A Paisley taxi company is at the center of a police investigation that could result in the loss of licences for over 160 of its drivers.
Paisley Cab Co Ltd, owned by Steven Malcolm, and officials at Renfrewshire Council are facing scrutiny following allegations of safety concerns.
Reports indicate that irregularities were discovered in the insurance and paperwork of 11 of the company's taxis. This led to questions to the council about how these vehicles passed roadworthiness tests at a council testing centre.
Police Scotland was brought in to investigate the matter, and a closed-door meeting was held on Thursday, 17 October, to discuss the future of 162 of the company's drivers.
In a highly unusual move, Mr. Malcolm was personally ordered to attend the meeting, accompanied by his legal counsel.
According to council meeting papers, the meeting considered the "possible suspension or revocation" of the 162 private hire licences held by the company.
An insider revealed that the company had submitted 11 vehicles without the correct paperwork or insurance, and that the council testing centre had mistakenly passed them.
Councillors were told that the Paisley Cab Co did not realise what was going on as the person who did the applications had done so for years. While the company was found not to be at fault and has since changed its practices, a further investigation is underway into the application process and the involvement of council staff.
The hearing on Thursday was held in private, and the local media was asked to leave the chambers before proceedings began. A resolution was made to hold the meeting behind closed doors due to the potential disclosure of "exempt information."
Mr. Malcolm and his legal representative declined to comment after the hearing, and when asked about the police investigation, Malcolm stated: "I don't know anything about that. It's nothing to do with me."
Renfrewshire Council also declined to comment, stating that no action was taken against any private hire car, taxi, or booking office licences at that time.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that they are liaising with the local authority.
Taxi drivers in Dorset are seeking a fare increase to combat rising costs. The proposed changes would affect fares outside of Weymouth and Portland.
Radio Carlisle Taxis has made a significant donation to a local food bank, providing much-needed support to the community.
Two drivers have been spared jail after causing a fatal crash that killed a 70-year-old woman in Manchester.
Taxi drivers in Argyll and Bute are being asked to give their views on potential fare increases, as the local council is set to review its current pricing structure.
Transport for London (TfL) has proposed increasing hackney carriage fares in London by up to 7.5% next year to help attract and retain drivers.
Taxi drivers in South Kesteven district have expressed outrage over a new rule requiring them to take an English language test, even if they are native speakers.
The addition of Addison Lee will extend the Group’s London footprint and grow its taxi and private hire network to more than 34,000 vehicles globally
The strike, which could cost East Midlands Railway up to £200,000, is set to commence unless the train operator addresses longstanding issues at the pick-up point.
Hundreds of drivers gathered outside the Uber office in Nottingham at 2.30pm today to voice concerns over unfair fares.
A sting operation in Dudley has uncovered a minibus with a rotten chassis and another with no rear lights among 27 private hire vehicles and taxis inspected for school transport.
A private hire driver has been fined £324 for refusing to take a fare that included a passenger and their assistance dog.
Peter McDougall pleaded guilty to breaking into eight vehicles, many of which were cabs, stealing items valued at over £800.
A taxi driver who was falsely accused of rape has had his life turned upside down, losing his marriage and job as the lying "victim" faces a prison sentence.
The council has relaxed regulations governing wheelchair-accessible taxis (WAVs) in response to a significant decline in their availability.
A futuristic display took place in London on 9 October, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showcased a flying taxi at Charring Cross Station.
The incident occurred around 7:00pm in the Dartmouth Street/Trafalgar Road area, when the driver was threatened with a knife and assaulted with a hypodermic needle.
Andrew Doody, Chair of Thanet Private Hire Association, said: "We already have booking apps so Uber brings nothing new to Thanet."
On Tuesday, 22nd October, at 2pm, Conservative MPs led by Saqib Bhatti MBE, will deliver a 130,000 signatures petition with Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, to Number 10 Downing Street.
The Rosie May Foundation, known for its innovative projects that empower women and support vulnerable children, aligns perfectly with Take Me's values
Portsmouth Private Hire drivers are fast running out of patience on hearing the news that the council is – yet again – about to deny its licensed private hire vehicles access to the city’s bus lanes.