Portslade cabbie convicted of drink-driving

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A cabbie from Portslade has been banned from the road after being convicted of drink-driving.

Peter Sourial, 34, of Trafalgar Road, Portslade was caught by Sussex Police during a sting operation over the Christmas period.

According to Brighton And Hove News the operation is part of a yearly campaign, in an effort to reduce the number of drink-drivers on the road.

Sourial was stopped, and subsequently arrested, whilst driving his Vauxhall Zafira, in Lincoln Road, Portslade on December 19.

He was found to be more than double the legal limit, with 71 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Sourial faced Brighton Magistrates’ Court on January, where he was sentenced to a 17 month driving ban and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

January 28, 2019 at 04:32AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire Driver says the industry is in desperate need of a cap on licences as he claims to work 40 hours just to break even

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A Teeside private hire driver has said the industry is in desperate need of a cap put on the amount of licences issued, claiming he’s having to work a 40-hour week before earning a single penny. The driver, who didn’t want to be named, told Teeside Live that the roads are now flooded with drivers from different firms, all spiralling into debt as they struggle to “make ends meet.” The current state of the industry has left the driver battling depression he has claimed. Along with having to work ever increasing hours, the driver highlighted the risks driver take when dealing with the public, saying he’s been beaten up by passengers and calling the job “scary” at times. The unnamed driver said that “each firm is trying to beat the other” claiming that it causes a drop in fare prices leading to the drivers earning even less. The man said that you become reliant on tips from your passengers to help with earnings, saying customers are aware of the issues and sympathise with their drivers because they know the fares are extremely low. He is now calling for Middlesbrough Council to put a cap on the number of licences granted, but the council say there is no current legislation to enforce such a limit. The driver said that having no cap on licences is profitable for the council, as they make money from every licence issued, saying: “it’s business for them.” The council however said that they can and do limit the number of hackney vehicles unless they are purpose built wheelchair accessible type.” The driver has claimed that he has to work a “70-odd hour shift” just so he can clear a couple of hundred pound earnings for himself. Vehicle rent, fuel and licence fees all add up for drivers who don’t get sick pay or holidays. The taxi and private hire industry has seen an unprecedented increase of drivers since the emergence of ride-hailing apps like Uber, making it more and more difficult for individuals to earn a living. Supply seems to be outweighing demand within the industry and not many of those in power to make a positive change seem to be acting in time. The industry is bursting at the seems and its only a matter of time before it pops, leaving drivers out of work and in serious debt.

January 28, 2019 at 09:47AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cab driver found guilty of causing death by careless driving

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A Wolverhampton cab driver has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving and has been warned that he could face jail time. Moqadas Hafeez, 39, knocked down 91-year-old Ukrainian born Mychajilo Dudok as he crossed a street within the inner Stourbridge ring road at around lunchtime of September 22 2017. Hafeez, who was driving his VW Passat, didn’t see Mr Dudok until it was too late, but made the claim that the victim had fallen back off the pavement into the path of his vehicle. Hafeez’s claims were challenged by Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting, who accused him of lying in a bid to avoid responsibility for the death. Spratt said: “As the pedestrian crossed the third lane and got close to completing the crossing he was hit by the taxi.” Witness to the collision was Joan Lester, who was in the middle lane alongside Hafeez. She told the jury: “As I turned I saw an older man crossing the road. He was stooped over and moving very slowly. “When I first saw him he was in the first of the three lanes he had to cross. “I said to my husband: ‘I don’t know if he(Mr Dudok) is going to make it.’ “I thought I was going to have to stop but as I started to slow he cleared my lane and moved into the third lane where there was a collision between him and another car. “I had started to slow but the other car had not done anything. “The man stepped into its lane and it him him.” Hafeez maintained that he did not see the victim until he had crossed the road, but the prosecution insisted that he could of stopped in time to avoid hitting the pensioner. Hafeez said: “the first time I saw him he was on the pavement. I didn’t see him cross the road. “As I approached him he fell onto the wing of the car, hit the wing mirror and fell onto the ground. I got out and asked him if he was OK. He said: ‘I am OK and want to go home’.” Mr Spratt said: “there was no obstruction and no vehicle between you and him. You were distracted in some way and were not paying proper attention to the road in front of you and collided with the man as he was crossing the road.” Senior forensic expert in the Police Collision Investigation Unit, Sgt Adam Green, said: “if the pedestrian had fallen, or even stumbled, I would expect a different pattern of damage on the Taxi because he would not have been moving in the same way as when walking. “The collision occurred as a result of the driver failing to react as the pedestrian crossed the carriageway. There was sufficient time for the driver to bring his vehicle to a halt.” The cab was travelling at an estimated speed of 28mph in a 30mph zone according to experts. At the point of seeing Mr Dudok, Hafeez braked to 18mph, which was the speed of contact. Dudok was taken to hospital but died from multiple injuries. As reported in the Express and Star, Hafeez was unanimously found guilty and remanded on bail for pre sentence report until February 13. Judge Simon Ward said: “I will then decide what is the appropriate sentence but do not rule out prison.”

January 27, 2019 at 06:57PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Age limit cut proposal is an insult to a trade already going green as fast as possible says LTDA

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Obviously, the hot topic on everyone’s lips at the moment is the scandalous announcement by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, of his intention to consult on cutting the taxi age limit to just 12 years. What made it even worse was the fact he decided that just before Christmas was the time to announce it, or if you are more cynically inclined, to bury the bad news. Then he also decided he wouldn’t even bother giving us any details about how or when it might be implemented but said we would have to wait for the consultation early in 2019 to see the finer details.

What is even considered as early in the year? Is that January? Maybe February Could it even be April? How long will the consultation last two months? Three months? Maybe four months? Then there’s the period after the consultation where we get the collated information and summaries, before we finally get the decision. That will mean we will be in limbo until the summer of 2019 at best, but perhaps even as late as Christmas 2019. So, many of us will be spending a whole year not knowing what we should do with the cab we’re currently driving, is that any way to treat the world’s greatest taxi trade? So, what have we been told? Well, this announcement pretty much sums it up: “In early 2019, we will also consult on proposals to reduce taxi emissions further, including a proposal of phased reductions of the taxi age limit for the dirtiest vehicles to 12 years. The 15-year age limit would be strictly mandated in 2019, with a proposed reduction in the age limit each year until a 12-year age limit is reached. The age limit for Euro 6, LPG and Zero-Emission Capable taxis is proposed to remain at 15 years. The consultation will launch early next year.” So, if you’re currently driving a Euro 6 TX4 (approx. 16 plate) or Mercedes Vito (approx. 66 plate) you will still get 15 years along with the TXe and cabs running on LPG. The latter of course could have had a lifespan of up to 20 years, if a cab in its last year of its diesel life was converted to LPG, thus giving an extra five years. For the rest of us they are proposing to lower the age limit to 14 years in 2020, 13 years in 2021 and finally 12 years in 2022. This isn’t the first time they’ve tried to lower our age limit. We defeated them last time and let me assure you the LTDA will be doing everything it can to prevent this unnecessary attack on hard working cabbies, which has wiped millions of equity from the value of taxis at a stroke. Let’s be clear they have no real proof that we’re as dirty as they claim. The 20% of pollution we’re blamed for, or the 40,000 premature deaths figure is all complete and utter tosh. They seem to be of the view that “if we say it often enough, it becomes true.” It is in effect a straw man, a manufactured a problem, which never existed before, built up to show that they are taking action: blame us, white vans and then use a sledge hammer to crack the nut. Clearly, with all the outrage from the minicab trade about being forced to pay the C-Charge, TfL can’t be seen to be letting us off the hook. But what they have failed to take in to account is that they are delivering a slap in the face to people who have already taken up the challenge and are going green as fast as they can, with more than 1,000 electric cabs on the roads already, despite there being only one relatively expensive option. At the current rate of change we will be fully zero emission capable before TfL’s beloved London bus service, but yet they still want more blood. What an insult!

January 27, 2019 at 04:50PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Paul Brennan - LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pavement protection device for people bursts car tyres in seconds

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The threat from pavement parking and terror attacks involving cars could be dramatically reduced by a simple new device installed along kerbs that quickly punctures tyres claims the Environmental Transport Association (ETA). Catclaw is the size of half a small orange and is designed to be installed in its thousands along kerbs and pavements. When a car or lorry drives over a CatClaw, its weight exposes a sharp steel tube that quickly punctures the tyre. However, it poses no threat to pedestrians – a person standing on top of the device would not be heavy enough to activate it. Yannick Read from the Environmental Transport Association was inspired to invent CatClaw after watching footage of terror attacks involving cars: “43 people were killed last year by cars and lorries as they walked along a pavement or verge, so I invented CatClaw to reduce this type of terror as much as to tackle politically-motivated attacks.”

In order to prevent terror attacks at certain locations, physical obstructions such as steel bollards or concrete blocks have been placed in public areas.

It is unclear whether the device could further hinder emergency service response times if vehicles in traffic were unable to allow emergency access. Other driver concerns could focus on the visibility of the device, especially if hidden by leaves, snow or litter.

January 27, 2019 at 11:04AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Glasgow City Council approves use of LPG taxis as UK momentum gathers

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Autogas Limited is pleased to announce that Glasgow City Council has followed its approval of allowing taxis running on LPG to be licensed in the city by officially approving the vehicles through the LOW CVP CVRAS scheme.

Taxis running on LPG will be compliant with Euro 6 emission limits that are set to be in place in line with upcoming Low Emission Zone (LEZ) introduction at the end of 2022.CVRAS is a robust scheme that is designed for manufacturers of retrofit emissions reduction technology to enable Clean Air Zone (CAZ) compliance of legacy fleet vehicles and taxis. This certification scheme supports the operation of Clean Air Zones in our towns and cities and looks to address the air pollution emissions from vehicles that commonly operate in these environments such as buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, mini-buses, taxis and vans. Diesel black taxis contribute to urban NOx and PM levels, there are the most harmful pollutants in our air. Therefore cleaning up the emissions from these vehicles can quickly and effectively improve air quality where it is needed most. In order to qualify for the CVRAS scheme independent emission testing demonstrated a 98% reduction in NOx and a 95% reduction in PMs. This recent announcement means that TX1, TX2 & TX4 owners and drivers in Glasgow can now convert their Taxi to LPG, this will allow owners to reduce their fuel spend by 20-30%, prolong the life of their Taxi, reduce indoor and outdoor engine noise and significantly reduce harmful tailpipe emissions. In addition to Glasgow LPG repowered TX4 Taxis are now seeing traction in the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh, where after the LPG technology recently being approved interest and orders of the repowering are on the increase. Towns & Cities that currently incentivise the use of Automotive LPG for Taxis are:

EdinburghGlasgowLondonReadingBirmingham

To find out how you can reduce your automotive fuel spend contact Autogas Limited today.

January 26, 2019 at 05:24PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Autogas Limited THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Addison Lee to add 1,200 new vehicles to its fleet to meet new ULEZ requirements

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Addison Lee is to show its commitment to cleaning up London’s air with an investment in 1,200 Volkswagen Sharans, creating a fleet that is compliant with Transport for London’s (TfL) new Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which will come into force on 8 April 2019. The move into the latest generation of Volkswagen Sharan models – an investment worth £41 million – is the start of a journey towards a zero-emissions capable fleet by 2022, as the Group assesses technology choices across other parts of its fleet – including electrification – with pilots expected during this year. The Sharan – which will sit alongside the Ford Galaxy and the Mercedes E and S class as part of the Addison Lee Group fleet – will be introduced over the next three months, and will be used for the company’s Select service, which has traditionally been fulfilled by the Galaxy. Lisa Burger, Addison Lee Group’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We share Transport for London’s ambition to clean up London’s air, and this multi-million investment in new vehicles will make our entire fleet compliant with TfL’s low emission standards and start the process of moving towards a zero-emissions capable fleet.” The Sharan’s diesel engine is Euro-6 standard, designed to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions by 50%1. Addison Lee Group wants to trial ultra-low emission vehicles from the end of this year, which plan to have an entirely zero-emissions capable fleet by the end of 2022. The company will consider both plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) from a range of manufacturers. Burger added: “We are keen to move quickly to an electric fleet for the benefit of London’s environment, but are limited by London’s charging network, which as the report by Dr. Rebecca Driver demonstrated2, cannot support a shift to electric by the capital’s private hire and taxi industry.” Michael O’Shea, Head of Fleet at Volkswagen UK, said: “We are very pleased to be working with such a prominent name as Addison Lee. Now, even more people will be able to experience the quality, comfort and technology of our vehicles. “The Sharan is our large, seven-seat MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). With its latest generation of Euro-6-compliant engines and convenient electric rear sliding doors, it is particularly suited to catering for passengers in the London area.”

January 26, 2019 at 02:15AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Drug ferrying cabbie sentenced to jail after being found with four kilos of high purity cocaine

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A cab driver from Birmingham has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to being a “trusted courier” for a drug smuggling racket. As reported by the Birmingham Live, Tanzeel Rehman, 24, was stopped by National Crime Agency officers on the M6 while returning from a trip to Luton with a consignment of high-purity cocaine. When searching the vehicle, the officers found four one-kilo blocks of cocaine, with a purity of 98 per cent, behind one of the seats, with a probable street value of £400,000. Rehman pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Crown to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. Simon Birch, prosecuting, confirmed that along with the four one-kilo blocks, four individual wraps of cocaine was also found in the driver’s door, thought to be for personal use. The court heard that Rehman was seen by traffic cameras travelling to Luton to meet someone in another car - this is where the exchange was made. Birch said that they were unable to prove that Rehman was anything other than a courier of the drugs. Speaking in defence of Rehman, Tarlochan Dubb, said: “On my view, he’s about to receive a very significant sentence indeed. “My best point is that he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity at this court, and the prosecution accept the basis that he is no more and no less than a trusted courier. “He’s been a taxi driver for three years, and apart from this he’s led a law-abiding and useful life. His family are utterly devastated at the predicament he now finds himself in.” Judge Peter Cooke told Rehman: “Notwithstanding your youth and your lack of antecedents, it is apparent that you had lent yourself to a class A drug dealing enterprise in which, no doubt for a reward, you were prepared to play the role of courier. “Your occupation as a taxi driver made your movements appear innocuous, but you were found in possession of four packages of very high purity cocaine.”

January 25, 2019 at 04:22PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wannabe Private Hire Driver pleads guilty to forgery after getting caught trying to fool licensing authority

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A wannabe private hire driver from Slough who forged documents in a bid to get a job has been punished for his "somewhat 1980's" attempts to fool the council.

In March 2018, Nasar Mehmood, applied to be a private-hire driver and at a meeting with Slough Borough Council’s licensing team.

On two occasions Mehmood presented a driving standards agency pass certificate where key dates had been tippexed over and new dates added in.

According to a report in the Slough Observer, he also presented a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead medical examination form which also showed altered dates. Mehmood, pleaded guilty to forgery at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 18 where he was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge for 12 months on each count and was ordered to pay a victims surcharge of £20. Councillor Pavitar K Mann, cabinet member for regulation and consumer protection, said:

“Though it is clear Mr Mehmood is no criminal mastermind and his forgery attempts were unsophisticated and somewhat 1980s, we could not stand by and do nothing. “People using taxis and minicabs in Slough trust those drivers with their safety and for our drivers this is their livelihood."

January 25, 2019 at 02:02PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

VAT exemption discussion on new taxi purchases could reignite after Brexit

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The age old discussion surrounding VAT exemption on all new taxi purchases could reignite after Brexit as Government blame EU VAT rules as current stumbling block. Taxi drivers are currently paying 20% VAT on all new taxi purchases and it’s been party to long-term debate as to whether they should be paying it or not. Generally, VAT has to be paid on all goods and services. However, in certain circumstances there’s relief from paying VAT on a limited range of goods and services for disabled people.

For some time there has been VAT relief to those purchasing a vehicle adapted to carry wheelchairs. On the HMRC government website it details that an individual purchasing a vehicle on behalf of a disabled wheelchair user can claim relief if they meet the following criteria:

Zero rate VAT on the supply of a ‘qualifying motor vehicle’ that has been:

designed to enable the disabled wheelchair user to travel in it, orsubstantially and permanently adapted to enable the disabled wheelchair user to travel in it and the adaptation is necessary to enable that person to travel in the vehicle

So on paper taxi drivers should be offered tax relief on WAV taxis. That would knock off over £9,000 on the new LEVC TX taxi and nearly £11,000 once the EV grant ends. However, the question around VAT exemption was put forward to Andrew Jones, the then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, in October 2016. Carly Nimmo, of VAT & International Excise at HM Treasury, replied on the MP’s behalf saying: “VAT is a broad based tax on consumption and the standard rate of twenty per cent is applied to most goods and services. Although there are exceptions, these are strictly limited. “There is unfortunately no provision within the EU VAT rules to introduce a zero rate or exemption on the purchase of taxis and therefore the government cannot remove the VAT on such purchases. “While the UK remains a member of the EU, we will continue to meet our obligations, including on the agreed rules on the application of VAT.”

With Brexit looming the debate could spark into life again, especially if the government wishes to see more wheelchair accessible electric taxis whizzing around the UK.

January 24, 2019 at 09:27PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbie seriously injured in Madrid taxi protest

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A cab driver in Madrid has been seriously injured whilst taking part in taxi protests that have hit the city.

The taxi driver was participating in a roadblock when he was hit by a vehicle at approximately 2 p.m. local time on January 23.

According to El Pais the cabbie is said to be in a critical condition.

Protests have taken place in both Madrid and Barcelona over the lack of proper regulation for ride hailing apps such as uber and cabify.

More than 26000 taxi drivers have taken part in protests in the two major cities and a number of arrests have been made for acts of violence and vandalism, there have alsobeen 11 injuries reported.

Taxi drivers at one point were blocking the access roads leading to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez- Barajas airport, but lifted the roadblock after the cabbie was hit by a passing car.

January 24, 2019 at 04:30PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Has the taxi industry become an afterthought in the Mayor of Londons transport strategy

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The RMT have raised concerns over the London taxi industry's ability to maintain a fully functioning taxi service after revealing that there may be an uphill battle in accessing many roads across the capital.

The RMT attended a number of meetings regarding the Draft Transport Strategies for both the City of London and Camden.

Whilst signs were encouraging from the City of London, it was revealed the the taxi industry had not secured any protection feom within the Mayors Transport Strategy (MTS), and despite the mayor and TfLs assurances that the London taxi industry is part of the public transport network, there is only a token nod to the industry in the MTS.

There is also no protection in place pertaining to Local Implementatiin Plans (LIP), leaving the taxi industry wide open to multiple road exclusions.

Local Authorities are compelled to implement all aspects of both the MTS as well as the LIPs, with the main priorities being the bus network, cycling and pedestrian usage. The taxi industry has however, been virtually ignored within any legislation. As a result of this, the industry has in-effect been "planned-out" by both TfL and Local Authorities. This has led to the licenses London taxi industry being reduced to the same status as minicabs and private cars.

The Mayors Transport Strategy's main aim is to reduce journeys made by private vehicles, minicabs and taxis. This is achieved by prioritising buses, cycling and walking, and with any given Local Authorities tendancy to follow the MTS with stoical rigidity, this creates a situation where the taxi trade could end up extinct by default.

In 2018, the RMT pushed for ammendments within the MTS to align the taxi industry with the bus network. This would mean that taxis would be added to the priority for funding alongside buses. As a result, taxis would then glean equal access rights.

Currently, the MTS does not reflect the Inclusive Transport Strategy (ITS) which was released around the same time as the MTS.

The RMT have stated that they will push for the inclusive access for the taxi industry, as prescribed within the ITS to be reflected in all the Mayor’s and TFL’s legislation.

Both CoL and Camden have been asked to reflect the section covering taxis within the ITS to be included within their transport strategies.

It is believed that this will secure the taxi industry's door to door service and maintain the ability for taxis to be hired kerbside.

The RMT have also said that they will push for all taxis, not just electric taxis, to be included in any Local Authority scheme which has been initiated under TFL’s Liveable Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan aims to close sections of the highway to all fossil fuel vehicles, thus leaving the area an electric vehicle only thoroughfare.

The RMT have said that without the action outlined the taxi trade will continue to lose great swathes of the road network. They also stated that the Mayor and TFL need to strongly consider this and include the taxi induindustry atry in their current plans and legislation.

January 24, 2019 at 11:47AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi drivers uproar after councillor says new rickshaws could be safer for women than regular taxis

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Taxi drivers in Dundee have been left in uproar following suggestions by the council’s city development convener that other methods of travelling could be safer for women. Councillor Lynne Short made the comments at a media event ahead of the launch of the city’s first electric rickshaw last week. Short said the new vehicles were “quirky” and suggested that they could actually be safer than regular taxis for women to use.

Her comments have left taxi drivers working in the city outraged, as they claim the statement insinuated that taxis are somehow unsafe.

Councillor Short has now defended her comments by insisting she meant it can often be unsafe for women to walk from pubs and nightclubs to taxi ranks without shoes on — and so rickshaws are a safer alternative for transport to the ranks.

Taxi driver Jim Harris, told the Courier he feared women could be put off using cabs after reading the comments. Harris said a lot of drivers were unhappy with the comments, pointing out that all taxi drivers have to pass strict tests making them a safe way to travel. He said: “I was absolutely raging when I first saw it. She should be promoting taxis." Drivers feel that Short's comments could be damaging to the trade, but in clarifying her comments, she said she was referring to wandering without shoes on from, "for instance, a nightclub to a taxi rank." In an attempt to build bridges with taxi drivers she said: “So many times, if it wasn’t for taxi drivers, I wouldn’t get home in one piece."

She added that she has never felt "unsafe" in a taxi and called them the "angels of the street."

January 24, 2019 at 09:15AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbies in Scotland offered interest-free loans to enable switch to electric and Euro 6 taxis

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Scottish taxi drivers are being offered interest-free loans by Transport Scotland to enable a swifter move to cleaner electric or Euro 6 standard taxis. For ultra-low emission hackney cabs like the new LEVC TX, Energy Saving Trust, funded by Transport Scotland (an agency of the Scottish Government), will provide interest-free loans up to £120,000 to replace conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) hackney cabs regardless of age. As part of the Low Carbon Hackney Cab Loan, there are also interest-free loans of up to £120,000 are available to enable owners and operators of hackney cabs to replace cabs that are more than 8 years old with new, efficient models with emission standard Euro 6. It’s worth noting that these loans cannot be used for private hire or saloon vehicles!How do I apply? Before applying for a loan you need to call 0800 0931 669 and speak to a specialist Transport Advisor who will offer advice regarding the purchase of the vehicle. Please note that the latest version of an application form should only be obtained through a Transport Advisor. All applications should be completed and received by Energy Saving Trust at the beginning of March 2019 in order to be processed by the end of March 2019 when the programme expires..

January 24, 2019 at 12:40AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Belgium court rules in favour of Uber as Taxi operators attempt to have them banned

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A group of taxi operators in Brussels had lodged a case against Uber over the X service, arguing that a judge should decide whether the estimated 1,000 drivers who use the app in Brussels should be considered staff, but a Belgian court has rejected the attempt, allowing the service to continue operating in the EU capital.

Uber said the ruling confirms it does not provide a transport service and is therefore not liable to provide its drivers with benefits such as holiday or sickness pay.

As reported in the Politico, the latest decision from the French-speaking Tribunal of Commerce in Brussels was dated January 16 but only released Tuesday. In 2015, Uber were forced to scale back their UberPOP service in the EU capital and has faced a number of complaints across many European countries over whether it is a transport service, or simply just a technology platform that connects passengers with drivers. A spokesperson for Uber told the Politico: “We are pleased with the ruling, which confirms that UberX operates within the framework of the law in Brussels."

January 23, 2019 at 05:15PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London taxi drivers prepare for a third night of protests as access row continues

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No let off from the capital’s cabbies

London taxi drivers blocked Tottenham Court Road for the second night running protesting against plans to restrict access. With no discussions or resolution on the table cabbies are preparing for a third evening of ongoing demonstrations today. Drivers are heavily against the busy one-way street converting to a two-way system with full 24-hour access only available to buses and cycles. Between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, no other vehicle will be able to use the road. The changes come as Camden Council plans to invest £35 million to transform the area highlighting the need to improve air quality and road safety. The decision to exclude taxis on the basis of safety and air quality, but not buses, has been met by anger within the industry. The black cab, a public transport vehicle, has been overlooked despite moving to zero emission vehicles and recent concerns over bus safety. Cabbies who use Tottenham Court Road will face a £130 fine if they pass through the restrictions.

January 23, 2019 at 03:01PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi drivers claim victory in Barcelona: Uber and Cabify to cease service

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It has been reported in Catalan News that Barcelonas cabbies are claiming victory in the ongoing war between the taxi industry and ride-hailing app providers.

The Regional Government of Catalonia have proposed an ammendment to an existing proposal that will in effect set a lead time for ride-hailing services to a one hour minimum advance.

This proposal is a significant change from the original 15 minute advance booking time, which primpted furious cabbies to block parts of Barcelona in protest.

As a result of this ammendment, both Uber and Cabify have announced that they will stop operating in Barcelona.

It is claimed by one ride-hailing app spokesperson that the Catalan Government have capitulated to blackmail.

According to Josep Maria Goñi, president of Unauto, the ride-hailing companies association, employees who are working for ride-hailing firms in Barcelona will be laid off.

Taxi drivers in Barcelona will hold a crunch meeting on Wednesday to decide whether they will accept the Catalan Governments proposals, or continue protesting

January 23, 2019 at 12:47PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT