Millions of drivers can get around with the confidence that they will always be close to a charger as new stats published by the Department show that over 1,200 public chargers have been added in the last month alone.

There are now 76,507 public chargers across the UK - a 28% year-on-year increase.

Commenting on the new stats, the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “It’s brilliant to confirm today that we’ve added another 1,200 public chargers to the public network in the last month. We’re adding one charge point every half an hour, taking us to over 76,500 across the UK.

“This comes days after our new plans to back British carmakers by making it easier for them to upgrade to make electric vehicles, while delivering our manifesto commitment to stop sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

“Our chargepoint network is going from strength to strength, and with £6 billion of private investment in the pipeline by 2030, we continue working closely with industry to ensure motorists are always just a short drive from a charger.

“We will also roll out tens of thousands of on-street chargepoints in towns and rural areas – ideal for cheaper, overnight charging for those without a driveway – through our £381m Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund.

“We’re investing over £2.3bn to help industry and drivers make a supported switch to EVs, going further and faster to create jobs, boost investment and put money in the pockets of hardworking people, as we secure our future through the Plan for Change.”

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A Waymo driverless taxi caused a traffic jam at a Santa Monica Chick-fil-A drive-thru, leaving customers perplexed and hungry.

Videos circulating online show the autonomous vehicle stalled at the entrance, hazard lights flashing, creating an unusually long line for the popular fast-food restaurant.

The incident occurred around 9:30pm, according to witness Chris Kellogg, who captured the scene on video.

"I waited in line for about a half-hour before being told the drive-thru only restaurant was closed," Kellogg reported.

His videos depict Chick-fil-A employees observing the stationary Waymo, which briefly reversed before halting again.

While Waymo vehicles have experienced navigational glitches since their city deployment, this drive-thru detour is a novel occurrence.

"It’s unclear if anyone was inside the vehicle at the time or if the taxi was directed to the Chick-fil-A as part of a fare — or if it became sentient and required organic matter for fuel," observed onlookers.

Waymo, a subsidiary of Google's parent company, confirmed the incident and stated that its "team" retrieved the vehicle.

A spokesperson assured: "We are committed to continuously improving our service and making appropriate updates to prevent this from happening in the future."

The incident raises questions about the evolving capabilities and potential pitfalls of autonomous vehicle technology in everyday scenarios.

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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.

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Charlie Brown, 38, has been found guilty of racially aggravated harassment and criminal damage after verbally abusing and urinating in the taxi of driver Khyam Bahadu Thapa during a ride from Ashford to Maidstone in 2023.

Brown, who denied the charges, made repeated comments about Mr Thapa's "slanty" eyes.

During the trial, footage was played which revealed Brown asking Mr Thapa: "Not being funny, but is it because you have slanty eyes?" and later, "Is that because your eyes are all slanty?"

Mr Thapa, who is of Nepalese and Filipino heritage, testified that these comments left him "deeply hurt," and that he felt "frightened" and "in danger" during the incident.

Mr Thapa also described how Brown urinated in his taxi on the M20. "Just after that I heard something flowing. I turned back and realised he was peeing in the car," he told the court.

A video captured the driver's shock and subsequent confrontation.

Brown admitted to making "silly and immature" comments but claimed they were "descriptive words" and "weren't racist."

In his defence, he stated: "I didn’t mean anything by it. I don’t see it as a racist comment. He called me chubby in his statement - it’s just a description."

He also attributed the urination incident to intoxication, sayin: "It wasn’t on purpose. It felt like a balloon which was going to explode. I’m embarrassed I wet myself at that age."

Despite his claims, magistrates convicted Brown, ordering him to do 150 hours of unpaid work, a 12-month community order, and to pay £1,352.40 in compensation and costs, including £358 for the taxi's carpet and vent repairs.

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Transport for London (TfL) has agreed to issue temporary licences to private hire drivers facing significant delays in the licensing process, a move hailed as "welcome progress" by the GMB Union.

The decision comes after the union, representing the largest private hire membership in the UK, lobbied TfL and London officials to address the administrative backlog causing financial strain and stress for drivers.

TfL's agreement to grant temporary licences, contingent on drivers meeting specific criteria such as a DBS check, aims to get drivers back on the road quickly.

TfL has also postponed a planned increase in licensing fees.

Simon Rush, President of GMB Taxi & Private Hire Drivers Branch, stated: "This is very welcome progress, and we hope temporary licences will get drivers back on the road."

He added: "We are pleased to see TfL reconsider the licensing fee increase, particularly given the financial hardship that drivers have endured due to these delays.

"Drivers should never be left in limbo due to administrative issues."

The GMB Union has committed to continued collaboration with TfL to ensure the best possible outcomes for its members.

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