Saturday 9 February 2019

Department of Transport statistical report reveals Taxi and PHV drivers were the highest percentage caught using a mobile device behind the wheel of a vehicle


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2SFk0vb
A statistical report released by the Department for Transport found that taxi and/or private hire drivers are the highest proportion of drivers that use a hand-hold mobile phone whilst behind the wheel of a vehicle. The reports data, which was released on February 7, found that in 2017 taxi or private hire drivers that were caught using a mobile phone was at 3.3%. 2.1% of that figure were found to be holding a phone to their ear, with the other 1.2% found to be holding it in their hand. According to the data, 2.1% of van drivers were found to use a mobile phone behind the wheel, regular car users were and bus drivers were amongst the fewest with just 1%. The lowest percentage of drivers found to be using a mobile phone was goods vehicle or lorry drivers, at 0.6%. The study suggests that the figure for drivers that were caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel of a vehicle had in fact fallen since the previous data report in 2014. This is most likely to be because the penalties for any offender were made tougher within that time. In March 2017, the fine for drivers using a mobile device increased to £200, accompanied with six penalty points. A maximum fine of £1,000, (£2,500 if driving a lorry or bus).
February 09, 2019 at 01:49PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Rapper killed in cab smash


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2GinspO
A rapper has been killed after the cab he was travelling in was involved in a smash after leaving Keele University.
28 year old Cadet, real name Blaine Cameron Johnson, was leaving the University after a performance on February 9.
The crash, which involved a Toyota Prius and a Vauxhall Combo Van also left the two drivers, one aged 36, the other aged 22 needing hospital treatment for serious injuries, and three other passengers needing treatment for minor injuries.
Cadet was set to perform at this years Wireless Festival.
Police confirmed that a major road traffic collision occured in Main Road, Betley, and despite emergency service attempts to save the Rapper, he died at the scene.
Officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact 101, quoting incident 45 of 9 February.
February 09, 2019 at 12:15PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mobile phone use by drivers appears to fall according to study


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2WS33Nr
The number of people using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel seems to be falling according to a recent government study. A Department for Transport observational study across Great Britain in 2017 showed that 1.1% of all drivers were holding their mobiles. This compares with a previous study in 2014 covering England and Wales which showed that 1.6% of drivers were using the devices. However, the rate of non compliance in 2017 amongst young drivers was higher with 4% of 17-29 year-olds observed using a handheld mobile. Sixty five percent of these were holding their phones in their hands; the rest had the phones to their ears. Using a hand-held mobile at the wheel has been illegal since December 2003. Since March 2017, motorists caught using a hand-held phone have faced incurring six points on their licence and a £200 fine – up from the previous penalty of three points and £100. In 2017 the use of a mobile phone was recorded as a contributory factor in 33 fatal accidents and 90 serious ones. The same survey showed that in 2017, 96.5% of drivers were using a seatbelt in Great Britain, compared with 95.3% in England and Scotland in 2014. However, as few as 80% of backseat passengers aged 60 and over were seen belted up in 2017. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “The headline data suggests that the vast, and increasing, majority of drivers are abiding by the law as it relates to mobiles. But that still means that hundreds of thousands of people aren’t and from what they see on the road many motorists will think the non-compliance rates are actually much higher. “What continues to beggar belief is the number of people who still refuse to wear a seatbelt. Even the safest drivers can be in serious crashes even if they don’t cause them. Why wouldn’t you take a simple step to protect yourself – and your passengers – from harm?”
February 09, 2019 at 10:57AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY RAC THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

“Half-baked schemes kill confidence” says LTDA


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2RMyGnS
“The trade is trying to do its bit for the environment but we’re being undermined at every turn”
TfL has yet to issue the figures, but it’s believed it has received nearly 1,000 applications from fleets and mushers to decommission their older cabs in exchange for the incentive payments which start at £10,000. The big unknown is how many of these cabs will be replaced with shiny new TXes; how many of the owners will try renting, buy a later diesel, or even retire?
What is in no doubt is that any reduction in the age limit is going to have a financial impact on virtually every cabbie whether they own or rent. Perversely, it will have the opposite effect of what is intended and impact negatively on new ZEC cab sales as the equity in existing cabs drops still further. Cabbies will be unable to afford to bridge the gap between what they sell their cab for and the £56,000 for the new model leaving them with no option but to keep running their diesel cab as long as possible. I have repeatedly explained this to everyone I have met at City Hall and will continue to do so. The solution to helping the trade modernise and upgrade our fleet is in two parts. Firstly, it involves recognising our unique position, in that we were compelled to buy the diesel cabs we currently run and had no choice. Our fares, and thus our ability to fund new vehicles, are set by the mayor and our unique status of being the only part of London’s public transport infrastructure that is 100% wheelchair accessible and disability friendly. Secondly, hitting us with a big stick won’t work. We are individual business people, we need confidence in our market place to enable us to plan and make sound financial decisions. What is needed is more carrots in the form of more money and incentives to help us buy and run the new cleaner cabs and a vast improvement to the charging infrastructure to support thousands more electric cabs. Most importantly we need absolute assurance that we can continue to keep London moving. This means no more half-baked traffic schemes that exclude cabbies and discriminate against our customers!Urgent reform needed now While the Government may have gone quiet again on its plans for overhauling our outdated and impractical licensing laws, MPs across Parliament have been making more and more noise. The House of Commons Transport Select Committee Chair Lilian Greenwood MP recently wrote to Taxis Minister Nusrat Ghani on this, and published her letter online. She asked when the Government will respond to the taxi and PHV Working Group’s report and if it will bring forward new legislation on regulating the trades. Back before Christmas, I spoke with the chair and asked her to press the minister on this. It’s good to see her follow through on our behalf and show the minister that we’re not the only ones on her tail. Typically, the minister told Lilian that a Government response will be published “shortly,” but did acknowledge that the Government has a “leading role to play” in fixing the issues our trade is facing. Following a number of vague commitments that a Government response to the working group’s report will be published either in “due course” or “shortly”, it’s disappointing (although unsurprising) that the Department for Transport has now missed its own three-month deadline for responding to the report’s recommendations. While we’re still waiting for a response, the APPG on Taxis (which the LTDA sponsors) is also amping up the volume. We’ve been urging MPs within the APPG to question the Government on when a response will be published and to bring in new legislation ASAP. Just last week, APPG Taxis Chair Wes Streeting and others including Andrew Rosindell, Jim Cunningham and Julia Lopez showed their support by tabling the latest round of written questions in Parliament. They’re just as fed up as we are that this keeps getting pushed down the line and won’t lay off until the response is out. Passengers and taxi drivers up and down the country can’t wait any longer for new licensing regulation. They’ve also started questioning the Ministry of Housing, communities and local government on this. As we know all too well, this isn’t just about transport, it’s about protecting the public and making sure what happened in Rotherham never happens again. Once the Government’s response is finally made public, we’ll be giving the Chair of the Transport Committee a ring to discuss how they can help the APPG out in scrutinising the Government’s plans. We must ensure that nothing is watered down and we get the urgent reform we’ve all be waiting for.
February 09, 2019 at 10:42AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve McNamara - LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Friday 8 February 2019

New Envoy “London Taxi Courier App” set for launch in the capital


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2Dl9iAk
A new app for London cabbies has launched today dubbed the “London Taxi Courier App”. The app called Envoy works by allowing users to post a job to be picked up for delivery that will then be dispatched by a London Black Taxi driver in and around London. Once the user has posted a job, a driver can pick up the package/parcel and deliver to the requested location. Drivers will be able to see all available jobs on the Envoy app and choose jobs that they are local to. TaxiPoint asked Envoy what makes the them different to other apps on the market? Envoy’s founder Danny Mitchell, who also works as a London cabbie, said: “This concept has never been used before for the Black Taxi industry. As a London Black Taxi driver myself, I realised there was a niche in the market. With our superior knowledge of London, we could move parcels/packages important documents, luxury good, lost luggage and anything else around quicker and safer then any courier company in London. “After research, I realised that we could also compete with their prices too but provide a much better, quicker, safer service and guaranteed delivery for the receiver. “The user will also benefit from using the Envoy App, by choosing to post a delivery on Envoy for one of our Black Taxi’s to pick up. “A request may be made for specific pick up or delivery time that suits them. All you have to do is fill in the delivery ticket within the app then, once a driver has accepted the job we will connect customer and driver via our smart messenger within the app. Direct contact details of both parties and delivery instructions will be provided once a job has been accepted by a driver. “The concept came to me about 2yrs ago. I was working longer shifts to cover my money and spending more on diesel and thought there has to be another service I can provide where I can get jobs one after the other without any gaps in between to stop me wasting endless hours looking for another job and knowing that no one driving a car or van can move from one side of London to another quicker then me in my Taxi “As a London Black Taxi Driver I realised that technology unfortunately has changed the job and the only way to save it is to fight fire with fire and start tapping into other industries that we as Black Taxi drivers can clearly do and do better. “The time has come for London Taxi Drivers to pull together and move with the times, we are the best at what we do and we need to apply this with innovative ideas and available technology keeping our standards high.”
February 08, 2019 at 05:01PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber obtains one year operator license renewal in Birmingham


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2ROSAyG
Uber has been granted a one year renewal to their operator license by Birmingham City Council.
A "behind closed doors" meeting was held by the licensing sub committee in January, where there was a unanimous agreement for Uber to continue operating until January 31, 2020.
Their operator's license will then be reviewed again after that date.
It was reported in Birmingham Live that the minicab giant, who have been operating in the city since 2015, had submitted statistics via a booklet, claiming to have over 1,000 Birmingham licensed drivers on their platform, and have carried out more than 15 million trips, with an average 4 minute waiting time.
Uber have expressed a willingness to work with West Midlands Police and the City Council regarding safety issues and enforcement.
They have also stated that they are willing to make transport data available to assist in infrastructure planning decisions in the city.
February 08, 2019 at 03:15PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

CS11: TfL thwarted in Court of Appeal


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2MTwV7D
Sir Ross Cranston’s ruling that the CS11 cycle route is unlawful in its current format has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.
The court has also denied TfL permission to make any further appeals.
The ruling now means that TfL will have to start the process of re-designing the controversial cycle super-highway. In the original ruling, which took place in September 2018, Westminster Council were successful after filing a judicial review at the High Court. Sir Ross Cranston's judgement at the initial hearing focused on the fact that TfLs plan to start work at Swiss Cottage before they had consent for the entirety of the scheme was unlawful.
It was reported in the Ham and High that Westminster Council have deep concerns over the traffic congestion that CS11 may cause, although they have stated that they fully support safe cycling. TfL have expressed disappointment at the decision and have stated that they remain committed to improving walking and cycling in the area.
February 08, 2019 at 08:23AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London minicab driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of drugs


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2DmJeVH
A London mini-cab driver who knocked down a 27-year-old man who died at the scene has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. Adefemi Adebisi, 36, knocked down and killed Joshua Hayes in Lewisham in October 2016. As reported by the Evening Standard, a post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as asphyxiation. Abedisi, of Surrey Docks, was previously found guilty for causing death by careless driving while over the limit through cannabis in December, at Woolwich Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Wendy Parker, lead officer in the case from the Roads and Transport Policing Command at the Met, said:
"Adebisi admitted in court that he had used cannabis multiple times in the space of one week. The public put their trust in licensed mini-cab drivers and expect to be transported in a safe environment when they step into a vehicle. "This man imprisoned today undoubtedly put others at risk by his behaviour and this case shows the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs. We hope it will act as a deterrent in future to others." After the crash, authorities attended and found Mr Hayes, who was from Sidcup, lying injured.
The case took two previous attempts to come to court before concluding today.
Joshua's mother detailed the devastating effect his untimely death has had on the whole family. Mrs Hayes, said: "This man is a habitual risk taker...without due care for his passengers, other road users and pedestrians. He could have eased our burden by pleading guilty and saved us years of pain leading up to the trial."
(Image credit:Met Police)
February 08, 2019 at 08:14AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Thursday 7 February 2019

High Court rules in favour of Uber over Reading Borough Council. App does not amount to plying for hire


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2BlGmrB
The High Court has today held that use of the Uber app does not amount to plying for hire. Reading Borough Council had prosecuted an Uber driver, Mr Ali, who had been waiting for his next booking on the Uber app. He was parked lawfully by the roadside and doing nothing to attract the attention of passers-by. Read more about the background of this case Lord Justice Flaux said in his judgement: “In my judgment, there was no unlawful plying for hire in this case for a number of reasons. First, the mere depiction of the respondent’s vehicle on the Uber App, without either the vehicle or the driver being specifically identified or the customer using the App being able to select that vehicle, is insufficient to establish exhibition of the vehicle in the sense in which that phrase is used by Lord Parker CJ in formulating the two stage test for plying for hire in Cogley v Sherwood and Rose v Welbeck. That requires not just exhibition of the vehicle but its exhibition expressly or implicitly soliciting custom, inviting members of the public to hire the vehicle.” Flaux LJcontinued: “It seems to me that depiction of the vehicle on the App does not involve any exhibition of that kind, but is for the assistance of the Uber customer using the App, who can see that there are vehicles in the vicinity of the type he or she wishes to hire…If I ring a minicab firm and ask for a car to come to my house within five minutes and the operator says “I’ve got five cars round the corner from you. One of them will be with you in five minutes,” there is nothing in that transaction which amounts to plying for hire. As a matter of principle, I do not consider that the position should be different because the use of internet technology avoids the need for the phone call. “Second, it does not seem to me that the position is different because, as between Uber and the driver, the latter is a principal and Uber is an agent. Whether this agency analysis is correct has not been finally decided. However, like the Chief Magistrate and contrary to Mr Holland’s submissions, I do not consider that it has any bearing on the issue in this case. On the findings she made as to how the Uber App works, the customer has to confirm the booking after he or she is given the fare estimate and the driver in turn has to accept the booking before either of them knows the identity of the other and before the car actually comes to the pick-up point.” He ruled that as far as Uber’s model is concerned: “…there is a pre-booking by the customer, which is recorded by Uber as PHV operator, before the specific vehicle which will perform the job is identified. This is all in accordance with the transaction being PHV business, not unlawful plying for hire. There was no soliciting by the respondent without some prior booking, as he only proceeded to the pick-up point after the customer had confirmed the booking and the respondent as driver had accepted the job.” The Court refused permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.
February 07, 2019 at 08:03PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

"I'd claw your f****ing head off" threatens drunk pensioner because his Taxi fare was 30p more than usual


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2TxkOzv
A drunk pensioner has been caught on camera threatening to "claw the head off" a taxi driver - after his fare went up by 30p, claiming that he's never paid more that £4. Cabbie Ian Kennedy can be heard telling the man he owes a grand total of £4.23 for the journey to his home in Falkirk, triggering a furious response from the older man. Mr Kennedy tried to explain that the 30p hike was down to the local council and not him, but the passenger was in no mood for reasoning. In the video that was posted on social media, along with the comment: "What happens when you miss the Tariff One curfew, an extra 30p", Ian pulls up outside the man's destination and tells him the fare will be £4.23.
The passenger replies: "You're having a f***ing laugh son. "You said £4.30, I've never paid this in my life and I've been coming here for years. I never paid anything over four quid. £3.90."
Eventually the angry man begrudgingly hands over the money and says: "Just give me the f***ing change." After the passenger said: "Right I'll catch you some other day or I might never", Ian can be heard responding by saying: "I hope not." The passenger then rages: "You're a cheeky man, you're a cheeky young man, sir. "I wish I was f***ing younger, I'd claw your f***ing head off." Ian said the council fare change "puts an extra 30p on his fare".
You can view the footage in the Mirror, but be warned; the accents are very very strong.
February 07, 2019 at 06:58PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London Assembly member David Kurten quizzes the Mayor on his taxi industry policy.


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2GtO5ax
David Kurten has today questioned the Mayor on his policy surrounding the taxi industry, during Mayors Question Time.
The Mayor, despite proclaiming that Londons taxi industry was an integral part of Londons public transport network, he stated to the London Assembly that although he wants to see 80% of all journeys made in London, performed by foot, cycle or public transport, he does not include taxis within that 80% figure.
David Kurten then asks the Mayor a number of other questions pertaining to the taxi industry, which can be seen in full in the above video, including questions regarding bus lane exclusions for taxis.
In the meantime, taxi protests continue in London, with the focus shifting away from Tottenham Court Road and moving to Parliament Square, as angered cabbies continue their action against various road exclusions across the capital.
February 07, 2019 at 06:37PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi and private hire licensing reform. We’re already behind… again


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2RPLaLC
The Government has been promising action on taxi and private hire licensing reform for many years. To date, no comprehensive effort by the Government has been forthcoming. The most recent attempt was the Finish and Task Group on Taxi & Private Hire which was published in September 2018. Despite the Government’s assurances of a swift response, to date none has been forthcoming.
The principal focus of the current review and debate surrounds technological advancement in smartphone technology in the taxi and private hire sector that has blurred the lines between the lawful operation of a taxi (public hire) and that of a private hire driver and vehicle.
Whilst Government is still scratching its head wondering how to regulate the use of smartphone apps and ride hailing services, innovation in the sector has moved on again.
News of autonomous taxis and flying taxis is becoming increasingly prevalent. Late last year it was reported that “Self-driving taxis to be launched in London by 2021” after Addison Lee announces alliance with self-driving software company Oxbotica and in September 2018 the UK’s first successful electric vertical take-off and landing “flying taxi” vehicle was launched by Vertical Aerospace in Bristol.
Further afield Tokyo has introduced autonomous taxis in the runup to the Olympics and Waymo is reported to have launched autonomous taxis in Phoenix Arizona in partnership with Alphabet’s (better known as Google’s parent company) self-driving car division.
On a national level, the UK Government has made no secret of the fact that it wants the UK to be the first country to legalise the use of autonomous vehicle technology. In September 2018 the DfT’s Departments Science Advisory Council supported legislation to legalise autonomous vehicles.
The Government has funded three pilot schemes (Addison Lee being one of the three) around the UK to introduce autonomous vehicle on the roads by 2021.
Once the autonomous taxi sector gets to a place where it is fully sanctioned and legal on UK roads, it is not beyond the realms of possibility for an entire fleet of autonomous taxis to be almost entirely operated by AI (artificial intelligence) technology.
However, there is virtually no indication about the regulatory framework for particularly autonomous taxis.
Taxi and private hire licensing and regulation exists primarily to protect the public. Driverless taxis present a significant complexity in regulatory law. For example, where a passenger is injured as a result of decisions made autonomously by a taxi, who is the legal entity responsible?
Autonomous vehicles, being purely mechanical beasts, cannot be held criminally liable. Other examples includes the use of autonomous taxis to traffic drugs seeing as there will be no supervision. Whilst we are in reality still some way off seeing the deployment of autonomous taxis on the UK’s roads, that reality is potentially not as far in the distant future as many may believe.
The reality is also that autonomous taxis will not be practical everywhere, however, in the capital and other large urban areas the possibility of autonomous taxis seems to be a real possibility within a matter of years.
There is a need for the Government to consider within its current review the licensing implications of autonomous taxis and what this means for the wider taxi and private hire trade and passenger safety.
February 07, 2019 at 01:54PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Stephen McCaffrey THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Petrol and diesel prices drop for third month in a row to give some relief for motorists


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2RPL72o
More reductions predicted as motorist finally see lower fuel prices
Both petrol and diesel reduced by over a penny a litre in January making it three consecutive months of falling fuel prices. Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows the UK average price of unleaded came down by 1.32p to 120.92p while diesel dropped 1.27p to 130.01p. This means it now costs an average of £65.78 to fill up a 55-litre family car with petrol – £6 less than it did at the end of October. A tank of diesel, however, has only come down £3.78 to £71.50 over the same period. Prices at the country’s four biggest supermarkets are an average of 3p a litre lower at 116.66p for petrol and 125.43p for diesel. At motorway service areas, however, a litre of unleaded sets drivers back 138.87p and diesel 147.55p. RAC Fuel Watch figures show the wholesale price of petrol stayed flat in January while diesel increased by 2p a litre, but when compared to retail prices they were low still low enough to demand pump price reductions during the month. Sadly for drivers though, retailers decided not to pass these on. The RAC says this explains why the UK average price of fuel has fallen despite the wholesale market being static for unleaded and rising for diesel. If retailers were to pass on existing savings in their wholesale costs the price of petrol ought to reduce by 3p a litre in the next two weeks, and diesel by 2p a litre. RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “While it’s obviously good news the price of fuel has fallen for three months in a row, the story behind the simple forecourt average figures is quite disturbing. Looking at the wholesale data over the last two months reveals that we should have been paying far less for our petrol and diesel than we have been. “Unfortunately, three of supermarket fuel retailers appear to have changed their pricing policies for the long term by increasing the margin they take on a litre of petrol to about 2p. This has meant the average price of unleaded has not reduced by as much as it should have because smaller retailers nearby haven’t had to lower their prices as much in order to compete. “The wholesale fuel market operates very transparently, but the same can’t be said of the retail market. We understand retailers are free to charge what they like for their fuel and that it’s then up to consumers whether they’re prepared to pay their prices or not. Unfortunately, consumers don’t have an easy way of knowing whether they are being charged a fair price so they have to trust they aren’t being ripped off. That’s why we always encourage drivers to check the current average price of petrol and diesel, and see if they can beat that price when paying for fuel locally. “Combine this with the fact some bigger retailers vary their prices from location to location, fuel is an essential purchase for most people and that shopping around is not that easy, and you have the perfect recipe for drivers being charged over the odds for what is essentially a commodity.”
February 06, 2019 at 11:57PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY RAC THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The gig economy should take note following historic workers rights deal says GMB


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2RKhnUr
“Companies across the gig economy should sit up and take notice”
Hermes’ self-employed couriers now have the option to take holiday pay and have guaranteed earnings following a groundbreaking deal between the leading consumer delivery company and GMB Union. The collective bargaining agreement is the first ever recognition deal of its type, and is designed to support the rights of self-employed people providing courier services to Hermes. It reflects that the world of work has changed and how employers can change with it. Hermes couriers can now choose to become ‘self-employed plus’, which provides a number of benefits such as holiday pay (pro-rata up to 28 days), and individually negotiated pay rates that allow couriers to earn at least £8.55 per hour over the year. In addition, those self-employed plus couriers that join the GMB Union will benefit from full GMB representation. This deal paves the way for other workers in the gig economy, most notably drivers at minicab firms Uber and Addison Lee. Tim Roache, the General Secretary of the GMB, said: “ I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - the profits of companies in the 'gig econony' are made on the back of their workers. Too many jobs in our society are paid too little but those in the gig economy often experience increased insecurity, lower pay, long hours with tough (in some cases unrealistic) targets, for all of that, many end up paid below the minimum wage. “For years now, GMB has been calling out those companies who try wriggle out of their most basic responsibilities to their workers. Our case against Uber made international headlines when that poster child for the gig economy was told that their business model was not legal in the UK. “Today I’m proud to announce a groundbreaking deal that companies across the gig economy should sit up and take notice of. “Today we're launching a landmark agreement between Hermes, the leading consumer delivery company, and GMB Union. “This is the first collective bargaining agreement of its type, it will give enhaced rights and a real voice at work to self-employed workers in Hermes. “From today onwards couriers have the option to become ‘self-employed plus’. This will allow workers to retain the flexibility of self-employment (which many of our courier members want) while also giving them the certainty of guaranteed levels of earning, holiday pay and a a recognised union in their workplace.”
February 07, 2019 at 12:03AM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wednesday 6 February 2019

Addison Lee drivers protest at Luton airport over low pay


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2DfL36I
Private hire drivers of London based firm Addison Lee set up protest on Monday February 4, to highlight what they say are bad pay and conditions.
The protesters, represented by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), say their take home pay falls below minimum wage.
As reported by the Luton Today, a analysis report by the United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) shows Addison Lee drivers often work over 70 hours per week, earning little more than £1000, but after £270 in vehicle rent and 35% commission by Addison Lee are deducted, along with costs such as fuel, drivers take home around £225 per week in pay.
The IWGB is now calling for Addison Lee to: > Reduce commission to 20% from current levels recently increased to 35% > Withdraw vehicle rental price increase of £20 per week > Pay drivers for time they spend taking Addison Lee vehicles for maintenance and inspections
Sohail Choudhary, Chair of the Luton UPHD branch, likened the drivers working conditions to a "sweatshop" calling it a "disgrace." Drivers are also claiming workplace bullying protesting against the “indignity” of their treatment by Addison Lee. The majority Muslim workforce is required to make their daily prayers outside on the tarmac by the pick up rank.
A spokesperson for the IWGB said via their Facebook page: "Drivers for Luton at Addison came out despite winds and rain and protested 35% cut as well as sweatshop conditions for the app based employer, with bullying and unfair dismissals common for those working at the airport rank."
(Image credit: IWGB Facebook page)
February 06, 2019 at 07:13PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Could Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault be looking to join Waymo in producing self-driving cars


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2SfcCan
Its been revealed byCity AM that Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault could be joining forces with Waymo in producing driverless cars.
The tie-up between the motoring giants with Waymo would see the development of self-driving taxis as well as other aspects of mobility infrastructure.However, it has been stated that the proposed alliance is nothing but rumour and conjecture, whilst Waymo declined to comment.
One possibility which has been mooted is the development of a fleet of driverless taxis, which would use Nissan vehicles. A booking system would handle bookings.
The alliance between Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault has been under close scrutiny after former head, Carlos Ghosn was arrested by Japanese police on the grounds of under-declaring his pay for a number of years.
Ghosn, who was also Nissans' chairman has denied the charges.
February 06, 2019 at 05:34PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Madrid Taxi Drivers vote to call off strikes after 16 days of demonstrations against ride-hailing apps Uber and Cabify


via taxi-point http://bit.ly/2RFCpU5
Taxi drivers in Madrid have called off their strike after 16 days of protests. The demonstrations which gridlocked streets for hours came to an end after taxi drivers narrowly voted for the strike to end. The action to bring the streets of Madrid to a standstill began 16 days ago as taxi drivers attempted to put pressure on those in power to regulate private hire vehicles, specifically those used by ride-hailing firms like Uber and Cabify, known as VTC’s. As reported in El Pais, a total of 20,961 drivers from the sector were asked to vote on a decision on whether or not the strike should continue. A total of 7,843 put their votes forward, with around 54% of those voting in favour of the demonstrations to end. The voting took place on Tuesday 5 at the taxi stand outside Terminal 4 of Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport. It has been reported that drivers have had to take out small loans to help cover their loss of earnings from attending the 16 days of strikes, which probably led to those voting for an end to the strikes for now. Many drivers need to get back to work and try and earn a living. Unlike in Barcelona where taxi demonstrations forced local government to regulate ride-hailing apps by introducing a minimum of 15 minutes prebooked times on all trips, Madrid drivers were not as successful. Currently no deal has been made with regional government, but organisers of the strikes have said it has not been considered a failure, stating that they have managed to unite all professionals and associations in just one name: “the Taxi.” Following the intense protests in Barcelona, both Uber and Cabify announced that they were suspending their services from the city.
February 06, 2019 at 12:34PM http://bit.ly/2UVulRY Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT