War on motorists sees car cloning on the rise as drivers try to evade fines

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The war on motorists has seen I stark increase in "car cloning" as drivers try to evade fines imposed on them by councils and local authorities.

Research performed by Honest Johnhas uncovered evidence that "car cloning" in London alone has risen by an incredible 50%.

The research showed that the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued for entering the Congestion Zone without paying increased by 50 per cent in 2017. The website, which specialises in motoring, analysed TfL figures for Congestion Charge zone fines and found that 1,652 cases had been cancelled last year due to the offending vehicle being a clone of another motorist's vehicle.

The Daily Mail reported that vehicles which have been fitted with duplicate or cloned plates are also being used to evade tge Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) system.

Cloned vehicles create a huge problem for innocent motorists as the onus is then placed on the legitimate owner that they have in fact committed no offence, in effect the driver is considered guilty unless proven innocent.

It is believed that the figure quoted is just the tip of what may be an enormous iceberg. Cloning has been a problem for decades, however the increase in numbers cannot simply be attributed to "traditional" criminal activity.

There is a groundswell of discord amongst drivers who have had enough of what is seen as punitive punishments for minor, and in some cases non-existant driving infractions. This in turn may be leading drivers to take action to prevent being unfairly penalised.

The taxi industry has been warning the authorities for a number of years that this problem is becoming more and more widespread, but falling of seemingly deaf ears.

One of the biggest problems facing motorists when encountering cloned vehicles is the lack of accountability when involved in collisions. Cloning leaves an offending driver virtually untraceable.

Advice being given when discovering a vehicle is cloned is to gather as much evidence as possible, as well as CCTV and GPS tracking evidence where possible, so as to prove that the offending vehicles details were duplicated.

November 22, 2018 at 06:33PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Crack-cab! Welsh taxi driver found selling crack cocaine from his cab

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A Welsh taxi driver was caught selling crack cocaine from his black cab as he was "trying to make ends meet".

The driver Rhys John Hearn was caught as South Wales police officers had suspicions as he picked up passengers in Swansea.Police found the 27-year-old driver with over £200 cash, 10 wraps of crack cocaine and also a small amount of cocaine which he claims helps keep himself awake.Sian Cutter, prosecuting, said the South Wales officers were patrolling in Swansea when they noticed a black cab pull over, pick up a man and a woman from a bus stop, and then proceeded to drive a short distance to a side street nearby. The court heard that the police then searched the taxi to find a plastic Kinder egg capsule in the vehicle containing 10 wraps of crack cocaine. The police also found £225 cash, two mobile phones and a small amount of cocaine.

The driver told officers at the scene that he was "just trying to make ends meet" according to Wales Online.

Hearn pleaded guilty to multiple charges including being concerned in the supply of crack, supplying crack, possessing crack with intent to supply, and possession of cocaine.Swansea Magistrates Court heard he had four previous convictions for six offences, one of which included possession of Class A drugs.Sentancing will be dealt with at Swansea Crown Court next month whilst Hearn was released on bail until that date.

November 22, 2018 at 01:15PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Second City Clean Air Zone will destroy Black Taxi trade drivers warn

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Drivers of Birmingham city's black taxi trade have warned that the iconic industry will be decimated by the imposed pollution charge which is set to come into effect at the start of 2020.

According to sources, only 72 hackney carriage, out of the current 1,265 licensed vehicles, will be complaint with emission standards set out for the new Clean Air Zone.

Drivers voiced their concerns during a heated meeting of the authority's Licensing and Public Protection Committee on Wednesday according to a report in the Birmingham Live.

Saj Mahmood, from RMT union has highlighted their need to work with the council, but says that they have come across with a "hammer, bang."

The influx of out-of-town drivers (those licensed by other authorities) that is already destroying the local trade was also brought up.

The committee has agreed to complete an eight-week consultation with the public and drivers later this month around the proposed changes. One of the ideas is to scrap the 'exceptional condition test' which allows Hackney Carriages to be used once they are more than 14 years old, providing they are deemed road-worthy. 65 Birmingham black cabs were recently converted to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which was organised through a government pilot scheme.

November 22, 2018 at 11:03AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Investigation into Private Hire licence bribery shows no wrongdoings despite leaked video

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An investigation into the alleged bribery scandel by a private hire driver who was recorded on a phonecall supposedly offering to assist another driver who had his licence suspended, have it reinstated has come back with findings of "no wrongdoings" by all parties.

Leeds City Council launched the investigation after a leaked video was posted on Youtube in April. West Yorkshire Police said it also 'looked into' allegations of attempted bribery.

The video, where you can hear a conversation between a man who it seems was attempting to have a friend’s private hire licence reinstated and a man from a private hire firm who claimed to have someone on the inside of Leeds City Council, can clearly be heard saying "whoever I've got inside will need paying" sparked concerns over possible bribery within the licensing authority, but after a 'thorough and robust investigation' no one will be punished.

As reported in the Leeds Live, Leeds City Council has said that it is disappointed that their reputation has been called into question by what has proved to be a baseless accusation.

In the video the man - who works for a taxi firm in Leeds - agrees to help a suspended driver get his private hire licence back during a phone call. But he goes on to say the driver will need to bring money because 'whoever I've got inside needs paying'. The man makes the scandalous statement after the private hire driver on the other end of the phone asks him to help a fellow driver, who has allegedly been suspended because he 'slapped his wife' and 'she complained'. The man can then be heard saying 'don't spread it around though will you?'

In a statement, the council said it takes 'any allegations of this nature extremely seriously' and that's why it immediately launched an investigation into the claims made in the video, but there was no evidence to substantiate or support the allegations made so therefore no action will be taken.

November 22, 2018 at 07:19AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber, Google and Apple advised to share mapping information

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The Open Data Institute have told tech giants Uber, Google and Apple that they should be sharing mapping data.

The data advisory group has told the UK government that tech companies who gather mapping information but do not share their data, could create an environment which will stifle innovation.

IT Pro revealed that the report, which was published on Tuesday shows that the value of that data may be worth between £6 and £11 billion per annum to the government.

Whilst the government have an open-access policy to geo-spatial data, private companies do not afford the same access to the information which they have harvested.

The Open Data Institute is an organisation founded by World-Wide Web inventor, Tim Berners-Lee and artificial intelligence professor, Nigel Shadbolt.

It is believed that by allowing free access to geo-spatial information, technologies and resources can be developed more efficiently.

November 21, 2018 at 09:10PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lisson Grove attacks: Responses from Cressida Dicks' office and from Finbar King at the Metropolitan Police

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In the wake of the attacks on taxi drivers in the Lisson Grove area and due to the increasingly violent nature of those attacks, TaxiPoint recently e-mailed Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

TaxiPoint has received two responses from both the Commissioners office as well as Westminster Borough Command, however there has been a controversial twist as Cressida Dick claimed on BBC London news that she was unaware of incidents pertaining to the Lisson grove area.

An initial response came from the staff officer to the commissioner, who said:

"The Commissioner is determined to bear down on all forms of serious violence and protect those who live and work in London – particularly those who provide such vital support to Londoner’s as taxi drivers do."

The e-mail was then passed to the Westminster Borough Commander and to the Roads and Transport Policing Command.

Finbar King, the inspector responsible for all aspects of neighbourhood policing across the City of Westminster, excluding the four wards making up the West End said:

"Having reviewed the crimes recorded, the number of offences of this nature reported over the summer were relatively low, 2 in June, 2 in July, 4 in August and 0 in September, however there has been a recent increase with 10 similar reports having been made in October, and one theft from motor vehicle reported thus far in November."

He then added:

"The majority of these reports have not involved violence and are recorded as thefts, 3 offences have been recorded as robberies where the victims were punched, these all occurred in October. 9 offences happened in a 9 day period at the start of October.

Having reviewed the offences, some of these crimes were not reported to police at the time of the offence but have been reported 1-2 days later and have limited investigative opportunities through which to identify the suspects adding to the difficulty in prosecuting the offenders."

Inspector King went on further to say:

"Recent offences have been reported immediately, RTPC colleagues have been pro-actively getting this message to drivers. It may be that other offences go completely unreported too. Reference has been made to a linked series of offences in the Kensington area, I am aware of one robbery offence in October with a link to the Paddington / Marleybone area, where a taxi driver was robbed by passengers who had been picked up in the SW7 area asking to be taken to Little Venice, the driver was subsequently robbed on Regent Street by the passengers."

Inspector King then went on to describe the methods typically used by the attackers, which involve driver distraction and then theft as well as the more elaborate ruse of requesting the use of a wheelchair ramp so as to get the driver out of the front seat. Basic guidance on crime prevention was then given, this included, keeping front doors locked, staying inside the front of the vehicle, remaining cautious when transporting young men around thevLisson Grove area, keeping valuables out of sight and if falling victim of crime, alqays reporting the incident as soon as possible.

Inspector King finally added that Lisson Grove is currently subject to enhanced patrol activity, both overt and covert and as a result one offence has been reported thus far in November, and two offences in total being reported since the 09/10.

November 21, 2018 at 06:19PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London cabbies set to demo following planned Tooley Street taxi exclusion

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London cab drivers are set to demonstrate as regulators announce plans to restrict taxis access at Tooley Street.

Transport for London 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). However, cabbies in the capital are up in arms with decision. A militant unofficial driver group has called for drivers to take part in a demonstration starting 4pm Monday 26th November and then everyday after.

The group called the Proactive ITA has the support from official driver representatives the LCDC. The group hope to gain access in all bus lanes in the capital highlighting the public transport status of a London licensed taxi.

A spokesperson from the LTDA said last week 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.“ The UCG have also shown their dismay last week 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 21, 2018 at 12:27PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Siemens and ubitricity rollout first London EV lamppost charging points

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Southwark Council joined Siemens and its technology partner ubitricity to unveil their first electric vehicle charge points using existing lampposts in the borough.

Taxi driver Reiss Woodward is one of ten drivers involved in the trial.

The charge points have initially been installed in Neckinger Road and will provide an on-street charging service to residents.The chargers being installed are part of the new London procurement framework and the fact that these chargers can be integrated into existing infrastructure should mean a faster roll out than other on-street charging infrastructure. Southwark Council is in discussions to install around 60 of these sockets to help residents who do not have access to off-street parking and therefore need to park and charge at home, on-street. The ubitricity SimpleSocketPlus offers councils proven technology to retrofit the city’s street lights, providing convenient and affordable electric vehicle charging points for residents and visitors alike. The sockets can be installed directly into the existing street light, eliminating the need the for additional infrastructure and minimising the need for any new street clutter. Uniquely requiring no external components, they are ideal for any residential, community or business area, preserving both the look and feel of the street.

Where the street light is installed at the back of the footway, the Worcester manufactured self-righting and passive safe NAL EV charging bollard is deployed. These charge points see a number of firsts for London, and possibly anywhere in or out of the UK. Users are offered two simple access methods to charge their vehicles.Pay As You Go – bring your own standard charging cable, simply plug-in, scan a QR code with your smartphone’s camera or free download app (on iOS and Android), enter your payment details and charging commences at a flat rate of 24p/kWh. No monthly fee, just pay for the kWhs you use.The ubitricity SmartCable – bring your own personal energy tariff with you to any ubitricity charge point. From as little as 16.2p/kWh, your SmartCable is plug-and-play, no QR code, no RFID card, just connect and come back in the morning. The first Southwark resident to use these charge points is Reiss, a recent convert to the iconic electric LEVC black taxi. Taxi drivers, just like any other London residents, need a convenient and affordable method of charging their vehicle when they get home from work, be it early evening or early morning. Cllr Richard Livingstone, Cabinet Member at Southwark Council said: “These electric vehicle charge points are being installed in residential streets, outside people’s homes, in response to feedback from our residents. “We want to help people to make decisions that improve air quality here in Southwark, be that by walking, cycling and taking public transport, or by using clean fuel. These new charge points are making it easier than ever for people who live in Southwark to make the switch to electric vehicles.”

November 20, 2018 at 06:31PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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