London's New Years Eve fireworks display: Expected road closures

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With New Years Eve fireworks celebrations expected to take place from 9pm onwards, vehicle access to certain areas of London will be severely curtailed.

Restrictions will begin from early afternoon on New Years Eve until around 6:00am on New Year's Day. These restrictions will afferlct both vehicle and foot traffic.

Roads will be closed between Oxford Street in the north to Lambeth Bridge in the south, and Blackfriars Bridge in the east to Vauxhall Bridge in the west. Some roads in central London will stay closed for the London New Year’s Day Parade.

A vehicle and pedestrian road closures map is available to guide you around the restrictions.

December 16, 2018 at 03:58AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Four in 10 know someone who has driven over the limit

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With the Christmas party season in full swing new RAC research has found nearly four in 10 people have friends who they believe have driven while being over the drink-drive limit.

While two-thirds of the 1,865 motorists questioned for the survey timed to coincide with the launch of the Government’s THINK! Christmas drink-drive campaign believe there is more pressure in general to drink alcohol in the month of December and during the festive period, a shocking 28% were unprepared to try to talk a friend who they thought might be over the limit out of driving. A hard-line 9%, however, say they would warn a friend not to drive otherwise they would call the police. Four in 10 would try to persuade their friend who had been drinking to take alternative transport home, and even arrange and pay for a taxi. Only 38% of those questioned claimed to have a zero-alcohol policy when driving to a social function. Just over a quarter say they will have one small alcoholic drink, such as half a pint, shandy, small wine, small spirit mixed, followed by non-alcoholic drinks and then drive home. One in 10 could be risking being over the limit by having one large alcoholic drink, such as a pint of beer or lager, large wine or a large spirit mixed, and then non-alcoholic drinks and drive home. Two per cent say they will have two alcoholic drinks and drive home. Looking at Christmas Day itself a fifth of those who took part in the research say they will be driving after celebrating with family or friends and, asked separately, 23% will drink alcohol before driving. Data compiled for this year’s RAC annual Report on Motoring shows there is growing concern about those who drive under the influence of alcohol, the issue having risen from eighth to fifth in a list of 20 major driving concerns, with 27% of drivers identifying it is as a major concern. Eight in 10 motorists of the 1,808 motorists surveyed say they do not think they have driven under the influence of alcohol over the past 12 months. But worryingly, there has been a statistically significant increase in the proportion of drivers who admit in the past 12 months that they have driven shortly after drinking when they think or know they were over the legal limit, rising from 8% to 12%. Looking at the ‘morning after’ drink-driving issue, 2% say they know they have broken the law in this way, while 8% believe they may have done so. The figures also show motorists aged between 25 and 44 are more likely to admit to driving when they think or know they were over the legal limit shortly after drinking than those in other age groups, while those who live in London or in other cities also have a greater propensity to drink-drive.

RAC road safety spokesperson Pete Williams said: “Drink-driving, whether someone is just over the limit or several times above it, is unacceptable – it ruins lives. So it’s shocking to see in our research that so many people know drivers who have got behind the wheel when they’re over the limit.

“It’s also sad that a sizeable proportion of those surveyed are unwilling to try to persuade a friend who’s too drunk to drive, not to. But, on the other hand it’s positive that 43% would sort out a cab for a friend instead of letting them drive. “The findings of our long-term research for the Report on Motoring around drivers aged 25-44 being more likely to say they had driven while over the limit were significant, and in some cases surprising given that younger drivers under 25 are often seen as more likely to drink and drive. It is also surprising Londoners are more prone to this as city dwellers generally have better public transport alternatives to the car compared to those living in rural areas. “We urge everyone to think twice about driving to a social function and then drinking. The best advice is not to drink at all or to arrange other transport so you can enjoy yourself without the fear and consequences of breaking the law. And, for those that have been out drinking it is also essential they ensure they are safe to drive the next day as just going to sleep for a few hours doesn’t necessarily make you legally safe to drive.”

December 16, 2018 at 01:15PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxify say rebrand will “avoid any confusion with traditional taxi services”

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Uber’s biggest European competitors Taxify has confirmed that its rebranded UK name, now called Hopp, is part of a strategy to win back its London operators licence it once held for just four controversial days.

The minicab firm is hoping the name change, dropping the word “Taxi” from its name, will help them meet the requirements set in the capital. A Taxify spokesperson told Business Insider: “...we’ve applied for a licence with the intention of trading under a different brand in the UK to avoid any confusion with traditional taxi services.” Taxify originally launched its service in September 2017, but was forced to shut down just four days later as details of its licence emerged. The European company took the unusual steps of buying a small local minicab firm, instead of applying for a licence themselves. In December 2017 Taxify were fined £250 plus £10,000 legal fees for trying to enter the London market via the backdoor. Taxify admitted to a “major error of judgment” and has since employed former Gett Chief Marketing Officer Rich Pleeth to help win approval from regulators Transport for London for a new licence. TaxiPoint originally reported the change of name on 4th December 2018 which has always been perceived to be one of stumbling blocks facing the company’s launch in the UK. 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.

December 16, 2018 at 08:47AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hero Cabbie thwarts suicide attempt

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A taxi driver has been hailed a hero after saving a man from committing suicide.

25 year old AJ Singh, from Altrincham, spotted the man on the wrong side of a barrier on a bridge and immediately pulled his cab over to help the man. The incident took place on the A666 near Bolton, with The Manchester Evening Newsreporting that AJ spoke to the man for around an hour in an attempt to get him to come down off of the bridge.

Several other members of the public then joined AJ to try and assist, with one of them contacting the emergency services.

Despite fears that he may jump, he was eventually coaxed off of the bridge and pulled to safety.

Police praised the actions of AJ as well as the other members of the public who jad assisted.

A 30 year old man was subsequently taken to hospital where he underwent an assessment by mental health workers.

December 16, 2018 at 04:00AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Two arsonists who destroyed a taxi in Hythe are jailed

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The life of a taxi driver was put at risk when two men set fire to his car on a petrol station forecourt in Hythe. As a result, the men responsible have been jailed for more than five years each.

The driver collected Warren Hearne (left) and Danny Frost from Romney Marsh on Friday 15 December 2017 following their night out in the local area.

The pair got into the taxi and asked the man to stop at a nearby petrol station so they could buy some beer. The driver pulled into the garage in Seabrook Road, Hythe at around 11pm as requested but neither of his passengers went inside for beer.

Instead Hearne, 36, opened the back door of the taxi and started acting suspiciously. The incident was captured on CCTV, which showed Hearne loitering outside the taxi before stumbling into a petrol pump. He then took the pump and pointed it into the back seat of the car. A small amount of petrol was poured onto the seats before the driver realised what was happening and got out of the car. Moments later the seat was alight and both Hearne and his accomplice Frost, 27 ran away. The taxi went up in flames as the driver grabbed his belongings and fled to safety. Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene where the forecourt and road was closed whilst the fire was put out. The matter was also reported to Kent Police.

Hearne from Dymchurch Road in Hythe and Frost from Hever Gardens in Ashford were identified from the CCTV footage and arrested soon after the incident.

They both pleaded guilty to arson that was reckless and were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 14 December 2018. Herne received six years and four months in prison. Frost was sentenced to five years and seven months.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kay Brown said: “This was an extremely dangerous thing to do, which could have caused significant harm to anyone nearby at the time. Luckily the driver escaped the incident without injury but his vehicle, which is his livelihood, was destroyed in the fire. “There is no excuse for what they did and thankfully they will serve time in prison for this unprovoked and reckless attack on an innocent man. I hope this sentence will give them time to consider the consequences of their actions and make better choices in the future.”

December 15, 2018 at 02:40PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

ITV2's Judge Rinder sides with £600 fare dodger who refused to pay an IOU

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A taxi driver took a friend of his to court over an “unpaid” fare, and it was TV Judge Rinder who decided on the case during the hit show aired on ITV2 this gone Thursday. 32-year-old Liam Halewood of North Shore, who works as an entertainer, avoided having to pay a £600 taxi bill that he owed to his friend Anthony Thomas who drove him to a gig at former boxing manager Kellie Maloney’s home. Liam told the judge that his pal Anthony drove him to the gig as a favour, but a signed IOU presented to judge Rinder showed that he had agreed to pay for the fare at some point. Judge Rinder sided with the fare dodger Liam on a technicality. Rather than taking Liam to court for the IOU of £600, Anthony instead took him to court to claim £256.49 in fuel costs and lost income. It was concluded that there was no enforceable contract to award the decision in favour of the taxi driver. If he had attempted to claim back the IOU then the outcome may of been a lot different. The men have said that they remain friends, but I wonder if Anthony will put himself forward to drive Liam to any more gigs any time soon. Pre-payment in future I’d say.

December 15, 2018 at 02:23PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Life Expectancy Data Says There Is No Air Pollution Health Crisis

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There have been many scare stories published about how air pollution in London and other major cities is shortening lives. London Mayor Sadiq Khan certainly believes there is a major public health crisis that he needs to tackle by aggressive measures against vehicle owners. But data published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) simply contradicts these claims.

If such claims were true, one would expect to see shorter life spans for people living in those parts of the country where air pollution was known to be bad. For example some of the central London boroughs such as Camden, Westminster and Kensington & Fulham. But in fact the opposite is true. Residents of those boroughs have longer life expectancies than most of the rest of London, or the rest of the country. The Daily Mail has published an article that covers this subject in depth and even suggests that rather than retiring to the country, you can live longer if you move to central London. Women born in the London Borough of Camden have the highest life expectancy overall at 86.5 years, with Kensington & Chelsea at 86.2 years. That's longer than women who live in the outer London borough of Bromley at 85.3 years. Males live somewhat shorter lives but there is a similar advantage to living in the more polluted boroughs. London as a whole has a life expectancy of 84.3 years for women and 80.5 years for men and expectancy has been rising until very recently according to a Office of National Statistics report. That compares with 84.0 years and 80.6 years for the wider south-east of the country. Both London and the wider south-east are much better than all other UK regions apart from the south-west. For example, in the north-east the figures are only 81.6 years for women and 77.9 years for men, perhaps negatively affected by working in former heavy industries in that region. The Daily Mail article contains a useful interactive map so you can see what the figures are for where you live. Now there are clearly other influences at work on life expectancy such as the quality of local healthcare and the wealth of the local population (wealthier people are known to live longer) but this data demonstrates that air pollution has no measurable impact on life expectancy at current levels even in the most polluted London boroughs. If it did one would expect to see this revealed in the data recently published by the ONS. London Mayor Sadiq Khan's Ultra Low Emission Zone is more about raising taxes on long-suffering vehicle owners than improving the life expectancy of the population.

December 15, 2018 at 01:57PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Roger Lawson - ABD THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New UK ride-hailing app Ola issues warning to female passengers in it's Terms and Conditions which went unchallenged by licensing authorities

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The latest UK addition to the ride-hailing market, Ola, has used it’s terms and conditions to issue a advise to women who wish to use their service to book a ride. The Indian app giants advised UK women “to use their own prudence in offering or accepting a ride” which has been described as “disturbing” by the chair of the work and Pensions Select Committee, Sky News first reported. Women have also been advised “to share the ride details with family, friends and relatives.” Approached for comment by Sky News, Ola has said the warning was put on the UK website by mistake and only applies to a specific car-pooling service they offer only in India. The fact that it was included in the UK terms and Conditions list, whether intentionally or not, has raised major concerns surrounding the licensing processing of such apps. During the vetting process for such apps to be licensed, authorities have a duty of care to assess all aspects of a business model, which should include the Terms and Conditions, before signing off on a new service. Both Cardiff City Council and Bristol Council said they didn’t check the them before granting a licence to Ola. Cardiff City Council and Bristol City Council both granted a five-year licence. Veteran MP Frank Field has now called for a reform of the licensing system for ride-hailing apps and has said that such Terms and Conditions which highlight a risk to vulnerable women should be at least raising “eyebrows” of those in power of handing out operators licenses. He called the findings “really, really disturbing” and now wants a “swift response from the government.”

December 14, 2018 at 04:25PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New Taxicard contract drives improvements to London’s largest assisted transport schemes

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Londoners who are unable or find it difficult to use mainstream public transport are set to benefit from new improvements to the Taxicard and the Taxi and Private Hire element of Dial-a-Ride services, London Councils and Transport for London announced today.From 1 January 2019, Taxicard members will enjoy a maximum fare guarantee, the ability to choose door-to-door or kerb-to-kerb assistance, and several other developments designed to improve customers’ experience.The changes come as part of a new framework contract covering Taxi and Private Hire vehicle supply, which was awarded by London Councils and TfL to CityFleet Networks Ltd.Taxicard and Dial-a-Ride are two of London’s most widely-used assisted transport services, supporting people with disabilities who are unable or find it difficult to access mainstream public transport for all or part of their journeys. Together the two schemes have almost 100,000 members.Taxicard is managed by London Councils on behalf of the 32 London boroughs and the City of London and is funded jointly by the boroughs and TfL. Dial-a-Ride is operated and funded by TfL.Over the coming year, customers will also benefit from:

improved driver training requirements for all taxi and private hire drivers undertaking journeys for either Taxicard or Dial-a-Ride;the quality assurance provided by a register of approved drivers who have completed the required training;improved customer service for members with queries or complaints;better co-ordination of the feedback on drivers gathered through Taxicard and Dial-a-Ride customers and TfL Taxi and Private Hire regulatory functions to ensure that driver conduct issues are addressed appropriately.

Cllr Julian Bell, chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “Assisted transport schemes provide crucial support for Londoners with limited mobility, and London boroughs want to make sure their residents are receiving the best possible service. “After listening to the views and priorities of customers, we’ve worked with TfL to drive forward important improvements to Taxicard and Dial-a-Ride. The new contract means these services will become even more convenient for users and meet higher quality standards.”Clare Mann, TfL’s Director of Bus Operations, said: “We are committed to ensuring London is open for all, and improving the flexibility and choice available to Londoners who find it very difficult or are unable to use mainstream public transport. This new contract helps us towards our vision of a truly accessible city for all Londoners.“The introduction of a fixed maximum fare per mile, known in advance, will end the cost uncertainty that makes it difficult for many Taxicard members to use the service, while both Taxicard and Dial-a-Ride users will experience a real enhancement to their journeys with improved customer assistance and driver quality.”London Councils and TfL will work together to manage ongoing performance under the new framework contract – with a focus on improved reliability and punctuality of journeys and the standard of service provided to wheelchair and assistance dog users.New customer and stakeholder engagement forums will also be established to enable individuals and organisations representing people with disabilities to engage in regular dialogue with London Councils, TfL, and CityFleet. This will help ensure a high-quality service is maintained and identify opportunities to make further improvements in future.

December 14, 2018 at 03:21PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Northumbria Police hunt taxi driver attacker

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Northumbria Police have launched an appeal after a taxi driver was attacked.

The incident, which took place at around 3am on October 28, occured in Manor Road, Sulgrave, Washington.

The attacker then fled, leaving the taxi driver shaken, but unhurt.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Enquiries are ongoing to locate those responsible, and police investigating the case have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with their enquiries. He was known to have been in the area at the time and could assist officers with the investigation."

"The man, or anyone who knows him, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 259 281018 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

December 14, 2018 at 03:35AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Strasbourg killer who escaped after hijacking taxi is shot dead

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The suspect at the centre of the Strasbourg christmas market has been shot dead by French Police.

29 year old, Cherif Chekatt, who killed 3 people and injured 13, last Tuesday, was killed after a shoot-out with officers at around 9pm on Thursday.

Chekatt, who had 27 convictions in France, Germany and Switzerland, was one of 25,000 people who have been deemed as a security risk in France.

French Police are treating the Strasbourg attack as a terrorist incident, which left a 45 year old Thai tourist and a 52 year old local man, along with an unnamed 3rd person dead.

The attacker, despite being shot in the arm by police after the attack, had made his escape after hijacking a taxi.

Chekatt then allegedly boasted about the attack, before forcing the cabbie to drop him in another part of Strasbourg.

Three people who were injured in the attack have been released from hospital, whilst three other people are still fighting for their lives.

December 14, 2018 at 01:26PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Splashing pedestrians with a puddle could see you hit with a £5,000 fine

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A few years ago I found myself navigating the streets of Greenwich during a blistering rainstorm, when I suddenly heard a man shouting at the top of his voice; “Oi. Oi”. There I was cruising down a bus lane, eyes desperately focusing on the road ahead thinking someone’s not happy with someone - just another Friday night in London. As I stopped at a set of traffic lights, the sound of this angry man became louder and obviously closer, but this time they were accompanied by hard sole shoes slapping the pavement. I remember looking around the taxi trying to see what the commotion outside was, but due to the torrential rain, visibility was restricted. The lights turned green, which is when I heard they final call of “you f***ing p***k” ring out from very close to my taxi. This is when my passenger decided it was a good time to inform me that I had absolutely soaked this poor guy, who was dressed to the nines, when I drove through a large puddle. I was literally seconds away from receiving an ass-whopping from a soaking wet man in a tuxedo for something I had no idea I did — and things could’ve got a whole lost worse if the police had intervened. Under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is an offence to drive ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons’, and this does indeed include any instance of ‘driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed’. If the authorities deem you to of driven through a puddle knowing that pedestrians could get splashed, you could receive a fine of up to £5,000. The fine can be issued for instances where driving ‘amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness’. In most cases you are most likely to be handed a fixed penalty notice of £100 along with three penalty points, which is bad enough. Drivers are advised to either wait for pedestrians to pass if there is a puddle which is likely to cause a big enough splash to wet them, or for the driver to advance very slowly through the puddle to avoid splashing. So next time you see yourself heading straight for a huge puddle, have a quick glance to make sure there’s no chance of splashing any pedestrians, especially those wearing a nice whistle and flute waiting for a bus to go to their Christmas party.

December 14, 2018 at 10:43AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Regulator spreads Christmas spirit by donating lost toys found in taxis, trains and buses

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For the twelfth year running, Transport for London's (TfL) Lost Property Office has sparked a little festive joy by donating hundreds of toys and games for children as part of The Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal.

The Salvation Army Hoxton Community and Wellbeing Centre will work with local care services, school family support teams and London-based families who are known to be in need this Christmas time to ensure that many disadvantaged children will have a gift to unwrap and enjoy this Christmas when they might not otherwise receive any presents. Paul Cowan, Manager of the Lost Property Office, said: "Each year, we are left with thousands of unclaimed items, including toys and games, which have been found across the TfL network. Many of these are new and unused and Christmas provides us with the perfect opportunity to find them a new home, where they will bring joy to families from all backgrounds who might not otherwise receive anything. We are very proud to have supported The Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal for 12 years."

Major Sally Spry, Commanding Officer and Centre Manager at the Salvation Army Hoxton Community and Wellbeing Centre, said: "The Salvation Army provides a range of community based services across the UK, throughout the year. At Christmas time, The Salvation Army provides many toys and parcels to those families and children who would otherwise go without. Across London our churches and centres work with local councils and care providers to ensure that the toys get to where they are most needed. This is made possible through the generosity of the general public and with the partnerships that we have with larger providers, including Transport for London. The Salvation Army is very grateful for the support they offer each year." Over the past year, more than 340,000 items of Lost Property have been found on TfL's services with more than a fifth (22 per cent) reunited with their owners. The Lost Property Office keeps all items for three months and tries to reunite them with their owners through contact information found on the property or through matching an item to a customer enquiry about a lost item. After three months, any unclaimed items have any personal data removed and securely destroyed before they are either donated to charities including The Salvation Army, The British Red Cross and Scope, or recycled, sold or disposed of. Any revenue generated from unclaimed items contributes towards the cost of running the Lost Property Office. Customers are reminded to take extra care of their belongings when using London's transport network and are encouraged to report any suspicious items or behaviour to a member of staff or a police officer.

December 14, 2018 at 10:38AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

University issue safety warning to students after man posing as Fake Taxi Porn series seen driving around

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Coventry University have issued a warning to all students to stay away from a man who has been spotted parked up in a vehicle which has advertisements for porn site “Fake Taxi” plastered all over it. The vehicle has been spotted on a number of occasions around Coventry and according to a report in The Coventry Tab, West Midlands Police have confirmed that they have spoken to the driver of the vehicle. Fake Taxi is an online porn channel where passengers who are unable to pay for a taxi fare with money, offer up sex acts instead. It is of course; all an act. The man was asked if he was offering girls money to star in a “Fake Taxi” scene but he told the Coventry Tab that he would not pay for a girl to star in a scene. He also denied being part of any official “Fake Taxi” company. The vehicle is a silver Vauxhall Astra (registration DY59 MFX), and has yellow “Fake Taxi” stickers on the side doors and claims to be sponsored by condom maker Durex. Coventry University has urged students to stay clear of the man and the vehicle. West Midlands Police have said that they are aware of the man driving in this vehicle but as of now, no offence has been committed.

December 13, 2018 at 11:11PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Construction of major new cycle route in south-east London set to begin in 2019

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Transport for London (TfL) has today revealed plans for further improvements to make cycling accessible to all Londoners, announcing that it intends to start work, subject to final approvals, on a major new segregated cycle route in south east London next summer. The new high-quality cycle route will significantly reduce danger to vulnerable road users and also improve pedestrian facilities and public spaces between Tower Bridge and Greenwich. It forms part of the Mayor and TfL's Vision Zero commitment to eliminate all death and serious injury from London's roads by 2041. Construction of the route, which includes 4km of segregated cycle track, should begin next summer. More than 3,000 people responded to the consultation, with 83 per cent in favour. Many respondents suggested that it would make cycling safer and more appealing and help to reduce air and noise pollution along the route. The route will see a new, two-way segregated cycle track on Tooley Street, Jamaica Road, Evelyn Street and Creek Road, five new pedestrian crossings and upgrades to more than 20 existing pedestrian crossings. The project will also see a complete overhaul of Rotherhithe roundabout, tackling another junction on TfL's Safer Junctions list, which includes those with some of the worst safety records in the capital. In response to feedback, TfL has developed new designs in several areas of the route, which address comments raised during the consultation and will ensure that people walking and cycling are protected from other traffic. This includes proposed changes in traffic movements at the junction of Southwark Park Road and Jamaica Road, where TfL will be carrying out a further consultation early next year to give residents the opportunity to have their say. TfL will also carry out a joint consultation with Southwark Council on detailed proposals for the Lower Road section of CS4 in spring 2019. Subject to the outcome of this consultation, construction could start on the Lower Road section in 2020. The route will be a major addition to London's growing cycling network, which is helping to sustain a boom in the numbers of people choosing to get around the capital by bike. TfL is committed to delivering high quality cycle routes across London and is also working with Greenwich Council on a new cycle route between Greenwich and Woolwich and this is included in TfL's Business Plan. Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: `I am really pleased that the construction of Cycle Superhighway 4 will get underway in the summer. The overwhelming support during the public consultation shows there is great demand for a safe segregated route, which will help enable more people to cycle. Pedestrians will also benefit from new and improved crossings, enabling more people to leave their cars at home and leading to reduced congestion and cleaner air, which will benefit the whole community.'

December 14, 2018 at 07:25AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Transport for London THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Londoners encouraged to get home safely during the festive period by TfL

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As the festive party season approaches, Transport for London (TfL) is stepping up its Safer Travel at Night (STaN) activity, reminding people of the dangers of unbooked minicabs and providing advice on how to safely get a taxi (black cab) or booked minicab home. Working alongside the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and City of London Police (CoLP), TfL’s Taxi and Private Hire Compliance team – which has recently been given new powers to combat illegal taxi and private hire activity – will be increasing their enforcement activity to deal with unbooked minicabs and other illegal activity by targeting priority locations across the capital. Officers will also be engaging with revellers to remind them of the rules for booking a private hire vehicle or hailing a black taxi and to encourage people to report any incidents to TfL and the police. Booking a minicab means that there is a record of the journey, the driver and vehicle used, so in the event of any problems the driver can be traced.Advice for using a black cab: - Black cabs (taxis) are different to minicabs, they can be approached on the street or at taxi ranks - Black cabs do not need to be pre-booked, but can be via app, phone or online

Advice for using a minicab: - Book your minicab journey through a licensed minicab operator, via a booking app, phone, email or at a minicab office - When booking a minicab, you should receive confirmation highlighting the driver and vehicle details as well as the driver’s photo - Private hire operators will have a record of the journey, the driver and the vehicle used so that, in the event of any problems, the driver can be traced

As well as reminding the public of how they can stay safe, TfL officers will be speaking directly to minicab operators, reminding them of their responsibilities towards passenger safety.

Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance and Policing at TfL, said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves and celebrate during the festive season, but also we want everyone to get home safely. Working alongside the police, our TfL enforcement teams will be out in numbers over the next few weeks to tackle illegal minicabs, and check that licensed drivers and vehicles meet our standards. Our message is that if you use a minicab, make sure it’s booked with a licensed operator and check before getting in. Booking a minicab means that there is a record of the journey, the driver and vehicle used, so in the event of any problems the driver can be traced.” Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, from the MPS, said: “The Roads and Transport Policing Command is committed to making travelling around London safer for everyone. We work with TfL, using overt and covert tactics to target illegal cab activity. Our officers will be engaging with the general public, minicab operators, drivers, licensed premises and further education establishments around how to keep safe whilst enjoying the festivities and London nightlife.” “My advice is make sure you plan your journey home before you go out, whether by Tube, bus, black cab or minicab. Know the difference between a black cab and a minicab. You can only flag down black cabs, if you flag down a minicab you will not be insured. Both black cab and minicab drivers must have their ID showing their photograph and licence details visible. Look for the official licence plates and numbers on vehicles and ask to see the driver’s badge if it is not visible. Remember if in doubt don’t get in.” “If you witness or are the victim of a crime, report it to the police. Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if the crime is in progress. Call 101 to contact the police if the crime is not an emergency. You can also use the online crime reporting tool.” Inspector Paul Doyle, from the City of London Police said: “Christmas is a busy time for everyone. Events in the nearby area or bad weather can sometimes affect your route home or perhaps you’ve gone for an impromptu drink after work with colleagues and can’t drive or cycle home as intended. “If you find yourself needing to get a taxi, make sure you get a black cab or pre-book a private hire car through a licensed minicab operator you’ve used before and trust. Always check that the minicab you ordered is the one you get into. If you have any problems with the driver of a black cab or minicab driver, report it to police.”

December 13, 2018 at 11:19AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Jacob Rees-Mogg highlights “brilliant point” made by London cabbie on Brexit

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2C9k9hm

Conservative MP and staunch Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg revealed on radio that a recent discussion with a London black cab driver highlighted a “brilliant point” on where his priorities should lie in relation to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Rees-Mogg speaking on TalkRadio said: “I was in a taxi yesterday. The taxi driver said to me, which I thought was a brilliant point, that when he voted he didn’t vote for a deal or no deal. He voted to Leave. And that is what he expects to happen, and I think that’s the view of the majority of the British people.”

The MP has come under serious criticism following the failed attempt to remove the current Prime Minister Theresa May via a vote of no confidence.

December 12, 2018 at 11:33PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT