Fuel prices drop again in December but remain too high

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Pump prices fell for the second consecutive month in December, but not by the level they should have done considering the sharp drop in the price of oil, data from RAC Fuel Watch shows. The average price of unleaded went down 2.75p from 123.67p to 120.92p and diesel reduced by 3.08p from 133.09p to 130.01p. Oil, however, crashed 14.5% from $60.31 at the start of the month to $51.52 on 27 December which should have meant prices at the pump were considerably lower.RAC Fuel Watch data shows the price of unleaded should come down in the next fortnight by more than 8p a litre to 113p a litre and diesel by 10p a litre to 120p if retailers passed on savings in the lower wholesale price. This would see the supermarkets charging around 110p a litre for petrol and 117p for diesel. At the end of December it cost on average £66.51 to fill up a 55-litre family car with unleaded – £1.51 less than November – and £71.51 for the equivalent diesel vehicle, and a saving of £1.69 on the previous month.

A litre of unleaded cost an average of 117.23p at the four biggest supermarkets, and diesel 126.76p. The average price at an Asda forecourt, however, was 114.7p a litre for petrol and 125.53p for diesel. At motorway service areas petrol was sold for an average of 138.48p and diesel for 148.14p.

But despite the overall picture showing a reduction in the cost of fuel in December, the RAC fears fuel retailing among the big four supermarkets may have changed forever – to the detriment of every driver – as only Asda is close to reflecting the lower wholesale prices at the pumps. Since mid-October the other supermarket fuel retailers have chosen not to compete as closely on the price of unleaded as they usually do – they are currently charging up to 4p a litre more for unleaded than Asda. As a result drivers across the UK have lost out as the average price of petrol should have dropped by that amount through the ripple effect caused by independents trying to match their closest supermarket rivals’ prices. RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “While it’s good news fuel prices have fallen for the second month in a row, drivers should feel cheated they have not come down further. The problem is twofold: firstly, there should be a cut in the price of petrol to properly reflect lower wholesale prices and secondly, three of our biggest supermarkets appear no longer to be competing on the price of unleaded, in particular, as closely with the lowest price supermarket retailer, Asda. “Normally, the other three supermarkets are 1p to 1.5p more expensive on unleaded, but our data shows that since October they have abandoned this strategy in favour of pricing 2.5p to 4p higher for a litre of petrol. The decision by all supermarkets to take more profit on a litre has led to every driver having to pay more to fill up than they should have to. This is because the UK average is negatively affected as other retailers are not being forced through competition to lower their prices. “This is a highly unusual situation, the likes of which we haven’t seen before. If this new pricing behaviour continues into 2019 this could spell a bleaker year for drivers at the pumps no matter what happens to the price of wholesale fuel. Drivers could be paying around 3p a litre more for their fuel simply because of a retail pricing decision at three supermarkets which together sell a high volume of fuel. This is important as supermarkets only operate 18% of the UK’s 8,422 forecourts but sell around 45% of all the fuel. “Of course, it should also be the case that smaller retailers ought to be moving their prices down on their own without having to be forced to do so by nearby supermarkets. We commend those smaller retailers that proactively do this. “Unfortunately, unless you live near the cheapest supermarket fuel retailer or an independent retailer that is very price-competitive, the amount you pay for your petrol and diesel is likely to be far higher than it should be. “It is important to point out that every fuel retailer is at liberty to charge what they want for their petrol or diesel so aside from the Government taking the unlikely step of capping retailer margins there is little that can be done to change this. Sadly, it means motorists are completely at the mercy of retailers because just one major supermarket passing on savings in the wholesale price isn’t enough to change prices across the majority of UK forecourts. “Fortunately, despite the weakness of the pound against the dollar drivers are enjoying a cheaper time at the pumps than they were in the middle of 2018. This is due to the price of oil falling substantially due a glut in supply caused by a global economic slow-down. Even though oil producers group OPEC has agreed to limit supply there is still too much oil in circulation which has led to the price of barrel coming down.”

January 06, 2019 at 09:26AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Is taxi and private hire driver safety being compromised by a lack of action from the authorities?

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When safety is spoken of within the taxi and private hire industry the focus is primarily placed upon the customer and their well-being.

There is however a glaring commission from both regulatory bodies, as well as the government where driver safety is concerned. In recent weeks we have seen drivers from both the taxi industry and the private hire sector become victims of attack from either customers or gamgs of individuals. These are not isolated incidents, yet the police seem powerless to deal with what is becoming a major problem.

In one of the latest incidents, yet another taxi driver, a female, was attacked in the Lisson Grove area of London. Despite the attack taking place on December 24, the case was closed by police just four days later, with the victim receiving what can only be perceived to be the usual standard letter in a failed attempt to placate the her. It was however noted at the bottom of the letter a sentence saying "To help us improve, you may be contacted by us, the Mayors Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) or a conpany they appont to ask questions about the service you have received."

Now let that last sentence sink in for a brief moment.....On one had the case jas allegedly been investigated, and subsequently closed after four days, one of those days being Christmas Day, and in the same letter a question is being asked about the quality of the service.

Unless IQs have dropped sharply, one would suspect that the answer is glaringly obvious, this however, is not an isolated case, this seems to be happening with more and more regularity. Attacks on both taxi and PHV drivers are nothing new, but there is, on the surface at least, a major explosion in incidents surrounding both industries, some of them extremely serious. Let's be clear, the police cannot be blamed for how these crimes are dealt with, successive governments have wielded the knife so severely toward the thin blue line that Jack the Ripper is sitting up in his grave watching in grim admiration. As a result, the police just do not have the resources to deal with this problem. Unfortunately, what is seeming to be the norm is government sitting on its clammy hands, doing marginally less than nothing to combat the situation. So what should be done? Taxi and PHV driving is a singular industry, you are completely alone at the mercy of any given individual, you are vulnerable, with no protection. This being the case ALL vehicles which are used as taxis or private hire vehicles MUST be fitted with both internal AND external cameras as a condition of fitness. This should not fall at the drivers door where cost is concerned, there should be a ring-fencing of funds from within license payments to facilitate their purchase and installation. All crimes involving taxi or private hire should also fall under the auspices of the British Transport Police, as well as respective local police services, with a phone app linking the driver directly to the police, in the same way that the bus network has this facility. Finally sentences should be punitive, with a mandatory minimum 24 month prison sentence placed anybody who attacks a driver within the public or private transport industry. One of the reasons why the public attack lone drivers is because they know that they are highly likely to get away with it, and therefore there are are no consequences to their actions. One of the worrying aspects regarding driver safety is the fact that looking across social media, drivers are now threatening to take the law into their own hands because of the lack of support from the police and the government, and quite frankly they cannot be blamed for thinking this way, although obviously it cannot be condoned. Both the taxi and private hire industry have had statistics thrown at them like confetti by respective police service representatives, stating that there are only a certain number of attacks reported so therefore the problem cannot be as bad as os claimed. What these representatives are failing to appreciate is the fact that drivers aren't reporting the attacks because in the past and present they aren't treated as a problem, taken seriously, and in some cases not investigated at all, so they are rightly asking what the point is of reporting the crime if nothing is going to be done. Faith has been lost by both industries in the police service because of their lack understanding of the problems faced by drivers. There really does now need to be affirmative action taken, iron in the words spoken by government and local autgorities, as well as the police, instead of weak, feeble and lame excuses, which are ultimately meaningless and could potentially put honest, hard-working drivers lives at risk.

January 05, 2019 at 09:19AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pedestrians, cyclists and buses should take precedent over cars says health organisation

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Those on two feet or two wheels should be given priority when new roads are built or old ones upgraded, says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). According to NICE the aim of planners should be to create an environment in which “to get people to be more active in their day-to-day lives by encouraging safe, convenient active travel”. The organisation also wants priority given to public transport. NICE says encouraging people to be more active is essential to help tackle looming health problems such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that one in six UK deaths is related to physical inactivity (the same proportion as smoking). Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “New road building is rare and where it does take place it is usually associated with housing estates. “It’s all very well making provision for walking and cycling in these developments but if the shops, schools and doctors’ surgeries that people need to get to are still miles away then for many the car will remain the most practical method of travel.” Last October Transport for New Homes made similar warnings after analysing twenty new housing developments and noting a general lack of facilities.

January 05, 2019 at 12:35AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Derby taxi taken off of road due to serious defects

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A Derby registered taxi has been removed from the road, along with a number of others, after it was feared that the door may fly off.

The Derby Telegraph reported that tge police had stopped the vehicle and found it to be in a very poor state of repair.

Among the issues that were highlighted was the fact that one of the doors had a faulty catch, which made it highly likely that the door could fly open. Another issue that dogged the vehicle was that there was a leak from the fuel filter.

Another vehicle was found to have a damaged brake pipe which was on the verge of causing brake failure, whilst a third vehicle was found with badly damaged rear tyres.

Police had stopped eleven taxis yesterday, finding fault with three of them.

The vehicle with the faulty door and fuel leak was issued with an immediate prohibition order and had its plate suspended.

January 05, 2019 at 08:29AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Camden Council to restrict taxi access on Tottenham Court Road sparking imminent demonstrations

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Tottenham Court Road will see new restricted access for cars, lorries and taxis at peak times from March 2019. The busy one-way street will be converted 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 much to the dismay of motorists. 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. Last month Mayor Sadiq Khan said the 6,725 people injured in 12 months by outsourced London bus operators was “chilling”. Every day two people are killed or seriously injured by a London bus. Despite these figures the six bus routes that use Tottenham Court Road will benefit from improved timetabling, allowing up to 114 buses an hour to use the street during peak times. Cabbies who use Tottenham Court Road will face a £130 fine if they pass through the restrictions. Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licenced Taxi Drivers’ Association, said “The major arteries of London are just that, they are the main method of London’s lifeblood moving around.” Camden Council’s Adam Harrison disagreed by saying “not having taxis in the daytime will lead to 25 percent less traffic, with all the benefits for air quality and congestion that go along with it”. The move to ban taxis has quickly sparked action amongst cabbies with demos planned to start 21st January and then each day after until access is assured.

January 04, 2019 at 08:01PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber passenger charged a £25 cleaning fee for dropping one chip in vehicle

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An Uber passenger has been charged a £25 penalty by the ride-hailing app for dropping a chip (yes that is singular) on the floor of one of their “partners” vehicles. The remarkable fine came after Rachel Pangburn, 28, after ordering a ride with her boyfriend in Greater Manchester. As reported in The Sun, an email was received by Rachel from Uber claiming the mess was so bad the car needed “professional cleaning”. According to the report, the Uber vehicle was “already dirty” and was in desperate need of a “valet”. Uber have now been slammed by Rachel who had the additional £25 deducted from her account, on top of the actual cost of the journey. She claims that the driver did not object to her eating food in the vehicle and labelled his claims as “overboard”. Rachel complained to Uber about the charge which they initially upheld, sending her a picture of the chip on the vehicle floor. Challenging the ridiculous charge, Rachel pointed out a number of crumbs that could be seen on the floor which showed the state of the vehicle before she had even entered. Since the consistent challenge, it has been reported that Uber has since refunded the £25.

January 04, 2019 at 04:21PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private hire demo announced in London

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The United Private Hire Drivers and the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain have announced that they will be holding a series of rolling demos across London.

The first demo will take place at 10am on January 14, outside the Palestra building in Blackfriars Road.

The demo is in response to the Mayors plan to impose the Congestion Charge on Private Hire Vehicles entering the London charging zone.

The UPHD and IWGB have stated via social media that they believe the imposition of the Congestion Charge is being unfairly levied against PHV drivers.

They have also stated that they believe Transport for London are acting in a disctlriminatory fashion against the private hire industry.

Further demo dates are expected to be announced at a later date.

January 04, 2019 at 10:59AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Carbuyer LEVC TX 2019 review

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January 04, 2019 at 08:43AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire Drivers claim uber are being given an easier ride than other operators by local council

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Bolton Council have been accused of operating a “two tier” private hire operating system by drivers who oppose the “many exceptions” made for controversial ride-hailing app Uber, one driver has said. As reported in the Bolton News, private-hire operators are required to have a licensed premises within the borough, but private hire drivers claim Uber’s office at Flexspace has been vacant for several months. The ride-hailing firm have been operating in Bolton since 2015 and according to the report by Bolton News, there has been no inspections undertaken of Uber in any way similar to what other operators undergo. It’s also claimed that Uber drivers themselves want the office to be open, with reports of having to travel to Manchester in order to complete some paperwork. Members of Bolton Private Hire Association want Uber to have someone present at the offices so drivers can do their paperwork there and have someone face-to-face to assist. Uber claims that it meets the requirements of having an office in the borough which consists with the address on its licence.

January 04, 2019 at 07:55AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber declared illegal in Brussels

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As Uber navigates its way around the sea of lawsuits across the globe, a court in the Belgian capital, Brussels has declared Uber illegal.

The ruling, which has come from a trade tribunal in the city according to a report in Fleet Europemeans that only drivers who have obtained a taxi license for the Brussels area, and have vehicles which have a rooftop illumination, are legally allowed to carry fare paying passengers in the area.

The court has decreed that this legal definition must also apply to drivers operating on the Uber platform.

It has also been reported that Uber could be subject to a €10,000 fine for every illegal journey made in the Brussels Region.

It is believed that Brussels Mobility Minister Pascal Smet is assessing the tribunals judgment.

There has been no comment from Uber at this time.

January 03, 2019 at 05:21PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Surrey cabbie suffers Christmas Day hijacking and assault

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Surrey Police are hunting four people in connection with the hijacking and assault on a cab driver im Englefield Green.

At approximately 8.55pm on Christmas Day, the unnamed cabbie dropped somebody off in St Judes Road, Englefield Green, when a woman jumped into the front of his vehicle and asked to be taken to Addlestone Hospital.

The woman explained to the driver that she needed to visit her mother in hospital, prompting the driver to accept the fare.

It was reported by Surrey Live that 3 men then jumped into the back of the vehicle.

The woman in the front then attempted to grabbed the steering wheel, forcing the driver to bring the vehicle to a halt in Bakeham Lane.

The driver then got out of his vehicle and was attacked by his passengers, the woman then took the cabbies keys and stole his car, which was later found in Farnborough. The 3 men made their escape on foot.

Police are hunting a white woman with black curly shoulder-length hair, aged between 20 and 30, wearing a red jacket, jeans and heeled boots.

They are also hunting 3 other people, with the first one is described as male, short, large build, brown short straight hair, thin style moustache and beard, aged between 20 and 30. He was wearing jeans and a black jacket

The second male suspect is described as short and slim, with brown short hair with similar facial hair to the first man

The third suspect is also male, white, tall, slim build, brown short hair brushed to the side and aged 20 and 30 Police have requested that If you have any information, call them on 101 (999 in an emergency) or report it online. Quote the reference number PR/45180136724

January 03, 2019 at 04:00AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hopp begins “onboarding” new private hire drivers for London

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Uber’s biggest European competitors Hopp, also known as Taxify outside of the UK, has begun taking on London drivers. The rebranded minicab firm is hoping the name change will help them meet the requirements set in the capital. According to sources last month Hopp have applied for an operators licence in London. The “onboarding” firm are looking for private hire drivers to join the platform before 15th January to receive an introductory 7.5% commission rate for the first two months. The onboarding sessions are due to take place at Heathrow 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. 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.

January 03, 2019 at 12:19PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Use taxis and minicabs as public transport in rural areas - Campaign for Better Transport

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The transport campaign group, Campaign for Better Transport, has called on the Government to include taxis and minicabs as part of future development of rural transport strategies.

CBT chief executive Darren Shirley said constrained budgets mean councils need to work closer on transport with schools, hospitals and communities.

“The answer won’t always be subsiding a bus,” he said.

“It might be making sure a school bus turns into a public bus after 9am and using online technology to help people find lift shares or taxi shares.

Utilising taxis and private hire vehicles should be a “key principle” for the future development of rural transport strategies CBT said.

This is part of the CBT’s call for a “planned network” to replace the existing “patchwork of different forms and types of public transport”.

Rural bus mileage fell by more than 6% between 2011-12 and 2016-17.

Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman, said councils are “willing to discuss any ideas for shared public transport to help ensure communities get the services they need”.

January 03, 2019 at 11:21AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Horrific A13 taxi collision casualty named as taxi proprietor

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The driver of the black taxi who sadly lost his life as a result of a horrific collision on the A13 has been named as Ruşit Ataoğlu according to sources in North Cyprus.

Two people died in the collision which happen in the early hours of New Years Eve. The other victim, a woman in her 70’s, was the driver of the other vehicle involved in the incident. The unnamed woman was travelling on the eastbound carriageway in the wrong direction when it collided with the taxi. The driver of the black taxi was reported as Ruşit Ataoğlu according to North Cypriot sources. The 40-year-old man was a taxi proprietor and mechanic and not a licensed cabbie as first reported. Mr Ataoğlu was a director at Mister Taxi in the Bethnal Green area.

Many cab drivers and fellow industry workers have expressed their condolences. Michael Glassman, owner of nearby taxi garage Colts Cabs said via Twitter “Sad to hear of the fatality on the A13 whether it be a driver or any person. It now turns out to be a taxi proprietor round the back of Three Colts Lane... RIP brother.”

A Crowdfunder has been set up to help the family of Mr Ataoğlu who leaves a wife and two children. For more details visit the site here.

January 02, 2019 at 02:17PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Accusation of racism as passenger tries to assault cabbie

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A cabbie has been accused of racism and sexism after an argument over an open window in his vehicle, which led to a woman trying to assault the driver.

The Metro reported that cabbie, Mian Sabir, asked a group of passengers to leave his vehicle after they allegedly told him that he wouldn't be paid.

Sabir was asked by one of the group if he would close his window, which he refused to do, this in turn sparked an argument.

After refusing to pay their fare, one of the group then accused the cabbie of racism and sexism.

It was alleged by Sabir that the woman who was yelling at him, alighted the vehicle, whilst the womans mother remained in the vehicle.

The mother then allegedly told Sabir that he wouldn't be paid if he didn't close the window.

The daughter then returned to the vehicle as the mother and other members of the group were outside of the vehicle. The cabbie then alleges that they attacked the vehicle and attempted to assault him, but were pulled away by other group members.

A Police spokesman said:"police were called to a report of an assault on a taxi driver on Lockwood Scar between 10pm and 10.50pm on 26 December.

The suspects, who were customers in the vehicle, are reported to have become abusive towards the driver. They then got out of the car and attempted to cause damage to his vehicle. Enquiries remain ongoing into the incident.

January 02, 2019 at 07:51AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Video released of taxi robbery in West Midlands as police asks for public help

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West Midlands Police are appealing for more help following a cab robbery in West Bromwich on Thursday 22nd November.

Police say shortly before 3am a Toyota Prius working as a taxi was parked up when a black car pulled in front of it and three men got out. One man opened the passenger door of the taxi and punched the driver in the head before demanding his keys.

The driver got out of the car when the offenders demanded more money from him, before they fled in the stolen taxi.

January 02, 2019 at 09:44AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire Driver has face bitten and vehicle stolen by angry passenger

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A private hire driver in Everton has had his face bitten and vehicle stolen after one of his passengers became “agitated” and started arguing. The attack which took place at around 10pm Saturday 29, left the driver with bite marks to his face. The attacker then fled in the victims vehicle, a silver Ford Mondeo before crashing into a set of traffic lights during a police chase. Merseyside Police said that the car was reported as “driving erratically” and was seen crashing into several other vehicles before hitting the traffic lights at the junction of Kings Drive and Woolton Street. The Liverpool Echo confirmed that a 32-year-old man from Anfield was detained at the scene and arrested on suspicion of robbery and road traffic offences. The police are now speaking to any witnesses and analysing CCTV footage and urge anyone who witnessed either incident or has any information about it, including CCTV, mobile phone video recordings or dash cam footage of the incident, to contact @MerPolCC or 101 quoting ref 1067 of 29/12 or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on or via social media.

January 02, 2019 at 08:44AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cross-border hiring comes under scrutiny yet again as the Deregulation Act gets slammed

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Leicester City Council have become the latestin an ever-growing number of licensing authorities to be critical of the deregulation act 2015, which allows private hire drivers to undertake cross-border hirings.

Irate cabbies in Leicester have called on their licensing auhority to do more to stop drivers who are licensed in other areas picking up fares.

The drivers are arguing that more lenient rules or lower regulatory standards in other areas mean that drivers are registering with other local authorities, thus circumventing Leicester City Councils regulations, and then working in the city centre.

This is a criticism that has been voiced by many regulatory bodies up and down the country.

However, the various authorities which license both thebtaxi and private hire industry claim that their hands are tied by the Deregulation Act 2015, which is widely regarded as seriously flawed and not fit for purpose.

It has been alleged, according to The Leicester Mercury that drivers are coming in from areas such as Wolverhampton, attempting to join companies in Leicester, despite having a license to operate in Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton, along with licensing areas such as Rossendale, have come under fire from other licensing authorities because of the percieved ease at which licences are issued in these areas, as well as the number of licenses processed, which has exploded over the last few years.

Another criticism made is that whilst Leicester City Council criteria dictates that cars can be no older than five years old when they are registered., Wolverhampton cars which are being registered for the first time can be up to twelve-years-old, which again circumvents Leicester City Councils licensing regime.

Leicester's cabbies have now expressed concerns over safety and also ther ability to earn an income as their city streets get flooded with vehicles from other licensing areas.

It is also alleged that although Leicester City councils enforcement team are able to observe what is happening they are powerless to act as they have no jurisdiction over driver's or vehicles registered outside of the licensing area.

It is believed that Leicester City Council are now supporting Transport for London's campaign for a change in legislation.

January 01, 2019 at 05:25PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Woman receives four-and-a-half-year sentence for robbing a taxi driver at knifepoint in Winsford

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A woman from Winsford has been jailed after admitting robbing a taxi driver at knifepoint in the town.

Angela Hughes, of Pentland Close, pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a knife in a public place.

The 41-year-old was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday 21 December. She was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

The charges relate to an incident in Winsford in the early hours of Thursday 29 November.

Shortly after 2am Hughes got into a taxi at a car park on Dene Drive.

Once the taxi driver, a 36-year-old man from Manchester, had driven to Crook Lane Hughes threatened him with a knife and demanded his takings.

She stole his wallet, mobile phone and car keys as well as a small quantity of cash.

The robbery was witnessed by a member of the public, who reported it to the police.

Officers attended and located Hughes nearby in possession of the stolen items and money.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Heatley said: “Hughes subjected the taxi driver to a terrifying ordeal, threatening him with a knife and demanding cash soon after he had taken the ill-fated fare.

“She stole his phone and his car keys but thankfully the incident was witnessed by a member of the public. They called the police and officers were able to locate and arrest Hughes a short distance away.

“Motivated by a desire for money, she was only able to steal a small amount of cash from the taxi driver. It has cost her dearly as she has now been jailed for four-and-a-half years for the robbery.

“I am delighted that Hughes has received a substantial custodial sentence and I hope that this brings some closure to the victim.

“I also hope that the sentence serves as a deterrent to other people and stops them from committing similar crimes, and that it sends out a strong message that knife crime will not be tolerated.

“At Cheshire Constabulary we are committed to doing all we can to tackle knife crime.

“We will respond robustly to any knife related incidents and ensure that anyone found to be carrying a knife or committing a knife related offence is brought to justice.

“But the police cannot beat knife crime without the help of the rest of the community and we urge anyone with information about people who may be carrying knives to come forward and speak to us or Crimestoppers.”

January 01, 2019 at 11:21AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT