A Chester man pulled the wing mirror off a taxi and then demanded its owner pay him to get it back.
According to the Leader, Kevin Barlow, of Clutton, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon, 14 November, for sentence.
The 45-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to one offence of criminal damage, which took place on August 19.
Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that at around 9.20pm, taxi driver Karim Abdul Laatif-Begum picked up the defendant in the centre of Wrexham.
Barlow told the victim to take him to his friend's home in 'Rhostyllen' and paid a £5.50 fare for the journey.
But when they arrived there, it became clear he didn't know his friend's address.
It turned out when checking over the phone that the address was actually in Rhos, which Mr Laatif-Begum said would cost a further £4.
Barlow paid the sum and after arriving at the destination he got out and started demanding £10 from the victim.
When he didn't receive the demanded money, he took hold of a wing mirror and pulled it off, telling Mr Laatif-Begum he could have it back if he paid £10 for it.
The victim locked his car as Barlow threw the mirror at his window.
Barlow was arrested and when interviewed, he told the police he'd consumed four or five pints that night.
He claimed it had been the victim who demanded more money from him and that the wing mirror simply 'fell off' when he leaned on it.
A probation officer told the court: "In terms of his record, he did have a criminal damage in 2019 and it is interesting to note that during that incident, Mr Barlow was the victim and damaged the perpetrator's car by kicking the wing mirror off.
"It shows a pattern of behaviour developing."
District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "That taxi is [Mr Laatif-Begum's] bread and butter - and when it's off the road, he's not earning anything.
"He is providing a valuable service and it is clear you reacted wholly and utterly inappropriately.
"That may be due to alcohol more than anything else. It is also clear on occasions you have difficulty in managing your emotions, and controlling your anger."
The Judge handed down a 12-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation activity and 75 hours of unpaid work.
Barlow must also pay compensation of £590.48 and costs of £85.
Source: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23924404.court-chester-man-sentenced-damaging-taxi-wrexham/
A private hire driver who was caught using an unlicensed car by another cabbie has had his licence revoked.
CambidgeshireLive reports that Ahmed Al Ansar, 35, of Cambridge, was found to have not displayed the required taxi plate or door signs, invalidating his insurance.
The matter came to light when South Cambridgeshire District Council received a complaint from a member of the public. They said they had been picked up in a vehicle with no plate displayed on the rear and no council issued or operator door signs.
When the passenger questioned this during the journey, Mr Ansar claimed the vehicle had an exemption from displaying the plate and door signs. However, he was unable to produce an exemption certificate to prove it.
The person then revealed to Mr Ansar that he was a licensed taxi driver with the district council and knew the legislation and licence conditions for private hire vehicles.
He notified the council and provided a photo of the vehicle and driver’s badge.
An investigation found he had submitted an online application for the vehicle later that day, which was date and time stamped, but held no licence.
Mr Ansar was offered two opportunities to attend for an interview under caution, but cancelled on the day on both occasions.
Mr Ansar appealed to the Council’s Taxi Licensing Appeals Panel after having his licence revoked, but this was was dismissed.
He later launched another appeal against the decision at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 8 November.
This was the second court hearing as he did not attend a previous one in July due to illness, where he had also requested an adjournment, and did not attend.
District Judge Sheraton said he would not grant the adjournment, and the appeal was dismissed, with a further hearing for costs due to take place in December.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Taxis and private hire vehicles are vital to our communities. Elderly and disabled users, in particular, rely heavily on the service they provide, and often it is the only way for residents to access local services or get around our rural district.
"Drivers must therefore command the highest level of confidence before they can be entrusted with this responsibility. It’s essential we take seriously our responsibility to determine whether someone is a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a licence.
"All licensed drivers must ensure that any vehicle they wish to use to transport members of the public is licensed correctly, holds the relevant insurance, and complies with legislation, policy, and conditions."
A decision on whether Angus taxi fares will go up has been delayed after council bosses forgot to ask local operators to a meeting to decide on any possible hike.
The Courier reports that licensing chiefs held their hands up to the human error.
But while a couple of cabbies managed to take up a late invite, councillors decided it was not fair to drive through change without everyone having their say.
The regular fares review has already gone out to consultation and the prospect of a rise has split local drivers and operators.
Some claim any increase could be a “fatal blow” to businesses already struggling to survive and they do not want to heap more pain on passengers battling the cost of living crisis.
Others say a rise is necessary to keep up with the cost of running vehicles and things like insurance.
Arbroath taxi firms want the status quo to remain. Forfar and Carnoustie operators back the idea of increases of around 4% – up to 10% for evenings and weekends.
The council’s civic licensing committee was due to decide on any fares increase. However, officials admitted that local operators were not invited until the very last minute due to a blunder.
Committee convener George Meechan told the morning meeting: “Unfortunately, due to an oversight, operators were not informed of the opportunity to attend until late last night.
“In the interests of natural justice, we want to be seen to hear everything on it.”
Montrose SNP colleague Kenny Braes added: “Especially since there is a difference of opinion, it is absolutely essential they (the operators) have the opportunity to come to the meeting and make their point of view.”
But Forfar Conservative Ross Greig wanted the fares review to be debated.
“The fares (we set) are the maximum operators could charge,” he said.
“If it’s up to the individual operator to decide whether they charge up to that level, I don’t see any reason why we can’t go ahead and set these.”
Councillors voted to defer it to a special meeting of the committee on December 5.
Forfar councillor Linda Clark said: “It’s been an unfortunate error. I would like to think we are pulling out all the stops to make sure we do this with complete transparency so that everybody feels comfortable with it.”
Source: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/4812251/angus-taxi-fares-review-blunder/
Residents and drivers are asked to share their views on proposed changes to taxi licensing in the Royal Borough.
According to the Slough Observer, a consultation requested by the council licensing panel invites people to have their say on potential changes to the livery of taxis – which are currently required to have a white body with a purple bonnet and boot.
Views are sought on whether this should be changed, and if any amendments should be linked to a shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles.
Additionally, the consultation will also survey people’s opinions on DBS checks for all taxi and private hire drivers.
Council leader Simon Werner said: “A request to consult taxi users on possible changes to the livery of licensed taxis operating in the borough was made by our licensing panel last month and it’s important we get your views.”
Responses can be submitted online or at council libraries using public-access computers or, on request, paper copies.
The consultation ends on Friday December 22, with the findings to be brought before the panel next February.
Licensing panel chair councillor Mandy Brar, said: “I’d encourage residents to take a look at the proposals carefully and give us their feedback.
“Alongside this, please also give us your views on DBS requirements for all taxi and private hire drivers operating in the borough.
"All feedback will be carefully considered before any decisions are made by the panel next year.”
To submit your views for the consultation, visit the RBWM website here: https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/taxi-consultation?_gl=1*frqzpv*_ga_B1S76ZFQXK*MTcwMDA1MzU4MC4xLjEuMTcwMDA1MzU5MC4wLjAuMA..
Source: https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/23921754.council-seeks-views-proposed-taxi-licensing-changes/
London taxi driver, Micky Harris, has been recognised by Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, for his exceptional contribution to society and awarded the Point of Light award.
The award was launched in 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others.
Micky Harris used a legacy from his greatly missed late wife Barbara, to create a unique taxi-hailing app called Unify, that not only provides drivers with the full metered fare but donates its profits to charities.
On 9 November Harris received the prestigious Points of Light award in recognition of his outstanding efforts.
While studying for the Knowledge, Micky stumbled upon the incredible work of the 'Taxi Charity for Military Veterans'. Moved by their mission, he wasted no time in joining the cause as a volunteer driver and soon became an integral member of the charity, even serving as a committee member earlier this year.
Micky and his wife Barbara had taken numerous veterans to events across the UK and embarked on special commemorative trips to the Netherlands and France with the Taxi Charity and their shared dedication and devotion to serving military veterans inspired them to find new ways of supporting the taxi trade and its associated charities.
As Barbara’s health was worsening, they discussed how the iconic London black cabs and the army of drivers could come together and the idea for an app to unify the trade was born.
Sadly, Barbara died in July 2022 but with her blessing and an unexpected legacy Micky successfully launched a new taxi-hailing app in April 2023 called Unify.
The Unify App was welcomed by the cab trade and has already garnered the support of over 2,000 licensed taxi drivers and drivers are signing up every day.
Beyond offering passengers the convenience of accessing reliable transportation services, the app encourages and empowers passengers to make charitable donations. By choosing to ride with drivers on this platform, passengers not only receive the service they require but also contribute to various worthy causes.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, said: “Micky is one of the very best examples of those with a determination to help and support our veterans. His dedication to supporting wider charities, as well as volunteering for the ‘Taxi Charity for Military Veterans’ embodies the values we all look up to.
"I'm extremely pleased to see him awarded with this Point of Light award."
London cabbie and Unify App owner Micky Harris said: “It really is such an honour to receive the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister's office. I work tirelessly day and night trying to do the right thing in an environment dominated by companies driven by profit.
"If this award can help bring awareness to others that if they try, it is possible to make a difference and with dedication and hard work, hopefully realise their dreams to make their community a better place for all.
"What we need now is for every cab driver to sign up to the Unify app, it doesn’t cost drivers anything to be part of this and by working together, we can all achieve so much more in life.
"I truly believe that we are all ‘Stronger Together’ and the Unify London App will give us the unity we need to succeed.”
The Unify London App has no surge pricing, no hidden fees, no cancellations and operates fully within TfL pricing structures The cab is hired from the hail, meaning the cab driver receives the full fare.
Profits from the app are used to support the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children, The Albany Taxi Charity and the Magical Taxi Tour.
To find out more about the Unify London App visit www.unifylondon.com
French taxi drivers are calling for government compensation after suffering significant revenue losses during the Paris Olympics.
Coventry city centre has introduced a new taxi marshal service aimed at improving safety and efficiency for late-night revellers.
A court heard harrowing details of the moment a drink-driving uninsured motorist killed three people in a 90mph crash.
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was amongst the thousands who enjoyed the Battle Proms at Highclere Castle on 3 August.
Swindon residents could be facing a hike in taxi fares from October after councillors gave the green light to a £1 increase in the standard fare minimum charge.
Ricky Harold, a 20-year veteran of the town’s taxi trade, was parked in a lay-by when his vehicle was struck from behind by a black Audi A2.
Chinese automotive giant Geely has deepened its commitment to the UK electric vehicle market with a £120m cash injection into London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC).
North Tyneside Council is facing a backlash over plans to increase taxi fares by 6.3%.
Nazim Asmal preyed on his victims after nights out in Preston and Darwen, driving them to secluded spots before carrying out horrific sexual assaults.
Newcastle is set to see a surge in pink taxis driven by women as part of a new initiative aimed at improving passenger safety.
An unlicensed taxi driver who picked up two vulnerable women in Aberdare has been ordered to pay nearly £1,500 in fines and costs.
Cleethorpes taxi drivers are breathing a sigh of relief after council enforcement officers cracked down on vehicles illegally parked in designated taxi ranks.
A Barry man has avoided jail after launching a drunken attack on a taxi driver who refused him entry to his vehicle.
Jersey’s taxi service is in crisis, with driver numbers plummeting by more than a quarter since 2014, a new report has revealed.
On Wednesday 27 July, more than 300 vulnerable youngsters were taken on an all-expenses paid trip to Southport.
Taxi drivers in the town will be able to charge passengers more following a decision by the borough council on 31 July.
A taxi driver has been sentenced to a community order after admitting causing the death of a pedestrian by driving at excessive speed.
A joint operation by council, police, and DVSA officials has seen three taxis taken off the road in Oldham due to safety concerns.
Taxi drivers licensed by Mid Sussex could soon be forced to accept card payments, following a surge in complaints about cash-only services.
Two men have avoided immediate jail time after a high-speed race left a taxi driver with serious injuries.