TaxiPoint August 2019 Edition 4

The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication

Edition 4 | August 2019

Over 30,000 readers last month!

Are Uber about to hit the buffers in London?

VEHICLES | APPS | LICENSING | CROSS Insurance fine, share price -BORDER | POLITICS | AND MORE... tumbling and $5Billion Q2 loss

www.taxi-point.co.uk

Boris Johnson

Urged to allow minicab capping

Restricted Access What impact does it have?

LEVC v Dynamo Plan Insurance Review

Content and Editorial

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3

p24

TaxiPoint Chief Editor:

Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Joint Editor: Steve Kenton TaxiPoint Joint Editor:

p5

p20

Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager:

p10

Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk

Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquires at:

p8

advertising@taxi-point.co.uk

Our writing team at TaxiPoint consists of myself, Steve and Michael, and we’re all working taxi drivers. In this edition, you’ll find the first instalment of Michael’s journey to his Green Badge, long before he went on the trail of reporting taxi news and information!

The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice.

You’ll also find the latest exclusive updates in the lead up to the eagerly anticipated decision on Uber’s licence renewal.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Don’t forget that you can get all the latest TaxiPoint news stories straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/subscribe As always, we hope you enjoy the read!

Thank you and be lucky,

Perry Richardson

All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2019. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Licensing Caps

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 5 Image: Velislav Nikolov (Wiki Commons)

New Prime Minister urged to push through a cap on minicabs Taxi representatives have urged the new Prime Minister to push through a cap on the number of London Private Hire drivers working in the capital.

private hire drivers working in the capital. This call followed similar action taken in New York City last year.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association are keen to push through the capping in the capital, something Boris Johnson himself lobbied for during his time as London Mayor.

In the letter sent back in August 2018 to the then transport secretary Chris Grayling, Sadiq Khan asked for powers to place a cap as the increasing number of minicabs, which he claimed left “many drivers Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, said struggling to make enough money to support themselves and their families.” in an email to members: “We understand that

originally there were no plans to give the Mayor the power to cap PH numbers, but with Boris as Prime Minister, we have written to remind him, and his newly appointed transport advisors, that he requested the very same powers when he was Mayor.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said then that “urgent action is needed” as the rise in private hire number becomes “unsustainable”. Private hire driver numbers have risen from 60,000 in 2011 to over 106,000 present day.

The current Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has also asked Government for powers to cap the number of

to flourish. However, as we have previously discussed, the huge increase in private hire drivers on

In the letter obtained by TaxiPoint in August 2018, “I am also scheduled to meet the senior civil servants the London Mayor wrote: responsible for drafting the bill shortly, where I shall “I am determined to create a vibrant taxi and private make the point very clearly.” hire market in the capital, with space for all providers

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Licensing Caps

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6

London’s roads in recent years is causing increased congestion, polluting our air and leaving many drivers struggling to make enough money to support themselves and their families.

me that power as the Mayor of London - alongside appropriate restrictions on cross-border hiring, to enable Londoners, like New Yorkers, to breathe better air and live in a less congested city. I know the “In 2011 there were around 60,000 private hire drivers Department for Transport has instigated a Task and Finish Group on private hire regulation which is due to in London. This has now risen to more than 110,000 report shortly. actively licensed drivers – a massive increase over this period. This rise in numbers is unsustainable and urgent action is needed to address it.

“Last week New York (Aug 2018) - which is facing similar problems with the significant increase in private hire vehicles on their roads - took the necessary step of instituting a year-long cap on app-based private hire companies. Unlike New York, I don’t have the power to cap the number of private hire vehicles in London.

“I am writing to again urge the Government to grant

Image: LEVC

“I urge you to publish this report as quickly as possible and act on its recommendations – including introducing any primary legislation that is required.”

Uber

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8

Uber fined £28,800 calling London probationary licence into question Westminster Magistrates Court has fined Uber for contravening the terms of its licence by allowing drivers to pick up passengers in London without the required hire and reward insurance according to industry sources.

Uber were also ordered to pay a £22,000 court fee and a £170 victim surcharge.

without the required hire and reward insurance, and £400 for each count of failing to keep adequate records.

Uber is currently operating under a probationary licence in London, which is due to expire this September.

Transport for London (TfL) mandates that minicabs must be covered by hire or reward insurance at the point of licensing and when in use as a private The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) and hire vehicle (PHV). This means that hire or reward the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on insurance must be in place at all times when the PHV Taxis are now calling for the Mayor of London to end is in use, and that if a PHV belonging to a private hire Uber’s operation in London once and for all. operator is found undertaking bookings without appropriate insurance, then TfL may take regulatory On Wednesday 31 July, Uber was fined £28,800 by Westminster Magistrates Court for allowing its drivers action against the operator. to pick up Londoners in vehicles without proper The conviction follows a ruling by Westminster insurance and for failing to keep adequate records.

Magistrates Court last year, which overturned TfL’s The ride-hailing firm was fined £14,000 for each count decision to refuse Uber a licence on grounds that it was not a “fit and proper” operator. of allowing its drivers to accept bookings in vehicles

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Uber

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9

The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis, Wes Streeting MP, says it’s time action is taken to bring an end to the ‘unscrupulous practices’ of Uber in London and to better protect passengers.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “The Mayor of London rightly refused to renew Uber’s five-year licence on the grounds of blatant disregard for Londoner’s safety.

Wes Streeting MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis and Labour MP for Ilford North, said: “This is just the latest example of Uber flouting the rules of the road that everyone else is expected to abide by.

“Once again Uber’s status as a “fit and proper operator” is called into serious question. The Mayor and TfL must act.”

“Uber told the courts last year that it had cleaned up its act and deserved a second chance, but has since put the public at serious risk by allowing its drivers to pick up unsuspecting Londoners in uninsured vehicles.

The firm is not “fit and proper” by any definition.

“The LTDA has written to the Mayor of London to demand that Uber’s probationary licence be revoked with immediate effect.”

What the readers say...

Find TaxiPoint on social media

London

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10

London taxi drivers plan legal action SHOULD Uber win a renewed operator’s licence Taxi drivers plan legal action should Uber be granted a In June 2018, Westminster Magistrates Court renewed operator’s licence in September. overturned TfL’s decision and granted ULL a 15-month probationary licence. The firm argued that it had put a The United Trade Action Group (UTAG) released a series of measures in place to improve its operation statement to members disclosing their next steps of since TfL’s decision was made. action, should ride-hailing firm Uber win a renewed

licence.

Regulators Transport for London (TfL) refused to renew Uber London Limited’s (ULL) application to renew its five-year London Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence back in September 2017.

However, concerns have been raised in that period by industry officials and politicians.

It was recently revealed that Westminster Magistrates Court fined Uber for contravening the terms of its licence. The courts fined the minicab firm £28,800 for allowing drivers to pick up passengers in London without the required hire and reward insurance.

A letter sent by Helen Chapman, TfL’s Head of Licensing, outlined TfL’s reasons for taking this decision, which concluded: “Transport for London (TfL) Wes Streeting MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary is not satisfied that ULL is a fit and proper person to Group on Taxis and Labour MP for Ilford North, said: hold a licence.”

“This is just the latest example of Uber flouting the rules of the road that everyone else is expected to

Find TaxiPoint on social media

London

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 11

rules of the road that everyone else is expected to abide by.

“Once again Uber’s status as a “fit and proper operator” is called into serious question. The Mayor and TfL must act.”

UTAG, made up of drivers and stakeholders from across the industry, have since announced their decision to take action. They said via a statement to members:

“Our legal team including Robert Griffiths QC has been gathering the evidence to present to Transport for London ("TfL") as to why Uber is not to be relicensed, as it is not a 'Fit and Proper' Operator. In fact, we contend it never was, and via their continued poor behaviour and corporate structure it is clear to all that it has no intention of becoming one.

“We cannot offer further disclosure in relation to the case at this time but we shall, in due course, make available the letter to TfL for all donators to read via our website.

“Uber was fined £28,800 last week at Westminster Magistrates Court for failing to keep proper records and for allowing drivers to work without the required hire and reward insurance. This fact will be included in both proposed letters to TfL. “Once our evidence is delivered to TfL, if they decide to relicense this law-breaking company once again, we shall consider launching an immediate Judicial Review into that decision once TfL announces their reasons for granting a license.

“Grounds for JR will be disclosed to members once drafted.

“It is also our intention to serve a preliminary letter on TfL following the recent decision at Westminster “Crucial evidence has been collated and UTAG is very Magistrates Court. This will put them on notice that close to presenting our evidence to TfL. they should revoke Ubers’ licence without delay and that letter will be followed up with a much more in“Uber's temporary licence is up for renewal on September 25th, 2019 but shortly UTAG shall put TfL depth document setting out why Uber should never be on notice that they should not relicense Uber, for even allowed to work in the capital again.” the shortest of periods. Enough is enough.

Visit UTAG for more information here

Find TaxiPoint on social media

London

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12

Man breaks his leg trying to jump a wall after running off without paying cab fare A bilker was left in agony after breaking his leg during an alleged attempt to flee a cab without paying the fare.

The police and ambulance service were called and it was confirmed that the alleged bilker had broken his leg while jumping the wall.

37-year-old Liverpool cabbie Robert Wilnicki, picked up The injury sustained was so horrific, his bone was the man at around midnight Tuesday 6 August and sticking out of his leg. Robert said the man was very began the journey to Goodison Park. lucky that he came looking for him otherwise he could When nearly at their destination, the passenger asked have been left there all night bleeding out. if Robert could stop the vehicle so he could relieve himself.

The alleged bilker claimed he wasn't trying to run away without paying the fare and just wanted the toilet.

Trusting the man, Robert stopped his cab on Priory Road, Anfield and let the man out.

Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Robert said: "The guy was claiming that he jumped over the fence to have a p*** After waiting for 10 minutes, Robert became suspicious but obviously he could do it anywhere without and went to check whether the man was anywhere to jumping. be seen.

"He definitely tried to make off without paying the ÂŁ10 Robert was approached by another cab driver who said pound - which could even cost him his life." there was a man laying on the floor in the cemetery.

Robert eventually found the man in agony, with a broken leg, over the wall in Anfield Cemetery.

The fare, which came to ÂŁ10, was eventually paid by the man's mother who didn't want the driver to be out of pocket.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Charity

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

Feature

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14

Bus gates and restricted road access

Image: Bill Harrison (Geograph) CC2.0 geograph .org.uk/p/4997469

Traditionally traffic is significantly lighter during the school holidays; less traffic means less congestion, in theory at least. Across the UK, many roadworks and traffic initiatives have been introduced during school holiday periods. London's Congestion Charge was introduced during a school half term, as was the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, and more recently Tower Hamlet's Liveable Streets initiative was introduced during a school holiday.

What impact do they have?

But what happens when traffic resumes to its normal volume?

On 14 July, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets introduced the Liveable Streets initiative to a number of streets in Bow. Excerpts from the campaigns website said the following: "In too many areas our streets have not kept pace with change. That’s why this year’s budget included substantial new funding for our new Liveable Streets programme to make Tower Hamlets a better place for residents, businesses and visitors.

"The Liveable Streets programme aims to improve the look and feel of public spaces in neighbourhoods across the borough and make it easier, safer, and more convenient to get around by foot, bike and public transport. We also want to reduce people making ‘rat runs’ and shortcuts through residential streets to encourage more sustainable journeys and to improve air quality and road safety."

The website then explained how streets would be closed to traffic to see how people manage without cars and delivery vans.

The recent trial saw all traffic, except for buses, banned along a stretch of Tredegar Road which was closed off between Fairfield Road and Parnell Road between 7am and 8pm each day. Traffic coming from the busy A12

Find TaxiPoint on social media

“

Feature

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15

Eastway-Blackwall Tunnel Approach at the Old Ford turn -off, could only use Fairfield Road which would then be forced back onto Bow Road, rather than Tredegar Road to take them westbound, while the stretch of Coborn Road between Malmesbury Road and Tredegar Road was being closed 24 hours a day to traffic.

The result was gridlock and it was cancelled after just 8 hours under the orders of local Mayor John Biggs following pressure from local residents and businesses.

The streets around that section of Bow are a major and vital link to the centre of London; shutting that link simply pushed traffic onto the next nearest link, an already oversubscribed Bow Road.

It could be argued therefore that road closures and bus gates which the council are introducing to try and alleviate traffic congestion and pollution, by default are increasing these issues because of pressure placed on surrounding roads. Journeys take longer, traffic flows slower, vehicles operate in a lower gear increasing pollution.

This will be an utter disgrace should this happen.

We consider Black Cabs to be an intrinsic part of the TFL network and I would recommend that your members seek legal opinion on this, should the bus gate go ahead and end up being exclusive to buses.

We have a number of disabled and physically limited residents who rely on taxis as well as residents who work in the city, who also rely on the instant flagging down of a black cab.

Not only that, but it would also mean increased congestion on The Highway, as more taxis and vehicles that would normally use Wapping during the course of their business, would all be forced to remain on The Highway, which defeats the object of lowering congestion and pollution.

I hope that the LTDA and its members push hard In Tower Hamlets there are 17 areas marked for similar to prevent the bus gate in Wapping from projects; one of which is the Wapping bus gate where it becoming exclusive to buses only. is planned that all traffic will be banned, including taxis, from entering the bus gate between prescribed hours.

One resident wrote in to TaxiPoint, highlighting their concerns:

“

These are two examples in a small area of London, but this issue is happening in many towns and cities. Vancouver city planner, Brent Toderian, said in 2014: "You can't build your way out of congestion. It's the roads themselves that cause traffic."

I read your article on the taxi point website of 13 March 2019, regarding the potential However, these trials have obviously raised questions headache that is the Wapping Bus Gate. about traffic displacement in the quest for cleaner air.

There is clearly no single answer to curing the I just thought you ought to make it aware to your members that a very large proportion of us congestion and pollution problems in major cities. residents support the free movement of Black Cabs and local residents’ vehicles through this bus gate, should it go ahead.

We suspect though, that, in true council tradition, we won’t be listened to and Tower Hamlets will block all vehicles except for buses.

Article written by: Steve Kenton TaxiPoint Joint Editor

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Cross Border

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16

Council says Government “must act now” on cross border licensing following out of town sexual assault A Council has echoed calls for Government to intervene the area they are licensed for. on cross border private hire and taxi licensing, The Council is now raising this again with new transport following an out of town sexual assault.

Secretary of State for Transport the Rt Hon Grant This call comes after a private hire driver was jailed for Shapps MP following this case.

19 months for the abduction and sexual assault of a In May 2018, the Council was told by Parliamentary female passenger in Telford.

Under Secretary for State Nusrat Ghani MP that the 28-year-old Raja Ahmed, forced his victim into another matter was being considered by a task and finish group, car after picking her up following a night out, and which reported its findings in September 2018. Its groped her breast. recommendations included national licensing standards, limits on cross-border working, powers to The Council is now again urging the Government to change the law that allows drivers to operate in council cap licenses under certain circumstances and higher safeguarding standards. areas that do not issue their licence.

The convicted driver was not licensed by Telford & Wrekin Council, reflecting the situation where the council claims around four in five taxi and private hire drivers in the borough are licensed by other local authorities, who may have less stringent licensing criteria.

This is permitted following deregulation in 2015 and the Council has repeatedly urged the Government to change this to ensure that drivers can only operate in

Cllr Richard Overton, cabinet lead for enforcement, said: “Since the Government changed the law in 2015, drivers can lawfully operate anywhere in the country, regardless of where they are licensed.

“Standards vary widely across licensing authorities.

We can refuse to grant a licence in Telford & Wrekin, yet that person can simply walk in to a neighbouring or other authority and obtain one there, but still work within our area.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Cross Border

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17

“We know that some people are applying for and being granted an operator’s licence in another area because the standards there are lower than here.

“We also have evidence that licensed private hire drivers who have had their licences revoked here for not being fit and proper and have subsequently been licensed by another local authority.

“Public safety is at the forefront of any decisions we make and if we refuse to grant a licence, it will be for legitimate reasons in order to protect the travelling public. For that licence to be granted in another authority just because they have lower standards than here is simply not acceptable.

“Councils must be given the authority to protect the communities they serve. We continue to believe a change in the law is urgently needed so that all private hire journeys should either start or end in the controlled district of the local authority which issue the licences. It’s telling that a Government working

group last autumn reached the same conclusion.

“Taxis licensing and cross border hiring are part of the Independent Inquiry Telford Child Sexual Exploitation Terms of Reference and we will be raising this issue with Independent Inquiry chair.

“The Government must act now to help councils with higher licensing standards and protect the public.”

TaxiPoint sources suggest that it is now looking increasingly likely that the government will introduce a long-awaited new Taxi and Private Hire Bill in the next session of Parliament in September.

It is expected that it will contain legislation to limit Cross Border Hiring (CBH) and to introduce National Minimum Standards for licensing authorities across England and Wales.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Legal

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

High Court deems use of mobile phone whilst driving NOT an offence if used outside of ‘interactive telecommunications’ “The conclusion is that the offence is not committed unless it is proved beyond reasonable doubt (by the Prosecution) that the phone was being used for an ‘interactive telecommunication function’ at the time of the alleged Image: Pexels offence.”

The High Court has agreed that using a function on a mobile phone, which does not involve ‘interactive telecommunication’, is not a mobile phone offence whilst driving.

The case follows a motorist, Ramsey Barreto, who was caught filming a road accident back on 19 August 2017 in Ruislip.

According to the courts, a police officer observed the The High Court handed down the Judgement, which respondent holding his phone up to the driver’s clarifies the offence of using a mobile phone whilst window for between 10 and 15 seconds. He stopped behind the wheel. the respondent, at which point the phone was on his This ruling could have wider implications, especially for lap in video mode. He admitted what he had done and apologised. taxi and private hire drivers, who use mobile phone functionalities for ride-hailing bookings and navigation. A spokesperson from Mr Barreto’s legal team, Patterson Law, said: “We are absolutely delighted with The conclusion is that the offence is not committed the outcome of this case. We have been arguing for unless it is proved beyond reasonable doubt (by the many years that the legislation in relation to the Prosecution) that the phone was being used for an offence of using a handheld mobile phone whilst ‘interactive telecommunication function’ at the time of driving a motor vehicle has failed to keep pace with the the alleged offence. evolution of smart phones.

However, as always, it may still be an offence of driving without due care and attention or dangerous driving, if “The increasing multi-functionality of smart phones was, in fact, making a mockery of the law. the standard of driving falls below that expected of a careful and competent driver.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Legal

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19

“We ended up with a situation where you could hold a Casio calculator performing mathematical calculations whilst driving and you would not be committing a mobile phone offence, whereas doing exactly the same thing on the calculator app on a smart phone, according to the way the Police / Crown Prosecution Service were applying the law, meant you would automatically be committing an offence warranting 6 points and a hefty fine.

“When the fixed penalty for using a mobile phone was increased from 3 to 6 points and the fixed penalty fine was increased from £100 to £200 we argued that Parliament should have seized the opportunity to update the legislation in general, not just the penalties.

It seemed like a missed opportunity at the time. A quick fix.

“This is not a loophole argument/defence. This is

simply the correct application and understanding of the law as it currently stands.

“We have always said that it is dangerous to interact with any type of device whilst driving a motor vehicle on a road and it was always open to the Police / Prosecution to pursue an allegation of driving without due care and attention or perhaps even dangerous driving. That was never the issue.

“The issue was that the law as it stood created anomalies and confusion. We now have the clarity in this judicial precedent to match what we had been correctly advocating on behalf of our clients for many many years.

“We would like to thank our client Mr. Barreto for his patience in this matter. Clearly he didn’t set out wanting to be the test case on this issue.”

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Licensing

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

Private hire firm Ola has been given the green light to operate tuk-tuks in Cardiff Private hire firm Ola has been given the green light to operate tuk-tuks in Cardiff.

week.

Ola say Cardiff will benefit from being the first city in Passengers using the app, originating from India, will the UK to host a completely zero emission shuttle run be able to e-hail an electric rickshaw called a Zbee. The service and will help in achieving the city’s aim of vehicles will be able to accommodate two passengers, 100% zero emission transport vehicles by 2022. travelling short distances in the city and around Cardiff Founded in 2011 by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, Bay. Ola is one of the world’s largest ride-hailing Cardiff councillors gave Ola the green light and created companies. special conditions for private hire licensed Tuk tuks.

The firm operates in 125+ cities across India, Australia, In the report, Ola plan to run a fleet of 20 Zbees each New Zealand and the UK, and has over 1.3 million operating 80 hours a week. A total of 30 drivers will be drivers. hired on contract each expected to work 50 hours per

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Licensing

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21

First Hackney Carriage taxi licence given to Tuk Tuk operator in Wales

Image: Pixabay

A new Tuk-Tuk service has been handed a hackney carriage taxi licence to operate on the South Coast of Wales.

According to the Western Telegraph, the south Pembrokeshire firm will start with a fleet of two vehicles, but have plans to grow.

The three-wheeled vehicles, imported from India, are now available to the public to hail along the south Pembrokeshire coast.

This follows the news of global private hire firm Ola being given the green light to operate Tuk-Tuks in Cardiff.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Apps

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22

How can a taxi company be carbon neutral?

Article written by: Gett Consider this: an app that facilitates the movement of vehicles on a country’s roads claims to be carbon neutral – and even, if a user selects the option, carbon positive. It’s a bit cheeky, isn’t it? Especially at a time when a company’s environmental impact has never been under so much scrutiny.

can travel emissions-free in serious comfort – these glass-roofed cabs make for a particularly sleek, quiet and smooth ride. We’ve partnered with LEVC to get this up and running, and we’re also directly incentivising drivers to use these new electric cars via a reduced commission scheme. Numbers are small at It’s true that our roads are more congested than ever. the moment, but we expect them to increase You’ll have read the headlines, and we’ve all noticed dramatically over the next few years. that if you drive around any of the UK’s cities, traffic has increased compared with just five years ago. In fact, a Department for Transport (DfT) study last year Carbon-neutral programmes work by offsetting the predicted that traffic in England and Wales will carbon produced by a journey. We can guarantee increase by up to 51 per cent by 2050. It doesn’t that this has been happening for every ride with Gett sound good – but bear with us. since September 2018. Every quarter, sustainability

Neutral ground

consultancy EcoAct verifies the carbon-output calculations of all Gett journeys in the UK – and from Although there’s likely to be more traffic on the roads this, we buy carbon credits that fund carbon-offset projects. These internationally certified programmes – these figures are based on population growth include helping to reverse deforestation in the predictions – carbon emissions should theoretically go down due to the number of these vehicles that’ll Amazon and supporting the shift towards a lowcarbon economy in India. be electric. If you’re using the Gett app in London, you’ll already see a Gett Electric class, which will exclusively hail you an electric cab; this means you

Feel the electricity

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Apps

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23

The green light As for carbon positive – well, our app now gives you the option to hail from the Gett Green class in London. Not only will carbon emissions from these rides be offset, but an optional 20p donation will be made to some central London schools, including those identified in the Mayor of London’s air-quality audit programme – and we’ll match customer donations up to £5,000 per school. This money is already being invested in green walls and air filtration units for these high-risk schools.

While these schemes are all extremely important to us, here’s the other thing we rarely say: unlike some other apps, we don’t actually add any more cars to the roads. We just ensure the ones that exist already are put to the best use possible. So, we make it easier to hail a black cab and we allow existing fleets of private cars to carry out more efficient journeys. We want to get our customers where they need to be, but in the right way. We call it ‘getting there smarter’.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Vehicle

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24

V The LEVC TXE vs The Nissan Dynamo Article written by: Jesse Koranteng, Plan Insurance Brokers

Since its launch in 2017, LEVC (previously know as the London Taxi Company) has been the market leader for all things electric taxi related on the streets of London.

Fast forward to 2019, and now the Nissan Dynamo electric taxi, dubbed “The World’s First 100% Electric Black Cab” will make its debut, attempting to prove it has the credentials needed to make a dent in the EV taxi market.

travels, as all taxis come equipped with free Wi-Fi availability and USB ports on board.

This article will look at both taxis and compare their appearance, features, affordability and running costs.

While the Dynamo does not resemble the traditional TX appearance, it is modelled on the proven and popular eNV200 Evalia and can accommodate 5 passengers.

Appearance and features LEVC TX Boasting the frame of the traditional hackney carriage, the LEVC TX eCity is deemed as a user friendly, accessible black cab. The panoramic glass roof is a top feature of the taxi, giving users the chance to see city landmarks from the open sky above them. Passengers can also expect to stay well connected during their

On the accessibility front, wheelchair access comes via a discreet access ramp integrated into the floorspace; also included is a driver-passenger microphone system and a hearing induction loop.

Dynamo Electric Taxi

Just like the LEVC TX, the dynamo taxi’s connectivity provides huge value to drivers and passengers. The taxi comes with smart phone integration via Bluetooth, USB charge points for two chargers and air conditioning that can be preset with the dedicated taxi app or the vehicle key fob.

The taxi is also equipped with a double folded, easy stow ramp, a panoramic roof and easy to wipe down seats.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Vehicle

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25

However, criticisms for the taxi have been centered around the sliding windows which gives it a “van feel”, and the manual passenger doors, which at first glance would have been expected to be electric to add a premium, luxury feel.

Safety and comfort LEVC TX The LEVC taxi has been designed to be the “ultimate mobile office” for the professional taxi driver.

Dynamo Electric Taxi

As can be expected from a company owned by Geely, and therefore close to safety and comfort champions Volvo, LEVC has created a vehicle packed with features to enhance the driving experience. The fully-adjustable and ergonomically-designed seat delivers supportive comfort throughout the day. Powerful automatic air conditioning keeps drivers cool under pressure.

The Nissan Dynamo Taxi has Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that continuously monitors driving ability. It will recognise under and over-steering and can compensate for this by reducing speed or applying gentle braking, keeping drivers and their passengers safe. The cab also comes with tyre pressure monitoring.

Also, with Nissan’s e-NV200 air conditioning system, The angled central touchscreen provides access to all of cabbies can warm up or cool down quickly in any the vehicle’s systems and settings, from incoming calls weather at the push of a button. For cold mornings, the to satellite navigation assistance. cab is equipped with a heated front seat and a heated The TX has completed more test mileage than all of the steering wheel. previous models put together, put through its paces in One particularly innovative feature, the Click & Go Key places such as the Arctic tundra – as well as in the busy fob, allows taxi owners to lock and unlock their cabs urban settings where it will most commonly be used. without having to get their key out, providing seamless entry. The fob can also be used for climate control.

Price and running costs LEVC TX The LEVC TX outright price is set at £57,099. The taxi is also available to lease from £184. Included in the price is the delivery charge, first registration fee and the £7,5000 plug in taxi grant issued by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The taxi only requires scheduled servicing every 25,000 miles.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Vehicle

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26

LEVC claims cabbies will save up to £110 a week, which will account to a total 5 year saving of £27,389. The taxi comes with 3 years, 120k miles full vehicle warranty Ultimately, we believe there are strong cases for both and 5 years unlimited mileage battery warranty. taxis. The LEVC model and appearance alone will sway many drivers as it blends tradition and 21st century Dynamo Electric Taxi living together with a design inspired by the iconic TX4 The price for the Dynamo Electric Taxi is £45,495, which Black Cab. also includes the £7,500 taxi grant. Bespoke finance As for the Nissan Dynamo taxi, while the shape may packages are available for all drivers to accommodate differing circumstances – including a less than perfect credit rating.

Our opinion:

The motor company claims that the vehicle will have ‘fuel’ costs of only 3p per mile (estimate based on charging at home), service costs reduced by 30% and a range of over 170 miles per charge. They also believe the Dynamo will cost £30 per week on electricity and will become the most cost effective taxi in the UK. Another benefit of the taxi is that the vehicle can be charged by a standard household 3 pin plug socket, bypassing the need for a home charging point installation.

Image: LEVC

cause reservations for some drivers, the Hackney carriage has always had alternative looks throughout the generations and shouldn’t stop drivers from giving The taxi requires scheduled servicing every 18,000 miles and is covered by a warranty of three years, with the vehicle a chance. As John Heath, Market Development Manager of Dynamo Motors says, “the batteries covered with a separate warranty of five Dynamo Taxi isn’t for everybody”. years.

And, with low running and maintenance costs, a wealth of safety, technology and comfort features, both vehicles certainly seem to have a bright future ahead of them.

This review was conducted by Plan Insurance

Image: Dynamo

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Vehicle

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28

Lower spec LEVC ‘Icon’ electric taxi set for Autumn production

What specification changes could be made?

LEVC are set to build a ‘low-specification’ version of its successful electric TXE model.

The new model branded as the ‘Icon’ is set to enter production in September 2019 and will be produced to help aid growth outside of London.

Tight licensing rules in the capital make the development of a less-costly model for London impractical. However, Joerg Hoffman, CEO of LEVC, did suggest a lower spec model, with subtle downgrades in some functionalities, could work for the market outside of London.

The downgraded changes haven’t been announced by which is also set for production.

LEVC yet, but could include changes to wheelchair accessibility and the removal of the much loved turning The Taxi Icon would meet standards in other UK and circle for cities where it’s not a requirement.

European cities and reduce the current £55,600 list price, which some drivers see as a barrier to buying LEVC could also chose to implement sliding doors their first electric vehicle. mirroring the design of its commercial electric van

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Vehicle

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

Research published earlier this year by TaxiPoint, the taxi industry’s biggest independent UK publication, highlighted cost as one of the challenges facing drivers looking to move to electric taxis.

research release: “This clearly shows that there is massive appetite within the trade for this modern, clean and fuel efficient vehicle. The well known downsides of price, availability and the lack of The report showed the three biggest concerns holding charging infrastructure are also clearly indicated in this revealing and ground-breaking survey.” cabbies back are the initial cost of the taxi (78.5%), the stability of the taxi industry (70.8%) and the current charging network (62%).

Research also showed that just one in ten cabbies want to remain in their current diesel vehicle, but over 55% of drivers yet to make the change say they are unlikely to go electric in the next 5 years.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said at the time of the

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Vehicle

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

The 2,500th LEVC electric taxi rolls off the production line in Coventry London EV Company (LEVC) has hit a major milestone in new line-up of models that will use shared technology sales of its all-new zero emissions capable taxi, the TX. with GEELY Commercial Vehicles.

Since January 2018, 2,500 electric taxis have been produced from its state-of-the-art factory in Ansty, Coventry. That equates to a impressive 6,800 tonnes of CO2 being prevented from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent to 1,500 return flights from London to Sydney.

Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, commented: “On behalf of the 473 people who work for LEVC, from our new factory in Ansty to our long-standing base in Brewery Road and our dealers in the UK and Europe, I am extremely proud of this momentous achievement.

“When this project began in 2014, we set out to make NOx emissions have been slashed by 99.5 per cent over the world’s most advanced taxi, to distil over 70 years the previous taxi and some 850,000 litres of fossil fuel of cab-building knowledge into an all-new leader in have not been pumped as a result and drivers have urban zero emissions mobility. The endorsement from saved £3.85 million in lower fuel costs. drivers is compelling while passengers love TX’s comfort, space and connectivity features.

The world’s most advanced cab has been a hit with drivers, passengers and cities alike thanks to its green “We are proud to be supporting the city of London in its credentials, low running costs and onboard tech. In fact efforts to improve air quality – and doing the same the cabs have already travelled 21 million miles, 845 across the UK. In the very near future we will be further times around the Earth, and collectively transported 13 driving TX sales in Europe and expanding our range with million passengers. a new LCV. Our goal is to be the leading European electric commercial vehicle provider.”

LEVC will add to its commercial vehicle range with a

Find TaxiPoint on social media

UK

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31

Image Source: Spborthwick (Wiki Commons)

South London cabbie revealed to be one of the Great Train Robbers It's been revealed that a member of the notorious Great The gang helped carry out the robbery, which took Train Robbery gang was a south London cabbie. place at Bridego Railway Bridge, Ledburn, in Buckinghamshire on 8 August 1963.

Danny Pembroke, was questioned by police after the robbery, but was never charged due to insufficient evidence.

Pembroke spent 2 years in the US after moving to Florida in the wake of the robbery, but subsequently came back to the UK, living in Kent until his death in 2015, aged 79.

The revelation comes after Pembroke's son Danny spoke about his father's involvement during a new Channel 4 documentary on the £2.6million heist.

Pembroke never admitted to his involvement in the robbery during his lifetime, despite police questioning.

He descended into crime at the age of 20 and was believed to be a member of a criminal gang called the South Coast Raiders.

Upon returning from the US, Pembroke settled in Chislehurst, Kent, becoming a black cab driver before dying from a heart attack.

According to the Daily Mail, Pembroke's share of the robbery amounted to £150,000.

Some of the 15 strong gang spent up to 30 years behind bars for the robbery, which saw train driver Jack Mills coshed over the head, leading to serious injuries and possibly contributing to his death in 1970 according to members of his family.

Bobby Welch is the sole surviving member of the gang who attacked a Royal Mail train on its way from Glasgow to London. Most of the £2.6million haul, which would equate to £46million today, was never recovered.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

From the Readers

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32

Glasgow Spirit Dear TaxiPoint readers, My name is Stef Shaw and I’m a 52-year-old Glasgow Taxi driver who first drove a black hack in my home city 29 years ago.

I have written poetry for over 20 years and following the horrendous bin lorry accident in Glasgow in 2014 where 6 people were killed and many injured, my poetry started to become well known in the city after I penned ‘Glasgow Spirit’.

I received a call many months after the tragic accident Two of my poems have been put to music, ‘Welcome to from Glasgow City Council, who were keen to trace the Glasgow’ and ‘One More Chance’ - a poem that led to “Glasgow Cabbie” who had penned a poem that went the biggest safety and suicide prevention campaign viral on social media and had gone global. ever seen in Scotland. The successful campaign began Newspapers were then keen to follow the story of my when I proposed Emergency Lifeline Telephones and poetry and my work has become rather well known clear Samaritans signage for the River Clyde in Glasgow, across Scotland with followers of my work from across following the massive interest in my mental health the world. poem which was a true story about a man I met in Glasgow city centre.

I distribute small postcard poems that promote Glasgow in my cab and these postcards have a mental health message and the Samaritans telephone number on the rear of the poem/postcards that are also sold by our city council in Glasgow museums.

We had tremendous public and media support in the Think Again campaign and at last we can visually see our efforts coming to fruition on the waterways of our city.

My “impact poetry” has now seen me appear on the Scottish News twice in the past 3 years and the campaign saw me feature in the national newspapers regularly before our campaign received a mention in the House of Commons by top Scottish and Labour MP, Paul Sweeney.

I was extremely lucky to pick up a film producer from a short movie maker at the Glasgow Film Crew 2 years

Find TaxiPoint on social media

From the Readers

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33

ago and I was hugely surprised when John Thompson and Ian Hendry contacted me some months later to offer me the opportunity to play the lead role in a short movie titled “Invasion”.

Sir Andy Murray signed a bundle of my poems whilst world number one after I penned ‘King of the Courts’ for and about the living legend and I auctioned signed copies on my Facebook page, raising a further £1,200 for sick kids in Scotland.

I’m the most fortunate writer in the country who doesn’t actually make a living from writing but I’m a very ordinary Glaswegian and a proud Taxi driver.

It’s within all of us to become better people, to try a little harder, show warmth, kindness and friendliness and to inspire people. I wasn’t on social media or computer literate four years ago, but I’d like to think that my work is helping ordinary people and those with illness, both physical and mental.

Please check out my Glasgow Cabbie Facebook and enjoy my poetry.

Best wishes,

Around 13,000 people follow my ‘Glasgow Cabbie’ Facebook page and I have now raised over £7,000 for Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and mental health in Scotland through my writing.

Stef Shaw

I am now sponsored by some major companies and Glasgow Tigers Speedway offered me the chance to carry an AED (defibrillator) in my cab, so I’m delighted to say that I took a First Aid at work training course and I’m prepared to attempt to save any cardiac arrest victim if I’m on the scene prior to paramedics arriving to save someone’s life.

Have you got an inspirational story you’d like to share?

Contact us by visiting our website or emailing contact@taxi-point.co.uk

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Feature

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

BLOOD, SWEAT, TEARS and for a small few, eventually CHEERS

TaxiPoint’s Michael Murphy tells us about his journey to his Green Badge

The journey to becoming a London taxi driver is as long as... Well, 25,000 streets, approximately 20,000 landmarks and 320 set routes (also known as the Blue Book runs).

magazine, I’ll be taking you through my personal journey from Blue Book to Green Badge. So, buckle up, sit back and relax because we’re about to go on a fourand-a-half-year roader.

A course so challenging, around 70 per cent of applicants who start it, never finish. It’s no wonder the successful few you see tackling the ever-increasing traffic in London look like Victor Meldrew chewing on a wasp at times - they did it the hard way and they will never forget that.

My earliest memory of a London taxi was when I was around ten years old. After a family evening out in North London, my father flagged down a beautiful black fairway taxi - the type where the doors opened up the opposite way. That in itself was enough to win the cool vote from any young whipper snapper.

You’ll probably find that most people you speak to who have grown up in London or the surrounding areas, either know a London cabbie or know someone who knows one. But how many actually know what they went through to earn that small tin badge worn around their neck? I’d say not many.

The journey back to East London was... Well, how would the kids describe it? Oh yeah; awesome. Riding backwards on a flip down seat was way grander than rattling around in the back of my dad’s Volkswagen Transporter van with a bunch of half empty paint tins.

Well, over the next few editions of TaxiPoint’s digital

My father, a painter and decorator, gave the knowledge of London a try himself. How did that go, I hear you

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Feature

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 35

ask? Well, let’s just say his Honda Club 90 ended up scrapped in a ditch somewhere south of the river - yes that’s right, taxi drivers do have to learn south London too.

I’m pretty sure to this day, he probably wishes he stuck it out and saw it through. But he’s one of many no doubt.

introductory date to be confirmed. In the meantime, I ordered the first blue book from the online store and thought I’d get ahead of the game. Little did I know, not only did I not manage to get ahead of the game, the following 18 months ended up being a complete waste of time.

“Just do the runs,” For me, once I made that decision to leave Green Lanes they said. “It will all eventually fall into on the left, I wasn’t going to stop until I set down at place,” they said.

Charing Cross Station.

“Trust me, I know The catalyst for me to start the knowledge of London what I’m talking was when I found out the firm I was working for, as a about” they said. I general warehouse manager, was relocating to did. I did trust those Leicester. Although at the time this seemed like a giving me that wonderful knowledgeable advice. The disaster, it was in fact the best thing that could’ve only problem was, they didn’t have any knowledge on happened. the knowledge. In fact, it was from those very people My parents suggested getting a trade under my belt. “A who knew a London cabbie, or knew someone who knew one, but never one that was one. job for life,” as some might’ve called it.

I did a bit of research into what the knowledge of London consisted of and what I needed to get started. A moped, protective wear, and the first blue book; that was it. Well I say that was it - the last two were easy enough, but the moped? They’re not so easy to get hold of on a shoestring budget.

My biggest mistake was not only listening and believing that if I just plod along following the blue book routes that “eventually it will all fall into place,” I also failed to take my introductory day seriously enough.

In fact, the only thing I remember from that day was Mr Thomas telling us all that in the winter we would be so cold, we’ll wet ourselves just to stay warm. And oh boy, Lucky for me, one of my uncles had just finished up working as a local courier and offered me his newer, yet he wasn’t lying about that one. not much cooler, Honda Club 90 for a reasonable price. For the first year and a half of my road trip I basically I went through the procedure of registering myself onto drove the 320 blue book runs and then went home and recited them. I could remember them no problem, I had the knowledge of London and was awaiting my

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Feature

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36

a good memory. But deviate ever so slightly from those strict routes, well you may as well have thrown me into a Prius in the middle of Soho’s dirty dozen and pulled the plug on my sat nav.

Always steamed up! Is anyone ever going to invent visor wipers? You can thank me later.

The first day of reckoning was fast approaching - the map test. The process; black and white maps with no Not once during that period did I pair up with a call over road names, a list of points of interest and a pen to partner and challenge myself beyond the blue book. mark exactly where on the map they were located.

Not once did I take advantage of online resources to Now, I had this one in the bag. I had looked at a map for keep up to date with the most popular points of long enough to be able to recognise certain shapes interest being asked by examiners. within them. Squares, parks and major roads; not a No, for me, I was in that dreamland of “it will eventually problem. The map test was done and dusted, and it fall into place”. Yes, that old chestnut again. gave me that false sense of security that ended up The only thing that did fall during 18 months of roasting being my downfall on my first one to one appearance heat, ice cold winds and hail stones the size of marbles, an experience I’ll never forget! was me. I lost count how many times my moped went from under me, leaving me dragging it by the handlebars to the side of the road pretending to passers-by that my backside, knees and elbows weren’t hurting. Luckily, they couldn’t see the pain in my eyes through my misty visor - what is with those things?

In next month’s edition I’ll take you through what was by far the worst day of my journey from Blue Book to Green Badge; the dreaded moment when Mr O’Keefe popped his head around the door to the tiny waiting room in Penton Street and called “Mr Murphy”.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Cyclists

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

Cyclist ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service for smashing up taxi after altercation Image: Pixabay A cyclist has been given community service after he smashed up the taxi of a man he earlier had an altercation with in Nottingham.

The court heard how cyclist Junior Douglas squared up to the cab driver after accusing him of cutting him up on the road.

Words were exchanged before the two men parted ways, only for Douglas to see the cabbie stop again in Orange Gardens, Nottingham.

Douglas was unaware that the destination was in fact the taxi driver's home, where they clashed again.

He said that Douglas was "clearly provoked and at the time was intoxicated".

Douglas, 29, admitted damaging two windows and part of the bodywork of the car.

Douglas was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. He also admitted having four small bags of cannabis on 20 June.

The magistrates ordered the destruction of the drugs and ordered Douglas to pay ÂŁ170 in prosecution costs and a government surcharge.

Emma Wakefield, prosecuting, said that the driver took The court heard how the taxi driver's daughter became a tyre iron out of his car, telling the court: "There was a frightened as Douglas approached. The cabbie grabbed physical altercation. It is not subject to charge." a wrench from the boot of his vehicle and struck She stressed that the daughter of the taxi driver Douglas on the arm. became frightened at Douglas' approach, where he was Douglas later damaged two rear windows and broke the plastic cover on the driver's side wing mirror.

saying: "I am going to beat you up. I am going to have you."

As reported in Nottinghamshire Live, Derek St Delroy Brown, mitigating, told the city court: "There are always two sides to every story.

Presiding magistrate David Clarson, who sat with two other JPs, told Douglas: "Clearly you have a history in relation to criminal damage and that doesn't work in your favour. This is another in that category and it "It is suggested it is a completely unprovoked matter but Mr Douglas was riding a bike and was cut up by the aggravates the situation." taxi driver. Words were exchanged."

As he left court, Douglas said: "Thank you very much.

Have a good day."

Mr Brown said: "The taxi driver went to the boot of the car, pulled out a wrench and struck him on the arm."

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Health

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 39

Have you seen these ads?

Cancer Research UK have told us a little more about the current campaign that might have caught your eye whilst working...

And now we want the Government to take a similar approach to reduce obesity, by doing things like banning junk food marketing to children.

Why did Cancer Research UK run this campaign?

What can taxi drivers do?

Like smoking, obesity puts millions of adults at greater risk of cancer. We want to raise awareness of this, with the ultimate aim of getting the Government to help make it easier to be healthy.

You can join our campaign to put junk food ads to bed here.

There are also small things you can do to be healthier right now- why not try to:

What causes obesity?

Go for fruit – take fruit with you to snack on while There are many causes, but the biggest influence is the you’re driving to reduce the chances of reaching for lots world we live in - while we think we’re in control of what of biscuits, chocolate or crisps. we eat, we’re being influenced more than we realise.

Get walking – try to break up the driving by going for a When unhealthy options are the easiest, cheapest or short walk every now and then – even 10 minutes at a only things available, putting on weight becomes more time adds up throughout the week. likely.

Swap your fizz - If you like soft drinks, keep the fizz but Why have you compared obesity to smoking? lose the sugar by swapping to the diet version instead.

This was to remind people that things like cigarette Visit www.cruk.org/obesity to find out more. advertising bans have helped bring down smoking rates.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

UK Study

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 40

Study shows taxi drivers top biggest salary increase over last ten years

Image: Pixabay

A new study revealed that taxi drivers have had the According to comparethemarket.com the 10 jobs with biggest salary increase across all sectors in the UK over the biggest % salary increase in the last 10 years are: the last ten years.

1.

Taxi Drivers, 72.08% The new research from 2.

TV Engineers, 67.78% comparethemarket.com analysed ONS earnings data 3.

Marketing and Sales Directors, 65.53% from 2008 and 2018 to discover how salaries have changed for over 200 occupations and industries, as 4.

Senior Educational Professionals, 62.37% well as how earnings have changed from region to 5.

IT Directors, 60.52% region.

6.

Advertising and PR Directors, 59.93% They have discovered that Taxi Drivers have seen an 7.

Veterinary Nurses, 52.23% 72.08% increase in the last 10 years.

In that time, the industry has been transformed from 8. what was predominantly street cash fares, to a mixture 9. of app based hails and credit card payment street 10. work.

Taxation Experts, 50.34% Musicians, 50.15% National Government Civil Servants, 44.30%

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Charity

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 41

Fleet of London taxis will travel to Arnhem with eight Operation Market Garden veterans for Wandeltocht This September a fleet of London Licenced black cabs will travel to Arnhem with eight Operation Market Garden veterans for Wandeltocht.

Every September, the town of Oosterbeek in the Netherlands hosts the Wandeltocht Event the largest organised walk in the world, to commemorate WWII’s Operation Market Garden and the route taken by British 1st Airborne Division as they headed towards Arnhem from the drop and landing zones.

People head to the town each September to walk the route and participants can choose from the full 40km Wandeltocht to a slightly easier 10km.

The eight proud London cab drivers will volunteer their time and vehicles to escort the Market Garden veterans to the Wandeltocht on this Taxi Charity trip funded totally by donations. The veterans will not be walking the route but will attend as honoured guests to be saluted and applauded by the passing crowds.

Ian Parsons, Chairman of Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “Operation Market Garden made massive use of Airborne Forces, whose tactical objective was to capture and secure the bridge at Arnhem and to allow a rapid advance by armoured

ground units. The Taxi Charity is delighted to be once again taking veterans from this iconic WWII battle to commemorate the event and remember the comrades they left behind on the battlefields and who now rest in the CWGC at Oosterbeek.”

Frank Ashleigh, a Market Garden veteran who will be traveling with the Taxi Charity to Arnhem, said: “In 1944 I got to the Hartestein on the Tuesday morning and with Lofty Cummins, dug a slit trench in the grounds. All was peaceful. The thought that came to mind at this early stage was that this was too good to last. I volunteered to go on a reconnaissance to find where the enemy was located and in what strength.

We found out only too soon. Surrounded and trapped in the roof of a Roman Catholic church with two other Glider Pilots, we were trapped for four days before they found us and took us Prisoner of War. Altogether a far from enjoyable time, made harder as we had nothing at all to eat for the four days we were in hiding.”

Find TaxiPoint on social media

London

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 42

TfL “currently considering a range of further signage options” to improve safety in London’s minicabs London’s transport regulators are “currently considering a range of further signage options” to help improve safety in minicab vehicles said Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The announcement came following a question put to the London Mayor, as part of the recent Mayor’s Question Time, at City Hall.

Assembly Member David Kurten queried whether the Mayor would restore the words ‘Pre-Booked Only’, to signage on the capital’s 90,209 minicabs.

Sadiq Khan said: “Currently private hire vehicles must

have licence discs displayed on the front and rear windscreens. They show: the TfL licence number, licence expiry date, vehicle's registration number, and the number of passengers the vehicle is allowed to carry.

“Sometimes, private hire vehicles will have an additional pre-booked sticker on display. This is optional and should not be taken as proof that it is a licensed vehicle.

“Transport for London is currently considering a range of further signage options following its consultation, ‘Improving Safety in Private Hire Vehicles’. These could

Find TaxiPoint on social media

London

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 43

potentially include messages such as ‘pre-booked only’ or ‘no booking, no ride’.”

The ‘Improving Safety in Private Hire Vehicles’ consultation ended in May 2018 and put forward eight proposals to help improve standards within the private hire industry.

on the nearside of the PHV on the front windscreen in the top corner

So far, none of the eight proposals have been implemented.

Some of the more prominent proposals put forward over a year ago include: •

Introduction an advanced driving assessment for all new PHV drivers

•

New mandatory signage displaying contact information introduced in PHVs

•

Increase the visibility of PHVs

•

PHV driver’s ID card to be displayed

Taxi driver hit by falling tree following high winds around the UK A taxi driver in London had a near miss following the high winds and thunder storms hitting the UK. The black cab driver was struck by a fallen tree in Russell Square. Ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene, which saw roads in the area shut.

According to reports no one was injured.

One witness at the central London location said: “On our nice stroll around Bloomsbury and the wind has blown this tree down across the road in the Russell Square! Hope nobody was hurt! #ukstorm”

Find TaxiPoint on social media

London

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 44

London Mayor says TfL are “open and transparent” following question on taxi drivers’ trust Image: GLA Caroline Teo

Mayor says London regulators are “open and transparent” when asked whether taxi drivers trust Transport for London.

Assembly Member David Kurten put the question of trust to the London Mayor Sadiq Khan as part of Mayor’s Question Time at City Hall.

Kurten asked: “Do you think Taxi & Private Hire drivers trust Transport for London Taxi and Private Hire (Department)?”

Sadiq Khan said: “I cannot speak for individual drivers, but Transport for London (TfL) is open and transparent in its governance and decision making. As I am sure you are aware, TfL regularly consults and engages with drivers on a number of topics. Recently this has included the removal of the congestion charge exemption for private hire vehicles and changes to taxi age limits.

“Senior representatives from TfL, including the Commissioner, hold regular meetings with taxi and private hire trade representatives to discuss topical matters. In addition, TfL’s taxi and private hire team and enforcement team meet regularly with trade groups to discuss licensing and enforcement performance.”

In a poll conducted by TaxiPoint, 96% of drivers polled said they did not trust their regulators. 224 people were polled via Twitter.

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Courtroom

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 45

Woman who falsely accused taxi driver of rape sentenced to jail Image: Greater Manchester Police

A woman who falsely claimed she was raped by a taxi driver has been jailed for three years after she was convicted of perverting the course of justice.

The only stops were at a cash machine and at major junctions along the route back to Hood’s address.

Hood’s description of her assailant also conflicted with the taxi driver’s appearance.

Laura Hood, 27, broke down in tears whilst in the dock at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, during her Police checked with the manufacturers of the tracking sentencing which took place on Thursday 1 August. device, who confirmed that once recorded, data cannot Judge Julie Warburton, sentencing, said Hood's actions be altered. showed a "blatant disregard" for the rights of the man Hood voluntarily attended an interview at Cheadle she accused and the effects of making such allegations. Heath Police Station and was arrested after failing to "What you did strikes at the very heart of criminal justice.

offer any explanation why her testimony was at odds with the evidence.

"It has a tendency to damage the public perception of justice and can impact on the administration of justice in rape cases generally."

Detective Constable Laura Hughes of GMP’s Police Protection Investigation Unit said: “Hood put a completely innocent man through a dreadful ordeal.

On Sunday 8 January 2017 Hood reported that she had been raped, and specialist officers attended her home address.

“She showed a complete lack of regard for how her false accusation would affect him and remained emotionless when police confronted her with irrefutable evidence that she was making the whole thing up.

She claimed to police that a taxi driver who picked her up from Deansgate Locks the previous evening had pulled into a side street during the journey and raped her.

“She has wasted the time of specialist police officers and detectives who could have been dedicating their efforts to solving real crimes and supporting real Extensive forensic work was carried out, as well as an in- victims. depth assessment of CCTV footage.

“Rape and sexual offences are among the most intrusive During interview, the taxi driver denied the accusation and life-changing crimes to become a victim of. Clearly, Hood thought that they could be treated as something and alerted officers to a tracking device on his vehicle. trivial, and made a false report on whim.

Upon examination of the device’s data, the route it showed conflicted with Hood’s claims that it had turned “The real victim here was the taxi driver and I hope he into a side street. finds some closure with today’s verdict.”

Find TaxiPoint on social media

Classifieds

August 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 46

UK

Each single classified Place space your advert available Click for more details at ÂŁ40

Charity

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

Charity

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