HRH The Prince of Wales visits the home of LEVC’s electric taxi, as Coventry celebrates 70 years of taxi production

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His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales earlier this week visited the home of the electric taxi, LEVC’s Ansty facility on the outskirts of Coventry.

The visit to LEVC’s facility - the UK’s newest car factory and the UK’s first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing centre - was an opportunity for His Royal Highness to see how the UK car industry is becoming more sustainable.

LEVC produced and sold over 1,200 electric taxis in 2018 – which have helped significantly reduce emissions from the taxi sector in London and beyond. Emissions from the sector in 2018 in London were cut by at least 8,600 tonnes of CO2 and 1.9 billion mg of NOx compared to 2017 levels.

Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman of LEVC said: “LEVC were delighted to welcome The Prince of Wales to see the UK’s first dedicated electric vehicle factory which was built following investment from Geely – particularly given his efforts to promote more sustainable living in the UK. We believe that LEVC’s new factory and our ground breaking new electric taxi represents the future of UK automotive and builds on the UK’s world-leading expertise in light weighting technology.”

As part of the visit, The Prince was introduced to the team behind LEVC’s new electric taxi, the TX eCity. This included those who work in LEVC’s aluminium body shop who use parts made from recycled aluminium sourced from a recently re-opened facility in Wales. His Royal Highness’ visit coincides with the start of celebrations of 70 years of taxi production in the city and showcases Coventry’s close cultural connection with the iconic vehicle.

As part of the celebrations of this anniversary - a new exhibition, “Taxi: The history of A to B” opened at Coventry Transport Museum, which celebrates the city’s taxi building heritage.

The first electric taxis were actually built in Coventry over 110 years ago. However, it is the diesel versions of the taxi, the iconic black cab, which the city is famous for building and was put front and centre of Coventry’s successful bid to become City of Culture 2021. These vehicles have been produced by LEVC (and its predecessor companies LTC, LTI and Carbodies) since 1948.

As such, High Royal Highness was introduced to all of the key vehicles built by the business over the past 70 years – including the world-famous Fairway.

‘Taxi: The Story from A to B’ was officially opened at the Coventry Transport Museum by Councillor John Blundell, the Lord Mayor of Coventry; Curator Patrick Murphy; and LEVC Chief Executive Chris Gubbey.

As well as charting the evolution of the taxi from a manufacturing and engineering point of view, the exhibition uncovers the part they play in people’s everyday lives.

Stories can be shared with Coventry Transport Museum by emailing marketing@culturecoventry.com or on social media using #CoventryTaxi.

Ruark Jon-Stevens, Marketing and Communications Manager of Culture Coventry, said: “We had a very successful launch event with a range of key figures from across the city and with many people who have played and continue to play a major role in the taxi industry.

“TAXI includes fantastic exhibits that show how taxis have changed over time and the huge role that Coventry has had to play in manufacturing and engineering.

“There are also some wonderful documentaries on show that highlight some of the stories behind taxis in the city and we are really keen to capture more of those throughout the duration of the exhibition, particularly through social media.”

Cllr Blundell, the Lord Mayor Coventry, said: “This is a wonderful celebration of a big part of Coventry’s manufacturing heritage. It’s incredible to think that the taxi developed in the city has gone on to become a global icon.

“My praise goes to everyone involved in the Taxi exhibition for producing such as fantastic record of the vehicle’s past, present and future.”

Curator Patrick Murphy said: “The whole project started in 2017 when I undertook an artist residency at Coventry Transport Museum.

“Part of that was concentrating on an untold story or a hidden gem and that is where the idea came from to look at the taxi, from the very first beginnings of the early vehicle right through to the work is going on at LEVC today.

“Through this work, we highlight that Coventry produced an electric taxi as early as 1897 – which had a range of 30 miles and could only travel nine miles an hour!

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to pull out some of those stories and the links to Coventry and its people in this exhibition. It has been made possible by great support from Coventry Transport Museum, LEVC and many others.”

January 31, 2019 at 12:08AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL moves forward with plans for major new cycle route in West London

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“Improved provisions” for buses highlighted; none for taxis

TfL is moving forward with plans to start construction of a new 7km cycle route later this year, which will transform roads between Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith and Brentford Town Centre - making walking and cycling safer and easier and making the local environment more attractive for residents and visitors so say the transport regulators. A consultation on Cycle Superhighway 9 (CS9) in 2017 received more than 5,000 responses, with nearly 60% of respondents either supporting or strongly supporting the proposals and many saying the scheme would have a positive impact on cycling and walking in the area, as well as improving provision for buses. Wheelchair accessible taxi ranks were not mentioned or deemed as an improved provision despite vehicles moving to zero-emissions and providing the only door-to-door public service in the capital. Recent TfL research has highlighted the economic benefits of walking and cycling to town centres, with infrastructure improvements such as new cycle routes leading to increased retail spending of up to 30%. TfL has now published a report with its responses to issues raised during the consultation on CS9. So what changes await the taxi trade? In response to this feedback, TfL has developed new designs along sections of the route, which address comments raised during the consultation. TfL is inviting people to have their say on new designs in two sections between:

Kew Bridge/ Kew Bridge Road (High Street Brentford to Wellesley Road)Duke Road and Duke's Avenue on Chiswick High Road

At Kew Bridge and throughout Kew Bridge Road, the improved designs would provide two-way segregated cycle lanes on the south side of Kew Bridge Road and South Circular Road, rather than the partially segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the road that were proposed in the earlier consultation designs. This change will ensure that people cycling are fully segregated from traffic throughout this section and it also removes the requirement for two bus stop bypasses on the north side of Kew Bridge Road. The change also addresses concerns raised about cycle safety at Kew Bridge junction, Green Dragon Lane and Lionel Road South. The new consultation will also propose a second southbound traffic lane on Kew Bridge to improve the efficiency of the Kew Bridge junction. In addition, the changes will make crossings wider and easier to use, with cyclists signalled separately from conflicting traffic at the Kew Bridge junction.

January 31, 2019 at 11:08AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man and woman sentenced to nine years each for series of robberies on taxi drivers in Slough

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A man and woman have been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment each for their involvement in four knifepoint robberies in Slough.Fizan Syed, aged 36, of no fixed abode, and Aalia Chaudhary, aged 36, of Minister Way, Langley, Slough, were both sentenced on Friday (25/1) at a hearing at Reading Crown Court.Their sentence was in connection with their conviction by unanimous jury of four counts of robbery following a trial at the same court which concluded on 11 January.Over an 18 month period between November 2015 and May 2017 Syed and Chaudhary were found to have carried out four robberies on taxi drivers in Langley. .The pair would get into the taxis asking the drier to go to Langley.Syed would sat directly behind the drivers, while Chaudhary sat in the other rear passenger seat.She spoke to and engaged the driver in conversation and when they arrived at their destination Syed placed his arm around the neck of the driver and placed a knife to their necks.Chaudhary then searched the taxis, taking items such as money, wallets and other items of value before the pair ran away.Two of the taxi drivers sustained cuts to their faces as a result of the robberies, but have since recovered from their injuries.Following an extensive investigation, officers tracked Chaudhary and Syed to an address in Langley.Chaudhary was arrested on 8 June 2017 and Syed on 9 June 2017. They were both charged on 17 October 2017.Investigating officer Detective Constable Edward Elms, of the Investigation Hub based at Slough police station, said: “Chaudhray and Syed targeted taxi drivers in the late evening and lulled them into a false sense of security and then robbed them at knifepoint.“These were despicable acts on people carrying out a service to the public and I am satisfied that they have both been given a significant sentence.“Thames Valley Police will strive to work to bring offenders to justice in this way, especially for offences such as this which cause a lot of concern and impact to the public.“I want to thank the victims and witnesses who assisted with these investigations and hope this case will encourage others with any information relating to criminality, or witnessing crimes, to come forward so that we can work together to reduce crime and bring offenders to justice.”

January 31, 2019 at 08:16AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The production of the Toyota JPN electric and LPG taxi

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Back in October 2017 Toyota threw their hat in the taxi manufacturing ring. Has it been a success and could it be a taxi for British shores?

Read more here about which cities could benefit should Toyota take the plunge in the UK.

January 30, 2019 at 02:32PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tragic loss to London taxi industry as garage proprietor dies

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Tragedy has struck the London taxi trade with the passing of one of the industry's stalwarts.

Jason Chilmead, owner of J & J taxis in East London, died on the morning of Thursday, January 24, after a short illness.

52 year old Jason had been involved with the taxi trade for many years and was a highly respected member of the industry.

Members of the taxi trade have been paying tribute to Jason.

Farley Freeman of Spectrum Taxis said: "Jason was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him for many years."

He then added: "He always had time for everyone and was prepared to help others with advice and problems with their taxis."

A1 taxis, Howard Kovler said: "Jason was a lovely guy and will be sorely missed."

All of us at TaxiPoint wish to send our condolences to Jason's family and friends.

January 30, 2019 at 01:53PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Police search for con-artists who swindled Private Hire Driver out of his life savings with elaborate jewellery scam

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Greater Manchester Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to after a private hire driver was swindled out of his life savings in what has been described as an “elaborate bogus jewellery con.” The victim was approached while sitting in his vehicle outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel at Manchester Airport and asked if he would be interested in a job driving a church group around during an upcoming trip to the UK. The PHV driver agreed to do the job and met up with the man three days later. At this point the man began to talk about a jewellery offer he may be interested in. Two other men were introduced to the driver; one posing as a potential jewellery seller and the other as a potential buyer.

As part of the offer, the driver was told that he would receive £6,000 if he paid the deposit of £15,000 to release the “precious stones”. The private hire driver agreed to the deal and drove to the Christie Gospital in Whithington at 2pm to meet the conman. The conman had told him that his father was being treated at the facility. The conman then gave the victim some jewellery in exchange for the money and then left. Over an hour passed and the man still hadn’t returned, this is when the private hire driver realised the jewellery he had been given was worthless. The police were then called. Set Sgt Alex Wild of Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Operations Unit said: “This was a complex and unusual con involving three offenders.

“They went to great lengths for this to appear as a legitimate transaction involving valuable jewels. “It’s easy to think that you’d never fall prey to such a scam - but these were organised criminals who went to great lengths to appear bona fide. “They have thought nothing of conning a hardworking man out of his life savings and we believe they may have tried the same trick on others. “This is an in-depth investigation that has involved forensic and covert evidence gathering, some of which can take months to complete. “However, our most valuable source of information is the general public. “If you have any information, please get in touch with police as soon as possible.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police on or Crimestoppers anonymously, on .

(Images:GMP)

January 30, 2019 at 01:17PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi makers LEVC lays off 70 workers just a day after royal visit

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Production workers based in Coventry at the London Electric Vehicle Company were told yesterday to expect 70 job losses. Senior staff notified workers at the Ansty Park site of its plans to reduce the workforce by around a fifth just one day after a royal factory visit from HRH Prince of Wales.

According to The Coventry Telegrapha spokesperson for LEVC said: “2019 will be a challenging year for UK automotive. "To prepare the business we are reducing the number of agency staff and making productivity improvements.

January 30, 2019 at 07:49AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Biggest-ever minicab protest as thousands of drivers are expected to block three London roads

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Hundreds of minicab drivers gathered outside Transport for London's headquarters on Blackfriars Road yesterday, in what was the biggest-ever demonstration of minicab drivers in the UK. The protest called by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain's (IWGB) United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) branch against regressive congestion charges on minicabs to be introduced in April, builds on two previous demonstrations that were attended by hundreds of drivers. The growth of these protests shows the rising anger among minicab drivers that feel ignored by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who refuses to speak to them or address their concerns. After the protest on 28th January the drivers vowed to repeat the protest every Monday. Hundreds of stationary minicabs blocked large parts of the Cut, Union Street and Blackfriars Road. Drivers were joined by Labour councillor Maurice McLeod, who called on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to scrap the congestion charge extension. The policy introduced by the Mayor and TfL amounts to a “tax on the poor” and will see minicab drivers’ take home pay slashed by up to 25%, while doing little to reduce congestion. TfL expects its policy to reduce congestion by only 600 cars per day or just 1% of the private hire traffic that goes through the congestion zone. TfL's own impact analysis showed a disproportionate impact on poor and BAME workers with 71% of TfL licensed minicab drivers hailing from designated deprived areas and 94% identifying as BAME. Black cab drivers, who are 80% white British, continue to be exempt from paying congestion charge. The IWGB proposes an alternative policy to deal with the problem of congestion, including:

A cap on the total number of minicab driver licenses.A licensing cost levy on private hire operators, based on the frequency of private hire vehicles from their fleet appearing in the congestion zone.To reduce the amount of time drivers spend on the road waiting for passengers, TfL should provide dedicated rest spaces for at least 4,000 minicabs.Minimum wage enforcement, which would provide the necessary incentive for operators to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Abdurazak Hadi, chair of the London committee of the IWGB's UPHD branch, said: "The Mayor's new regressive congestion charge will leave minicab drivers like myself, already suffering from Uber's poverty wages, unable to feed our families. London elected the Sadiq Khan on the promise of a fairer city, but instead of targetting the operators like Uber who are really responsible, he is punishing working families. We desperately need the Mayor to listen to us and scrap his ruinous tax on the poor."

January 29, 2019 at 08:37PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Former Private Hire Driver found guilty of fraud as he attempted to obtain a new licence with a number of licensing authorities

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A man who was attempting to obtain a private hire licence has been given a 12-month community order for failing to disclose his licence history during his application for licences with South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire district councils. Ali Hassan, of Burton, failed to inform either licences authorities of a number of previous offences including having a previous PHV licence revoked for falling asleep behind the wheel while driving young people as part of a school ‘taxi’ service. 35-year-old Hassan also failed to disclose six penalty points on his licence which he received for speeding while he was licensed by East Staffordshire council. In addition to speeding and falling asleep behind the wheel, Hassan had also received four penalty points on his licence for crashing his vehicle, causing injuries to three people. Leicester Magistrates Court found Hassan guilty of fraud by false representation and was given a 12-month community order. Evidence against Hassan was presented in court by both South Derbyshire District Council and North West Leicestershire District Council. The court heard that Hassan was only caught giving false representation during his licence application when a former Borough Council worker spotted him submitting documents in support of his licensing application. The Borough Council worker noted that Hassan had failed to disclose his licence history during an attempt to obtain a licence with them. Hassan also failed to disclose that he had his licence revoked twice while licensed with East Staffordshire Borough Council. Along with a 12-month community order which requires him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, he was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85, and, due to his limited means, a contribution towards costs of £500. As reported in the Derby Telegraph, if the community order is breached, he will be brought back to court and could face jail. Councillor Alison Smith, deputy leader and portfolio holder for community services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “This case highlights how seriously we take passenger safety and that we will always scrutinise licensing applications fully to ensure the public are not in danger.”

January 29, 2019 at 01:59PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cabbie wins licence appeal after bomb threat

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A cabbie who posted a Facebook message claiming that his parked vehicle contained a bomb has had the decision to revoke his taxi license overturned.

Barrow Crown Court heard how Gordon Welsh, had parked his car on a piece of land in New Road, Kendal. He then posted a message on Facebook claiming that the vehicle had been packed with 40kg of the explosive amatol along with a mercury switch. The incident took place in Novermber 2017

He then, in an unrelated incident, was convicted and subsequently fined for common assault.

As a result of the conviction, Welsh's license to operate was revoked according to a report by The Westmorland Gazette

The cabbie subsequently launched an appeal against the revocation of his license in August 2018, but his appeal was rejected.

He successfully made a second appeal, with the judge stating that the decision to lift the revocation was marginal.

Justice Gibson took into consideration the fact that Welsh's assault conviction was at the lower end of the scale, and as such was not strictly grounds for the revocation itself.

He also considered the bomb threat to be not a serious or credible threat.

Welsh, a dual license holder, was warned about his future conduct.

South Lakeland District Council made no comment on the outcome, other than to state that it respected the courts decision.

January 29, 2019 at 08:44AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The Toyota JPN Taxi: Changing the Asian landscape, can it change the UK’s?

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Back in October 2017 Toyota threw their hat in the taxi manufacturing ring. Has it been a success and could it be a taxi for British shores?

Toyota claimed at launch that they wanted to make bad cab experiences a thing of the past with a new taxi inspired by the best qualities of Japanese hospitality. The JPN Taxi, launched in 2017 for the Tokyo Motor Show, was designed to be accessible, comfortable and safe for all kinds of passengers, from children to wheelchair users so say it’s manufactures.

Toyota plans to use the new cab to greet and transport visitors to Japan from around the world when Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. It sees the new model as a way of presenting Japan as a more accessible, tourist-oriented country, making its cities, in particular places, where everyone can enjoy barrier-free travel.

The new model is unmistakeably a taxi in appearance, with its tall, classic shape and deep indigo paintwork – the colour koiai that’s long been a symbol of Japan. But clever features make it a modern, user-friendly vehicle, including a low, flat floor, a power sliding rear door and space inside to accommodate a wheelchair. The driver’s field of vision has been maximised through the shape and position of the front pillars and fitting side mirrors towards the further edge of the front wings. Inside, the navigation system and fare meter have been placed so they can be clearly seen by passengers in the rear.

Clever details include LED lights and extenders for the rear seatbelts to make them easier for passengers to find at night; windows with soundproof glass; and a sophisticated climate control system with a built-in air purifier.

The JPN Taxi runs on a Toyota hybrid power system that combines an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) engine and an electric motor, giving cleaner running in city centres with lower CO2 emissions and fuel economy of around 55mpg. It has impressive safety features, including a suite of Toyota Safety Sense active protection features and six cabin airbags.

Toyota has a fine heritage of taxi design and manufacturing, stretching back to its original model, the AA saloon, in 1936. Its cars have earned a reputation for reliable performance over extended mileages, often working in harsh conditions.

The only blot on the JPN taxi has centred around its wheelchair ramp. Approximately 12,000 signatures were submitted to Toyota calling for the redesign of the ramp. Drivers of the vehicle said it took at least 15 minutes to install the ramp. Toyota have since agreed to a new ramp and hope to have them ready by April of this year.

So is this a taxi for the UK? For some cities it’s a yes! In London, with too few seats and no turning circle its hard to imagine the vehicle in the capital though. However, for cities with historically fewer seat spaces, it might just be opinion if Toyota chose to market further than Asia as British authorities look for cleaner taxis in their city.

What’s the cost of the vehicle currently selling in Japan? ¥3,277,000. That’s roughly £23,000 to you and I.

January 29, 2019 at 08:56AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Prince of Wales visits LEVC Ansty Park taxi factory

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Prince Charles took his time speaking to factory operatives, including Production Apprentice Ellie Bowes, here he learned about LEVC’s electric eCity technology which supports the green transformation of the blackcab, & the commitment to the responsible sourcing & recycling of materials in our manufacturing processes.

HRH was pleased to see young people being encouraged to pursue manufacturing as a career option through apprenticeship schemes STEM

The Prince of Wales takes a closer look at a true British icon, the clean green electric black cab – TX eCity.

In the main reception area staff, along with representatives from The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers – the 104th Livery Company of the City of London – watch as HRH unveiled a unique plaque commemorating today’s visit.

HRH was greeted by LEVC CEO Chris Gubbey, Chairman Carl-Peter Forster & Master of The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Phil Davis. After learning about the new vehicle, company & vision, Prince Charles embarked upon a tour around the new EV factory which champions British manufacturing & engineering.

(Credit: LEVC Facebook)

January 29, 2019 at 07:53AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT