A hero cabbie ran towards a car fire to try to save the driver and passenger.
Russell Cooper was driving when he saw that a car had crashed into a roundabout connecting East Prescot Road and Pilch Lane in Liverpool just before 5am on October 10, 2021.
The Liverpool Echo reports that he rushed towards the incident with a fire extinguisher from his own car, in an attempt to help the passengers still trapped inside as the car burst into flames.
Mr Cooper was able to save the driver, Nasrin Saleh, 26, who was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday June 5.
On March 17, she pleaded guilty to causing the death of passenger Luqman Mehboob by dangerous driving.
Prosecuting, Arthur Gibson told the court that Luqman Mehboob was the passenger in a Volkswagen Golf GTI driven by Saleh that crashed into the roundabout in Knotty Ash on October 10, 2021. He died at the scene.
At around 4.45am on October 10, Saleh was driving the car at 103mph along East Prescot Road after inhaling large quantities of nitrous oxide. She then crashed the car into the roundabout with Pilch Lane, flipping it onto its side before it caught fire.
Saleh had been in Manchester on a night out with friends. She then met with another friend Shujata Begum and they got into the Volkswagen with Mr Mehboob, who drove them around Manchester city centre as they listened to music.
They then got onto the motorway to return to Liverpool. It was at this point that Mr Begum realised that Mr Mehboob and Saleh were both using nitrous oxide canisters.
He later told police that Saleh "was having loads of these, approximately two to three boxes which each contained 15 canisters". Mr Begum was dropped off on Upper Stanhope Street at around 4.15am to return to his own car.
Mr Begum saw the Volkswagen drive off with Mr Mehboob still behind the wheel. The car then drove away from the city centre - it was seen on CCTV from a Shell Garage on Liverpool Road, heading outbound.
At this point, the car was not seen to have been driven erratically or at excessive speed. However, at some point Saleh swapped into the driver's seat and the car turned around to head towards Liverpool city centre. It is not known when or where the swap took place as Saleh answered "no comment" in a police interview.
Shortly before 4.45am, a witness was driving along East Prescot Road at the 40mph speed limit. He saw the Volkswagen overtake him at high speed, which he estimated to be above 80mph.
He saw the car continue at high speed along the road as it approached the roundabout connecting East Prescot Road with Pilch Lane.
The car crashed into the roundabout, taking its front end into the air before it rolled onto its side and then roof. Around ten seconds later, it burst into flames.
Taxi driver Mr Cooper arrived at the scene as the car fire began. He took the fire extinguisher from his car and ran towards the Volkswagen.
He was able to drag Saleh from the wreckage but the fire intensified. While Mr Cooper was carrying Saleh away to safety, she said: "we swapped, we were doing balloons, me baby, me friend, is he still in there".
The taxi driver returned to the fire and tried to reach Mr Mehboob but he was unresponsive. Mr Cooper was forced to step back due to the strength of the fire and smoke.
Merseyside Police, fire and ambulance crews arrived at the scene but sadly nothing could be done to save Mr Mehboob.
Saleh suffered injuries – a fracture to her lower left leg and ankle - and was taken by ambulance to hospital.
Mr Mehboob's body was recovered after the fire was extinguished. A post-mortem examination found that he suffered catastrophic head and internal injuries which meant he lost consciousness immediately, ultimately resulting in his death.
Saleh was jailed for four and a half years. After passing sentence, judge David Aubrey KC praised Mr Cooper's actions. He said: "I commend Mr Cooper, who saved one life but tried in vain to save another. His courage knew no bounds".
Judge Aubrey handed Mr Cooper a High Sheriff award of £250.
Source: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/hero-taxi-drivers-courage-knew-27086249
A cabbie who visited a Shell garage in Lewisham for a £4 car wash got a shock when his trip turned into an £104 one after receiving a fine through the post.
Leonard Egbedi is a private hire driver from Manchester and he was driving a client to London when he stopped to wash his car at the Shell garage on Lewisham High Street, on May 13.
Leonard told the News Shopper that he had his car washed and when he tried to leave, the exit was blocked by a petrol tanker.
Leonard said him and other vehicles were all lined up waiting for the truck to move so that they could exit.
By the time Leonard had washed his car, and waited for the tanker to move, he had “parked longer than the maximum period allowed” and so received a PCN.
“If there was any sign it should be on the machine.”
Leonard has appealed the fine, and tried to contact Euro Car Parks, but he says they are “unreachable".
He added: "You can’t reply back to their emails, it is just blocked.”
Euro Car Parks gave Leonard fourteen days to pay the discounted fine of £60 before the full amount of £100 would be owed.
However, appealing the fine has meant Leonard has missed the fourteen-day period, and if it reaches the maximum 28 days to pay, Euro Car Parks say they can “pursue you for the parking fine.”
That pursuit can be as severe as court action.
Leonard explained: “It is very stressful, read the reviews on Google, you will weep."
Leonard said that he was shocked to receive the fine as “there were no obvious signs".
He added: "I couldn't see any to my notice. I hope other people don't fall victim to this."
Other customers of the Lewisham Shell garage have shared a similar experience, with one Google reviewer commenting “be careful, I used their power wash and other facilities and got a PCN from Euro Car Parks.”
A Blackpool cabbie has been stripped of their licence following claims they made transphobic ad homophobic remarks in front of passengers.
LancsLive reports that the cabbie, who has not been identified, is also said to have pressed their religious views on passengers causing one complainant to feel concerned for their safety.
The driver, who had had previous warnings over their behaviour, had their licence revoked following a town hall hearing.
Minutes from a meeting of Blackpool Council’s public protection sub-committee held on April 25, say complaints had been received by the licensing department in October last year and again in April this year.
Verbal and written warnings had been issued but the driver was brought before the sub-committee following the latest complaint.
According to the minutes, the driver "expressed transphobic and homophobic views". They also “had handed out religious literature and had signage within their vehicle expressing their faith.
The complainant had described feeling distressed and expressed concern for their own and others safety".
But the driver, who was represented by a member of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association, denied causing any offence from their remarks in October 2022 and had no recollection of the alleged comments from April.
According to the minutes, signage expressing religious views had been removed and the driver “had ceased handing out religious literature following their verbal warning”.
They felt some reaction to their views had been positive, and said the second complaint was ‘malicious’.
The hearing also heard of good conduct by the driver who had previously been received a Blackpool Taxi Driver of Year medal for assisting an injured elderly lady to return to Bolton free of charge.
But after considering the evidence, councillors felt the nature of the complaints meant the driver was “not a fit and proper person to hold a licence and therefore agreed that the licence be revoked".
At the same meeting, another driver was refused a taxi licence after evidence showed they were suffering from heart failure.
A further driver was granted a licence subject to a severe warning letter after failing to disclose previous convictions which included setting off an emergency alarm on a train “without reasonable cause” after realising they were on the wrong train.
Source: https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/blackpool-taxi-driver-licence-stripped-27023453
Newcastle’s taxis are set for a black and white makeover in a bid to stop unlicensed drivers preying on vulnerable people.
ChronicleLive reports that council chiefs have announced plans to rebrand the city’s hackney carriages in Newcastle United’s famous black and white colours, in an effort to make them instantly recognisable and crack down on crimes involving sexual violence.
Amid concerns of criminals using unlicensed vehicles to pose as taxis and target victims, particularly lone women, official hackney carriage drivers approved by the local authority will soon have to comply with rules to give their cabs a “distinct” look.
Under a new policy set to be signed off next week by Newcastle City Council, hundreds of black cab drivers will have to fit a white wrap around their bonnet in order to ensure they have a “unique branding that is readily identifiable” for passengers.
A report to the council’s cabinet states that 96% of drivers surveyed about the changes were against the proposal, with concerns about its cost, but public safety concerns mean that the authority is pressing ahead with the idea.
The council is proposing to give a £100 grant to each of the 597 licensed hackney carriage drivers in Newcastle to help with the cost of fitting the white vinyl wrapping.
The black and white branding will only be required on hackneys and not for private hire vehicles. They will also need to display red council crests on the front doors and have a taxi sign on the roof that is white at the front and red at the rear.
Private hire vehicles will have to be adorned with a green council plate and display the operator’s details on the back passenger doors.
Paul Waugh, coordinator for the Newcastle Street Pastors, said: “This will be a big step towards creating a safer night out for people. The hackney carriages would be easy to identify and seen from a distance.
"The new livery will enable people to feel safe knowing they are in an approved vehicle.”
The council’s proposed new taxi policy also includes a requirement for any new vehicles to be compliant with the environmental standards of Newcastle’s Clean Air Zone.
Labour councillor Paula Maines, the council’s cabinet member responsible for taxi licensing, said: “Everyone who uses a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in Newcastle should feel safe doing so and that’s exactly what these new measures set out to achieve.
"The new colour scheme for hackney carriages – chosen to reflect those of Newcastle United – and the signage requirements for private hire vehicles will make it easier for people to identify them.
“This will assure passengers that the vehicle and the driver have passed our stringent vetting processes and they will be collected and transported to their destination safely.
"It will also help protect people from unlicensed taxi drivers who illegally ply for trade, particularly at night when people are out enjoying themselves.
“This builds on the fantastic work we are doing with partners through the Safe Newcastle partnership to keep residents and visitors to our city safe.”
Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-taxis-black-white-rebrand-27109282
Proposed recommendations to raise the fees for taxi licences have been agreed after Cyngor Gwynedd's general licensing committee met on Monday, June 12.
The committee considered plans to raise the charges to recommended levels - subject to a consultation with the taxi industry and public notice.
The Daily Post reports that the rises would allow the council to recover its costs and could mean an average increase of around 12%.
Since 2013, the council has annually reviewed its fees for hackney carriage licences, private hire vehicle licences, private hire operator licences and drivers' licences.
By law, the council can make a charge to cover reasonable costs for granting a driver’s licence for a hackney or private hire vehicle, and towards costs associated for processing, administration and issuing licences.
They can also charge for granting a vehicle and operator’s licence, for inspection costs, hackney carriage stands, public notices, management and supervision of vehicles and the costs associated with application processing.
Taxi fees cannot be increased to raise income for the council - only to recoup cash for processing and administering licences.
Gwynedd's fees were previously increased by 25% in 2013, 19.78% in 2014, and 10.78% in 2015. In 2016/17 and in 2017/18, they did not increase at all - but it was agreed to increase them at an average of 28% across the various taxi licensing fees for 2018/19.
However, during the Covid crisis, in March 2021 a recommendation was made that all taxi fees should be increased in line with inflation. At the time that was 2.59% - although that rise was not considered "enough to fully recover the council's costs."
Then the authority had felt the taxi industry had "faced significant losses" during lockdowns. It was decided not to recommend the full recovery of costs, beyond the level set in 2018/19.
However, amid recent rising inflation and higher costs of providing the taxi licensing service, the matter came before the committee.
They also considered the cost of officers' training needs, advertising and consulting on fee changes, and an increased level of checks required to ensure the suitability of drivers, vehicles and operators.
A report also pointed to "changes on the horizon" such as completing the review of the Combined Taxi Policy, which will adopt the recommendations of the DfT's National Statutory Hackney and Private Hire Vehicle Standards; and incorporating proposals in the Welsh Government's White Paper consultation over taxi industry regulation.
The committee's report stated "Having considered all the factors noted, we believe there is not much choice but to increase the fees if we are to maintain the service expected by the public and the industry."
What the recommendations could mean:
A one year taxi driver's licence currently £233 rising to £254 in 2023/24
A three year's taxi driver's licence, now £270, up to £353
A new hackney vehicle licence, currently £232 (total includes internal and external plates (hackney and private hire) and sticker (private hire) increase to £259
A renewal of a hackney vehicle licence (total includes internal and external plates (hackney and private hire), and sticker (private hire) up from £197 to £213
Transfer of a HV licence to a new owner, and the charge for transfer of PH licence would remain at £75
A new PH licence currently £268 (total includes internal and external plates (hackney and private hire), and sticker (private hire) up to £295
Renewal of PH licence (total includes internal and external plates (hackney and private hire), and sticker (private hire) from £197 to £213
A one year operator's' licence now £236, rising to £257, a three year's operator's licence from £275 to £300 and a five year's operator's licence from £329 to £358
A licensing committee member said "Several committee members had felt it was now important to recommend raising the fees."
Source: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/gwynedd-taxi-licence-fee-hike-27108803#
A Drongan taxi driver has been convicted of sexually assaulting a female passenger after offering to waive her fare in exchange for sex.
Artur Nowostawski has been jailed for six years and nine months after he attacked a taxi driver earlier this year.
Taxi drivers in the city are facing significant financial losses after a series of electric vehicle charging point failures left them unable to operate.
Police are appealing for help to trace a man who disappeared after getting into a taxi bound for the Otley area of Leeds.
The company’s operator licence includes a condition ordering all drivers to undergo the same training as those from other companies.
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.