A blind woman is calling for all taxi drivers to undergo mandatory training to improve their understanding of passenger assistance, particularly for those with guide dogs.

Jill Allen-King, from Westcliff-on-Sea, is a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled people and has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by those who rely on guide dogs for mobility.

Despite the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, Ms. Allen-King has been repeatedly denied taxi rides due to her guide dog.

"It's incredibly disheartening to be refused a lift simply because I have a guide dog," she said. "It's not just about the inconvenience; it's about feeling excluded and isolated."

Southend Labour councillors have joined Ms Allen-King's campaign, urging the local council to make passenger assistance training a mandatory requirement for all new taxi drivers.

The training would cover topics such as the proper handling of guide dogs and the legal obligations of taxi drivers under the Equality Act.

A study conducted by the Guide Dogs charity revealed that nearly 60% of guide dog owners have been refused access by taxi drivers, while 22% have been charged extra for their guide dogs.

Ms. Allen-King, who has been blind since the age of 24, has a long history of campaigning for improved accessibility for disabled people.

She was instrumental in the introduction of textured pavements at road crossings and was awarded an OBE for her services to disabled people.

"Waiting for a taxi with a guide dog can be a very depressing experience, especially in bad weather," she explained. "I've had to wait for hours at times, only to have drivers drive off when they see my dog."

The National Private Hire & Taxi Association has emphasised that drivers who refuse to carry guide dogs without a valid medical exemption could face legal consequences.

They advised passengers who have been denied service to report the incident to the relevant authorities.

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A taxi driver in Stapleford alerted police after discovering a sleeping passenger had a knife in their possession.

The incident occurred on Rossell Drive around 7:15 pm on Sunday, October 13.

Officers arrived and removed the knife from the vehicle before waking the passenger, Lewis Thompson.

Thompson became aggressive and assaulted the officers, using verbal abuse as well. Police also found cannabis on Thompson and discovered he was wanted in connection with an assault in Nottingham city centre.

Thompson was arrested and charged with possession of a knife in a public place, assault, assaulting an emergency worker, resisting arrest, possession of cannabis, and using threatening or abusive language.

He pleaded guilty to all charges in Nottingham Magistrates' Court on October 15 and was remanded in custody.

Sergeant James King of Nottinghamshire Police praised the taxi driver for reporting the incident and emphasised the dangers of carrying knives in public.

He also commended the officers for their handling of the situation and expressed satisfaction with Thompson's guilty plea.

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The States of Guernsey is seeking public input on a plan to increase maximum taxi fares by 4.75% starting November 25.

The Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure is proposing the hike to help support the local taxi industry and ensure adequate service during peak demand times.

A spokesperson for the States explained that the proposed changes would mean a two-mile journey would cost an additional 40p, increasing from £6.10 to £6.50. A five-mile trip would see a £1 increase, going from £23.10 to £24.10.

In addition to the fare increase, the committee is proposing several changes to the taxi tariff structure. These include:

• Extending the evening and public holiday tariff to start at 7 pm on Fridays instead of 10 pm.
• Applying the evening and public holiday tariff to all of Saturday and/or Sunday, but removing the 60p surcharge currently in place for Sundays.
• Starting the evening and public holiday tariff at 6 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
• Revising the seating capacity categories for taxis.

Residents have until November 1 to submit their comments on the proposed changes.

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A man who posed as a taxi driver and sexually assaulted a woman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Frank Manuel, 32, of Cheshunt, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of three counts of rape, two of non-fatal strangulation, and one of sexual assault.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 30 last year. Manuel offered a lift home to a woman after a night out in Hertford.

He drove her to secluded locations and proceeded to rape and strangle her. Each time the victim screamed during the incident Manuel would strangle her, according to police. 

The victim managed to escape and was assisted by a member of the public who took her to a nearby train station and the police were called.

Manuel was arrested at his home address on 2 May of that year, following inquiries to trace the victim's phone, which had been left in his car. 

During sentencing, the judge described him as a "sexual predator." In addition to the prison term, Manuel was given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

The victim's parents expressed their gratitude to those who supported their daughter and praised her bravery in pursuing justice.

Detective Constable Jasbir Pawar, who led the investigation, described the incident as "horrific" and emphasised the lasting impact it would have on the victim.

"I hope the victim and her family feel a sense of closure and that justice has now been served, although nothing will erase what this man has done," he said.

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A local taxi service is teaming up with Carlisle Foodbank to help those in need this winter.

Tap A Taxi, which launched in the city last year, has announced that its drivers will be delivering essential supplies directly to the foodbank.

Donations of warm food, blankets, or flasks can be dropped off with Tap A Taxi drivers, who will then transport them to the foodbank for distribution.

The service encourages locals to inform their drivers of any donations they wish to make.

"As the weather gets colder, we want to support our community," said a spokesperson for Tap A Taxi.

"By working with Carlisle Foodbank, we can ensure that those in need have access to warm food and blankets."

In addition to in-taxi donations, residents can also drop off food items at the donation point in The Lanes, Carlisle.

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