A renewed appeal has been issued by detectives to mark the five-year anniversary of the disappearance and murder of New Ash Green woman Sarah Wellgreen.
Sarah was last seen in the Bazes Shaw area during the evening of 9 October 2018, and reported missing two days later.
An extensive investigation into her disappearance led to the arrest of her ex-partner Ben Lacomba, who in 2019 was convicted of Sarah’s murder and sentenced to life, with a minimum jail term of 27 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Lacomba has always refused to tell anyone what he did to Sarah and sadly her body has never been found. Whilst Sarah’s killer may have faced justice for her murder, not knowing where she was left continues to cause considerable pain and distress to her loved ones.
‘"We continue to appeal for any new information which may help us identify new lines of enquiry and are asking people to cast their minds back five years, to anything at the time which may have seen unusual or suspicious.
"Lacomba would almost certainly have moved Sarah’s body in his car, a red Vauxhall Zafira privater hire vehicle, with writing on the side.
"We believe it is very likely he then concealed her remains in a rural area, surrounding New Ash Green, Longfield or a location towards Sevenoaks."
The search for Sarah’s body remains one of the largest in Kent Police’s history with more than 1,300 locations examined. At its height, the operation involved around 120 officers a day using police dogs, drones, and the marine unit.
DCI Kimber added:"Any detail, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could be the clue which one day leads to a breakthrough.
"Sarah was a much-loved daughter, sister, and mother to five children, and if she was alive today would be approaching her 52nd birthday.
"We remain determined to find out what happened to her and hope that one day her loved ones will have the opportunity to lay her to rest in a place of their choosing."
The Royal Borough coat of arms could soon no longer be required on taxis in a bid to encourage a move to hybrid and electric vehicles.
The Slough Observer reports that Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM) licensing panel is set to consider proposals to consult with hackney carriage drivers about removing the existing mandates on colour and decoration for hybrid and electric taxis.
All new taxis in Windsor and Maidenhead have been required to be white and feature a purple bonnet and boot along with the coat of arms since 2012.
However, a council officers’ report notes this has long been unpopular with drivers due to associated costs.
The report reads: “The livery also gives RBWM licenced hackney carriages a unique appearance in comparison with traditional black taxis, makes them readily identifiable to residents and visitors to RBWM who may not be familiar with the differences between hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, and provides a smart and uniform appearance.
“The livery has always been unpopular with drivers mainly because of the costs of having it applied and because, the drivers say, the livery reduces the amount of private work that they can get because potential clients might be put off by the livery.”
Officers noted the need to move taxis and private hire vehicles away from fossil fuels and towards electric and hybrid for “environmental and reputational purposes” as well as the looming 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
The report floated the possibility of amending council policy to change or remove the livery requirement for hybrid and electric taxis as an incentive to make the shift to greener vehicles.
The recommended option for councillors is to conduct research into the availability and cost of electric and hybrid hackney carriages while also consulting with drivers around changes to the livery policy.
The report reads: “The research and consultation will provide evidence on which the Licensing Panel will be able to make informed decisions about any potential changes to the livery on RBWM licenced hackney carriages if drivers move to electric or hybrid vehicles.
“This will also provide evidence to support decision making in respect of longer term moves away from fossil fuelled hackney carriages to electric or hybrid vehicles.”
It will be considered by councillors at the licensing panel meeting on Monday, October 16.
Source: https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/23843179.coat-arms-requirement-removed-taxis-amid-green-drive/
More than a third of private hire vehicle drivers in Greater Manchester are licensed by City of Wolverhampton Council that operates around 80 miles away.
According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Manchester Evening News, 8,952 private hire drivers, licensed by Wolverhampton Council, reside in Greater Manchester. This makes up 35 per cent of the PHVs operating across the city-region.
It comes after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham condemned 'out of town' taxi drivers amid claims they were registering elsewhere to avoid meeting local standards.
There are 36,033 private hire drivers with a Wolverhampton plate in total in the UK, FOI data has revealed, which is 13 per cent of Wolverhampton's total population (around 262,000).
By comparison, 16,343 private hires have a Greater Manchester licence plate.
In March it emerged that almost a third of England's private hire taxi drivers are registered in Wolverhampton. The city has even had to take on 20 new staff to cope with demand.
Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester ‘In The Hotseat’ segment in August, Mr Burnham said: “How are they allowing it, the other authorities, who are 100 or so miles away. How are they not checking up on those taxis and those drivers, but they're taking in the money for it.
“How are they allowing that situation? They shouldn't be doing it because they're giving plates without being able to then monitor the performance.”
The main difference in standards relates to the age of vehicles allowed, with Greater Manchester councils requiring newer vehicles to be used on the roads as well as more advanced background checks, according to Mr Burnham.
There is also a concern amongst cabbies that drivers are getting in a taxi without knowing all the rules, prompting questions of safety for passengers.
Shah Iftikar, an Uber driver from Stockport, told the M.E.N previously: "Loads of drivers have Wolverhampton or Sefton plates. Have a look round.
"It's easier, it's quicker [in Wolverhampton]. Manchester is a lot stricter. In Manchester you need more MoTs, you have to have the knowledge. You have to know every street. But why do you need that now? Everyone has sat navs."
Current legislation means that private hire drivers can operate anywhere in the UK outside of London, even if they are not licensed in that particular area.
Greater Manchester sought powers to restrict out of area operation in its Trailblazer negotiations, but did not get agreement from the Government as part of the devolution deal.
Wolverhampton Council has previously denied that it is 'quicker and easier' to get a private hire licence with them, claiming applicants undergo a 'strict and rigorous' process that includes a one day training course, enhanced DBS checks, a medical certification and a face to face English assessment. A previous report stated that in 2021 and 2022, 55 per cent of applicants failed the checks, according to the council.
Under Manchester City Council, it costs £255 to register as a new private hire driver plus costs for tests and between £222 and £342 to register a vehicle (depending on its age).
Under Wolverhampton Council, the application fee for a new private hire driver is £49 for a one-year licence or £98 for a three-year licence and £95 to register a vehicle under 10 years old.
A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “The existing system means that local councils can’t guarantee a high standard from ‘out of area’ drivers and their vehicles.
"A change in the law is required to make sure that anyone who drives or operates a taxi or private hire vehicle in Greater Manchester meets high safety standards and is licensed in our area.
“Greater Manchester leaders have sought powers from the government to tackle the challenges posed by ‘out-of-area’ operation of private hire services and to date these have not been devolved.”
Source: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-cant-guarantee-high-27870814
A third person has been arrested after a major crash on the Strand in Liverpool city centre, left a man fighting for his life.
The road was sealed off following the crash between a taxi and an Audi TT in the early hours of Saturday, October 7.
Police have confirmed that a 28-year-old man from Southport has been arrested in connection with the crash and taken into custody for questioning by detectives.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop/report a road traffic collision and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.
Two other people, a 53-year-old woman from Southport and a 36-year-old man from Southport, were arrested on Saturday in connection with the investigation and remain in police custody.
Detectives are trying to trace the driver of a black hackney taxi which CCTV appears to show a suspect getting into shortly after the crash.
Police said the black cab collected the man outside Liverpool Crown Court on Lord Street at the junction with Castle Street.
The man was described as white, with fair hair and was wearing dark shorts, with a lighter t-shirt and dark trainers. He also had some sort of bag across his body and appeared to be holding himself as if he was injured.
Merseyside Police said the Audi first came to the attention of police patrols at around 1.10am when it was seen travelling at speed. Soon after, the Audi crashed into a private hire vehicle, which police said then struck a pedestrian on the Strand.
The man, in his 40s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and his condition remains critical, police said.
The private hire driver, a man in his 50s, also required treatment for neck injuries. The driver of the Audi ran off on foot from the scene.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, Lead Investigating Officer for the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We continue to make significant progress with this investigation and have made three arrests, but we still want to hear from any witnesses who may have seen the incident or captured any part of it on their dashcam.
“In particular, we are keen to trace the driver of a black hackney taxi which CCTV appears to show a suspect getting into shortly after the crash.
“The driver of that taxi may not realise the significance of that journey as it was not at the scene of the collision, but I appeal to them to get in touch with us as soon as possible to assist us with our enquiries."
The incident has been referred by Merseyside Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as the incident followed recent police contact.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merseyside Police Matrix serious collision investigation unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter/X quoting reference 23000974882.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
A new £20,000 reward has been offered for information on the gunman who killed a man in front of his terrified girlfriend.
Carl Russell, 27, was ambushed outside his parents' house in Cornwood Close, Belle Vale, at around 11.30am on October 7, 2018.
The killer, who was on a pedal bike and wearing a high-vis jacket, opened fire with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun as Carl stepped out of his girlfriend's car.
Since that day, three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder but have since been released under investigation and no one has been charged.
On the fifth anniversary of Carl's death, Merseyside Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have issued a joint appeal for fresh information to unlock the case.
The detectives leading the enquiry, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye and Detective Inspector Sarah Wilkinson, have also revealed new information about potential witnesses.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, DI Wilkinson said: "So on the fifth anniversary of his murder, we are concentrating on a number of appeal points. We are really keen to speak to the driver, or anyone who has got information, with regards to a white 53 plate Nissan Primestar van, which we believe was on the estate at the time of Carl's murder.
"We are also hoping to speak to a taxi driver who may have overheard a conversation that day, from a fare who may have information regarding that van.
"We believe the taxi driver has approached the police at the scene on the day but we have been unable to identify him since."
Carl was known to police, and had previously served a prison sentence for possession of a firearm, an offence which came to light after he survived another attempt on his life in 2010.
DI Wilkinson said the force "remained open minded" about links to any previous shootings.
At the time of his death in 2018, Carl was serving a nine month prison sentence for dangerous driving, but had been let out on day release, something that has puzzled detectives as few people knew he would visiting his family home.
DI Wilkinson said the investigation team remains "open minded" about how the killer knew when to strike. For his older brother, Chris, that mystery has driven his family "insane".
Chris said: “We would like to thank Merseyside Police for this appeal as it shows us the desire to solve this murder is still something we both share.”
Carl's family shared a number of other heartrending tributes and appealed for anyone with information to help.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information can contact Merseyside Police via 101, the social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.
Alternatively, to stay completely anonymous and be eligible for the £20,000 reward, contact independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in their secure anonymous online form.
The charity’s UK Contact Centre is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 where you can speak to one of their specially trained call agents.
Source: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/what-taxi-driver-overheard-could-27860144
A local councillor has sparked a debate on passenger safety after claiming that using locally licensed taxis is safer than hailing an Uber.
A taxi driver was attacked and subjected to racist abuse after two brothers refused to pay him up front.
Christopher Hilling, 64, admitted to engaging a child in sexual activity at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 8 August.
Abdigani Ebrahim, 38, of Grangetown, admitted charges of affray and criminal damage following the incident in Northcote Street, Roath, last July.
The crackdown targeted drivers operating across council boundaries to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.
Lucio Valentino relies on his six-year-old Border Collie, Pixel, to help manage his mental health conditions, including depression and personality disorders.
Taxi drivers across the Fylde Coast are set to receive a briefing note aimed at clearing up confusion over out-of-area private hire vehicles.
Police are appealing to find a taxi driver who may have "vital clues" about the murder of Ryan Passey seven years ago since he was fatally stabbed in a Stourbridge nightclub.
A joint operation by Hull City Council, Wolverhampton Council, and Humberside Police has uncovered a number of safety issues with taxis operating in the city.
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.