First Ultra Low Emission Zone signs go up in London

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2E70Szc

TfL has begun installing more than 300 Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) warning signs across central London. The signs, which are being installed at the same locations as existing Congestion Charge signs, warn drivers at all entry points to the zone, and on a number of key approach routes, to ensure their vehicle meets the tough new emission standards that come in to effect next year. TfL has been running an extensive communications campaign since the spring to prepare drivers for the ULEZ. TfL has sent ULEZ. TfL has sent more than 2.5 million emails and contacted registered Congestion Charge users whose vehicles do not meet the ULEZ standards, to remind them the new zone begins on 8 April 2019.

TfL is also contacting other drivers it identifies in central London whose vehicles are not currently ULEZ-compliant. This has helped encourage 1.3 million visits to TfL's online compliance checker, where people can check if their vehicle complies with the ULEZ emission standards. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will help take the most polluted vehicles off London's streets. It is a central part of the Mayor's far-reaching work to make London a healthier, greener place by tackling the severe health impacts caused by London's polluted air. TfL is committed to ensuring that London's transport is leading the way in ultra low emission vehicles. All new electric taxis are required to be zero-emission capable. The entire central London bus fleet will be upgraded to meet the ULEZ standard by April 2019, and all buses in London will meet this standard by 2020. Ultimately, all buses will be zero-emission by 2037. Leading the way

To discourage the use of the most polluting vehicles, drivers travelling within the zone and using non-compliant vehicles, will need to pay a daily ULEZ charge of £12.50, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These include:

motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards (roughly the equivalent of not being more than 12 years old in 2019) petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro 4 standards (roughly the equivalent of not being more than 13 years old in 2019) diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro 6 standards (roughly the equivalent of not being more than four years old in 2019) Buses, coaches and lorries will need to meet or exceed the Euro VI standard or pay £100 a day

Nick Fairholme, Director of Project and Programme Delivery at TfL, said: 'We are committed to tackling the public health crisis that is London's toxic air. It affects all Londoners, causing 9000 premature deaths every year and reducing the quality of life for thousands more. 'We're working hard to prepare Londoners for the ULEZ and to encourage them to opt for vehicles that emit fewer pollutants or walk, cycle or use public transport. We know that many people are aware, with more than 1.3 million checks of vehicles' compliance on our website. 'These new signs will be a physical reminder that the ULEZ is coming, but we won't stop there. We've contacted registered Congestion Charge users and are currently contacting other vehicle owners who drive in central London.' Sonia Farrey, Director of Advocacy at Unicef UK, said: 'Children are one of the most at risk groups from air pollution, which can leave them with lasting health problems including stunted lung growth, asthma and potentially damage brain development. 'Given this risk, we welcome the introduction of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone that can protect children from this threat to their health and ensure children's right to live in a clean and safe environment.'

November 30, 2018 at 12:46PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI TfL THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London Bridge brought to a standstill as taxi protests continue into fourth day

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2P7DMd2

London Bridge was again the focus as taxi protests continued into their fourth day.

Thursdays protest, which started at 4 pm and lasted for three hours was a well attended and well behaved affair, mirroring the previous three days of protest.

18 bus services were disrupted, whilst tue City of London had to, yet again, suspend the Bank Junction restrictions.

The continuing dispute centres around Transport for London restricting access to taxis at some locations, whilst allowing Buses and cycles free access.

Traditionally, where buses have had access, taxis have also been allowed, however the latest proposed restriction, the eastbound section of Tooley Street, at the junction with London Bridge has become a catalyst for furious cabbies to say "enough is enough." As a result, pressure group, the Independent Taxi Alliance (ITA) called for a series of demonstrations.

Whilst taxi drivers have branded Transport for Londons actions discriminatory, TfL have hit back, calling the action "unnecessary."

Ben Plowden, TfL’s director of strategy and network development, said :

“A consultation is currently underway on changes to Tooley Street to improve conditions for people walking and cycling, or traveling by public transport."

However, cabbies as well as trade organisations have expressed deep concerns at how the consultations information is collated, specifically when an individual identifies their profession.

A final day of protest on London Bridge is scheduled for today at 4 pm

November 30, 2018 at 05:22AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

MP’s publicly call for Government to act “quickly and in full” following taxi reform report

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2BGm0tY

A host of MP’s have called for government action following the recent report published highlighting the urgent reform into the taxi and private hire industry in England and Wales. Labour MP and All Party Parliamentary Group Chairman Wes Streeting has sent a public letter to Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani MP which has been supported by no less than 25 other MP’s from all political parties. The letter asks for government to act upon the recommendations made in the report “quickly and in full”. Wes Streeting goes on to say in the letter: “Licensing authorities up and down the country and taxi drivers themselves are increasingly concerned about the state of current licensing regulation. It is essential that the current system is overhauled to better protect the public and safeguard the future of the taxi trade.”

Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner had earlier this month brought debate to Parliament demanding quick reform following the publication created by the Department for Transport detailing reform across a taxi and private hire industry.

The task force group report calls for several changes on a number of topics within the industry. These include a national database of licence refusals, calls for national minimum standards for licensing across the country which can be built on locally, and CCTV in every taxi and private hire vehicle. Plus also definitive definitions on plying for hire and cross-border. Mr Zeichner said at the time: “This powerful report calls for legislation to update regulation and licensing of taxi and private hire vehicles, and it calls for it quickly. Professor Mohammed Abdel-Haq, the group chair, underlines this in his introduction, stating that “undue delay would risk public safety“. This again proves the need for more robust standards in licensing, as my Private Member’s Bill would have provided.

November 30, 2018 at 06:51AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Can TfL square the circle between effective road planning and regulating the London taxi industry

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2Q2kF9I

With the licensed London taxi industry spittting fire at the road chaos which has entrenched London over the last few years, questions now have to be asked as to whether the regulation of the industry by Transport for London has become untenable.

On one hand you have TfL creating new road systems around London, trying reduce pollution within the Metropolis, encouraging greater bike usage as well as encouraging people to walk. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but there is however a major paradox emerging. The licensed London taxi industry is the most heavily regulated taxi industry in the world. It is the most advanced in terms of the level of entry required to obtain a licence, it's not about who you know or what you can afford, it's what you know that counts when qualifying to drive a London cab. It is a vital and integral part of Londons' public transport system, a fact which has been endorsed my successive Mayors over a number of years. The Knowledge is widely recognised as one of the most difficult vocational qualifications that you can attempt to do. Add to that the most advanced (and most expensive) taxi ever produced for the London market, a vehicle which is gradually pushing out diesel taxis, the last of which will be off of Londons roads in 14 years time. Add to that the mandatory instalment of credit card facilities and the optional use of work apps, you have an industry that is gearing itself up for way beyond the 21st century........and Transport for London are the industrys' regulator, taking over from the Metropolitan Police at the turn of the century. Now here is the major paradox, TfL are directly responsible for, as well as actively endorsing, various borough councils policy of excluding taxis from numerous roads and thoroughfares, the same industry which they regulate, London’s taxi network is the only part of the public transport system which provides a door to door service, the only sector of the public transport system which is fully wheelchair accessible across its' entire fleet, and yet they are being squeezed out of the very roads that need to be serviced. This therefore begs the question, are Transport for London able to regulate and manage the taxi industry, given what is seen by many from both within the taxi industry, as well as those outside of it, as a conflict of interest. For many, the answer to that question is a simple no, with some going further, stating that regulatory control should be passed back to the Metropolitan Police. It is very difficult to argue against that logic when at every juncture the taxi industry is seemingly thwarted from being able to exercise the remit which justifies its very existence. This dichotomy represents the latest in a long line of reasons for the recent spate of protests that have taken place on London Bridge, The eastbound taxi exclusion from Tooley Street is merely the apex of the arrowhead, it's the representation of a much wider issue. The Bank Junction exclusion, the Shoreditch restrictions and the Tottenham Court Road proposals, are just three other examples of TfL actively supporting a borough council in relstion to taxi exclusions. When the Corporation of London first initiated the Bank Junction exclusion pertaining to taxis, as well as other road users the industry was advised that the restriction was being put into place on the grounds of safety after a number of cyclists and pedestrians were killed or injured at the junction, only buses and cycles were exempted from that exclusion, TfL chose to support the Corporation of Londons' exclusion for taxis. Interestingly, while major accidents involving taxis at Bank Junction were relatively low, a larger number of deaths and major injuries were attributed to collisions between cyclists or pedestrians and lorries as well as (yep, you guessed it), cyclists or pedestrians and buses. Latterly the Corporation of London then mitigated making the scheme permanent by citing a reduction in pollution as a factor, ignoring the fact that the roads peripheral to the junction are now, as a result, heavily congested and polluted. Moving onto the Shoreditch restrictions pertaining to Petrol and Diesel engine driven vehicles, this scheme begs the question "when is a taxi not a taxi?" The answer? "When the taxi is driven by a deisel engine." With nine roads in the Shoreditch area restricted to electric vehicles only, during prescribed hours, simple logic would dictate that all taxis would be exempt from those restrictions due to a taxi being part of the public transport system, however only electric taxis can enter the nine, seemingly innoccuous streets, streets which are neither heavily used, nor seen as a rat-run. Both Hackney and Islington councils, the two authorities directly responsible for the scheme, agreed to answer questions from TaxiPoint pertaining to the initiative last September, however they have declined to answer those questions after they were submitted thusfar. One of the most important points raised here is if TfL support the exclusion, why? The exclusion to diesel taxis serves no purpose, as stated earlier, the roads in the area are not heavily used, they aren't rat runs and you wouldn't enter the area unless you were going to a specific location within that part of London. It is quite clear to even the most short-sighted individual that the pollution around the area is wafting in from the three major peripheral roads surrounding that tiny enclave. Finally we come to Camden councils proposal to exclude taxis from Tottenham Court Road, allowing only buses and Cycles to co-exist along that stretch of road. This is another exclusion which is being supported by transport for London, but why? Could it be that the best way to fill the gaping chasm in TfLs transport budget is to artificially constrict the one form of public transport that does not yield any revenue to TfL, outside of its licensing costs, because all of it's incumbents are self-employed. As a result this could potentially mean that some of the taxi industrys customer base then switch to using the bus or tube services instead, thus bringing in much needed revenue for TfL. All of this does point toward a conflict of interest within Transport for London, and a major headache for the taxi industry. Ultimately, if TfL cannot support a part of the public transport system which it governs, adopting a common sense approach, then the writing is well and truly on the wall.

November 29, 2018 at 08:58PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Kahn Design has teamed up with film director to make British heist comedy: CABBIE

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2RpJWqQ

CABBIE is the heart warming and feel good story of a group of underdogs trying to turn around their lives in a roller coaster ride of hope for second chances in life. The best bit of news however, is that principal British designer and founder of the Kahn Group of Companies, non-other than Afzal Kahn himself, will make a number of cameo appearances. Set in present-day London, in close-proximity to Kahn Boutiques on The Kings Road in Chelsea and Kensington High Street, the fun and action-packed comedy celebrates the wit of the underdog, the tradition of the iconic black cab and London itself.

The Movie is the brainchild of acclaimed Writer and Director Kat Magrowitz, who was also behind the drama short ‘The Crossing’, which premiered at the Curzon Cinema in Soho in conjunction with the UK premiere of Von Donnersmark's ‘The Lives of Other’.

In addition, her graduation film “The Embrace” backed by German film board, premiered at the Krakow Film festival, whilst German TV station WDR purchased the broadcast rights for ARTE TV in Germany, France and Austria to show the film. That was not all, her Cold War Spy thriller ANNA K was also developed with support from the German film board. Of the collaboration with Kahn Design and pre-production of the British action comedy, Kat Said: “This is a match made in heaven.” “Not only has Kahn Design created some of the coolest cars on the planet - some of which will make an appearance in the movie- and designed the luxurious last-of-line edition of the classic TX4 black cab but its founder Afzal Kahn will also appear in the movie! “When Afzal Kahn was commissioned by the London Taxi Company to create the last of its famous black cabs, I knew immediately that thanks to Afzal’s ultra-exclusive touch, the London Taxi TX4 would be a real collectors’ item. “It’s such a plush ride; if only this cab is available everywhere.” Afzal Kahn believes the film will be a smash hit both at home and abroad: “Project Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company vehicles allow the most discerning of customers to fulfil their wildest dreams. “However, when Kat chose the TX4, I imagined a number of scenes, everything from thrilling car chases and enthralling scenes that will keep us on the edge of our seats throughout the entire movie. “The TX4 is not just a taxi, it is a vehicle that most of us want to own. Viewers will no doubt enjoy the movie along with my cameos, enjoy!”

November 29, 2018 at 08:50PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Firefighters tackle blaze after Mercedes Vito Taxi bursts into flames

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2PZ5myi

Kent firefighters were called to hose down a Mercedes Vito taxi that caught fire in Longfield, Kent this morning after it went up in flames at around 9:15am. Crews were called to the incident which was seen by local residents at the junction of Fawkham Road. The front end of the taxi was engulfed with flames which were seen by train driver Jeremy Clitheroe, who told KentOnline, he watched as firefighters sprayed the vehicle with water, creating a huge cloud of smoke which covered the road completely. There was no reported injuries and a spokesperson for the fire services said they have not yet established the cause of the fire.

(Image credit: Twitter - KentOnline)

November 29, 2018 at 06:56PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Drivertax: How Does a Cashless Society Affect Drivers?

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2U2ty1k

In 2016 Transport for London released a statement announcing that London Black Cabs were required to take card and contactless payments. This was in no way a revolutionary announcement as many Black Cabbies had been accepting card payments for years, but cash was always king. Today, all taxis in London must carry a card payment device which has ended uncertainty for customers about how they will be pay.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: `I’m delighted to announce that… everyone using our iconic black cabs will be able to pay by card, making their journeys quicker and more convenient. While many black cab drivers already provide the service, it’s important that Londoners know for certain that they won’t have to run to the cash machine before they start their journey. Our black cabs provide a unique and invaluable service for Londoners and guaranteed card payment will be good for our black cab industry, and good for passengers across London.’ This is all well and good from Mr Khan, however what about the rest of England? Just last week, it was made aware that some drivers of COLTA (City of Oxford Licensed Taxicab Association) were still not accepting card payments. This is a huge problem for the ever-changing UK taxi industry! People never tend to deal with cash anymore, especially the Millennial’s. Customers in Oxford have since accused said drivers of ‘tax avoidance’… This is obviously a sweeping statement, but it is important to realise and understand that cash is no longer king. The movement of money is more traceable than it has ever been, therefore your financial behaviour is more traceable. The arrival of the ride-finding apps has completely changed the game. Ride apps are all about convenience, and while you can often choose between a variety of payment methods, it is much more straightforward to set up a payment method and pay directly with your credit card or Paypal account – no cash involved.

Black Cabbies must conform to the changes of modern society. By accepting that we are drawing closer to a cashless society, it may become easier to transition to the digitisation of our tax system known as MTD. Here at Drivertax, we are part of the MTD pilot, meaning that as a company we will be ready to embrace the future tax system in the UK. Will you be ready?

November 29, 2018 at 03:32PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Drivertax THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbie hospitalised after gang attack

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2rjZwJn

A 61 year old cabbie was left needing hospital treatment after being attacked by a gang of youths.

Derick Devine was in the process of picking up a passenger im Peterlee when his vehicle was attacked by up to 8 youths.

One of the youths broke his door mirror, as he went to retrieve it he was then hit in the face with an object, knocking him to the ground.

Mr Devine suffered an injury to his nose and injuries to his cheek and jaw as well as other cuts and bruises.

He was subsequently taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment to his wounds.

An investigation has been launched by Durham Constabulary who have said the following:.

"Officers are appealing for information after a taxi driver was assaulted in Peterlee. "The 61-year-old man was parked on Essex Place at around 7.40pm last night when a group of teenagers approached his vehicle. "He then got out of the vehicle and was assaulted by the group before being hit in the face by an unknown object. "The group knocked the vehicle’s wing mirror off before leaving. "Police are appealing for anyone with any information on the incident to come forward." Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 387 of November 25.

November 28, 2018 at 11:58PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

'Operation Vision Zero’ clocks up more than 4,700 driving offences in two weeks

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2r9E3CF

Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are cracking down on illegal, dangerous and careless behaviour that creates risk on our roads, as part of their joint Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury on London's roads by 2041.

During an enhanced two week programme of enforcement, named Operation Vision Zero, 4,758 offences have been dealt with by on-street officers alone - more than 800 offences higher than an average two week period in 2016.

The MPS's Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), part funded by TfL, has ramped up activity to deter and deal with risky behaviour on London's roads. The RTPC mobilised officers from across the 2,000 officer strong command. Officers dealt with speeding, mobile phone use, no insurance, drink/drug driving and mechanical defects such as steering and lights. 176 drivers were arrested, for offences including drink, drug, dangerous and disqualified driving.Ramped up activity

There were 507 drivers stopped for mobile phone use, 654 for speeding and 559 caught driving without insurance and 1,394 for mechanical defects. Officers also dealt with 519 cycling offences such as red light jumping. Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance and Policing at TfL, said: 'No death or serious injury is acceptable or inevitable and we will continue to crack down on anyone who is behaving dangerously, carelessly or illegally. 'Excess speed, mobile phone use and other risky road user behaviour are undisputed contributors to road traffic collisions in London. The consequences are devastating for victims and their families. 'Our message is clear, we won't tolerate illegal and dangerous behaviour and through our work with the police we will take robust action against those that do. Slow down, be careful and watch out for others.' Chief Supt Colin Wingrove, from the MPS, said: 'The Metropolitan Police, in partnership with TfL, is committed to Vision Zero and is taking positive action with those who use London's roads dangerously, carelessly or illegally, to make the roads safer for all road users, reduce road danger, and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured. 'Driving a vehicle illegally, dangerously or carelessly is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. Not only are you breaking the law but you are posing an unacceptable risk to yourself and others. 'The results of this latest two-week enhanced enforcement 'Operation Vision Zero' shows that we are prepared to crack down and catch those who break the law of the road.'

November 29, 2018 at 08:15AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man who sparked terrorism fears in London was driving for Uber with false Private Hire licence and no insurance

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2FIw6ym

An Uber driver that sparked terrorism fears when he ploughed into pedestrians outside London’s Natural History Museum in October 2017 had been driving without insurance and a licence for two years it has been revealed. Juma Omar, 48, drove his vehicle onto the pavement outside the historic building, sending pedestrians fleeing for their lives.

Omar claimed the brakes on his Toyota Prius failed, but was convicted at the Old Bailey of dangerous driving. The court heard that Omar applied for a replacement passport in another man’s name and used that identity to pass his driving test. He then got a job driving for controversial ride-hailing app Uber using fake documents and did not have insurance on the day of the incident outside of the museum.

Almost a dozen people were injured during the incident before Omar was wrestled to the ground and detained by members of the public who feared a terrorist attack. Omar admitted having a passport in another name and having a false private hire licence as well as having no insurance or driving licence. As reported by the Daily Mail, Omar was jailed for 15 months by Judge, Mr Recorder Oliver, who said his driving was ‘appallingly dangerous’. Questions will now be asked how he managed to drive as a private hire driver for Uber and pick up passengers without insurance or a driving licence

November 29, 2018 at 07:38AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Day three of protests: London's Taxi drivers stand firm over restriction of trade

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2zw2fDH

For the third day running, London’s black taxi drivers descended on London Bridge in protest against road closures and restrictions that they say are making it impossible to go about their daily trade. The week of protests was called by “taxi pressure group” the ITA to demonstrate the trades frustration with TfL’s persistence to exclude them from major roads and junctions in the capital, the latest being the proposals to ban them from accessing Tooley Street from London Bridge. TfL are planning on only granting access to Tooley Street from London Bridge to Buses and cycles leaving taxi drivers feeling discriminated against.

For three days in a row taxi drivers have brought London Bridge and subsequently surrounding areas to a standstill. Unlike taxi drivers from many other cities across Europe, London’s iconic drivers seem far more patient in taking their frustrations to protests, so for them to commit to a week of demonstrations just shows the seriousness of their concerns about how they are being treated by their licensing authority. Two more days are scheduled for protests and by the looks of things both Thursday and Friday will pull in enough disgruntled taxi drivers to bring the area to gridlock.

(Image credit: Twitter@LondonTaxiPR)

November 28, 2018 at 08:36PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

At least 88 new, free electric vehicles rapid-charge points to be installed across West Yorkshire

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2TSGIOh

Work to improve West Yorkshire’s air quality by encouraging the use of electric vehicles, through the installation of 88 new, free rapid charging points is set to get underway in 2019. After securing almost £2 million from the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) for the work, West Yorkshire Combined Authority has appointed energy and services company ENGIE to install and operate the new charging points.Free until late October 2021 Each charging point will have two charging bays. One will be specifically for taxis and private hire vehicles and the other will be for all other users. Typically, the charging points will provide a full charge to an electric vehicle in around 20 to 30 minutes and will be free to use until late October 2021. The Combined Authority and its district partners, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield councils are providing £1.2m of match funding. ENGIE will install, own and operate the charge points for at least 10 years. Work will soon get underway to identify suitable and convenient charge point locations. Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: “Improving air quality across West Yorkshire and Leeds City Region while at the same time developing the transport networks vital to supporting inclusive growth is one of the Combined Authority’s key aims and this work will help us achieve that. “Installing new charging points at these 88 sites, where people can charge their vehicles for free, is designed to encourage the transfer to electric vehicles. “Making half the bays exclusively for the use of taxis and private hire vehicles could result in up to 500 diesel taxis and private hire vehicles being converted to hybrid and pure electric versions by 2020, which would reduce Nitrogen Dioxide emissions from taxis by as much as 18%, in line with our target of developing Clean Energy and Environmental Resilience for Leeds City Region.”

November 27, 2018 at 02:03AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Government ‘treading carefully’ with proposed plans to protect gig workers

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2SiJpam

Leaked government plans to protect the working rights of people operating in the gig economy will help to stop unscrupulous employers from exploiting low-paid workers by stamping out false self-employment but it is questionable whether it goes far enough, according to a legislative expert from leading HR and payroll company MHR.

Plans revealed earlier this month suggest the government plans to adopt a number of the 53 recommendations made by the July 2017 Taylor Review into modern working practices. As part of the proposals to give gig economy workers better worker protection the government plans to introduce new legislation to determine self-employed status by aligning tax and employment law. Neil Tonks, legislation expert at MHR says: “The tax and employment law definitions of worker status have always differed and caused a lot of confusion. If the government aligns them, as has been leaked, the proposals could help to protect the employment rights of gig workers. “However, I think there was a missed opportunity for wider reform. The government is treading very carefully because it doesn’t want to kill off the gig economy completely, but neither does it want the UK to have a reputation for exploitative working practices, which is what’s been happening. It’s a balancing act between ending the worst exploitation and stifling growth and innovation by making the labour market too inflexible.” The government has been under growing pressure to clarify the employment status of gig workers following a number of high profile tribunals brought by workers claiming to be entitled to workers’ rights. Under the proposals workers will also be granted the right to request temporary or fixed-hour contracts after 12 months of employment, while specific terms of employment such as notice periods and cancelled shifts will be considered to address ‘one-sided flexibility’. Tonks adds: “While on paper granting people the right to request temporary or fixed-hour contracts after 12 months of employment seems fair and reasonable, the fact that companies are not required to grant contract requests means they could say “no” every time. It’s inevitable that there will be a flurry of legal cases to test the boundaries of the new definition when it is first introduced.” As well as seeking clarifications of the finer details, Tonks says employers also need to be mindful of the potential cost implications of the proposed plans and its impact on available talent. “If people currently classed as self-employed become workers or employees, they could acquire employment rights such as paid holidays, sick leave and statutory maternity pay, while National Insurance contributions might also need to be calculated and paid. It all depends on how far it goes and which rights these individuals actually gain, but organisations will almost certainly see a rise in cost,” adds Tonks. “There’s also the potential for the proposals to affect the supply of available labour. Although the gig economy has been tarnished with a bad reputation, we need to remember that some gig economy workers choose to work in the sector because they like the flexibility it gives them and might not want jobs which give them less flexibility over their working hours. If this is the case then many employers may see a reduced pool of workers from which to choose, meaning they will have to adapt their business accordingly.”

November 28, 2018 at 07:18PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI MHR THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Diane Abbott slammed as she criticises police moped gang ramming tactic

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2KEZDIe

Shadow Home Secretary, Diane Abbott, has faced an angry backlash from the Metropolitan Police after criticising their tactical contact policy when dealing with moped riding attackers.

Moped attackers have blighted London for a number of years, targeting pedestrians, as well as other road users including taxi drivers, many of whom being attacked by hammer-wielding pillion riders.

TaxiPoint reported last week that the Metropolitan Police have now been given the Green light to knock the attackers off of their mopeds in a bid to end pursuits swiftly and relatively safety, with Skorpion trained drivers deployed to perform the action.

However MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott, has been highly critical of the policy, taking to Twitter to say:

"Knocking people off bikes is potentially very dangerous, it shouldn't be legal fir anyone. Police are not above the law."

Camden Police fired a withering tweet back at Ms Abbott, saying:

“Someone who's responsible for law-making (or at least debating and ratifying new legislation) should probably realise that using tactical contact to terminate dangerous pursuits is entirely within our lawful power... And our responsibility.”

Camden weren't the only police service to condemn the controversial MP, Waltham Forest replied via Twitter,xand said:

"To mitigate risk to the public & also offenders, we use a range of tactics including tactical contact. There has been a significant reduction in motorcycle & scooter crime with a decrease of 10,974 offences to date this year in comparison to 2017”.

Despite a huge amount if interest on social media, with many people condemning Diane Abbots comments, she has yet to respond or make any further comment.

What has become apparent is that many have been perplexed by what seems to be her total disregard for the victims of these crimes.

November 28, 2018 at 04:14PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tampon Taxi delivering sanitary products to homeless women

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2PYrxVB

Campaigners have given one of London’s iconic taxis a makeover in a bid to create awareness of “period poverty”. According to a report in the Huffington Post, more than 40 percent of girls in the UK have had to use toilet roll to manage their period because they are unable to afford sanitary products. Not only will the stand-out taxi create awareness, it will also be handing out 5,000 sanitary products to women at homeless shelters across London. From now until December 19, the taxi will make regular stops to handout tampons, Mooncups and sanitary towels.

(Image credit: This is our period)

The idea came about when campaigner Holly Bantleman was drinking margaritas with a few friends and saw a pink taxi parked opposite. Project Period London taxi was formed, and now Holly hopes the taxi will raise awareness about period poverty, as well as encourage more people to donate and volunteer with period poverty charities. Project Period, as well as other similar campaigns are working to ensure that all women that need sanitary products have access to them.

November 28, 2018 at 02:11PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT