Could cabbies caught up in the O2 network outage be entitled to compensation

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2PqoMa8

With the fallout from the O2 network outage potentially costing businesses across the country millions in lost revenue, it has emerged that taxi and private hire drivers may be entitled to compensation for loss of income.

With cabbies ever more reliant on the mobile network across the UK to clear credit cards and operate work apps, yesterdays outage left some drivers trying to operate with one arm wrenched behind their back.

According to consumer rights website, The Complaining Cow the outage falls squarely under the Consumer Rights Act 2015which dictates that a person is entitled to services to be carried out with reasonable skill and care.

The failure of any given company to provide an adequate service, even if it due to the actions of a third party, is an irrelevance.

If an individual has a contract with O2 and O2 are unable to provide that service, they then become in breach of that contract and the individual is entitled to redress.

That redress may include out of pocket expenses, costs attached to the tine that you are without the use of your phone, as well as any consequential losses.

Getting the ball rolling is relatively straightforward, simply calculate any and all losses, providing evidence of those losses in writing, then give an appraisal of the issues faced whilst the network was down, mentioning the breach of Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Failure to achieve a satisfactory outcome then brings the Communications Ombudsman Service into play.

If you are a customer of another mobile phone provider which piggy-backs on the back of the O2 network, you then have to deal with the company who you have the contract with.

December 07, 2018 at 12:15PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

It saved our family, Lance Armstrong talks about early Uber investment

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

An early investment in Uber has saved Lance Armstrong's family, according to the American former cyclist who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

Armstrong, who has been forced to pay an astonishing £87 million in legal fees and settlements, handed over nearly £80,000 to a venture capital fund who invested in Uber in 2010.

It was reported by the BBC that Armstrong had told CNBC in an interview that the income earned from that investment "saved his family."

According to Armstrong, when he handed over the money to Chris Sacca at Lowercase Capital, he didn't know that the money was being invested in Uber at the time.

In 2013, Armstrong was found to have orchestrated a highly sophisticated doping programme by the US Anti-Doping Agency, with the former cyclist admitting he has used drugs during his career.

Armstrong has not confirmed how much his investment gleaned, but it is believed to be somewhere between $10 million and $50 million.

December 07, 2018 at 01:56AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

O2 network outage cripples cabbies card systems

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2L1Auro

Cab drivers found themselves struggling yesterday after the O2 data network developed a fault, leading to a major global network failure.

The global outage negated many drivers ability to process credit and debit cards, , as well as interupting taxi app services such as Gett, MyTaxi and TaxiApp. It has also affected Transport for London's bus network, meaning passengers have been unable to access timetable updates. Uber and Deliveroo have also been hamstrung by the network failure. Other network providers who "piggy-back"onto the O2 data network, such as Sky, Tesco and Giff Gaff have also been unable to function properly as the global outage caused chaos. In a statement to customers, O2 said: "We’re continuing to experience an issue affecting 2G, 3G and 4G data across the UK.

All O2 technical teams are working closely with one of our third party suppliers who has identified a global software issue in their system which has impacted data services. We believe other mobile operators around the world are also affected." Call services were also affected, leaving people unable to make or receive calls despite assurances from O2 that the service were not affected. Swedish telecoms company, Ericsson have confirmed that they had been working to fix the problem, which also affected the Softbank network in Japan as well a German networks. The outage first occurred at around 4.30 am on 6th December, leaving O2 customers, which make up 26% of all mobile phone users in the UK, scratching their heads Adam Nyman, Managing Director of communications retailer, Complete Communications, spoke exclusively to TaxiPoint, saying: "Over 25 Million O2 Customers across the UK, along with Sky Mobile, GiffGaff and Tesco mobile subscribers have faced total loss of Data services on their mobile phones and Data devices today since 4.30am. O2 hope to have services fully restored by 8am tomorrow. Friday 7th Dec. With so many industries and technological devices relying on Mobile Networks nowadays, maybe now is the time for full UK Roaming across Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three to give the best quality service with a greater reliability." O2 haven't indicated as to how long it may take to rectify the ongoing problem, although it is believed that full service may be resumed by Friday December 7th.

December 07, 2018 at 12:01PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Daytime running lights on newer vehicles causing confusion for other road users

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2E6nGhO

Daytime running lights on vehicles, which have been required to be fitted on all new EU cars and small vans since early 2011 to improve road safety, may be causing unintended confusion for other drivers, according to research carried out by the RAC. Designed to make cars more visible to other road users in daylight conditions, daytime running lights ('DRL') automatically switch on when the engine is running and switch off when the main headlights are turned on. They are not designed to help drivers see where they are going, but are there purely to enable other road users to see the vehicle. This is why they are considerably dimmer than dipped headlights.The new LEVC TX Taxi has this new feature which displays distinctive circular LED sidelights to other road users during the day. But while all new vehicles have to have daytime running lights at the front, it is not a requirement to fit them at the rear, yet some manufacturers choose to do so. And, it is this issue that appears to be causing confusion and frustration for road users in dull driving conditions as many drivers don’t turn on their dipped lights or sidelights, perhaps mistakenly thinking that because they have daytime running lights on automatically at the front the same applies to the rear lights. An RAC Opinion Panel survey of 2,061 motorists found that more than six in 10 (62%) claimed to see other cars and vans driving in dull overcast conditions without any rear lights on, while they noted these vehicles did have lights on at the front. Fifteen percent of those surveyed had not noticed this and nearly a quarter (23%) were not sure. RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “This is potentially a very worrying finding as it implies that many motorists are driving without any rear lights believing that because they have running lights that switch on automatically at the front, they are also on at the rear. Alternatively, and arguably just as concerning, these drivers could simply have decided the light conditions were not bad enough to merit turning on their dipped lights or sidelights.” Asked if they knew whether the car they drive most frequently had daytime running lights nearly half (47%) stated that their vehicle did not, 29% said theirs had them at the front only, 14% said they had them at both the front and the rear, and somewhat worryingly, 8% knew they did at the front but were unsure about the rear. Daytime running lights originate in the Nordic countries where winter light levels are usually low, even in the day. Sweden was the first country to require them, making them mandatory on 1 October 1977. This no doubt explains why in 1984 the Volvo 240 became the first vehicle on UK roads to have daytime running lights. Studies into the effectiveness of daytime running lights regarding road safety have had varying results. An American study from 2008 put the figure at a modest 0.3 per cent, however when the EU investigated the issue in 2003 it suggested there was a likely reduction in multi-party collisions of between 5% and 15%. While EU law required all cars and small vans produced since 2011 to have daytime running lights, trucks and buses were not included in legislation until August 2012. Vehicles produced before these days do not have to be retrofitted. Pete Williams added: “While daytime running lights are clearly bringing a very valuable safety benefit to the UK’s roads, it would be good for every driver to take just a few minutes to make sure they know whether the vehicles they drive have them or not. And if they do, then check to see if they have them at the rear as well as the front. That way those that don’t have them at the back will be far more likely in poor daylight visibility to switch on their dipped lights to make their vehicle more easily seen from behind. “We strongly urge everyone to carry out this check as those few minutes could make an important road safety difference.”

December 07, 2018 at 06:48AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New joint initiative set up by council and police force to protect taxi and private hire drivers from abusive misbehaving passengers

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2AYR6eM

Essex police have announced a new initiative alongside Basildon Council which will promote treating taxi and private hire drivers fairly during nights out. In a statement, Essex police announced the partnership which will adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to anyone abusing drivers and/or anyone who attempts to avoid paying for a journey. PC Dan Herschel from Basildon Community Policing Team said: “We’re working with Basildon Council and local taxi drivers to give a very clear message to the minority of people who misbehave in taxis; Pay your fares, don’t abuse or assault the drivers and don’t misbehave.” Chairman of Basildon Borough Hackney Carriage Association said that it’s great to have the support of both the council and the police as they all have the same goal of keeping everyone safe. Part of the initiative will also be to educate the public on how to identify a licensed taxi and private hire vehicle.

A poster from Basildon Council will be advertised with clear examples of what to look for before entering either a taxi or private hire vehicle during the Christmas period. All licensed drivers will have one of the two badge identifiers on their vehicle and will be wearing photographic ID detailing their registration plate.

December 07, 2018 at 06:06AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Drink driver puts cabbie in hospital

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2Pn4PRR

An accident involving a drink driver has hospitalised a cabbie in Derbyshire.

Police and Ambulance services were called to a three vehicle accident in Swarkestone Road, Derby, at around 12.30 am on Thursday.

The accident, which involved a taxi, an Audi and a Mini Cooper, left the taxi driver with a head injury.

24 year old, William Downey, of Castleton Court, Derby, was subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle whilst over the drink drive limit and driving without insurance.

He is set to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on December 20.

The unnamed taxi drivers injury is not thought to be life threatening.

In a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving, Derbyshire Police have adopted a name and shame policy where an individual has been charged with a drink or drug driving offence.

December 06, 2018 at 01:27PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Self-driving taxis for paying customers goes live.

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2RDvhs6

Waymo have finally gone live with accepting fare-paying passengers using their self-driving taxis.

Waymo, who have been testing their self-driving vehicles in the Phoenix suburbs of Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert started cjarging passengers to use the service on December 5th.

This development has now put the technology company in pole position, ahead of companies such as Uber and General Motors.

To be able to use the service, potential riders have to download an app and then submit their credit or debit card details.

The New York Post reported that a driver will be behind the wheel as a safety fall-back in case of an emergency situation.

Reuters recently tested one of Waymos self-deiving taxis and reported it to be slow and somewhat jerky.

The cost for a 3 mile is believed to cost around $7.50 and is believed to have a fleet pf approximately 600 vehicles.

December 06, 2018 at 03:38AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Newcastle next on “clean air” list which could cost taxi drivers thousands

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2Qiv4hB

A 'clean air charge' could be arriving in Newcastle for vehicles, including taxis and private hire, which potentially could cost drivers thousands each year. Newcastle City Council is under pressure from government to think of ways to cut pollution in city hotspots. The fee proposed is thought to be around £12.50 a day and applicable to diesel vehicles registered before September 2015 and petrol cars older than 2006 respectively.Taxi drivers received a letter from Newcastle Councillor and Transport and Air Quality Cabinet Member Arlene Ainsley detailing the potential plans.Disgruntled cabbies have since started a petition against the charge as drivers were told it was “unlikely” that cabbies would be exempt.A spokesperson behind the petition said: “Taxi and private hire are already struggling to make a living in Newcastle will then be expected to pay a further £350+ per month. This cannot be justified and fares will increase. The public will, therefore, pay for the increase in fares.”The Newcastle Hackney Carriage Drivers Association are asking all drivers to sign up to the petition to put a stop to the new tax.

December 06, 2018 at 02:19AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

No more sportswear, flip flops or sandals as licensing committee agree on a new strict dress code for Taxi and Private Hire drivers

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

A new dress code has been introduced by Ipswich Borough Council which all taxi and private hire drivers must adhere to. The borough’s licensing and regulatory committee met on November 29, to approve a number of updates for the trade. The new dress code is set to seek a standard of clothing that provides a positive image for both hackney carriage and private hire drivers. A more “professional image” is now required by all licensed drivers as well as conditions to assure driver safety is not compromised. Councillor Stephen Connelly, chairman of the licensing and regulatory committee said that they are proud to have the best trained taxi and private hire drivers in the county and has acknowledged most already dress appropriately but feels there is a need to regularise the situation for all drivers to ensure customer confidence. As reported in the Ipswich Star, the new dress code requires all drivers to wear clean clothes. Men must wear trousers or knee length shorts, (that’s my hot pants out the window then!) with a collared shirt. Women must wear either trousers, knee length skirts or a dress, with a shirt or blouse. Banned garments include clothes that have rips in them, items of clothing with offensive graphics, sportswear including hoodies, sandals or the seaside favourites flip flops. Is this something you would welcome from your licensing authority? Do you currently wear any of the items that will now be banned?

December 05, 2018 at 07:45PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Why does the cold weather affect electric taxis and what can I do to improve my mileage?

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

Winter is upon us and whilst we’re hopefully seeing an increase in work it’s also worthwhile thinking about how these cold days and dark nights might affect your cab. It’s most likely that cabbies driving the new electric cabs, which are becoming more prominent on the streets, will see a decrease in the number of miles achieved in the new taxi. If you didn’t know already the outside temperature affects the efficiency of all vehicles, even petrol and diesel ones, and this isn’t just limited to the additional drain of features like headlights and heaters. It impacts electric vehicles in particular because battery cells relying on a series of chemical reactions which occur best at around room temperature, and cold weather slows these reactions down. The new TX cab circulates coolant to maintain the battery pack at the most efficient temperature, maintaining efficiency and preventing any degradation of the cells. The side-effect is that these systems require energy to power them. As well as the driving style and conditions, the type of usage also influences the extent to which cold weather can affect the overall efficiency. Every time the vehicle is switched off, the battery cools and must then be warmed back up, reducing the range dramatically. Fortunately, most taxis are on the go all day, ensuring the residual heat in the battery is maintained.How does temperature affect charging times and is there a best time to charge? The temperature of the battery also influences the speed at which electrical charge can be restored. When the outside temperatures drop, it’s necessary for the on-board battery management systems to restrict the flow of charge into the battery to prevent potential damage to the cells. The extent to which this occurs depends on factors such as the temperature of the battery pack, the state of charge and the power delivered by the charge post. As a rough guide, it’s realistic to expect a decrease in charging speed of up to 30% when comparing a warm summer’s day to a freezing winter one. It’s also worth trying to charge your battery during, or at the end of, a shift when the battery is at operating temperature to speed up charge times.How should can I best use the heating on my EV vehicle and what’s the most effective heating method? When charging, whether overnight at home or on-street, think about setting a pre-conditioning timer to pre-warm the cabin using the mains electricity. This means energy isn’t taken from your battery to do the same job after you’ve driven away. Another tip is when starting from cold, particularly if the pre-conditioning feature hasn’t been used, it’s possible to operate in ‘Save’ mode for a few minutes. This runs the petrol range-extender to maintain the charge in the battery, but has the useful side effect of generating heat as a by-product of the internal combustion process, which can be used by the systems on-board to warm up the battery and cabin. You’re taxi will be nice an warm and lost miles from your electric power source is a thing of the past! Because there’s no source of hot air under the bonnet like in an internal combustion engine vehicle, the cabin heat must be generated electrically, and this uses energy from the drive battery. Instead of heating the air in the cabin, it’s much more effective to switch on your heated seat to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you do prefer to maintain the temperature throughout the cabin, recirculate the air so you’re not constantly drawing in cold air from outside and reduce the fan speed. If there are no passengers on board, it’s also possible to turn down or switch off the rear heating zone from the central touchscreen.

December 05, 2018 at 04:38PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London cabbies look set for Tooley Street access much to dismay of cycling lobby group

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2Qdxjm1

Following a week long taxi demo the London taxi trade has received reassurances from the regulators that road access to Tooley Street will remain open to cabbies. Industry representatives met with Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown, this week to discuss key issues surrounding the taxi trade. Most of the talking points centred around the growing trend to restrict cabbies access, but allow other public vehicles like buses to continue using the roads. The controversial Tooley Street proposal looked to change the layout of the street, include a no left turn for cabbies from London Bridge and restricted access on a section of Tooley Street itself. Despite buses retaining access the regulators said the changes would 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. Cabbies took to the streets last week and demoed on each weekday evening rush-hour demanding taxis had the same access as buses. The LTDA also contacted senior Transport for London officials highlighting the proposals were in direct conflict with the Mayors Transport Strategy. According to trade sources the regulator has since agreed to the strategy conflict and that the consultation was currently supporting the need for taxi access to remain. The Cycle London Campaign Group who hold significant lobbying power are seen to dismayed by the decision to allow the 100% wheelchair accessible taxi fleet the opportunity to continue delivering its public service. The group are targeting more cyclists to respond to the consultation by handing out leaflets asking for their support to ban taxis.Taxi drivers have been strongly urged to fill in the consultation to help back up the need for taxi access.

December 05, 2018 at 04:05PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Victory for New York Taxi Workers Alliance as taxi and Limousine Commission vote on minimum pay standard for Uber

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

In what has to be seen as a victory for the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA), the Taxi and Limousine Commission are to vote on a minimum pay standard for Uber drivers.

A spokesperson from the NYTWA said: "It's the first real attempt anywhere to stop app driver pay cuts, which is an Uber and Lyft business practice at the heart of poverty wages.

“Today, the Taxi and Limousine Commission is voting on a minimum pay standard for NYC's app-dispatched drivers. The pay standard is the result of organizing that NYTWA began in 2015 when we first protested against Uber cutting driver pay rates. It is an important step toward solving the crisis hurting drivers in every sector. NYTWA is the only union that has united drivers across all sectors -- Uber, yellow taxi, green cab, black car, and livery -- and that continues to fight for a raise for all drivers."

They added: “In another victory for NYTWA members, the TLC is also voting to lower the credit card processing fee drivers pay medallion owners from $11 to $7, saving yellow and green drivers about $1,000 per year, and on raising driver compensation for trips when operating wheelchair accessible vehicles."

New York Taxi Workers Alliance, Executive Director, Bhairavi Desai also said on the topic: “Today's vote on a minimum pay standard for app drivers is the result of a campaign that NYTWA began in 2016 when Uber cut rates overnight on drivers and simultaneously saturated the streets with vehicles, leaving each driver with fewer fares and less income per fare. It was the beginning of the race to the bottom that has caused poverty across this workforce. NYTWA mobilized hundreds of Uber drivers to protest against those pay cuts, and we have continued to organize to raise standards for Uber drivers, as well as drivers in every other sector.

"This first-time regulation to form a floor for app driver earnings and give a modest first raise is a long time in the making. It's the first real attempt anywhere to stop app driver pay cuts, which is an Uber and Lyft business practice at the heart of poverty wages.

“Just as it did with the vehicle cap, New York City is once again passing landmark regulation to protect workers in the unruly gig economy. “Ultimately, the TLC needs to regulate Uber and Lyft passenger rates, guarantee that app drivers get 80 percent of those rates, and regulate the yellow/green meter to charge the same minimum rates, so drivers across the industry can earn a raise."

Ms Desai finally added: "NYTWA has worked tirelessly to expose Uber's Upfront Pricing scheme of charging passengers more while cutting driver pay. App drivers shouldn't be cheated out of earning more when app companies charge more to passengers. And yellow, green, livery and black car drivers - all devastated by poverty and debt - shouldn't be left behind. “We commend the TLC for regulating companies that together have more lobbyists than Amazon, Walmart, and Microsoft combined. The TLC held hearings and commissioned a ground-breaking report, securing its legal authority by leading with moral clarity.

“We will continue the fight to make sure the landmark pay standard is a stepping stone for all drivers across the industry."

With New York's taxi and private hire industry still reeling from the tragedy of eight drivers taking their own life in just over a year, there have been some stark problems facing the industry, with the most prevailant problem being drivers forced into poverty.

It is hoped that this will be the first step in pulling New York's taxi industry back from the brink of collapse.

December 05, 2018 at 12:48PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi driver avoids points on her licence after telling the court that she was speeding because she was fearful of her passenger

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

A female taxi driver has avoided having points put on her licence for speeding after telling the magistrates that she was fearful of her male passenger who she says made “advances”. The taxi driver from Bournemouth was caught doing 38mph in a 30 zone, and although originally denying driving her vehicle at the time of the offence on July 14, she eventually told the judge at Poole Magistrates Court that she did indeed speed but only because she was ‘fearful of her safety’. The Bournemouth Echo reported that Instead of handing her down points onto her driving licence as most would receive, the magistrates instead sentenced her to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay a £20 surcharge and £85 costs.

December 05, 2018 at 07:09AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Council set out to catch Taxi drivers who charge above the metered fare and Private Hire drivers who illegally ply for hire this Christmas

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

Nottingham City Council will be cracking down on taxi and private hire drivers who flout the law this Christmas after receiving a number of complaints which include taxi drivers not using the meter to price journeys and private hire drivers that illegally ply for hire. Poor driving and rude behaviour are also two issues on the council’s crackdown list. According to a report in the Nottingham Live, over a dozen licences have been revoked this year due to these issues, mainly illegally plying for hire. Although unclear how many, and from which sector, hackney carriage or PHV, some licences were even revoked due to the driver operating under the influence of alcohol. The city council will run a ‘mystery shopper’ campaign to catch drivers in the act over the next few weeks. They are also calling on any passengers that come across problems with drivers to inform the council. The city council, along with Unite Union for Hackney Carriage taxis have said they want to flush out the bad apples within the trade, but have stressed that the majority of taxi and private hire drivers in Nottingham abide by all rules put in place for the trade.

December 04, 2018 at 04:17PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

City of London Police impose restrictions on Bank Junction taxi protest

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

In the wake of a raft of protests from the licensed London taxi industry, City of London Police took the step of imposing restrictions on yesterdays demonstration by issuing a section 14 to taxi drivers taking part in the protest.

The demonstration, which centered around Bank Junction, was following on from last weeks protests at London Bridge.

The protests were called by London taxi pressure group the Independent Taxi Alliance (ITA), after Transport for London as well as borough councils across London, look to impose restrictions on taxis entering designated roads, thus impinging on the ability to function of the only fully wheelchair accessible, mode of public transport available to Londoners.

A section 14 is a notice pertaining to the Public Order Act 1986, preventing serious disruption to the life of the community, and is used to impose certain conditions at any given event.

It is expected that City of London Police will adopt a similar tactic today, and throughout the rest of the week long series of protests

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

West Midlands Police targets drivers using mobile phones whilst on the bus

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2BQ4MKB

December 04, 2018 at 02:41PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Could cycling awareness courses lead to reductions in taxi and car insurance?

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2KT3i5j

The government has said that motorists should see reductions in their car insurance if they undertake a cycling awareness course.

The comment comes on the back of a tranche of proposals submitted by the Department for Transport, which includes allowing councils to fine drivers who park in cycle lanes.

In the quest to reduce the number of cycle and pedestrian deaths in the UK, which stands at 100 and 470 respectively, 50 measures would be introduced.

To facilitate the inception of those measures, a cycling and walking tsar would be appointed.

Some of these new measures would also include the creation of a new police unit to analyse head and dashcam evidence of dangerous driving that has been submitted by other road users.

There was criticism of the proposals, with the BBC reporting that cycling groups were unhappy at the lack of emphasis on speed reduction.

At the moment there have been no discussions between the Association of British Insurance and the government surrounding the proposals in relation to motor insurance premiums and cycle awareness schemes. With less than 0.1% of motor claims involving cyclists and impact on premiums could be negligible.

December 04, 2018 at 12:09PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxify rebrand for UK market ahead of launch

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2rk0F3B

Taxify has rebranded to Hopp ahead of it’s anticipated UK launch. Founded by Markus Villig, Taxify, now known as Hopp in the UK, launched in 2013. They claim to be one of the fastest-growing ride-hailing platforms in Europe and Africa with investors including Daimler, Didi Chuxing, Korelya Capital and TransferWise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus. The ride-hailing company claims to have more than 10 million users in more than 25 countries globally. The name of the minicab firm, which contained the word “Taxi”, has always been perceived to be one of stumbling blocks facing the company’s launch in the UK. In December 2017 Taxify were fined £250 plus £10,000 legal fees for trying to enter the London market via the backdoor. The minicab firm, who charges even less than rivals Uber, purchased an existing small local operating licence after failing to win their own. Taxify admitted to a “major error of judgment” and has since submitted at least one operators application in to Transport for London. It is unclear at this stage where in the UK Hopp will launch first.

December 04, 2018 at 10:59AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT