struggling to survive, we have to do everything we can to support them. 'The evidence is clear - adapting our streets to enable more people to walk and cycle makes them cleaner, healthier and more welcoming, which encourages more people to shop locally. 'The benefits of designing streets around pedestrians and cyclists and reducing car use can be enjoyed by everyone and will help ensure the future of our high streets.' Launched today, new online hub, The Economic Benefits of Walking and Cycling, will be kept up to date with research and statistics from TfL and others. Current material on the hub includes a report setting out the economic benefits of planning cycling and walking improvements alongside housing growth, a survey of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) demonstrating the economic importance of walking and cycling to businesses across London, and research suggesting segregated cycle routes in London make our streets more efficient.

November 20, 2018 at 07:39AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Could Heathrow Airports taxi drop off points be under threat

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It has been revealed in The Economist that with the rise of ride-hailing apps, the revenue gleaned from passengers who travel to and from airports has dropped sharply. Income from both car parks and car rental companies make up a massive proportion of an airports revenue. However, there is now a drop in that revenue which may exceed over 10%. Initially many airports banned ride-hailing companies accessing forecourts to drop off, that has now changed, and with that airports are now looking for ways to fill the financial void. Another fear is the eventual introduction of self-driving cars having a further impact on airport revenues as they "drop and drive home" thus negating any car-park charges being implemented. Governments, who are already getting "twitchy" in relation to pollution and congestion levels in and around airports because of the proliferation of ride-hailing apps, are now looking to force people onto public transport. The authorities at Heathrow Airport, as well as other airports, are allegedly looking to push taxi and private hire drop off points, as well as car parks and car rental facilities further away from the terminals, thus making the public use other transport methods.

November 19, 2018 at 05:37PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Parole board decides that Worboys to remain in prison

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John Worboys is to remain in prison for at least another 2 years.

The former Bournemouth and London cabbie may also face new sexual assault charges.

61 year old Worboys, was convicted in 2008 of committing 19 offences, including rape, sexual assault and drugging against 12 victims, although it is believed that the true figure may be significantly higher.

The parole board had originally agreed to free Worboys in January 2018, but that decision was over-turned in March 2018.

According to reports in The Daily Mailevidence has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which may see Worboys charged with more offences committed between 1997 and 2007.

The latest string of charges facing Worboys include an alleged sexual assault and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence.

November 19, 2018 at 03:43PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New police camera can see if you touch your phone from 1,000 metres away

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A new device used by police can see what a motorist is doing from 1,000 metres away. The latest weapon used to detect dangerous drivers before any incidents occur was revealed by a police force in the Cotswolds. The mobile camera will be able to record exactly what you are doing, including your speed, way before you’ll even notice the police on the roadside. This new piece of equipment takes the speed camera to the next level with very clear video footage and still photographs of any illegal acts committed by the driver including the use of mobile phones or any other electronic devices. According to a report in the Birmingham Live, officers will use the camera, which also has automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), to check on what vehicles are on the roads and how they are being driven. The aim, they say, is to prevent accidents that can kill or seriously injure people. Drivers committing any offences will be prosecuted and other drivers will be given advice on how they can improve their driving. Other offences that the police will be using the camera to detect are tailgating and not wearing seatbelts. If the specialist equipment is considered a success then we could see many more land in the hands of roads traffic police across the UK. Anyone who drives for a living, such as taxi and private hire drivers, will have to have their wits about them because the last thing they would need is to lose their licence due to a few misdemeanours.

November 19, 2018 at 01:47PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Gett to launch driver reward initiative

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In a drive to take on Uber, Gett have introduced a new peak-time driver payment policy from Monday 19th July. The initiative is being introduced in certain areas of London, during peak times, so as to encourage taxi drivers to cover work during busy periods. With Ubers prices increasing, in some cases making them significantly more expensive than licensed taxis, especially when surging. more people are abandoning the minicab giant and looking to switch back to black cabs. Matteo de Renzi, Gett’s Managing Director in the UK said:“Everybody knows how difficult it is to get a cab in the morning and evening peaks. Until now we have had a situation where passengers are willing to pay more to get a Black Cab when they really want to, but we haven’t had the functionality in the app, now, we’re able to charge the passenger more for the service we provide, and give an additional payment to drivers for covering the work. Everybody wins.

Matteo de Renzi added:

"Gett won’t be making any additional money from the peak premiums. “Right now, Uber in the morning peak can be much more expensive than a Black Cab on Tariff 1 but customers pay it. Now, we can get more money in drivers’ pockets and Black Cabs will still be cheaper than some Ubers when they surge - but of course Black Cabs are safer and more reliable. Together we’ll show Londoners that a Black Cab on Gett is the best way to get around.” Gett confirmed that commission will apply to the total fare, including the extra ‘peak premium’ payment, and that the additional amount paid by the passenger to Gett, and the amount paid by Gett to drivers, are separate to the meter fare."

Gett drivers will see additional payments on the app’s offer screen that will be paid on top of the meter and the fixed fare. The additional amount - called ‘peak premium’- will be clearly detailed on the drivers statement and the driver app will also clearly display in the map when and where it applies.

Passengers will also be charged an additional fee, by Gett, in order to help ensure they get a Black Cab when they want one.

November 18, 2018 at 10:30PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Transport for London's new collaboration with Bosch that aims to use technology to improve travel in the city backed by Sadiq Khan

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Transport for London has joined forces with Bosch in a new collaboration that will allow small businesses and startups to work with experts in the urban transport sector in a bid to create cutting edge ideas to tackle key transport issues. The 18-month pilot programme will see leading technical experts from both TfL and Bosch work alongside smaller tech firms and assist them in understanding how data and technology can be used to improve travel in the city. The programme will focus on how the city can push for more efficient, greener and safer vehicles to be introduced, reducing congestion and getting the public to either walk, cycle or take public transport. The new initiative has been back by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who has said he see’s London as the future of global civic innovation, calling it the “test-bed-city.” Transport for London’s role in the collaboration, according to Intelligent Transport, will be to provide the smaller businesses with technical knowledge as well as a wide range of datasets that will allow them to test ideas and understand travel patterns in more detail. Bosch will aid the project by offering up urban mobility professionals who will provide technical expertise and guidance, as well as mentoring for the small businesses. Bosch will also offer space in their new ‘connectory’ facility located in Shoreditch, East London. The new lab is the first of its kind, focusing primarily on urban mobility.

November 19, 2018 at 09:53AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Met Police appeal for help following minicab shotgun shooting

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Detectives from the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command are appealing for information following a shooting in Enfield. At 6pm on Saturday, 17 November 2018 police were called to Gordon Road, off Bounces Road, in Enfield to reports of shots fired. Police and London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene, two 22-year-old men and and 16-year-old a boy had been injured when a shotgun was fired into the vehicle they were sitting in. The victim’s vehicle, a minicab, was stationery at the time of the incident. At this early stage police believe that a second vehicle pulled alongside the mini-cab, at least two men got out and approached the victims. One was armed with a shotgun. The shotgun was fired twice into the rear of the vehicle. The driver of the minicab was not injured. None of the injuries are life threatening, although one of the passenger’s injuries are potentially life changing. Police are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident but has not yet come forward or anyone who can identify the suspects.

November 19, 2018 at 07:04AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Gett to look for new buyer according to sources

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Ride-hailing app Gett are to look for buyers in an attempt to compete with bigger rivals, according to Bloomberg sources.

The taxi company originating from Israel has contacted potential buyers which include “other car-hire firms” according to Bloomberg sources wishing to remain private. The popular taxi app in used by passengers and drivers in London could sell it’s entire global business or offload regional markets. Talks are in their earlier stages with no sure sale agreed. Gett are due to show profitability in the first half of 2019 with a spokesperson of the firm adding “it should not be surprising that Gett may receive inbound inquiries from strategic partners,” Little more detail is known at this stage.

November 18, 2018 at 07:50PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT