A private hire driver has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000 in fines after committing of a string of driving offences at last year’s Henley Regatta.
According to the Reading Chronicle, Sakhawat Mushtaq, from Reading, is the fourth driver convicted for offences at the Regatta last July.
The 35-year-old has been convicted of illegally plying for hire, driving without the correct insurance, failing to wear his council issued badge and failure to display the council issued vehicle plate.
Oxford Magistrates’ Court heard how officers from South Oxfordshire District Council, working with colleagues from Reading Borough Council, were on foot patrol in Thameside, Henley, when a blue Toyota Prius belonging to Mushtaq pulled over outside the Relais Hotel on double yellow lines.
The car had previously been seen in the town earlier on multiple occasions that evening.
Having witnessed the car parked illegally in a prominent location, one officer approached and asked the driver if he could take them to Reading Railway Station.
Mushtaq replied saying he was available and could do the journey immediately for £40.
Further investigation revealed that Mushtaq was licensed with Fareham Borough Council and was only insured to carry out pre-booked work.
The driver pleaded not guilty to illegally plying for hire, driving without insurance and failing to wear his council issued badge.
Mushtaqha’s been ordered to pay a £1,960 fine, six points were added to his DVLA licence and costs were awarded to the district council of £1,000 with an additional £784 victim surcharge.
The total of the fines and costs amounted to £3,744.
Councillor David Rouane, cabinet member for legal and democratic at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Unfortunately we do come across some hackney carriage and private hire drivers attempting to pick up passengers illegally, particularly at events such as Henley Regatta.
“We will not hesitate to pursue drivers who come into South Oxfordshire, break the law and put the public at risk.
“With this year’s Regatta just around the corner, licensed drivers from outside of South Oxfordshire are warned that they should only come to fulfil legitimate pre-bookings.
“Licensing officers, working with colleagues from neighbouring councils, will be carrying out checks and conducting test purchases during the event and any driver found to be illegally plying for hire or putting the public at risk will be prosecuted.”
Source: https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/23542357.reading-taxi-fined-almost-2-000-multiple-offences/
Police and Leeds City Council’s taxi licensing team recently carried out a joint operation in Far Headingley.
According to the Yorkshire Evening post, the day of action was in response to concerns raised by the community.
Residents have complained of large numbers of private hire vehicles dropping off revellers participating in the Otley Run, stopping in unsuitable locations and causing obstructions.
The infamous 15-stop bar crawl has become something of a rite of passage for students in the city, who don their best fancy-dress and tackle the pubs and bars that stretch from Headingley and into the city centre.
Officers from the Inner Leeds North West Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and the council patrolled the area on Saturday May 13.
They stopped more than 40 private hire vehicles and drivers were advised to park elsewhere. One private hire licence was suspended.
It follows a crackdown on street drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to the Otley Run last month.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering the Headingley area bans drinking alcohol or taking drugs in public, as well as street parties, and police ordered ten people to dispose of alcohol being consumed on the street.
A large number of private hire vehicles were also directed to move after causing an obstruction in the Otley Road area.
Earlier this year, a Leeds councillor called for more resources to crack down on unruly behaviour on the Otley Run, claiming that police are “reluctant” to arrest anti-social drinkers on the pub crawl because they have so few officers on duty.
A taxi driver from Burnley says he is terrified to go back to work after being set upon by several passengers.
The Lancashire Telegraph reports that Tariq Ullah Seultama was left with a broken nose, fractured cheekbone and swollen eyes, after being repeatedly punched in the head following a disagreement.
Lancashire Police has said its investigation is currently closed until further information comes to light.
On May 2, Mr Seultama said he was taking four passengers to Brunshaw Road in Burnley, but was subjected to an “an unrelenting and vicious attack” when he refused to pick up a fifth passenger.
He said: “The passengers asked if a fifth person could enter the vehicle but I said I could not do this due to insurance restrictions.
“Before that, the passengers were fine and talking to me about my life and job.”
According to Mr Seultama, a man outside the vehicle started punching him in the face through the driver's side window.
Other passengers in the vehicle reportedly joined in, subjecting him to an onslaught of blows until he could drive to safety.
Mr Seultama said: “When I said this [that the fifth passenger couldn't get in] the man started punching my face.
"Behind me, the passengers started punching my face and head.
“I started driving to the town centre hoping someone could help me. When I stopped my car they ran away.
“My face was swollen and I was covered in blood.”
Compassionate passersby rushed to his aid and the attacking passengers fled.
In pain and covered in blood, Mr Seultama then headed to Burnley police station to report the attack.
A broken nose, fractured cheekbones, and extensive swelling around his eyes are just some of the injuries he sustained.
Mr Seultama even had to undergo surgery on May 17 to repair his nose.
He has also suffered mental damage and has been left feeling traumatised by the attack, scared to return to work.
He said: “It has left me unable to work. It has made me scared to even go back to work as a taxi driver.
“It’s not just me, my family is scared and worried too. My wife and young children cried when they saw my face and all of the blood.”
Mr Seultama is now encouraging witnesses or anyone with CCTV to come forward to help catch those responsible.
He said: “I haven’t received an update from police yet so would encourage anyone with information or CCTV to come forward.”
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “This was reported to us and has been investigated.
"The matter has now been closed pending further information coming to light.
“Anyone with further information is asked to contact 101, quoting log 87 of May 2.”
Source: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23541526.appeal-information-taxi-driver-attacked-burnley/
LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has announced an enhancement for its TX taxi and VN5 light van, with both vehicles benefitting from a larger and more efficient battery.
The 34.6 kWh unit upgrades LEVC’s state-of-the-art eCity powertrain, offering increased capacity (up from 31 kWh) and greater efficiency, with even lower CO2 emissions for the TX and VN5, bolstering the contribution of LEVC’s vehicles to improving urban air quality.
Thanks to the new battery, the TX taxi now emits just 14g/km of CO2 (down from 19g/km) while the VN5 emits 17g/km (down from 19g/km).
Drivers and owner operators are driving further too, with TX’s electric-only range now 78 miles* (up from 64 miles) and its total range increasing to 333 miles (up from 318 miles).
VN5’s electric-only range improves to 73 miles (up from 64 miles) and 328 miles* in total (up from 318 miles).
LEVC has manufactured the TX – the world’s most advanced electric taxi – at its groundbreaking facility since 2017, as well as its electric VN5 van from 2019.
Since the first TX taxi was delivered in January 2018 in London, more than 8,500 vehicles have now been built for global markets.
Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, commented: “With thousands of our vehicles sold around the world, LEVC’s eCity technology is the powertrain choice for the modern taxi driver. The updated battery further bolsters the already compelling business case for our customers, with significant benefits for drivers, owner operator, while helping to improve air quality in urban environments.
“Our award-winning TX continues to satisfy demand for clean and accessible mobility demands the world over. With new markets adopting the TX, we’re proud to be making such a significant contribution to improving air quality in more than 20 markets.”
Demand continues to surge for the company’s smart, green, safe and accessible mobility solutions, with the TX electric taxi having now overtaken the diesel-powered TX4 as the most common black cab operating in London.
The upgraded battery for TX and VN5 follows LEVC’s recent announcement regarding its innovative new pure electric vehicle technology, which will transform the brand from a high-end taxi manufacturer to a leading provider of e-mobility solutions.
LEVC's Space Oriented Architecture (SOA) is the world’s first EV platform focused on setting new standards for onboard space.
The architecture will bring interior-optimised, zero-emission mobility to more consumers than ever before, while enabling LEVC to enter new sectors, outside of the existing TX and VN5 models.
To find out more, please visit LEVC.com.
Cornwall Council has been accused of allowing too many taxis to operate in the county - which has seen the number increase from 54 to 97 in Newquay alone - since the council removed the limit on how many taxis can operate in three areas of the Duchy. There are fears it's impacting on drivers' livelihoods.
According to CornwallLive, at a meeting of the full council at Lys Kernow (New County Hall) in Truro on Tuesday, May 23, a taxi driver - Mr Morris, of Newquay - told the council that taxi operators needed more passengers "now you have created an oversupply".
He added: "How do you intend to aid the trade as we have received a 35% pay cut and are now below minimum hourly wage most nights?"
Mr Morris said the council had produced "a tragedy of the commons", meaning it had depleted the economy of Cornwall's taxi trade.
Cllr Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods in Cornwall Council's Conservative-run Cabinet, explained that the council had agreed in January to remove the limit on the number of taxis operating in the Carrick, Restormel and Penwith zones following recommendations by the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee.
The zones include such busy towns as Truro, Falmouth, St Austell, Newquay, St Ives and Penzance.
She said the Department for Transport guidance states that councils should not impose limits on taxis. A view shared by the the Competitions and Markets Authority.
"The licensing authority carried out an extensive consultation with the public and the trade last year and subsequently made a recommendation to full council to remove the limits.
"The licensing authority was fully aware that it was a controversial issue, because in those zones with a limit the taxi trade was a strong advocate of keeping a restricted fleet," added Cllr Mould.
"They were understandably concerned regarding the impact on numbers of vehicles. Their belief was that de-restriction would open the floodgates and bring numerous problems with it.
"However, since the limits were removed in January, although there has been an increase in taxi numbers overall, the number of private hire vehicles has fallen. This is as expected.
"In addition, the council recently approved an increase in the taxi fare tariff for the Restormel zone which will support the trade in what are difficult times for many people."
When Mr Morris questioned the success of allowing more taxis to operate, Cllr Mould added: "We have to go with the statistics that the numerical limits are working and we have to move with the times.
"I understand how difficult it is for lots of people making a living in these difficult times. I stand by the decision that it was the right one."
Meanwhile in Newquay, 123 Associated Taxis and A2B Taxis Newquay, two of the leading taxi companies in the town, have officially merged to establish a unified and expanded taxi service operation.
After competing against each other for over two decades, these market leaders have joined forces under the 123 brand, effectively forming the largest taxi fleet in Newquay.
The merger became effective on May 15, with the new operation based at their office on Cliff Road.
The merger will create the largest taxi fleet in Newquay, with over 30 vehicles on the road. The new company will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will offer a variety of vehicles, from saloon cars to 6-seaters and 8-seater minibuses.
Source: https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/concerns-now-many-taxis-cornwall-8464582
Dramatic CCTV footage has captured the moment a hooded figure set a taxi alight on a residential driveway.
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.