TaxiPoint June 2020 Edition 14

The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication

Edition 14 | June 2020

Over 125,000 DigiMag reads last month

TAXIS

REVVING

UP FOR

RESTART

COVERED...

PARTITIONS FACE MASKS REDUCED SEATS ROAD SPACE WORK LEVELS CCTV EV MERCEDES

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Image credit: LEVC

CONTENT AND EDITORIAL

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p18 TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson

PARTITIONS: DIVIDING OPINION

TaxiPoint Editor:

MASKS

Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager:

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

‘RIDING SHOTGUN’ GONE

Write to us at:

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TIMINGS: WHEN TO WORK CCTV: MANDATORY?

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contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquires at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk 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.

Welcome to our latest edition of TaxiPoint. It’s been another month plagued by anxiety for the industry, brought on by the results of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For some, the security of the extended SEISS will ease immediate tension, but focus very much remains on what the industry will look like when we return back behind the steering wheel.

As lockdown eases, more cabbies will be venturing out and in this edition we run through many of the changes and talking points associated with this.

We, at TaxiPoint, would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank to readers choosing to stay connected with the industry via our platform. The last edition was read over 125,000 times and we’re proud to keep bringing you all the latest news and developments.

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

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 2020. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

Until next month, continue to stay safe and fingers crossed that we see work-levels begin to rise soon.

Perry Richardson Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver

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LOCKDOWN EASES

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 4

PARTITIONS:

DIVIDING

OPINION With lockdown measures starting to ease, one of the hot topics as predicted last month is of course vehicle partitions. Depending on where you work, the guidance and rules vary wildly, so you can be more than forgiven for losing track on this one.

The Local Government Association (LGA) are the latest to get involved (at the time of writing), trying to make sense of the situation by offering guidance to local authorities on how they should approach the subject of screens for private hire vehicles (PHVs) and taxis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image: DiDi

Despite taxi and PHV drivers querying the use of temporary screens or partitions with the LGA, little more new guidance can be found on a topic which the association describes as ‘challenging’.

The LGA state: “Whilst we have asked the Department for Transport (DfT) to give licensing authorities a clear steer on the installation of screens to support consistency, in the absence of this, it will remain a decision for individual licensing authorities and local operators.

“However, there is currently limited evidence about the effectiveness of temporary screens in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. There is also a lack of clarity about the safety of fitting these types of screens in vehicles. This has created a challenge for authorities who are being asked to approve the fitting of screens.”

With very little in the way of clear evidence to support the need for screens, the LGA has instead highlighted the positions taken by three licensing authorities: London, Manchester and Durham.

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LOCKDOWN EASES In London, all licensed black taxis are already partitioned, so these rules apply only to the 110,000 PHV drivers in the capital. Drivers CAN have screens in their minicabs, however they must only be used in line with strictly approved Transport for London (TfL) safety measures. These guidelines on how partitions should be positioned and used in minicabs have been published and made available since 2016. However, due to a lack of demand there are no known TfL approved partition suppliers or installers in the capital.

Minicab operators Addison Lee have begun introducing screens to its London fleet, but little is known about the type of screen used and whether it has yet been approved by TfL. In Manchester, they have temporarily allowed vehicle owners to fit screens but accept no liability.

And in Durham, they have joined Sunderland and Newcastle Council authorities to develop a regional approach to the fitting of screens.

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6

approved then the temporary fitment of partitions would not invalidate that approval, if the vehicle was registered. They also noted that whilst adaptations are permitted, this does not mean that it is safe for the passengers.

The DVSA also advised that authorities should look at the suitability of the screen material and whether it has an effect on side curtains, side seat air bags, seat belt restraint systems or any other safety systems if these are fitted.

So, with all that in mind, the LGA have suggested the following as a starting point for authorities to consider when deciding on local requirements: •

Directions about how screens should be fitted, for example by a professional in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

•

Specification of what screens should be constructed of, for example PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) or polycarbonate.

At a time when safety guidance is being urgently • sought, it seems very few want to make a definitive decision either for or against the use of screens.

The LGA guidance also details advice given by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) Vehicle • Approvals Technical Team. The LGA say the DVSA have indicated that, if the vehicle has been •

•

That screens do not impede the driver’s vision, movement, or communication with passengers, or the driver or passenger access or egress to the vehicle.

Insurers should be notified of any modifications made to the vehicle.

Confirmation from the manufacturer that the installation does not compromise the integrity of the vehicle’s structure and safety features.

Assurance that a product is compliant with government and industry regulations, for example the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations and relevant safety, UK and European Community (EC) legislation.

Evidence that the product has been tested to relevant EU standards and approved by appropriate certification organisation.

Image: Richard Amos

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‘CALLING SHOTGUN’ GONE Article written by: Perry Richardson

Reduced PHV seats could open the door to taxis

Private hire vehicles are set to lose a quarter of announce hopes to become the first operator to their passenger capacity due to COVID-19 distancing install partition screens across all its fleet of 4,000 rules. vehicles. The partitions currently being installed In a bid to create consumer confidence in the safety separate the front two seats, meaning only three passengers can now squeeze into the back seats. of private hire vehicles, most minicab operators have dropped the use of the front passenger seat to Addison Lee acted fast following findings from a create more distance away from the driver. survey involving their largest customers revealing that 80% of them will review policies around how Private hire giants Addison Lee were first to employees get to and from work, with 90% citing

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LOCKDOWN EASES safety as their priority when it comes to using minicabs or taxis.

Even without partitions, private hire operators are also taking similar measures. A spokesperson from minicab firm Kapten, said: “All Kapten passengers will now be required to sit on the back seats, limiting contact between riders and drivers. “The number of passengers in each car will be reduced to account for the front seat being

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9 unavailable. In most cases this means that a maximum of three passengers will be allowed to travel.�

Uber also recently notified their drivers and passengers of a change in policy. The ride-hailing app went on to suggest the possibility of locking front doors to stop riders entering. If passengers fail to comply with the new policy, drivers have been given permission to refuse the trip and receive a cancellation fee from the rider.

Groups and families travelling in four or more will now have to decide whether taking multiple private hire vehicles is more cost effective and socially responsible.

As lockdown measures ease, the increased capacity and partition will no doubt be an important selling point for black cabs across the UK.

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LOCKDOWN EASES

A

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10

TO

B

CHANGES TO ROADSPACE AND MOVING FROM A TO B In the last edition, we wrote in some detail about what we might expect as lockdown eases. One of the points raised was lost road space. Having all queued in long lines outside our local supermarkets for some months now, it should not come as a surprise that pavements need to widen to incorporate the next steps on the road to normality.

Local highstreets across the UK should all expect some sort of change to accommodate multiple queues and less jammed walkways, but that does not necessarily need to be to the detriment of the car user. In many busy public areas, parking and daytime loading is still allowed during peak times. If road space is to be lost to new cycle lanes and wider pavements, arguably parking spaces should be the first to go if councils are willing to lose the revenue these bays generate.

Liverpool City Council have already committed £2million to help install seven new pop-up cycle routes. There are also funds put aside to help

reopen high street shops safely, by widening the pavements to account for queuing outside. More details will be released by the council in mid-June with an expected phased introduction based around retail shops reopening.

In Manchester, the authorities have chosen to canvas the community to better understand the expectations of workers and visitors into the city.

Transport for Greater Manchester say: “We want to keep you safe, support our economy and ensure our recovery is sustainable, so we can cut congestion and have cleaner air.”

In York, the council are providing a short-term approach to car travel which includes incentivised short stay parking in some of the city centre car parks.

Looking further afield than the UK, officials in Brussels have gone down the route of slowing traffic, rather than banning it completely. In the busier city centre, pedestrians are able to walk on

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LOCKDOWN EASES

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pavements and road space where necessary, with cars travelling at a maximum speed of 20 km/h.

These measures have been set until mid-August in the Belgium capital.

door to door access in some cases. Not every person, in every community, can walk or cycle. Shutting them out from basic community life would be a backwards step in the society we all live in.

Taxi drivers in Paris have also been given access to the French roads including the capital’s iconic Rivoli during the lockdown easing period. The Deputy Mayor of Paris, Christophe Najdovski, who oversees Transport and Public Space in the city, shared a message and photos of the Rivoli’s new landscape, saying: “The entire rue de Rivoli is now dedicated to travel on foot, by bike, bus, taxi, and only authorized vehicles (deliveries, emergency vehicles, people with disabilities...).”

Local authorities undoubtedly face a challenge keeping everyone happy during the next stages of the coronavirus crisis. They must however find a way of including both the masses and the most vulnerable in any plans that materialise. A ready-made fleet of safe, partitioned and wheelchair accessible vehicles are already at the local authorities’ disposal, and taxis should not be overlooked.

As the UK maps out what travel and road space will look like as we emerge from lockdown, there will be many factors to consider to ensure safety, health and the economy’s recovery. Importantly, authorities in every city need to recognise why there is a need for

Article written by: Perry Richardson

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Charity

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OPINION

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14

TIMING When is the right time to return to work?

What’s the million-dollar question right now for most cabbies? Simple; when do I go back to work? Answer? Well, that’s not so simple.

some point I’ll have to take the plunge.

Taxi drivers who have already paid off the finances for their vehicles, especially those who use their taxis for personal usage also, are probably more inclined to test the waters because of the lower overheads. But what about those who rent?

looking for work, how are they getting by without financially sinking?

So how are other drivers feeling?

Hearing from a lot of taxi drivers around the UK whose only option at With work levels at an all-time low, the moment is to rent, many appear to government representatives advising be choosing to sit the next couple of those who can work from home to months out before re-evaluating the continue to do so, and those who have state of the trade again around August to go into work being encouraged to time. walk or cycle, it leaves very minimal But for those who are itching to get opportunities for taxi drivers to pick up back in the saddle, or for those who enough fares to warrant cab time. are already ploughing the streets

This is where it can get really tricky, when trying to gauge the best time to return to the cab in the hope of not ending up in negative figures for the week.

Speaking to TaxiPoint, a few drivers have openly admitted that the money they are currently making isn’t sustainable and doesn’t meet their basic financial requirements, but they have chosen to head back to work in an attempt to rebuild some kind of normality in their lives, albeit not financial.

Many taxi fleet owners around the UK I myself, a London taxi driver of 8 have reduced taxi rental fees in the years, am yet to put bum to driver seat hope of getting more bums on seats as I’m pretty sure I’d fail to make and to help drivers who clearly could enough money to even cover taxi rent not afford to pay full rates, but even at and fuel for the week. But I do know at

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OPINION these lower fees, drivers are still nervous to dip their toes in.

One of London’s biggest fleet garages, Ascott Cabs, are offering a very generous proposal of £100 weekly start-up rental prices in a bid to get the wheels turning. But let’s not forget that the rental garages need to make enough money to warrant trading too.

North of the border, taxi garages have made similar gestures to assist in the rebuilding of the trade. Speaking exclusively to TaxiPoint, Dougie McPherson, Chairman of Glasgow Taxis, who own the largest cab fleet in the city, said: “On a practical level, we reduced all dispatch and admin costs at our base to the absolute minimum, including through the use of the government furlough scheme. All overheads were reduced by at least 25% and the board of management volunteered a reduction of 40% in salaries.

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15 be honest, although we’re extremely grateful for any financial help, these amounts may be unsustainable for some.

So where do we go from here? Right now, all eyes need to be on those areas that have for many years complemented the taxi trade, whether that be leisure and tourism, corporate accounts, commuters or school runs.

When flights begin to resume with regularity, hotels begin to slowly fill and the schools are back, this is when the industry will get an idea of where it’s really at. That’s when we’ll know how deep this potential long-term hole is.

Although for every single driver there will be different circumstances, the likelihood that the unknown makes us somewhat nervous is probably something we can all relate to.

At some point the seas will calm, the mist will clear, and we’ll all “All this enabled us to reduce radio fees to all members, initially 25% from know where we stand. For now, March and then up to 50% from April. be lucky and stay safe, we’re all That 50% reduction remains in place in this together. today while all contributions to our discount subsidy have also been cancelled.”

I think it’s fair to say that such offers as those mentioned from both north and south of the border are much appreciated by drivers, even those yet to take any garage up on a fee reduction.

As you’ll know, as self-employed workers, many of us are entitled to claim the government grant. But let’s

Article written by: Michael Murphy Find TaxiPoint on social media

LOCKDOWN EASES

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16

PROACTIVE APPROACH

NEEDED

Article written by:

Stephen McCaffrey There is no doubting the fact that the coronavirus has changed the way we live our lives. Through this emergency, opportunity has also arisen and the Government is seeking to capitalise on these to influence people’s changed behaviour for the long term and to create a new normal for sustainable and safe transport. Some of these changed behaviours will certainly have an impact on the licensed taxi and private hire trade.

regulation to support this for example e-scooters and renewed vigour and investment in green and sustainable forms of transport and infrastructure.

In the context of the transport revolution, the lack of any reference to the role of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles is unfortunately notable. This is a shame because it overlooks the very important contribution taxis and private hire vehicles have made to support the fight against the coronavirus People’s reliance on public transport is one such pandemic, in many cases supporting the fight against change. As the UK is beginning to emerge from the the virus selflessly which has unfortunately resulted effects of the pandemic, the Government is pushing in some drivers losing their lives. Despite facing hard to get people out of cars and other forms of financial ruin, licensed taxis and private hire drivers public transport and on to bicycles and into walking. have put their efforts to providing transport and This is also where the Government is aiming to other logistical support during this national crisis. spend significant money and capital investment. It There has been extensive debate over the years announced “£2 billion package to create new era for over whether taxis and private hire services cycling and walking” as alternative ways to travel. should also be put in the same category of This will include “pop-up bike lanes with protected “public transport”. Whilst there is no space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, authoritative judgements on this matter, it is and cycle and bus-only corridors” according to the largely accepted that taxis and private hire Government.

services does not conform to the definition of

This public transport revolution is also seeing “public transport” mainly because it is not a investment in new modes of transport and statutory

subsidised form of transport.

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LOCKDOWN EASES The implications of excluding taxi and private hire services from the scope of public transport is that it creates an un-level playing field with the taxi and private hire always playing uphill. However, this public transport revolution presents both opportunities and threats.

On the positive side, taxis and private hire vehicles offer a unique transport opportunity for people who might chose not to user other forms of public transport such as busses or trains. This opportunity has already been capitalised on through the installation of passenger screens and clever marketing to provide the public with confidence that taxis and private hire cars can be a safer alternative to other forms of crowed public transport.

A proactive approach to this will be important for the trade moving forward. A recent study in the US

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17

found that consumers there plan to, either reduce, or completely stop using ride-sharing cars following the pandemic there.

The US study concluded that: “The study provides further evidence that COVID-19 is permanently altering U.S. consumer behaviour. There are long term implications of the new consumer behaviours for industries like retail, transportation, and travel among others.

“These organisations need to quickly adapt their business models to serve the new consumer behaviours in order to survive and thrive.�

It is too soon to tell what the real impacts on transportation will be in the UK, but this study should sit as a stark warning that inaction might be very dangerous for the taxi and private hire trade.

To read more on the subject visit: www.taxidefencebarristers.co.uk

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LOCKDOWN EASES

Im-

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

New mandatory face covering measures for public transport does NOT cover taxis or private hire vehicles, says DfT New mandatory face covering measures for the travelling public does NOT cover taxi and private hire vehicles, the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed.

The new advice arrives following a gradual increase in people using public transport, including on the tube, which recently saw a 20% increase in one week.

Speaking to TaxiPoint, the DfT stated that regulations for public transport did not cover taxis and private hire, but urged cabbies and operators to implement existing measures to protect drivers and passengers.

consider ways in which they can work with their licensees to support all reasonable measures to protect taxi and PHV drivers and passengers.”

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson told The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has TaxiPoint: “While the regulations for public transport announced that the DfT will work with transport do not cover taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) the operators to make it mandatory for passengers to trade is already able to implement measures to wear face coverings when using public transport in protect drivers and passengers. Taxi drivers are England. already able to refuse carriage to passengers where it Whilst social distancing and hand washing remains by is reasonable to do so, this might include those that far the most important disease prevention measures, are able but refuse to wear a face covering. the government have now called on all passengers “Private hire vehicle operators can make the wearing travelling on buses, coaches, trains, trams, ferries and of face covering a condition of hiring. aircraft to wear a face covering.

“We would encourage all licensing authorities to

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LOCKDOWN EASES Government officials also called for passengers and drivers to follow the basic guidance already set out which includes the use of ventilation and reducing occupancy in the vehicles.

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19 distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

“Taxi drivers and private hire vehicle operators are likely to have put in place new measures to help with The DfT spokesperson added: “Passengers and drivers social distancing. These may include: eliminating the should follow the guidance we’ve set out for private use of face-to-face passenger seating; use of hire vehicles closely to best protect themselves and ventilation; reducing occupancy to individual follow social distancing guidelines whenever possible. passengers in the back left-hand seat; reducing occupancy in a larger vehicle.”

“Our advice on face coverings remains that you should wear one in an enclosed space where social

Image credit: LEVC

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LICENSING

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

WILL IT EVER BECOME MANDATORY IN TAXIS? In a world bursting full of CCTV on most streets, especially in urban areas, it could be easy to think you might feel secure enough in the environment you live and work in.

On the face of it, taxi drivers in separately partitioned cabins, should feel safer than most when it comes to ferrying around members of the public in the back.

However, that does not stop any untoward passengers acting illegally and/or making false accusations which could see the driver stripped of their licence or worse.

For cabbies in saloon-based vehicles with no partitions, the threat of assaults and allegations obviously increases ten-fold.

The plus points of having CCTV include: •

Deterring and preventing crime

•

Assisting the police

•

Assisting insurers

•

Keeping drivers safer.

Taking these points into consideration, it could mean savings on legal fees if a cabbie were ever faced with defending their reputation. It could also prevent a suspension whilst under investigation, and therefore

help ensure little or no lost earnings. Essentially, it would swiftly help back up the driver’s story to the relevant authorities.

With all the plus points, there must always be some negatives. Some of those include: •

An infringement of privacy

•

CCTV does not stop all crime

•

The cost

•

Finding the right solution.

At the moment, most taxi drivers have a choice as to whether they wish to use CCTV in their vehicles or not.

However, new guidance due to be released “shortly” by the Department for Transport (DfT) could take that choice away.

Whilst the draft statutory guidance backed up the merits of licensing authorities forcing mandatory CCTV onto taxi drivers, the proposal has since come under scrutiny by the Camera Surveillance Commissioner (CSC).

In their response, the CSC said that “blanket licencing may be disproportionate and should only be used where there is a strong justification”.

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LICENSING

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21

An example of ‘strong justification’ has been seen in Rotherham where all taxis must have CCTV installed.

This was one of several measures implemented following child abuse in the town and where taxis were used to transport a number of the victims. In this instance, the CSC said: “There was persuasive evidence to argue sufficient justification, but the Commissioner would not expect widespread installation of CCTV in taxis without well evidenced justifications.”

CCTV in taxis that records audio, as well as video, was also seen as “extremely intrusive and requires strong justification” by the CSC. The CSC showed concern for taxi drivers using the vehicle for their own private use too. The CSC stated it would expect there to be a facility to switch off recording, but also in addition there must be clear policies and procedures in place regarding how the CCTV system is used and who can access the footage it records.

If that wasn’t enough, throw in how local authorities manage and protect the data captured, plus the local consultations required with taxi drivers, passengers, police and the wider public to establish a need for the systems, and it’s unclear whether mandatory CCTV is still a possibility.

According to a poll conducted by TaxiPoint, two thirds of respondents would welcome mandatory CCTV in taxis. However, several taxi drivers were keen to point out that was only on the basis that the driver was not going to bear the costs of any such new legislation.

A sizable third of all cabbies who took part in the poll still however wish to hold on to the choice as to whether CCTV should be introduced to their customers and business.

2020 should paint a clearer picture as to whether CCTV will become mandatory or not.

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VEHICLE

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22

ON THE MARKET THE NEXT TAXI CONVERT?

NEW FULLY ELECTRIC MERCEDES-BENZ EQV Image credits: Daimler

The new battery-electric-powered Mercedes-Benz EQV, the vehicle tipped to become the next taxi convert, can now be ordered.

The EQV combines emission-free driving with what Mercedes-Benz describe as “convincing driving performance, high functionality and an aesthetic design”. The big selling point will however be the 90 kWh battery that enables a range of up to 260 miles (418 kilometres).

The EQV can reach a peak power of 150 kW (204 hp), allowing the vehicle to become nippy when needed.

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VEHICLE

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23

The EQV charges via the CCS vehicle socket which is placed in the bumper on the upper left side. This also enables the charging via direct current (DC). Thanks to the standard maximum charging capacity of 110 kW at a fast charging station, the EQV can be charged in around 45 minutes from 10 to 80 percent.

according to the service booklet and manufacturer specifications during this period. As well as that, Mercedes-Benz offer a battery certificate up to 160,000 km or eight years.

Energy recuperation is also high up on its list of features as the Mercedes-Benz EQV also charges its batteries while driving. In thrust or brake mode, the mechanical rotational movement is converted into electric energy and is used to charge the high-voltage battery.

By placing the battery in the underbody, the full range of space is available - without any restrictions inside the vehicle. As a result, the EQV can be converted and used in a number of different environments. Using the flexible installation of individual seats or benches, the EQV can be converted into a 7- or even 8-seater.

Image credit: Daimler

Andreas Böger, Head of Sales of New Vehicles In terms of price, the EQV starts gross at €71,388.10 Mercedes-Benz Transporter and Vans Germany, said: (incl. 19% VAT). That’s a price tag just tipping over the "Whether for the environmentally conscious family, £64,000 mark before conversion costs are added. the recreational athlete or as a shuttle vehicle - our Included in the price is a maintenance package for four EQV offers superior driving performance, long range as well as a generous range of space - and all this locally years - which covers the cost of maintenance work emission-free."

Image credit: Daimler

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VEHICLES

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24

TAXI MANUFACTURING RESUMES AT LEVC FOLLOWING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has begun a phased return to work at its Ansty manufacturing facility.

The company will re-start production of its TX electric taxi and move into the next prototype phase of its VN5 electric van build, whilst implementing a new way of working.

More than 100 new processes have been put in place at the state-of-the-art electrical vehicle factory in Ansty to ensure the safety and well being of all staff as they return to work.

Image: LEVC

Joerg Hofmann, CEO LEVC, commented: “We have worked closely with suppliers and employees to ensure a safe and successful restart in June, and I’m pleased that we have also been able to support local communities with critical PPE. Our TX is purpose-built for protection and we are looking forward to supplying TX demand once more and continuing our preparations for the launch of our new VN5 later this year. Our strategic direction remains on track and we remain positive for another year of business growth."

FOUR IN FIVE PEOPLE SAY TAXI PARTITION SCREENS PROVIDE MORE COMFORTABLE JOURNEYS A survey by Liverpool-based taxi firm ComCab has revealed four in five people feel the partition screen in traditional black cabs makes for a more comfortable journey.

The research carried out by the cab firm showed how passenger attitudes to transport during the pandemic has changed in the Merseyside area.

Image: Ross Campbell

Claire Langrell, ComCab Sales Manager, said: “Only ten percent of people cited social distancing as being inconvenient. Black cabs still have a major role to play in moving people round the city. The statistics tell us people feel safe because of their purpose-built design.”

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TYRES

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25

Tyre particles ARE contaminating rivers and oceans, says report A major government-funded research study suggests particles released from vehicle tyres could be a significant and previously largely unrecorded source of microplastics in the marine environment.

The study is one of the first worldwide to identify tyre particles as a major and additional source of microplastics. Scientists have previously discovered microplastics, originating from microbeads in cosmetics and the degradation of larger items such as carrier bags and plastic bottles, in marine environments globally - from the deep seas to the Arctic.

The study shows that tyre particles can be transported directly to the ocean through the atmosphere or carried by rainwater into rivers and sewers, where they can pass through the water

treatment process. Researchers estimate this could place around 100million m² of the UK’s river network – and more than 50million m² of estuarine and coastal waters – at risk of contamination by tyre particles.

Domestic Marine Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “Reducing plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the greatest environmental challenges that we face. This study will help us face that challenge by identifying areas for future research, such as changes to roadside drainage and textile design.

“The UK is at the forefront of a global fight against the scourge of plastics. In addition to the pioneering ban on microbeads and the 5p plastic bag charge, plans are also in place to end the sale of plastic straws, stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.”

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EV

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26

CITIES

RANKED

The BEST and WORST public electric vehicle rapid charger provisions Image: LEVC

Stoke-on-Trent, Southend and Birmingham are listed among the cities with the worst electric vehicle rapid charging provisions in the UK, according to new research.

One of the main worries for those thinking about purchasing an EV is ensuring they have the facilities available to keep it charged - and, according to new research as part of Uswitch.com’s ‘Electric Nation’ study, some parts of the UK are much less prepared The research conducted by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, shows which cities for the rise of EVs than others. could benefit most from the Government’s £500 With just one public charging point for each of the million ‘Rapid Charging Fund’ which aims to support city’s 268 electric vehicles - the lowest in the UK the increase of electric vehicles (EVs) on the UK’s Stoke-on-Trent would benefit significantly from the roads through the installation of new public charging new funding to encourage its drivers to go green. Just points. ahead was Southend (one charging point to every 202 EVs) and Birmingham (1 to 175).

The funding, details of which were released by the transport secretary at the Government’s daily update on Thursday 14 May, suggests that 2,500 rapid charging stations will be installed across England by 2030, rising to 6,000 by 2035. This will also see the end of the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles.

Top of the rankings for charging points was Bristol, where 23 electric vehicles each have access to their own public charging station. Milton Keynes (1 to 23) and Dundee (1 to 28) also lead the way in current provisions for EV drivers.

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EV

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27

Top ten UK cities for EV charging provisions as of May 2020:

Bottom ten UK cities for EV charging provisions as of May 2020:

Bristol - 22.9 EVs per charging point

Stoke-on-Trent - 268 EVs per charging point

Milton Keynes - 23.4 EVs per charging point

Southend - 201.8 EVs per charging point

Dundee - 28 EVs per charging point

Birmingham - 174.9 EVs per charging point

Oxford - 28.5 EVs per charging point

Wolverhampton - 164 EVs per charging point

Brighton - 28.6 EVs per charging point

Bolton - 161.3 EVs per charging point

Sunderland - 30.7 EVs per charging point

Hull - 157.4 EVs per charging point

Greater London - 35 EVs per charging point

Bradford - 149.2 EVs per charging point

Coventry - 35.4 EVs per charging point

Wakefield - 138 EVs per charging point

Lancaster - 41.3 EVs per charging point

Preston - 131.9 EVs per charging point

Exeter - 43.3 EVs per charging point

Leicester - 122.7 EVs per charging point

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LICENSING

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28

NOT LEGALLY

COMPELLED

Cabbies not compelled to enter restricted areas says TfL Taxi drivers will not be legally compelled to safely travel between busy railway stations and complete journeys to areas with reduced COVID-19 their workplaces. distancing access says Transport for London (TfL).

Whilst London’s transport regulator has indicated In May, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and TfL that they will work with the taxi industry during the announced plans to transform parts of central “detailed design” of the new Streetspace network, London into one of the largest car-free zones in any it looks likely to include access for just zero emission capital city in the world. The drastic measures are capable taxis. thought to be necessary to enable safe social There are 3,400 zero emission cabs licensed in the distancing as lockdown restrictions are eased and capital and taxi representatives are vigorously also help aid an increase in people walking and stressing the importance for all 19,000 purpose cycling. built and partitioned taxis to be given the rights for As part of the Mayor’s Streetspace scheme, streets access. between London Bridge and Shoreditch, Euston and A TfL spokesperson told TaxiPoint: Waterloo and Old Street and Holborn may be “Drivers are not compelled to take a limited to buses, pedestrians and cyclists to help boost safe and sustainable travel. fare if there is “reasonable excuse” Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge are expected to be restricted to people walking, cycling and buses only, with pavements widened to enable people to

and these potential traffic restrictions would fall under that definition.”

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LICENSING

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

Image credit: Spectrum

NEW OPPORTUNTIES MAY ARISE An award-winning training company is offering the licensed taxi trade new opportunities to raise earnings and help combat the slump in business caused by coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

a professional qualification for the work they do. It’s important too for drivers to realise that they can make a huge impact on a vulnerable pupil and adult’s life.

Spectrum Courses Ltd say taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers can boost their income by specialist training courses to transport vulnerable children and adults, ahead of potential changes in legislation.

“During lockdown, we’ve seen a huge rise in enquiries for our courses from local authorities all over the UK,” she added. “Social distancing is going to mean so many more cabbies are needed.”

The online business, based in Peterborough, says their accredited courses were developed specifically for taxi and PHV drivers; and for many of the thousands of people who have completed their courses, it is their first qualification.

The courses available have bite sized learning modules and feature topics which meet DfE Training guidance.

The courses cost £49.00 and last The company offers two courses for taxi and PHV three years. Each drivers (Transporting a Child with SEN, and certificate carries a Transporting Vulnerable Adults), which already unique reference exceed the recommended training guidelines. number which can be verified online by Spectrum’s Managing Director, Jane Saggers, said: licensing authorities, “Our company was set up to help protect Taxi and NHS Trusts etc. For more information go to Private Hire vehicle drivers around understanding vulnerable children and adults, and help them to gain www.spectumcourses.co.uk

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DRIVING

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

FLIPPING HIGHWAY CODE RULE 97: You should ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.

With summertime fast approaching and lockdown slowly easing, taxi drivers around the UK may be ready to return to work and test the waters in the hope of getting back to some sort of normality (if that’s even possible).

Staying comfortable whilst sitting behind the wheel of a taxi for so many hours has always been something that drivers struggle with. Whilst most drivers wear safe and suitable driving footwear, some taxi drivers choose to let it all hang out (that's their toes) by sporting a pair of Southend beaches’ finest flip flops (other beaches are available). Although it is not deemed directly illegal to drive while wearing a toe thong, if caught up in an accident, you could find yourself being charged with driving without due care and attention.

Loose fitting footwear like flip flops can cause some major problems when trying to maintain complete control of your vehicle. You could find your flip flops slipping off or wedged beneath your pedals preventing you from braking correctly or in time to avoid a collision.

If you are involved in a collision which the police feel could have been avoided if you were wearing more suitable footwear you could find yourself being charged, receiving fines of up to £5,000 and 9 points added to your licence.

We all want to stay cool during the summer, but it's best advised to consider more suitable footwear whilst driving around town.

And let's face it, who's more likely to win a race to the toilets before they wet themselves - the one wearing All clothing from head to ten toes (some people may beach flip flops or the one wearing socks with have more or less) must be chosen with road safety in sandals? Exactly. mind.

Image: LEVC

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GLOBAL NEWS

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32

AROUND THE WORLD USA A Connecticut hedge fund, which owns around 4,300 New York City taxi medallions, has said it has extended a payment holiday for borrowers to help the iconic yellow taxi-cab drivers during the ongoing battle with COVID-19.

AUSTRALIA A man has died after exiting a taxi following a dispute over the fare. The victim, named as 40-year -old father-of-two, Tim Dorrough, was hit by a passing vehicle when he stepped out of the taxi on the Calder Freeway at Kangaroo Flat, Victoria.

Police said Tim was travelling home following a night out with friends when the incident occurred.

Tim had recently undertaken a daily push up challenge in support of those with mental health issues. No charges have been laid.

As drivers face the real possibility of bankruptcy, the Medallion Asset Relief Program (MARP) are set to revalue all New York City taxi medallions at $250,000, subsequently lowering the monthly payments.

Although that price could be considered help for drivers, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance have stressed it is not low enough, and are calling for the medallion debt to be capped at $150,000 to really give drivers a chance of surviving the current state of the industry.

SINGAPORE A taxi driver has been jailed for four months for posting a false message urging fellow drivers to ‘stock-up’ on goods from grocery stores and supermarkets, claiming they were ready to close and offering only limited shopping hours.

The man posted the message on a Facebook group made up of thousands of taxi drivers, running the risk of causing mass panic buying.

He was deemed to have concocted the lie, having no proof of source to back up the claims.

The judge said the offence was of a serious enough nature to warrant jail time, concluding that the man’s false claims sought to undermine the government’s continuous effort to reassure the public of the sufficiency of supplies and resulted in a real risk of panic buying.

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GLOBAL NEWS

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33

RUSSIA A Russian taxi driver has been hailed a hero for helping had found out from the victim. Using GPS from the to save a woman who was being held captive and hostage’s mobile device, officers were able to trace abused. her location to a village called Desenovskoye in Enroute to the pick-up destination, the taxi driver, who southern Moscow. was working on the Yandex hailing app, received a An hour after Dmitry alerted the officers, he received a number of text messages through the app’s client chat phone call from the force informing him that the function from a distressed woman. woman had been successfully rescued and her attackers detained.

Dmitry Filin, 49, wasn’t initially sure about the

seriousness surrounding the claims, but on arrival at the destination realised there was no one at the address. He then received another message in which the woman said she had been sexually assaulted.

Unsure of her location, Dmitry immediately contacted the police and explained all the information that he

Dmitry, who had been a driver on the Yandex taxi hailing app for five years, was praised by the firm’s director-general, Daniil Shuleyko, who said: “Such drivers are real heroes of the time. We are proud that such drivers cooperate with us. We will definitely award Dmitry and express our gratitude.”

Spain A Spanish taxi driver who had repeatedly transported coronavirus patients to a Madrid hospital for free, received a surprise standing ovation by staff at the hospital for his kind actions.

In addition to the heart-warming gesture, the driver was handed an envelope containing cash for his wonderful contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image: LEVC

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GLOBAL NEWS

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

AUSTRALIA’S NSW TAXI DRIVERS HANDED $2,900 TO HELP KEEP CABS ON THE ROAD Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced a $12.6 million support package for the taxi industry to provide operators with some financial relief during the COVID-19 shutdown and help taxis remain on the road.

“In some more isolated regional areas, taxi services are considered the public transport system. The NSW Government is committed to providing assistance to eligible registered taxi vehicle owners to ensure services in regional areas can continue,” Mr Toole said.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the financial assistance recognises the challenges the taxi industry is facing as a result of this pandemic.

The support package provides owners of WATs and taxis operating at 1 May 2020 with a $2,900 subsidy per vehicle for six-months’ costs towards CTP insurance, registration fees and other on-road costs.

Perrottet said: “With a large decrease in passenger trips being taken the taxi industry is really suffering, like so many others. The NSW Government is committed to doing what we can to keep businesses in business and people in jobs and this includes helping taxis stay on our roads.”

This will support around 3,500 taxis to continue to operate across NSW. To apply, for the subsidy operators will be able to claim through Service NSW, or at a Service NSW Centre, from June 2020.

Constance said: “Taxis play an important role in NSW and the industry has continued to provide essential passenger services during the COVID-19 crisis. This includes Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs) that provide services for some of our most vulnerable members of the community.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the funding would help ease the pressure for taxis operating in the bush.

In addition, those currently holding a renewable annual taxi licence issued by the NSW Government will receive a 50% waiver of their annual licence fee.

Eligible taxi licence holders will be contacted by the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s office.

The support package also provides a $500 waiver of 2018/19 authorisation fees for all authorised service providers, which represents a full annual fee waiver for over 1,800 smaller service providers.

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GLOBAL NEWS

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36

WHATS AROUND THE WORLD

The ride hailing world is undoubtedly crowded and competitive, and you’d be forgiven if you were struggling to keep up with all the latest ups and downs within the industry. But fear not, we’re going to take a look at some of the world’s biggest ridehailing movers and shakers, and their latest news.

YANDEX The Russian based ride-hailing firm are focusing their energy on its delivery service, saying that coronavirus has presented the opportunity to rapidly grow that sector within a short space of time.

Strict limits placed on movement throughout the country has seen users of Yandex’s delivery apps increase by 75%, the company has said.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Greg Abovsky, said the firm hopes to compensate for the financial hit to online advertising and taxis, by using the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to expand the reach of its other business.

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GLOBAL NEWS

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37

In addition, the company has seen a surge in the usage of its contactless payments service at petrol stations in the past month. The number of Russians using YandexFuel has almost doubled, the company confirmed. The fuel service was embedded in the Yandex navigator app which is currently used by around 21 million drivers in Russia, and now has more than 900,000 customers.

GRAB The Asia-based ride-hailing firm have taken steps to ensure the capability of cashless payments in its vehicles. Grab Philippines has trained and prepared almost 7,000 taxi drivers across the country to adapt to cashless payments in support of the government’s mandate for cashless transactions for public transport.

Aside from mitigating the spread of infection brought about by the exchange of cash, the firm has said the payments will also allow for improved contact tracing capabilities especially in public transportation such as taxis.

LYFT

Direct rival to Uber in the States, Lyft have chosen to For many years taxis have been largely meter-based always focus their business in their homeland rather and cash-based, and Grab have said that with the than spread their wings far and wide as their nemesis advancements in technology, going cashless has been have done. But in the latest lawsuit to hit the firm, a a tall order for many taxi drivers and operators. former driver of the app is suing for the lack of sick pay offered under Washington D.C. law, during the coronavirus pandemic.

By violating the sick leave law during the coronavirus pandemic “Lyft forces its drivers into a Hobbesian choice: risk their lives (and the lives of their passengers) or risk their livelihoods,” according to the complaint filed in federal court on behalf of a class of current and former drivers, Bloomberg first reported.

UBER The firm, who seem to be obsessed with food at the moment (aren’t we all), have had their request to purchase Chilean online grocery provider, Cornershop, approved by Chile’s antitrust regulator. The deal will strengthen the company’s ever-increasing desire to dominate the food delivery market.

BOLT

The Estonian based company confirmed it had received a €100 million investment from London investment group Naya Capital Management during its latest round of funding.

The company said the new funding will go towards the rebuilding of its services following the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis. The latest round of funding pushes the company’s valuation up to 1.7 billion euros.

Uber said in late 2019 it would buy a majority stake in Cornershop, approval pending. The antitrust regulator said in a statement “the operation does not substantially reduce competition and, consequently, does not affect access, price, quantity or quality” after its approval.

Uber are likely to now expand the business from Mexico, Chile, Canada and Peru into other countries in the region and the world.

Image: BOLT

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PR CAMPAIGNS

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

SAFETY AS STANDARD A new black cab campaign highlighting the positive safety aspects when travelling in a taxi during the COVID-19 outbreak has launched.

London Taxi PR (LTPR), an organisation which promotes the licensed London taxi profession, launched the new ‘Safe Passenger Travel’ awareness campaign, which will be displayed on both sides of hundreds of black taxis.

Working in conjunction with Colts Cabs, one of London’s biggest garages and suppliers of rental taxis,

LTPR felt the campaign was necessary to convey the safety aspect when travelling in a London taxi.

The campaign highlights the safe inbuilt partitioning between the driver and passenger compartments, the sanitised interiors and the ability to perform contactless payments in all taxis.

The distinctive side-panel advertising messages will initially be fitted to the TX4 and TX electric models of taxi.

LTPR hopes the campaign further emphasises the safety and trusted reputation of the licensed taxi service at a time when people are more likely to be anxious about using public transportation to travel.

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CHARITY

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk |39

LONDON TAXI CHARITY’S ANNUAL TRIP TO THE SEASIDE CANCELLED FOR FIRST TIME IN 90 YEARS The London Taxi Drivers Charity For Children's (LTCFC) legendary outing to Southend-on-Sea was about to annual trip to the seaside has been cancelled for the commence. first time in over 90 years.

Bradley Winfield, Chairman of the London Taxi Drivers On 14 July a convoy of London taxis should have been Charity for Children, said: “It is very sad for the taking children and their families and carers for a day children and families, that we had to cancel our trip to Southend-on-Sea. summer plans including our much-loved outing for hundreds of children to Southend-on-Sea on 14 July.

For over 90 years this annual outing has been a highlight for cabbies, volunteers and the disadvantaged and special needs children who are invited to participate in this fantastic event.

In 2019, the LTCFC welcomed volunteer London licensed taxi drivers and 200+ special needs and disadvantaged children in Chingford, where their

“The charity is already thinking ahead to 2021 and looking forward to planning next year’s trip when we sincerely hope the world will be a very different place and the restrictions allowing large gatherings will have been lifted and we can plan an event to rival any other.”

TAXI CHARITY OUTING TO TROON MOVES ONLINE The Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund charity will make sure event which will see all the colour, fun and more than 300 children don’t miss out despite the excitement shared on social media for one year only. enforced cancellation of this year’s trip – by holding a one-off “Lockdown To Troon” party online.

The 75th annual Glasgow Taxi outing to Troon was due to take place on Wednesday 17 June – but it was cancelled back in March following the COVID-19 outbreak.

However the charity behind the famous trip determined that the children shouldn't miss out, and have announced a special “Lockdown To Troon”

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SEISS UPDATE

June 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 40

SUPPORT Image: gov.uk

EXTENDED

Those eligible under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which has seen over 2.3 million claims worth £6.8 billion, will be able to claim a second and final grant in August.

first SEISS grant until 13 July. Under the first grant, eligible individuals can claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of The extension was announced at a coronavirus briefing profits, and capped at £7,500 in total. Those eligible have the money paid into their bank account within six detailing that the grant will be worth 70% of average working days of completing a claim. monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at Applications for the second grant £6,570 in total.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Our top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis. The furlough and selfemployment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses.

“We stood behind Britain’s businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side.

will open in August.

Individuals will be able to claim a second taxable grant worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.

The eligibility criteria are the same for both grants, and individuals will need to confirm that their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.

“Now, as we begin to re-open our country and kickstart our economy, these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so, while remaining amongst the most generous in the world.”

An individual does not need to have claimed the first grant to receive the second grant: for example, they may only have been adversely affected by COVID-19 in this later phase. Further guidance on the second grant Self-employed individuals can continue to apply for the will be published on Friday 12 June.

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ACCOUNTANTS

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CARD PAYMENTS

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BUY, RENT OR REPAIR A TAXI CAB DIRECT Driving for perfection Trust the UK’s leading taxi sales specialist. With more than 20 years experience in the hackney and private hire industry, shop direct to find your perfect new or used taxi for sale.

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MEMBERSHIP

APPS

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EV Chargers

Emissions Systems HJS HJS are Europe's leading manufacturers of emission reduction systems for commercial vehicles. Retrofit your taxi to meet EURO VI standards.

For more information visit the website by clicking here or phone 01344 566050.

HORIZON SYSTEMS LTD

LEGAL

Horizon Systems Ltd supply and install OLEV home electric vehicle charging points across London, Essex and Kent.

Visit www.easyevcharge.uk or call 0800 13 13 057 to find out more.

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Charity

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