TaxiPoint May 2021 Edition 25

The UK’s #1 Taxi News Source

Edition 25 | May 2021

Over 120,000 magazine reads each edition

AUTOCAB INTERVIEW|PLYING-FOR-HIRE|AI EV CHARGING WARS|KNOW THE LAW|LTNs|APPG

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EDITORIAL

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3

TWO YEARS OLD AND 2.3MILLION

READS LATER

TaxiPoint Magazine celebrates its second birthday with this latest edition.

Since our first DigiMag in May 2019, we are delighted to see our readership just keep growing and growing, and our editions have now had over 2.3million reads which is just incredible.

From those early days when we had approximately 30,000 reads per edition, we’re delighted to fast forward and see that we haven’t dipped below 120,000 reads per magazine this year. Thank you to all our readers past and present for making this publication such a success.

As with any news source that grows quickly, we now attract big name readers, contributors, and subscribers throughout the world. Our stance as the only impartial and independent taxi industry news source, not linked to any trade group or organisation, means our readers will always get the full picture.

TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Editor: Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquiries at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk The publishers reserve the right to refuse,

We look forward to what the future holds and continuing to work hard for you, and the taxi industry as a whole, to deliver gold-standard news coverage.

Thank you for being part of it.

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FEATURE

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 5

STEP TWO

LEARNINGS April was a big month for all the devolved nations when we talk about the easing of coronavirus restrictions. As places of interest continue to reopen then confidence grows and, most importantly for the taxi industry, footfall increases bringing with it a sense of normality creeping back into the sector.

firms, reported a 60% increase in fare bookings.

Then finally there’s Uber who have reportedly seen a spike of more than 50% in demand since the easing of coronavirus restrictions last month.

However, whilst the percentages do project a positive step in the right direction, it does not quite There is no denying there was give the full picture when positive news based on the data comparing the figures to work showing a sharp early increase in levels pre-covid. For example, a demand for taxis in the week 300% increase in turnover might commencing 12 April as sound fantastic on paper, but if restrictions began to ease further hypothetically that increase in England. In London, the number focused on a turnover worth only of job transactions more than £10 per day and now increasing to doubled compared to the previous £30 per day, you still have a long week according to data shared by way to go before the turnover is taxi rental firm Colts Cabs. sustainable.

Booking app FREENOW recorded a INCREASE IN TAXI 91% increase in bookings which General Manager Mariusz Zabrocki DRIVERS RETURNING said was a “phenomenal level of It is that word again, confidence. growth that exceeded even our As positive vibes circulate a wellown expectations”. connected trade, it brings out In Liverpool, hackney cabs have more cab drivers looking to dip seen a record surge in bookings their toes back into work life. since shops, salons and bars have There is no point begrudging been allowed to re-open. ComCab, people coming back into the fleet one of Liverpool's largest black cab after months away, but there will

FEATURE

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6 be a period of industry regrowth the summer, according to a survey diluted by the number returning to the conducted by AlphaWise at US bank roads.

Morgan Stanley in January.

Eventually the number of taxi drivers will plateau and the growth in the number of journeys will continue to rise. This is when cab drivers will feel like a corner has been turned and individuals rather than the trade as a whole will start seeing increases in job numbers.

More than six in 10 (62%) office workers who currently work from home for at least one day a week think they will be back in the office around June 2021, much later than the April return date it previously expected.

WORKERS RETURNING

people visiting places of interest, but that remains weather dependent. As an industry we can be positive with the progress seen in Step Two, but there remains little change financially at an individual driver level, unless you are one of those returning to trade after a long covidenforced layoff.

Commenting on the report, Morgan Stanley said: “Despite vaccine rollouts and tighter lockdowns, this estimate WEATHER DEPENDENT has moved later in all countries Having worked myself, and looking surveyed since the last survey from through the comments on social December, by around 1.5 months, and media, weather is playing a big part in now stands around June, on average. the Step Two recovery. If the sun is Clearly, this will not only impact office out people have been coaxed out to utilisation in 2021, but the leisure and drink in beer gardens and eat alretail property that depends upon the fresco. There is also increased footfall return to normal commuting in parks and high streets which is key patterns.” to the recovery of the taxi industry.

The US bank canvassed 12,500 people When the temperature drops, or the across the UK, Germany, France, Spain rain falls, there are fewer people and Italy – 2,500 in each country. about braving the out-door facilities. It SUMMARY is understandable to be fair, but it does not help the growing taxi fleet Step Two appears to have provided a returning to work. slight increase to street footfall and

Since Step Two there seems to be a slight increase in the number of people traveling at rush hour and going to office space. However, Step Three could be the turning point on this for the trade. Indoor eating and places to meet could be the spark the taxi industry needs to find more regular work between 10am-4pm.

A note of caution though. Not all office .

WRITTEN BY: workers across Europe are expected to PERRY RICHARDSON return to the workplace until at least

Charity

May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

THE LAW

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8

KNOW THE

LAW

THE LAW ON MOBILE PHONES, DIGITAL WATCHES AND OTHER DEVICES WHILST DRIVING A TAXI PC PATRICK QUINTON It is unlawful to use/do anything which will prevent you having full control of your vehicle. This could cover wearing flip flops, having a PDA in the windscreen or using a mobile phone.

Doing so could lead to being prosecuted for dangerous driving, or driving without due care and attention/ careless and inconsiderate driving. As a licensed driver, your actions will come under increased scrutiny. In addition to any penalty from the Courts or Police, your Council may also take action if they consider you to be no longer a Fit and Proper person to hold a licence.

WHAT IS “DRIVING”?

autostop is engaged. It may also include when you are waiting for a passenger, such as parked by the kerb with the engine running, but that would be for a Court to decide on based on the exact circumstances.

WHERE CAN I PUT MY DEVICE? Many drivers put their devices in cradles attached to the windscreen and it is more difficult for drivers who have multiple devices. However, it is an offence to drive and not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.

Don’t put cradles/phones in “Zone A” of the windscreen (the strip above the In the information below the word “driving” means more than just being in steering wheel of 290mm centred on the wheel or over or above airbags). charge of the vehicle whilst it is Mount your device low down on your moving. It includes waiting at traffic windscreen to the far right to maximise lights, stuck in traffic and when the

THE LAW

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9

your view of the road. If this isn’t possible, opt for the lowest point in the middle of the windscreen or better still attach it to the dashboard away from the window.

Regulation 110 Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 6 DVLA points and £200 fine.

It is an offence to use a hand-held mobile telephone/PDA whilst driving, for an interactive communication function (sending/receiving data of any sort). That could include using a SatNav, playing music, taking photos and videos and definitely includes accepting jobs from an Operator. You won’t be prosecuted if you are making a 999 call and it is unsafe to stop or if you are using it to remotely park your vehicle. Even if the phone isn’t sending/transmitting data, you could still be prosecuted for the offences mentioned at the start of this article.

WHAT ABOUT SMART WATCHES?

Many Councils have Licence Conditions Regulation 104 of the Road Vehicles which also ban the use of mobile phones (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 - whilst driving.

3 DVLA points and £100 fine from the WHAT ABOUT DASHCAMS? police.

The rules about not blocking your view of CAN I HOLD MY MOBILE the road ahead, also apply to cameras in PHONE WHILST DRIVING? the vehicle.

No court cases have yet been heard on this point that I am aware of. However, even if it was not classed as a handheld device, you could still commit other offences as shown above.

PAYING BY PHONE? Potentially there could be legal issues with using a smart watch/phone to scan/ pay for goods services whilst driving, but it would be a matter for a Court to decide.

THE LAW CAN I WATCH VIDEOS ON MY PHONE?

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10 reviewed, so it keeps up with technology and may be changed in the next few months.

It is an offence to watch videos on your device whilst driving. That includes YouTube videos even though you PC Patrick QUINTON is a Police Officer who is fully funded by two may only be listening to the audio of the video.

local Councils to support drivers, enforce the law and WHAT IS THE POLICE ADVICE? ensure compliance There is a substantial body of research showing that with licensing using a mobile phone whilst driving, even legally via conditions. He has hands-free, is a considerable distraction and greatly worked with Bristol increases the risk of a driver being involved in an accident. This is because of the mental distraction and City and South the driver having to divide their attention between Gloucestershire Councils for four years. He runs taking part in a phone conversation and driving. a WhatsApp group for drivers to share Therefore, we would suggest that you don't use a information in support of the trade. He can be mobile phone/device, even hands-free, whilst driving. contacted at The law about the use of mobile phones is being taxis@avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Regulation 109 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 - £50 fine.

ELECTRIC TAXIS

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12

A spokesperson from the @taxis_e group told TaxiPoint: “The best solution all round is for ESB and bp (chargepoint providers) to issue a Taxi RFID to Taxi drivers for use on E-Taxi charge bays.

“Enforcement for TfL is costly and proving ineffective.”

Steve McNamara, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), supported a similar idea.

He said: “There is a growing problem with Drivers of electric taxis are being increasingly forced cars, vans and to engage in heated discussions with licensed minicab particularly Private Hire Vehicles using taxi only drivers and other motorists incorrectly using charging points. The solution is either a manual PIN designated licensed taxi chargepoints. type or card reader system that would only allow According to taxi drivers the problem has become so registered taxi users access or alternatively require a bad they have called on the capital’s transport unique access level on the charging app systems that authority and chargepoint providers to sort out the recognise registered taxi users. issue before ‘it ends up in fights’.

“I have raised the problem and solution opportunities In London alone over 4,000 electric taxi drivers have with TfL, they advise me they are looking at possible invested over £200million in Zero Emissions Capable solutions, but the delay is finding a system that works (ZEC) vehicles since January 2018. The problem around across all the charging providers.” designated taxi chargepoint access has escalated so It seems the issue can only be rectified two ways. The much that a new channel to report private hire vehicles and other private cars using the bays has now first option is for cities to provide everyone the correct number of rapid chargers, open to everyone, in been established. centrally located areas. The alternative is to improve Drivers on the social media platform Twitter are being enforcement and place security features on the urged to send in photos and details to @taxis_e who in restricted few bays the sector has. Or in an ideal world turn will report to Transport for London (TfL) once a a mix of both. week.

ELECTRIC TAXIS Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said: “Rapid charging points are a vital form of infrastructure and investment. Their provision is critical to ensuring a speedy uptake of electric taxis, vans and other vehicles.

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14 remains so pitifully low, the spaces that have been allocated solely for taxis must remain and enforcement increased. In the past I was promised that CCTV enforcement would be considered. If that policy is not introduced it is vital other enforcement action is now taken.”

Shaun Bailey, London Assembly Member and Conservative Mayoral Candidate, supported the option of dramatically expanding the network for everyone, which should in turn solve the enforcement issue.

TaxiPoint asked Bailey whether the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL) and chargepoint providers “TfL should not be the sole provider of rapid charging need to do more to ensure the correct vehicles are points, but it must continue to play a key role in rolling using EV taxi bays. out greater provision. Reaching 300 rapid charging Bailey said: “Here’s the problem. The Mayor has points in London and then stalling on further encouraged people to drive electric cars without investment in the year ahead is not an option. We providing the infrastructure needed to support it. So need far more charging points so that there is a real people end up using charging points they’re not network for everyone. supposed to use.

“And while the provision of rapid charging points

ELECTRIC TAXIS

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15

“If there were more residential charging points, then whereby cab drivers have been forced to exit their electric-car owners would stop using dedicated vehicle to confront drivers misusing the designated charging points for black cabs. bays have been reported.

“So as Mayor, I will expand the residential charging network fivefold, delivering 48,000 new chargers in partnership with London boroughs.”

The spokesperson for @taxis_e warned: “I am very concerned about driver safety as I see increasing numbers of frustrated cabbies taking direct action and removing PH off of E-Taxi bays, this is a recipe for disaster and a direct consequence of TfL’s failure to adequately enforce.

“It is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident involving a taxi driver and a minicab driver.”

TaxiPoint asked Shaun Bailey whether he thought the correct levels of enforcement are currently in place for the designated taxi chargepoints. He answered: “We can definitely look at more enforcement. I want cab drivers to feel safe when they’re going about their jobs.

Bailey continued by adding: “It’s the same problem we’ve seen with residential charging points. The Mayor has told black cab drivers to switch to electric.

But he hasn’t provided any support and he's only delivered 500 rapid-charge points. This isn’t nearly enough.

“The best way to make sure black cab drivers can always find a charging point is to increase the number of charging points.

“So as Mayor, I’ll bring the total number of rapidcharge points up to 4,000. That way, cab drivers will always be able to find a charging point when they need it.

“And I’ll provide interest-free loans for every cab driver to switch to electric. Helping to clean up our air and support cab drivers at the same time.”

With all this going on there is also increasing concern over cab drivers’ safety. Several heated incidents

“But the best way to make sure cab drivers have access to a charging point is to increase the number of charging points across London.”

In response to the concerns detailed, a TfL spokesperson told TaxiPoint: “We have been made aware of concerns about the use of taxi-dedicated rapid charge points by other vehicles.

“In response to this we are increasing visits by officers to charging bays and will continue to issue communications to licensees, making clear that in certain circumstances, misuse of taxi-dedicated rapid charge points could result in a Penalty Charge Notice.”

TfL also stressed to TaxiPoint that they have communicated to all licensees the importance of reporting misuse of taxi-dedicated rapid charge points.

LICENSING

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16

BLOWING THE DOORS OFF PLYING FOR HIRE

“The decision to allow UTAG’s Judicial Review and let them argue in court that Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) are plying-for-hire via an app has shown that Reading is NOT the end of the argument.”

UCG SPOKESPERSON

LICENSING

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17

THE READING TEST CASE

Hackney Carriage taxis are the only vehicles that offer their services immediately. Private hire drivers can only offer their services via an operator taking a pre-booked job offer.

and wait in Kings Road, Reading at a time when, and in a place where, members of the public were likely to wish to be immediately conveyed in a vehicle.

A spokesperson from trade organisation United Cabbies Group (UCG) said: “The decision to allow UTAG’s Judicial Review and let them argue in court that Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) are plying-for-hire via an app has shown that Reading is NOT the end of the argument.

In defence, Mr Ali responded by pointing out that if Reading’s analysis was correct any booking using a mobile app would be plying-for-hire. He contended that the essence of the private hire contract was that the member of the public books the vehicle first and then meets the vehicle before the journey proceeds. That is not plying for hire.

At the relevant times on 21 and 22 January 2017, Mr Ali was logged on and shown as available on the A spokesperson from Chiltern Law said via social media: “Another win today for UTAG and the trade. Uber driver and passenger app. His location and availability were displayed to users of the passenger Permission granted to JR transport for London which will involve further scrutiny of Plying for Hire app by an icon on a map. That display, Reading Council argued, constituted a solicitation. arguments and the Reading decision.”

“UCG has always held this view and today that view He pointed out the technological advances from a has been vindicated. time when a job-master was used to book a carriage “We ask all orgs to support this and fight to through telephone booking and in recent times appmaintain our rights.” based booking services. All of which were and are lawful.

BLOWING THE DOORS OFF PLYING FOR HIRE

The taxi industry has won the right to a Judicial Review which could effectively blow the doors off a long-standing trade argument over the definition of The latest twist comes years after a high-profile plying-for-hire test case which focused on a private plying-for-hire. hire driver charged with two offences in Reading.

Last month, taxi industry representatives United Mr Mudassar Ali was charged for two incidents in Trade Action Group (UTAG) were granted the January 2017 after being accused of plying-for-hire review by Senior High Court Judge, Mrs Justice Lang with a Ford Galaxy. The vehicle did not have a DBE. The review will focus on Transport for licence to ply-for-hire from Reading Borough London’s (TfL) decision to grant Transopco an Council and was said to be contrary to section 45 of operator's licence on the FREE NOW/Kapten the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. booking platform.

Mr Ali was an Uber driver, licensed by Transport for Speaking on the ‘Black Cab Show’ podcast, UTAG London (TfL). On the nights of the two incidents, he Director Trevor Merralls told the host that the case was in Reading waiting for a passenger. will focus heavily on how private hire vehicles (PHV) cannot be pre-booked on the app, but licensed taxis The ‘test’ in this case is whether the Uber “model” using an App should lead the court to conclude that can. On the same FREE NOW app, PHV’s can Mr Ali was plying-for-hire on the two dates above. however be ordered via an ‘immediate prebooking’, which has drawn discussion over what is Reading Borough Council argued that Mr Ali was in an immediate hail and what is a pre-booked possession and control of the Ford Galaxy which journey. was not a hackney carriage, he chose to travel to

LICENSING

Arbuthnot found that: •

•

•

•

Mr Ali’s vehicle did not have a distinctive appearance and a member of the public seeing the vehicle on Kings Road at that time may have guessed that it was a minicab because it was a dark coloured car with darkened windows but there were no outward signs, for example, no company telephone numbers were displayed. The TfL roundels were not of such prominence that it could be said that there was something on the vehicle which cried out “I am for hire” in the way described in the Rose v Welbeck case, which I find, in any event, turned on its own facts.

accepts then Uber confirm the booking, records it (see tab 31 page 157) and the trip is allocated to him or her. The details of the passenger are then provided to the driver and the driver goes to the pick-up location to meet the rider. The rider cannot choose a specific driver or vehicle.”

The above left Ms Arbuthnot to conclude: “The fact that Mr Ali’s vehicle had no distinctive markings, was not at a stand and was not available to pick up passengers on the street combined with the fact that the whole transaction was conducted via an App where the booking process starts, is recorded and the fare estimated, leads me to find that Mr Ali was not plying for hire.”

Stephen McCaffrey, Head of Kings View Chambers and Taxi Defence Barristers, summed up the Reading case with his own analysis saying: “This was the first case of its kind specifically testing the functionality of the Uber App’s compliance with licensing legislation.

was not near a hackney carriage stand and if he had been approached by passengers from the street, I accept he would not have contacted Uber to make the booking for them. The facts concerning Mr Ali are very different to those set out in Milton Keynes Borough Council v Barry.

“The case was principally decided on its facts but there are some general principles drawn that may be relevant in future litigation.

vehicle could not be hailed nor did it wait at a stand. He did not drive around looking for passengers nor did he wait on the street, flashing his lights or hooting at members of the public.

“The added dimension in this case was the use of the Uber App. The Uber App’s operation did not offend the boundaries of relevant licensing legislation in the circumstances of the case.

passengers or riders come via the Uber App. Mr Ali was in central Reading waiting to be contacted by Uber.

She said: “Uber’s server tells the nearest driver about the request, he or she has 10 seconds in which to accept or reject the trip. If the driver

“It reaffirmed principles established in previous case indicating that circumstances as a whole must be taken in account including the vehicle’s characteristics and the driver’s behaviour.

“This is by no means the end of the general matter.

Ms Arbuthnot commented in her judgement: ‘I have no doubt that the technology will move forward and be susceptible to challenge in the future’.”

BLOWING THE DOORS OFF PLYING FOR HIRE

Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) Emma Arbuthnot, who also heard the Uber London appeal, said that the “burden of proving the case is on Reading Borough Council and the standard of proof is a high one. I have to be sure of the defendant’s guilt on each charge before I can convict him of plying for hire”.

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

LTNs / ACCESS

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, otherwise known as LTNs, have been rapidly popping up in cities around the UK, sparking debate over whether they are the right way forward in the battle to tackle congestion and pollution.

It may come as a surprise to some to hear that LTNs have in fact been around since the 1970s, most notably in London. It’s just the persistent drive from local authorities since spring 2020 to push for more and more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods which has most recently caught the attention of residents and motorists.

LTNs are said to make streets easier to walk and cycle

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19

by stopping motor vehicles from using quiet roads as shortcuts. But do such schemes offer up an opportunity for local authorities to make a quick buck?

Take a look at Southwark Council in London for instance. According to the RAC, fines from cameras working to enforce LTNs in the area have reportedly generated a staggering £2.5million in revenue in the first three months in which the scheme was launched.

According to RAC’s report, £1.5million of that comes from drivers receiving Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for failing to adhere to LTNs in Dulwich Village, with the other £1million being generated by drivers passing through LTNs in Walworth.

LTNs / ACCESS London’s transport authority, Transport for London (TfL), are on a mission to meet the current Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s plan to make the capital a “healthier, safer, more inclusive, cleaner and greener city”. This includes making 80% of all trips by active sustainable modes by 2041. Together with a green COVID recovery stance, authorities have found these to be strong reasons to introduce LTNs.

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20 quality of life depends on transport and easy access to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities, and services.

“Access to transport is a basic requirement for an equitable society but many disabled people face barriers when trying to travel door to door independently.”

Another issue raised when discussing the impact of LTNs has been how they affect the emergency services.

A major concern in relation to such road closures and TfL have said that each month they meet with local schemes has been the congestion which it causes to authorities and the capital’s emergency services to surrounding roads, which are now bearing the brunt of discuss the Streetspace programme and any issues it vehicles which simply do not have any alternative may be causing. However, looking further afield, the route options. impact has been highlighted recently in Oxford.

There is also the argument that such schemes An investigation was launched by the South Central discriminate against those with disabilities who can no Ambulance Service after a first-call ambulance, longer benefit from door-to-door services that taxis responding to a heart attack victim, was unable to offer. Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE recently spoke complete their initial route due to a blockade in the with TaxiPoint on this very subject: “Wheelchair road enforced through a LTN scheme in Oxford. accessible taxis are essential, they can be a lifeline. Our

LTNs / ACCESS Although it was confirmed that the ambulance did eventually reach its patient in the national average response time, the fact that the ambulance was not able to gain access on its first attempt is no doubt a topic of concern. Sadly, on that occasion, the victim of the heart attack passed away due to its severity.

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21 Sheikh, a COVID-19 survivor with a debilitating lung condition, whose access to hospital and the ability of carers and ambulance services to reach her, has been severely impacted from the road closures.

So as trials continue to throw up the pros and cons of such schemes, those who are impacted most from the Back in London, Lambeth Council are set to face-off road closures will continue to struggle with the against local residents in a court battle over the challenges of getting around, while those who fail to introduction of LTNs in the area. OneLambeth, an adhere to the new way of navigating local streets will apolitical group of residents challenging the LTNs, said: continue to rack up fines and payments to local “We came together to share our deep concerns over authorities. The balance of transportation, access, the way LTNs have been implemented in our Borough, safety, the environment particularly the undemocratic way they were imposed and revenue will and the lack of meaningful consultation with those undoubtedly need to be most affected by them, the apparent conflicts of addressed as LTNs are interest, damage to businesses and traders, and their further scrutinised. impact on families and schools on main roads.”

The legal challenge will see one person stand for all the WRITTEN BY: MICHAEL MURPHY residents who oppose the LTNs. This person is Sofia

INTERVIEW

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22

AUTOCAB

Q&A

SAFA ALKATEB AUTOCAB CEO Image credit: Autocab

Autocab, a supplier of taxi booking and dispatch systems, takes to the TaxiPoint hotseat this month.

Having sold their first system in 1991, Autocab has grown to become one of the largest suppliers of booking and dispatch systems in the world.

will be able to connect these riders with local operators who choose to take their booking. In turn, operators should be able to expand their operations and offer more earnings opportunities to local drivers.

Safa Alkateb, CEO of Autocab, runs through plans for 2021, thoughts on how the industry will recover and, of course, more on the high-profile Uber acquisition.

Autocab’s mission has always been to encourage local private hire and taxi operators to transform their businesses, and I believe that Uber’s technology can help accelerate Autocab’s global ambition and the growth of their customers’ businesses.

The pandemic has hit the taxi and private hire industry hard. How quickly do you see the sector recovering as easement of restrictions continues?

Q2.

Do you see any new opportunities for the taxi and private hire industry postcoronavirus restrictions?

Will any booking and journey data be shared between Autocab and Uber?

Uber will put in place everything that is required to protect Autocab’s customers’ data, ensure that it is not misused and is always managed under all applicable laws and the terms of their contracts with Autocab.

What has the response been like from operators on the Autocab network regarding Uber’s purchase?

industry?

We will continue to develop our market leading and award-winning products and software and we look Every month thousands of people open the Uber app in places the company doesn’t operate to try to forward to welcoming new customers along the get a trip. Through Autocab’s iGo marketplace, Uber way from across the globe!

Q6.

The response from an overwhelming majority of One of the biggest opportunities for the trade as a Autocab operators has been fantastic. Over 40 whole is the movement of 'things' as well as people. operators have already signed MOUs with Uber and are keen to start working with them. The first pilot With the introduction of a hybrid passenger and delivery service, we believe operators can unlock an cities will be launching very soon, and we can't wait to see how the partnership develops over the entirely new vertical which will increase their coming months. business exponentially. By building relationships with local businesses, as restrictions ease, taxi What are Autocab’s plans for 2021 and companies will become the first port of call for beyond? hospitality businesses, enabling firms to safeguard Growth. Autocab already has a SaaS presence in their businesses in the future. over 20 countries, and Uber plans to support How do you see the Autocab and Uber Autocab’s expansion of its SaaS and iGo presence acquisition helping the taxi and private hire internationally.

Q5.

We see demand making a steady recovery over the coming months. We have already seen a rise in trips since the reopening of hospitality venues and we expect this to increase when more lockdown restrictions are eased and commercial flights resume in May.

Q3.

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23

Q4.

Q1.

INTERVIEW

LICENSING

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24

GOVERNMENT SETS

LICENSING AUTHORITIES

STANDARDS DEADLINE The Government has contacted licensing authorities across England to put in place an end of year deadline for all new taxi and private hire statutory guidance rules to be reviewed.

According to the letter sent to authorities, once all the reviews have been conducted, implementation of the new rules should take place ‘as soon as possible in 2022’.

Licensing authorities have been asked to complete a survey issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) in January to assess the progress in considering and implementing measures set out in the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards published in July 2020.

The new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards which local authorities are expected to implement are designed to improve consistency in the licensing system, reducing the risk of harm posed to children and vulnerable passengers in the process.

Review Deadline 31 December 2021

Criminal record checks for drivers every 6 months form a key part of the standards, as does safeguarding training to help drivers identify and respond to passengers that may be being abused or exploited. A recommendation for licensing authorities to consider whether the use of CCTV would be beneficial or proportionate in their areas is also included, which sets out that potential privacy issues must be taken into account.

LICENSING

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25

“… the regulation of the trade is only as strong as the weakest link and so we must continue to drive up standards where they are deficient…”

Baroness Vere of Norbiton

New statutory standards brought in should cost drivers an extra £62.24 per year, according to the DfT sources.

Within the letter sent to licensing authorities, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, says: “As you will be aware, the regulation of the trade is only as strong as the weakest link and so we must continue to drive up standards where they are deficient, and this must be achieved as a matter of urgency.

“Making the necessary changes to your policies to align them with the Statutory Standards is incredibly important to secure the safety of passengers. I am aware from the survey response that some licensing authorities are already applying the Statutory Standards to new licence applications and I welcome this. We expect authorities to explore all options to ensure the Statutory Standards apply to all licence holders at the earliest opportunity and not just at renewal. I cannot stress enough the importance of bringing about these changes to protect the public.

“Authorities have overall made significant progress despite the challenges we have all faced in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The response your authority submitted in January said that your review was currently or will shortly be in progress, based on the responses from other authorities our view is that the review should be completed before 31 December 2021, so that any changes to policies can be in place as soon as possible in 2022.”

New statutory standards costs drivers extra £62.24 per year

POLITICS

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2021 PLANS

THE ALL-PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ON TAXIS The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Taxis exists to support the taxi industry in the UK. Founded with the backing of Members of Parliament from different political parties, it raises the issues facing taxi drivers today and in the future in Parliament.

•

After a tough 12-months. mainly due to the pandemic, the APPG on Taxis has set out their aims for the industry in 2021. • The top line priorities that feature in the 2021 programme include: •

Supporting the taxi trade’s recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic

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Ensuring taxi and PHV regulation is fit for purpose

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Securing the future of the taxi trade.

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Considers commissioning polling, combined with data from APPG sponsors, to highlight the challenge facing the taxi trade, with a view to crafting a report on the impact of COVID, which would make recommendations on securing the long-term future of the trade.

Continues to make the case in Parliament for specific support for the taxi and PHV trade in England, so long as COVID-19 restrictions persist, and the trade continues to suffer a significant loss of income.

Follow up on the APPG’s meeting with Baroness Vere in October 2020, where some of these issues were raised.

Taxi and PHV regulation

So, what does that all mean for the taxi The Secretariat proposes that the industry and how will it be achieved?

Group: According to the APPG on Taxis Maintains and builds upon the Programme here’s the plan of attack for • relationship with Baroness Vere, each key area. by following up on the October Supporting the taxi trade’s 2020 meeting.

recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic The Secretariat proposes that the Group:

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Writes to the Secretary of State for Transport to request that the Government takes up taxi and PHV licensing reform as a key issue in the new session of Parliament.

POLITICS •

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May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27

Identifies opportunities – both within the media and in Parliament – for high-profile members of the APPG to call on Government to bring forward primary legislation on the full set of recommendations put forward by the Task and Finish Group.

• Writes a response to the consultation on best practice guidance, highlighting the need for • primary legislation.

Future of the taxi trade The Secretariat proposes that the Group: •

Asks the Transport Select Committee to hold a one-off evidence session on the future of the taxi trade.

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Continues to engage with City Hall, TfL and London MPs to highlight the challenges of road access in the capital.

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Seeks to hold a meeting with the new TfL Commissioner, Andy Byford, to discuss his plans for supporting the taxi trade as an integral part of London’s transport network.

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Utilises the 2021 metro mayoral elections as an opportunity to engage with representatives outside London, inviting, for example,

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representatives from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to talk about their plan for taxis as part of an integrated transport network for the area.

Considers the possibility of further collaboration with the APPG on Electric Vehicles.

Organises a visit later in the year for APPG Members and Transport Committee Members to the LEVC factory in Coventry. This would be to showcase the ZEC cab and to discuss the need for more rapid charging infrastructure and would happen alongside continued advocacy for the issue in Parliament.

When social distancing restrictions allow, restarts the programme of inviting parliamentarians to drive the ZEC cab with the aim of publicising positive experiences, the issue of electric charging infrastructure and the difficulties that the trade have faced in maintaining access to key roads in London despite its vital role as a disability accessible door-to-door service and commitment to tackling congestion and air pollution.

Image credit: Lawless Capture (Unsplash)

AUTONOMOUS

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ME, MYSELF

AND AI

AUTONOMOUS IS GO Have you ever been driving your vehicle and thought to yourself ‘wouldn’t it be great if I didn’t have to do anything, if I could just sit here and put my feet up?’ No, me neither! But following a recent government announcement, this is exactly the kind of experience we could soon become accustomed to.

future journeys greener, easier and more reliable while also helping the nation to build back better.

“But we must ensure that this exciting new tech is deployed safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules to enable this should look like. In doing so, we can improve transport for all, The UK Government has given the thumbs up for securing the UK’s place self-driving vehicles to hit British streets within the as a global science next 12 months, after a landmark ‘call for superpower.” evidence’.

The Government say The Government has set out how vehicles fitted with Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) technology could legally be defined as self-driving, as long as they receive GB type approval and that there is no evidence to challenge the vehicle’s ability to self-drive.

The Government believes ALKS technology could improve road safety by reducing human error, which they say contributes to over 85% of accidents. With ALKS, the driver would be able to hand control over to the vehicle’s AI system which will constantly monitor speed and keep a safe distance from other cars.

Following the announcement, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making

...self-driving vehicles to hit British streets within the next 12 months...

automated vehicles are not only a great way to improve road safety, the technology could also improve access to transport for people with mobility issues and lead to more reliable public transport.

Government officials believe autonomous technology could create around 38,000 new jobs in the UK industry that could be worth £42billion by 2035. They say over 80% of such jobs are expected to be in professional, technical and skilled trade occupations.

SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The autonomous industry welcomes this vital step to permit the use of automated vehicles on UK roads,

AUTONOMOUS which will put Britain in the vanguard of road safety and automotive technology. Automated driving systems could prevent 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade through their ability to reduce the single largest cause of road accidents – human error.”

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

Level 2: The automated system is capable of taking full control of the vehicle; however, the driver must be ready to intervene if the system fails to recognise a potential hazard.

Level 3: The automated system takes full control of the vehicle and the passenger can Autonomous vehicles are broken down into safely take their attention away from driving the following different levels: tasks: however they must still be able to Level 0: The automated system has no control intervene. over the vehicle, but may prompt the driver of Level 4: Driver can safely divert all attention hazards. away from driving tasks and let the Level 1: The driver and the automated system automated system take full control. share control of the vehicle. Examples of this Level 5: No human intervention is required. could be found in most vehicles which are equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).

OPINION

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

LOW NUMBER OF STUDENTS STARTING THE KNOWLEDGE OF LONDON IS INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST THREAT The biggest threat to the London taxi trade is the falling numbers of Knowledge students says one taxi trade representative.

Paul Bond responded: “That's a big list, but it must be the lack of applicants for the Knowledge of London (KoL). Without that we will just wither away. I don't know the latest age demographic for the trade, but it The comments follow a tough time for the taxi must be 55-60 plus, that figure will be in the back of industry not only in London but throughout the UK, the minds of politicians and policy makers as they due to the impact of COVID-19. Since March 2020, might think 'well in five years the cab trade effectively when the first pandemic restrictions were announced, ceases to be a pan London service but a niche the trade has seen thousands of vehicles delicensed market'. That way they retain a sham of a Two-Tier and work levels have hit record lows. system, but 95% of the work goes to Private Hire (PH).

TaxiPoint asked Paul Bond, Chair of RMT London Taxi Of course, we all know the reasons why people are Branch 0930, what the biggest threat to the taxi not signing up, it is astounding that TfL don't know industry in London was and what can be done to why people are not signing up! counter the threat. Bond also gave his opinion on “The cause of lack of applicants is weak PH regulation, how he sees the industry recovering as restrictions millions of pounds of PH lobbying and perhaps the are eased. trade resting on its laurels in the past.

OPINION “Failing to defend our working practices by not pressuring regulators and politicians locally and nationally hasn’t helped the industry either. It’s important that PH doesn’t impact our well-established hail and ranking. All we can do is hammer away and look to engage people to our cause.”

Paul added: “I don't see normal levels coming back for some little while yet, certainly not until Autumn as a minimum. International travel with little or no restrictions must return, along with theatres running

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31 to full houses and the suits coming back to the City in good numbers.

“We will have some permanent changes as 'working from home', for at least part of a week, becomes the norm. Of course, this may be offset by the reduction of numbers in the taxi fleet, but my first answer isn't favouring that as the remedy.

“I also see supporting Cooperative taxi only apps as a key way of winning back work, the 'commercial' ones just seem to use us to build a client book to sell on.”

ELECTRIC TAXIS

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WRITTEN BY: Image credit: LEVC

The transition to electric vehicles is inevitable for everyone. The Government has brought forward the ban on new ICE vehicle sales to 2030, and many businesses and fleets have already taken steps to prepare for the future of EV in the commercial environment.

These include:

Taxis and private hire vehicles are already at the forefront of electrification, with low emission zones across many of the UK’s largest cities and towns now influencing future vehicle purchases.

These grants can be used towards vehicle deposits or be used to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.

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Grant of up to £2,500 for purchases of new and approved low emission cars up to £35,000.

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Up to £7,500 in grants for purpose-built, low emission taxis – Dynamo and LEVC.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS

Along with the grants mentioned previously, there There are plenty of incentives for drivers to make the are numerous other financial benefits for businesses transition. As a result, now is the best time to switch investing in EVs, these include: to electric vehicles. Whether businesses are looking Lower ‘fuel’ cost – EVs cost around £2-£4 per to purchase individual taxis or operate an entire fleet, • 100 miles – compared to £13 - £16 for you can take advantage of the benefits available. combustion engines.

GRANTS FOR EV PURCHASES

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For those looking to purchase a vehicle to use for private hire or a purpose-built electric taxi, there are specific grants available that will decrease the price of • low emission vehicles.

Cheaper travel in London – EVs are exempt from London’s congestion charge. Saving £11.50 per day.

Fewer maintenance costs – Fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes.

ELECTRIC TAXIS

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33

Moreover, the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) has been developed to support the Low Benefit in Kind (BiK) rate – For purely electric transition to electric vehicles. The scheme helps vehicles, it is 1% for the 2021/2022 financial year and reduce the overall cost of charger installation by up to 2% for the 2022/2023 financial year. Plug-in hybrids 75%. vary depending on how much CO2 is produced.

The scheme can be used for up to 40 sockets per COMPANY BENEFITS company and can in total reduce costs by up to £14,000.

Pure electric vehicles run off electricity only, making them excellent assets for companies expressing green Furthermore, there are many benefits to installing electric vehicle charging in the workplace, these initiatives, or require zero-emission vehicles to include a new revenue stream for the business, operate effectively. improving employee satisfaction, and developing the Even with the production of lithium batteries and the company’s image. source of the electricity used to charge them, they are significantly better for the environment compared to RENEWABLE ENERGY petrol or diesel vehicles.

Fleets looking to create a carbon-zero solution for Furthermore, companies who are looking to prioritise their vehicles should consider installing renewable green initiatives can benefit from positive PR. energy products to provide electricity to workplaces Additionally, they will open themselves to customers chargers. who are looking to reduce their own carbon footprint. After the initial purchase, the only on-going cost is

EXEMPT FROM ROAD TAX

maintenance. As a result, there would be no more monthly electricity bills. They can also improve revenue with the extra electricity produced being sold back to the grid.

Similar to EVs and EV charging, there are several grants which companies can benefit from.

FINANCE OPTIONS For companies looking to electrify their fleets, there are several finance options they can utilise.

WORKPLACE CHARGING For companies looking to electrify their fleets, investing in workplace chargepoints can also come with several advantages, to both businesses and employees.

Each finance product brings its own advantages and will be tailored to companies’ specific requirements.

Additionally, these finance options can be used for Electric Vehicles, EV Charging and Renewable Energy •

Hire Purchase

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Lease Purchase

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Personal Contract Purchase

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Business Contract Purchase.

MONTHLY FUEL PRICE

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

April marked the sixth month of rising petrol prices hopes for a recovery in the demand for oil by the with another penny being added on at the country’s summer, which is starting to push the oil price close forecourts, new RAC Fuel Watch figures reveal. to the $70 level – a price last seen in May 2019. If combined with a decision at the start of June by Unleaded went up 0.89p ending the month at an average of 127.19p per litre – its highest price since major oil producing nations to continue to restrict oil production, this could push the oil price still higher. In January 2020. While diesel rose by slightly less this case, wholesale prices would also rise and UK (0.62p) to 129.73p per litre, it was its fifth drivers would likely feel the increases when they consecutive monthly increase. This means it now come to top up their tanks. costs £69.95 to fill up a 55-litre family car with petrol and £71.35 to fully fill an equivalent-sized diesel car. The RAC believes drivers of diesel vehicles are being particularly hard done by when it comes to pump But with the cost of a barrel of oil having risen by prices, given that the wholesale price of the fuel is nearly $5 ($4.82) during April, and now standing at virtually the same as unleaded, and has been since $66.93, wholesale petrol and diesel prices are also now on the rise which is likely to translate into even the beginning of March. Despite this, motorists still have to pay on average 2.5p more per litre than higher pump prices for drivers in May. those running petrol vehicles.

Despite continued concern on world markets over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are

CHARITY

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 35

very fortunate that this boy’s mother checked up on him in the bathroom that he was saved again. His condition was subsequently diagnosed as Status Epilepticus which requires him to have 24/7 supervision. Checking up on him during the night was causing a lot of anxiety and sleepless nights all round, and in addition this young man was losing his privacy and dignity.

The LTCFC were extremely pleased to be able to help by purchasing a specialised watch called Embrace2 which has a sensor on it that records his body movement, temperature, and can detect any possible tonic-clonic, or other seizures before they happen.

The watch works with two apps, the first app called ALERT can alert 3 phones, where each owner can The LTCFC have helped hand back independence and communicate the correct action taken, to let the other users know he is safe and with someone. This dignity to a young boy by helping to purchase a app also has a GPS so he can be located. special epilepsy monitoring watch.

The second app called MATE keeps a record or diary In January, the LTCFC received an appeal for help from the mother of a young boy suffering from a very of all possible activities, seizures etc which is useful for them to take to his consultant and may even help severe form of epilepsy. to indicate what is triggering these seizures.

After having 2 very severe seizures that ended in Now that he has the watch this young man can have cardiac arrest, where he stopped breathing for some of his independence and privacy back. As the several minutes, the A&E department successfully watch is waterproof, he can wear it when showering saved this young boy’s life. and can also use it whilst swimming enabling him to His next attack resulted in multiple types of seizures join in with his friends more. within the space of an hour and a half, and it was

GLOBAL NEWS

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37

AROUND THE WORLD USA New York City’s Taxi & Limousine Commission has announced a $65million Taxi Medallion Owner Relief Program to provide debt relief for financially distressed medallion owners. This Program is set up to give small medallion owners a critical tool to work with lenders and take charge of their debt by restructuring loans, reducing principal, and lowering monthly payments.

SINGAPORE AUSTRALIA Commuters could soon have the option of using a digital ‘Opal card’ to travel in a taxi. New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, announced the news that trials were to begin, with a roll out of the program taking place across all transport networks including Uber journeys. Up to 10,000 transport users will be granted access to the feature via the digital Opal card trial, which is expected to begin mid-2021.

SINGAPORE BRAZIL Ride-hailing taxi app, Cabify, has announced it is due to end operations in Brazil on 14 June. Making the surprise announcement via their official Twitter account, a spokesperson for the firm said: “After so many years of moving, next June 14 we will stop operating in Brazil. Thank you for everything, and even if we don’t take you with Cabify anymore, we’ll take you forever in our hearts. See you in the countries where we still operate our service.”

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE SMRT has said it aims to switch over to an all-electric fleet within the next five years. The first batch of 300 electric taxis is due to arrive in Singapore progressively from July this year.

Mr Tan Kian Heong, President of SMRT, said: “In line with Singapore’s Green Plan, we are excited to be among the first point-to-point transport operators to commit to the deployment of electric taxis on a large scale.”

SPAIN Taxi drivers and trade representatives are to continue their fight against Uber after the controversial ride-hailing app returned to Barcelona after two years of inactivity in the city. Uber officially stopped operating in the city on 2 February 2019 following a new rule meaning a minimum notice of 15 minutes must be met for all booked rides through its service.

Uber have now returned to the city with a new model, working with some of Barcelona’s taxi drivers who are willing to work with the firm.

Uber is now working alongside the cooperative drivers to offer a metered service to the travelling public.

May 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

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