Liverpool's roads are set to see a new private hire presence as Britannia Taxis officially rebrands under the Veezu banner.
The move, following Veezu's 2023 acquisition of the Knowsley-founded firm, promises "improved technology, additional payment options, and smarter ride features" for local passengers, according to the company.
"We’ve always believed that better travel starts locally – with trusted driver-partners, smart tools and a service people can rely on," said Veezu's regional operations director, Chris Neary.
"By bringing Britannia Taxis under the Veezu name, we’re creating a simpler, more consistent experience for passengers across Liverpool and its surrounding areas."
However, this rebranding occurs against a backdrop of a significant legal battle. Veezu, alongside Liverpool-based Delta Taxis, is gearing up for a Supreme Court showdown with Uber in July.
The firms are challenging Uber's attempt to impose VAT on private hire vehicle fares outside London, a move they claim could lead to a 20% price hike for passengers.
"Unlike other modes of transport, which benefit from a zero VAT rating, the PHV industry remains the only form of transport subject to full VAT," the companies argue.
To bolster their legal defence, Delta and Veezu have launched a "Fighting Fund to Protect Passenger Fares" campaign, seeking public and industry support: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/protectfares/
"We’re investing in new technology, improving access to transport, and continuing to support the communities we serve through hyperlocal investment," Neary stated, even as the firm prepares for the high-stakes legal battle.
A Tunbridge Wells taxi driver has exhausted all avenues of appeal after a judge at Maidstone Crown Court upheld the borough council's decision to revoke his taxi/private hire licence.
The onboarding process commenced on Tuesday at Lomeshaye Business Park in Nelson, marking the end of frustrating delays for prospective drivers who were initially told registration would begin in January, then March.
Figures show one local authority dominates taxi licensing across England, with nearly half of private hire vehicles working in Greater Manchester now licensed ‘out of area’.
FREENOW will continue operating as it does today to drive growth across 9 countries and over 150 cities across Ireland, UK, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, France and Austria.
A man with a history of knife offences has been arrested after police discovered a 30-inch machete concealed in his waistband during a stop and search of a taxi near Kidbrooke, south east London.
Fees for taxi drivers operating in Barnsley are set to climb next year for the first time since 2014.
Kambiz Akhondi, 59, from Soham, appeared before Peterborough Magistrates who determined he was not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire licence.
Drivers are set to benefit from up to £500 of savings per year and see smoother Easter getaways as 1,127 miles of roadworks are lifted, the Department for Transport has announced today (16th April).
This initiative builds upon the growing partnership between Toyota and Uber in the UK. Last year saw Toyota launch a dedicated website offering bespoke car finance deals for Uber owner-drivers.
The operation also focused on taxi safety, with a total of eight immediate prohibition notices issued to taxi drivers after significant faults were discovered on their vehicles.
Peter Roland Banwell, 62, the former director of Banwell Buses Ltd, trading as Beeline Taxis, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on April 8, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to fraud by misrepresentation.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 3:40pm on 8 April near Willington, shows a member of the public confronting the driver and demanding he return broken paving slabs to his vehicle.
Four men have been sentenced to a combined 75 years in prison for the brutal murder of Anselam Senaj, a passenger in a private hire vehicle, in East Ham.
Following a 12-month consultation by the licensing team, the council's executive committee has approved a series of alterations.
The action was taken in the interest of public safety after Claremont Cars continued to breach the terms of its licence despite receiving prior warnings from the district council.
Daniel Hayelom, 36, was convicted at Leeds Crown Court following a trial, and now faces sentencing on 2 May.
On 12 April, Rhyl firm A & J Taxis, had the privilege of transporting five volunteers from One Day charity, to Manchester Airport as they set off on a journey to Lesotho, South Africa.
Drivers in Stourbridge are being warned that Dudley Council and West Midlands Police are planning to take enforcement action along the High Street.
The move, funded initially by a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) grant, will see a significant six-figure investment.
The programme, which deploys uniformed marshals at key taxi ranks, will run from weekends until the end of the year.