Taxi fares in Swindon are set to increase on 1 October, as approved by the Swindon Borough Council's cabinet.

The decision follows a proposal from the licensing committee to raise the basic tariff for hackney carriage journeys.

The minimum fare for the first quarter mile will increase from £4.50 to £5.50 during the standard day rate. 

For the right rate, the minimum fare will rise from £5.90 to £6.50, and on Christmas and New Year's nights, it will increase from £6.50 to £7.50.

According to Councillor Jim Grant, the member for communities and partnerships, the new tariffs would place Swindon in the middle range of pricing compared to nearby authorities.

For example, a two-mile journey at the day rate would increase from £7.70 to £8.70, making it more expensive than similar journeys in Oxford, West Berkshire, or Cheltenham but less costly than those in the Vale of the White Horse, Reading or London.

It's important to note that this new tariff represents the maximum a driver can charge. Individual drivers may choose to charge less if they wish.

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An appeal against a decision to grant Uber permission to operate in Aberdeen has been withdrawn, BBC Scotland News has learned.

Uber was granted a licence by Aberdeen City Council earlier this year.

The transport giant had hoped to launch in August, but it is understood an appeal by the Unite union delayed those plans. The appeal has now been withdrawn.

It is expected Uber could now begin operating in the city before Christmas.

The company was originally granted permission to launch in the city in 2018, but later surrendered its licence.

Uber again lodged an application to operate in Aberdeen earlier this year, and it was granted by the council's licensing committee in June.

The committee had rejected a call from a taxi trade delegation for more scrutiny on the implications of the application before it was granted.

BBC Scotland News understands Uber driver recruitment was suspended, but will now resume.

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London Stansted Airport is excited to announce that on 8 November it will start a six-month programme to upgrade its car park technology, including a transition to a completely cashless system for Express Set Down.

With its new cashless Express Set Down system, the airport is making things easier, with no more dealing with physical cash or searching for change at the barrier.

You can simply use your credit or debit card or even your mobile phone to pay. Just a quick tap, scan or swipe, and you’re good to go!

Express Set Down - Drop off only

This option is most suitable for a quick drop off for loved ones or friends. It is the most convenient option for passengers, with check-in just minutes away.

Up to 15 mins - £7.00

Over 15 mins - £25.00

Payment can be made via card.

Vehicles must not be left unattended. Unattended vehicles may be towed and will incur a towing fee.

There will be a £20 charge for re-entering within 30 minutes of first entering the car park.

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A local PHV driver has been left shaken and facing financial hardship after his car was attacked with a corrosive substance for the second time in just a few months.

Mazhar Iqbal, who has lived in the Bolton area for over two decades, had his previous vehicle ruined in May when it was doused with paint stripper. 

Despite extensive police investigations, including house-to-house enquiries and CCTV, the culprit was never identified and Mazhar had to buy a new vehicle at the cost of £13,000.

On Friday, September 13, Iqbal's new car was targeted. CCTV footage captured the incident in the early hours of the morning as the vehicle was parked near his home on Whitley Street.

The 43-year-old father of three believes the attacks may be racially motivated. "I have to move from here, I’ve been attacked many, many times every year, more than twice a year." he told The Bolton News. 

"This is not a safe country anymore. If someone has thrown this acid on the car, tomorrow they might attack myself as well. I’m not safe.”

Iqbal's children are also living in fear, refusing to play outside due to the repeated incidents. 

The attacks have not only caused emotional distress but have also had a severe impact on his livelihood, as he is unable to work without his car.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the harassment incidents but have yet to make any arrests.

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A taxi driver who has refused to accept card payments in his cab is facing the potential loss of his licence. 

William Wyse,a veteran taxi driver with 42 years of experience, appeared in Cork District Court on Friday 13 September, to appeal a decision to revoke his licence.

The court heard that Mr. Wyse has been issued fixed penalty notices in response to complaints of not accepting card payments. 

The State has argued that this is a violation of regulations requiring taxi drivers to accept card payments. However, Judge Mary Dorgan questioned the proportionality of revoking the driver's licence, effectively taking away his livelihood.

The crux of the issue is that Mr. Wyse refuses to have a bank account, making it impossible for him to process card payments. He has a sign in his taxi indicating that he only accepts cash and has informed all passengers of this policy.

Judge Dorgan acknowledged that while anyone can choose not to have a bank account, taxi drivers are required to accept card payments. She suggested that the rationale behind this regulation is to ensure that passengers can safely get home,even if they have run out of cash.

The judge urged the State to be "proportionate" in its response to Mr. Wyse and suggested that the matter could potentially be resolved without revoking his licence. 

She also encouraged Mr. Wyse to consider opening a bank account to comply with the regulations.

Garda Conor McDermot confirmed that taxi drivers are required to accept card payments but stated that authorities have made numerous attempts to get Mr. Wyse to comply.

Mr. Wyse defended his decision not to have a bank account, citing the financial crash of 2010 as a contributing factor. 

He also argued that there is discrimination against taxis, as some other modes of public transport do not require card payments.

At one stage during the hearing, he said that if he won the Lotto, the millions would have to go into his wife’s bank account. 

To laughter in court, Judge Dorgan said that had gone on the record.

The judge adjourned the appeal until November 28 to allow the State to submit further information and consider a potential resolution.

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