Drivers at a private hire company in Reading had a 'remarkable evening' to celebrate their achievements and recognise the work they do helping people get about.
Bliss Cars247 recently celebrated achievements made over the last year in partnership with the charity Berkshire Vision.
A staff member for the company said: "This incredible local charity provides vital support, activities, and sports for visually impaired children, adults and their families across Berkshire.
"The event wasn’t just about celebrating our amazing team’s achievements but also about shining a light on the impactful work Berkshire Vision does every day.
"Together, we raised awareness and support for their cause, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to help make a difference in their lives.
"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this special night. Let’s keep driving change, one step at a time!"
The event took place at Walford Hall near the town centre on Tuesday, January 7.
Drivers for the company Aftab Malik, Misbah Ud Din, Naveed Ali and Nazid Ahmed were given awards in recognition for their exemplary service.
Mr Malik won the award for community engagement, Mr Ud Din was named the most reliable driver, Mr Ahmed won the most professional driver award and Muhammad Rafaqat was crowned the best new driver at the ceremony.
The event was attended by Ahsan Ikhlaq, the director of the company, Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision, Clare Matthews, the head of marketing and communication at Berkshire Vision and Ben Williams, a licensing and enforcement officer for Reading Borough Council.
The incident occurred around 12:15pm on Shaw Road in the Derker area of Oldham.
Shams Pervaiz, from Watford, had his licence taken away with immediate effect by the council’s licensing department after the incident was reported to the council.
Licensing officers were successful in their bid to the government’s Transport Innovation Fund, paving the way for free cameras to be fitted in order to boost driver and passenger safety.
Jennifer Anne Cowie, 40, appeared before magistrates on Tuesday, 14 January, where she admitted to the offences.
The current policy limits the number of licensed vehicles in the city to 3,450 which has meant over 680 bids for private hire car licences, from May to the end of 2024, have been rejected.
The driver, who has been licensed for 38 years, was the subject of a complaint from a driver licensed by another authority who alleged that he was assaulted in June 2024.
Alister Gill, a driver with over 25 years of experience, was observed smoking a cigarette by a Licensing Standards officer on 11 November.
South Cambridgeshire has introduced updated licensing requirements for taxi drivers in a move to enhance public safety and ensure fairness for drivers.
Sarah Connolly appeared before the licensing committee on 8 January, facing opposition from councillors due to two prior offences.
Darlington's long-standing taxi firm, United Taxis, has made the difficult decision to cease its nighttime operations with immediate effect.
New Forest District Council is currently reviewing its taxi licensing policy, with a focus on enhancing driver standards and safety.
Karl Bennett, 40, appeared before Isle of Man Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 9 January, following his arrest on 7 January.
Officers from Derry City and Strabane’s Foyleside and The Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team seized seven vehicles during a joint road safety operation with the Driver & Vehicle Agency.
Concerns have been raised about the increasing brightness of LED headlights, particularly on SUVs, and the growing use of automatic headlight systems.
Currently, there is an overprovision cap set at 1,420 for taxis and 3,450 for private hire cars.
Hillingdon Council has implemented a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) banning drivers from parking or waiting in streets within Pinkwell, Heathrow Villages and West Drayton.
A Cheltenham man has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming over £22,000 in benefits by failing to declare his employment as a taxi and delivery driver.
Steven Gribble, 26, admitted holding a screwdriver to the driver's neck and stealing around £50 in cash.
Norwich City Council is reviewing its taxi licensing policy to enhance passenger safety, particularly for children and vulnerable adults.
A teenager has been jailed after a specialist police team seized two knives when they pulled over a taxi.