London Stansted Airport is set to revolutionise its drop-off experience in January with the introduction of an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system.
This new technology, mirroring the successful implementation at the Dartford Crossing, will allow drivers to seamlessly pass through the Express Set Down (ESD) area without the need to stop and pay at a barrier.
This move comes on the heels of a significant £1.1 billion government investment announced in October, paving the way for an airport extension.
"We've observed the effectiveness of ANPR systems in various settings, from bridges and toll roads to other airports," stated Anita Harrison, Stansted's Customer Operations Director.
"We are confident that this system will streamline the drop-off process and enhance the overall user experience."
The airport recently announced its capacity ambitions, aiming to accommodate between 48 and 51 million passengers annually by 2040. Ms. Harrison emphasised that the barrierless system will "significantly reduce driver wait times and improve passenger flow," contributing to a smoother journey for all travellers.
The new system will operate on a pay-by-midnight policy, meaning drivers will have until the following day to settle the drop-off charge.
The current charges remain unchanged: £7 for up to 15 minutes and £25 for longer durations.
Payment options will include online and phone transactions, with the added convenience of auto-pay accounts for frequent users, such as taxi drivers.
Stansted Airport has assured passengers that clear and prominent signage will be installed to inform them about the upcoming changes well in advance of the January implementation.
A 61-year-old Norwich cabbie has been banned from driving after seriously injuring a moped rider in a crash, effectively ending his 40-year career.
Muhammad Naeem of High Wycombe was convicted in his absence at Oxfordshire Magistrates' Court on 13 December, after failing to appear.
The operation, a joint effort between Durham County Council, police, and the DVSA, saw 57 licensed vehicles stopped across Durham City, Darlington, Consett, and Chester-le-Street.
David Samuel Steenson pleaded guilty to common assault in the Magistrate's Court, admitting to punching the driver, who sustained multiple cuts and bruises to his face.
Wrexham residents are being warned to be vigilant against unlicensed taxis operating during the festive season, as police and council officials launch a joint crackdown.
Nikolaos Boutelis, 61, faced charges of causing actual bodily harm stemming from an incident on March 25, 2022, in Reydon.
Calvin Elliott, 31, from Rainhill, verbally abused and assaulted Ahmed Shebaz after the driver asked him to leave his drinks outside the vehicle.
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, 26, known to his friends and family as Shami, was shot dead in his taxi on Tuesday 22 November 1994.
North Yorkshire Council is revising its hackney carriage policies to increase the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and comply with equality legislation.
The drivers argue that the bus gate restriction on Corporation Street is causing them to lose customers and get stuck in unnecessary queues.
38 drivers were checked, alongside the condition of their vehicle, as well as their licence, insurance, tyres, lights and vehicle tax.
Despite expressing reluctance, Bedford Borough Council's General Licensing Committee has approved a significant increase in fees for taxi and private hire vehicle licences, effective March 2025.
The decision comes after an eight-week public consultation and aims to address concerns raised by residents regarding the safety and convenience of cash-only transactions.
Michael Miller and Grace Miller, of Grab A Cab, lost their hackney carriage proprietor and driver licences following a series of complaints alleging aggressive and abusive behaviour, threats and intimidation.
A leading eco-friendly electric taxi company based in central London is driving forward with its ambitious growth plans and opening a new local community hub, after securing a £1.6m asset refinance deal.
Only eight out of 101 taxi operators across the region responded to the council's consultation on potential fare increases, which ran from October 24 to December 2.
Kevin Turner was caught transporting undercover council officers on two separate occasions after they booked journeys with him.
Drivers claim that Uber cars registered in London are taking a significant portion of airport business, impacting their livelihoods.
Taxis and private hire vehicles are an important part of our transport networks and some of the most vulnerable groups in our society rely on them.
In a bid to alleviate traffic congestion in Belfast city centre, particularly during the busy Christmas period, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced a temporary measure allowing taxis to use certain bus lane