A street had to be evacuated on Saturday night (July 8) after a taxi smashed into a house in Rochdale.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the taxi crashed into a property on Mellor Street, Rochdale, around 9pm.
The crash caused damage to a gas pipe supplying the property, causing a leak.
The road was cordoned off at the junction with Dane Street with nearby residents evacuated.
Residents were asked to leave their home for less than an hour with a the scene made safe.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At around 9.30pm on Saturday 9 July, firefighters were called out to a road traffic collision on Mellor Street, Rochdale.
"Two fire engines from Rochdale Fire Station quickly attended the scene where a taxi had hit a terraced house, damaging the gas supply and causing a leak.
"Mellor Street was closed off, and nearby residents were evacuated until around 10.15pm while crews supported Cadent Gas to make the scene safe. Firefighters were in attendance for around one hour."
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a cordon was put in place on Mellor Street for a short time.
No arrests were made, they also confirmed.
A new private hire app is to be road tested in Leeds, with its creators hoping it will rival Uber and Bolt.
Frenzi, which will soon launch in cities across the UK, has picked Leeds as its first stop in the coming weeks.
The creators say it will give taxi users a new safety-first approach, including female-only driver options, immediate police notifications and even environmentally-friendly options.
A tracking feature, named "mirror your loved one”, allows two users to connect and track each other’s driver, journey and destination.
In terms the choice of female-only drivers, founder Stephen Clark said: “Approximately only two per cent of all taxi drivers nationwide are women. The gender gap in the industry is a big issue that needs to be dealt with.
"One of the main barriers preventing women from pursuing a career in the private hire industry is the concern for their own safety.
"This feature, which prioritises the safety of both our female drivers and passengers, is one of the ways we look to help close the gender gap in this industry.”
The company, valued at £76 million, is promising to make it easier for drivers to make a fair wage, as well as allowing them to drive for as many other apps or fleets as they wish while being signed up to Frenzi, in order to maximise their own profits.
Mr Clark said: “Affordability was a significant concern for me as I wanted to make Frenzi the app that every driver favours. By setting the acceptance fee at 57p, I will strike a balance between ensuring the app’s sustainability and offering competitive pricing.
“The 57p acceptance fee not only blows the other market standards out of the water by positioning Frenzi as the cost-effective option for drivers but also enables just as good customer service, if not better, in some cases.”
Mr Clark added: “I’m thrilled to bring Frenzi to market after years of app development.
"Our app is the first of its kind to hold positive driver experience in the same regard as positive rider experience.
"We want to transform the experience of using private hire apps for both riders and drivers alike.”
Taxi fares in Stirling are to rise by almost 14 per cent - and a new tariff introduced for larger vehicles carrying five or more passengers.
According to the Daily Record, Stirling Council’s planning and regulation has agreed to increase taxi fares and introduce the new tariff.
Members approved an approximate increase in distance-based charges of taxi fares by 13.9 per cent over Tariff 1 (7am-11pm) and Tariff 2 (11pm-7am). They also agreed to a third tariff that applies to journeys carrying five or more passengers.
Under the new fares, the minimum fare for Tariff 1 will increase from £3 to £3.40 and Tariff 2 will increase from a minimum of £3.50 to £4. Tariff 3 will be applied as a 60 per cent increase over the Tariff 1 rate. The incremental distance on charges for journeys in excess of half a mile will be reduced to 86 yards from 18th of a mile.
This is the first increase in taxi fares by Stirling Council since December 2019 and the decision has been taken following Stirling’s Taxi Fare Review carried out by independent traffic consultants, Licensed Vehicles Survey and Assessment (LVSA).
The review took into account factors associated with the costs of operating a taxi, including vehicle price, licensing cost, servicing, fuel, insurance, vehicle excise duty and national earnings.
At the panel meeting on Tuesday 4 July, officials said that consultation comments from the trade had been generally positive but added that some operators had indicated they didn’t feel the proposals went far enough.
Conservative councillor Rachel Nunn said she had “some sympathy” with comments made pointing out that expecting vehicles to achieve more than 60 miles per gallon within a city setting was unrealistic.
Panel members quizzed officers over concerns raised by some consultees that the new Tariff 3 could be abused and what protections were in place for consumers.
Councillor Neil Benny said: “It’s not a significant amount of money if you’re only going a couple of miles from the city centre to St Ninians but if you’re going to Kinlochard or somewhere it could be expensive.”
However, the officials said if this happened - for example if less than five people were charged according to Tariff 3 if in a larger vehicle - this would be a breach of conditions and would be investigated. They also said tariffs and conditions would be displayed.
Councillors also agreed to consult with the taxi trade over whether they would like a further review - which has a cost to the industry - in 12 months, given the uncertainty of the ongoing cost of living crisis, as opposed to the usual 18-month period.
Councillor Douglas Dodds said: “I think it’s important we consult with the taxi trade because it’s their livelihood and we need to listen to them. If they want to do it and they are paying for it we need to listen to them.”
Officials agreed to approach the trade for their thoughts on the suggestion and report back to the panel.
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/stirling-councillors-approve-rise-taxi-30389686
A taxi driver needed hospital treatment after he was reportedly punched in the face by a suspected fare dodger.
TeessideLive reports that police said the attack took place in the car park of Roseberry Shopping Centre on Roseberry Road, in Redcar and left the driver with minor facial injuries.
Cleveland Police confirmed on Saturday, July 1, at around 10.10pm the driver was assaulted and required hospital treatment.
A force spokesperson said: "The 29-year-old man was punched to the face by a passenger, who had reportedly not paid his fare.
"The suspect is described as a white male, medium build, around 5ft 7ins tall, around 30 years old and with short hair."
Any witnesses to the incident or anyone who may know the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting event number 129088.
Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
Source: https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/taxi-driver-left-needing-hospital-27289338
On 4 July, over fifty volunteer black cab drivers took veterans to Worthing for the Taxi Charity’s 75th Anniversary Visit.
In a tradition stretching back to 1948, veterans who are supported by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, have been treated to a day at the coast for a fish and chip lunch.
Now in its 75th year, the Taxi Charity’s annual day trip to the coast has always begun with the volunteer London cab drivers rendezvousing in the small village of South Holmwood for a refreshment stop and a wonderful buffet prepared by the residents.
The London black cabs then drove in convoy to the esplanade in Worthing where the veterans were met by the Worthing and Adur Town Crier Bob Smytherman and escorted into the Pavilion Theatre.
Veterans, cab drivers and invited guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Worthing Cllr. Jon Roser and then enjoyed fish and chips followed by ice cream.
After lunch, 102 year old Flt Lt (Retd) Colin Bell DFC who served in WWII as a Mosquito Bomber Pilot and completed over 50 missions shared stories from his life.
After speeches from the Taxi Charity Chairman, Brian Heffernan and the Taxi Charity Patron, Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns, KCB, CBE, KStJ, DL, guests were entertained by rock band The Accents, who much to the delight of the older veterans, had learnt some popular songs from WWII.
London cab driver and Chairman of the Taxi Charity Brian Heffernan, said, “Every year we receive the most wonderful welcome from the residents of South Holmwood and Worthing.
"As well as veterans from WWII, we were joined by younger veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands who are also eligible for our support.
"This day is a very popular event and it couldn’t happen without the generosity of the London cab drivers who give up a day’s pay to volunteer their time to pick up veterans from London and the Home Counties.
“This is a very important year for the charity as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, but we do have concerns that with the country still feeling the effects of Covid and the cost of living crisis, donations and grants are at significantly lower levels and we are devastated that there is a real chance that we may have to cancel some of our future trips.”
To donate to the Taxi Charity or to find out more about how they support for veterans, visit, www.taxicharity.org
Police have stopped a private hire driver who was driving the wrong way on the M1 close to Junction 8 at Hemel Hempstead.
Newcastle City Council is set to introduce strict new measures to tackle illegal and inconsiderate parking near Newcastle International Airport.
West Mercia Police is appealing for information following a rape that took place in Malvern's Priory Park early on Sunday, August 4th.
Glasgow taxi users could be facing a near-10% fare increase and extended night-time charges.
At least 14 cars have been damaged since June, with drivers suffering financial loss and emotional distress.
The attack happened at around 12.45pm on Etruria Vale Road, Stoke, when the victim, driving a Toyota Avensis, was punched in the face by one of the men.
Cumberland Council has taken decisive action to protect public safety by revoking the licence of a taxi driver charged last week with a serious racially aggravated offence.
A historic bridge has been closed indefinitely after an Uber car became wedged on Saturday morning.
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.