Having been denied further bus lane access by Portsmouth City Council on 24th October, the Cabinet Member for Transport had his decision "called-in" for review by the Scrutiny Management Panel on Monday 11th November.

At the meeting in October - attended by over 100 Uber PHV drivers - the Cabinet Member was cautioned by numerous Councillors that there was a complete lack of data and financial reports to justify any decision, and that to proceed would inevitably result in any decision being "called-in" (a process that requires a Scrutiny Management Panel to question the decision in detail, and for the Cabinet Member to justify his decion).

A "call-in" requires the signatures of five Councillors, and a detailed report laying out the reasons.

The move (only the third time in 10 years) was led by Cllr. George Madgwick [Independent Leader), supported by four other Councillors and a highly detailed five page report, highlighting the numerous errors made by the Cabinet Member, Cllr. Candlish (LibDem), and the multiple contradictions in the officers' own reports, and clear lack of supporting evidence.

Having heard from all parties, and after much rigourous questioning of the Cabinet Member, the Scrutiny Management Panel voted by a majority to "refer back" the decision.

This means the matter should be referred back to the decision maker for reconsideration, the panel setting out in writing the nature of its concerns that are to be addressed in conjunction with the original matter.

Peter Sutherland [Uber Drivers' Trade Representative] declared the decision by the Panel to be a pleasing partial victory.

"It's not a totall success", said Sutherland, "but it's a significant victory for common sense.

"At the original meeting, Cllr. Candlish was cautioned numerous times by experienced Councillors - including a former Chair of Licensing and a former Cabinet Member for Transport - that there was no evidence to support such a decision, and that to proceed risked a call-in."

Peter Sutherland went on to say: "We'd heard, days before the meeting, that Cllr. Candlish had already taken his decision, and that became increasingly obvious during the Transport meeting. Absolutely no heed was taken of anything said by other Councillors or in depositions, which shows a disregard for the democratic process - and is rich coming from a Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member.

"Now the decision has been referred back for further consideration. Do I think the original decision will be reversed? I doubt it. It's obvious to a blind man that the decision was political and lacked supporting evidence.

"Opposition Councillors will again argue their points, and the onus is now on Transportation Officers to provide evidence - NOT HEARSAY.

"I have faith in the democratic process so live in hope that a compromise can be reached. If not, then the fight will go on."

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The National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers (NALEO) and the Institute of Licensing (IoL) have agreed in principle to unite to become a single professional body for licensing practitioners.

The decision to unite has the strong support of both organisations and will deliver the following benefits to their members:

Benefits of a Combined Organisation

1. Members will enjoy new benefits from a merger:

- One professional body

- One membership subscription

- Stronger core organisation bringing together all the assets from both organisations

- The management structure will strengthen the representation of specific interest groups (e.g. local authorities)

2. Existing member benefits will continue and be enhanced:

- Strengthened regional meetings

- Discounted training

- Weekly news updates

- Website resources including a member forum

- Regular publications

- Strengthened representation with government departments and external stakeholders

- Stronger consultation responses

- Free vacancy advertising

- Post nominals for Individual, Fellow and Companion members

Training and Qualifications

3. A strengthened training offer and greater potential development of training and professional qualifications.

The detailed arrangements of the merger will be the subject of further discussion and agreement. We look forward to confirming the final arrangements in the coming months.

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A taxi driver in Poundbury, Dorset, has been left counting the cost after a mindless act of vandalism.

Christina, who wished to remain anonymous, had her vehicle parked behind an electric gate near her property, but it targeted overnight, with a plant pot thrown through the window.

The incident, which occurred on 5 November, has left Christina unable to work for over a week.

While no items were stolen, the damage to the vehicle has resulted in significant financial loss.

Christina expressed her frustration and anger, stating: "I felt quite sick when I saw it. It's disgusting."

She added that social media is rife with similar stories of vehicle damage and thefts in the Dorchester area, particularly in the last few weeks. This includes other taxi drivers and van drivers.

Dorset Police confirmed that they are investigating the incident and are aware of a recent spate of vehicle crime in the area.

No arrests have been made at this time.

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A drug dealer from Brighton has been jailed for two years two months after being caught with hundreds of pounds worth of cocaine hidden inside Kinder eggs.

Erblind Daxha, 28, used a taxi to deliver the drugs to customers across Brightonand Hove.

However, he was caught with egg on his face when armed police officers intercepted him in Cromwell Road, Hove, on 4 October.

During the arrest, Daxha was found to have discarded one Kinder egg containing cocaine into the taxi. Another was discovered in his jacket pocket.

Despite initial attempts to deny ownership, he eventually pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply at Lewes Crown Court.

Sussex Police inspector Oli Fisher, of the tactical firearms unit, said: “Officers from the Tactical Firearms Unit are determined to disrupt the supply of class A drugs which cause so much harm in our communities.

“We are pleased that Daxha had no choice but to plead guilty when this matter came to court.”

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Edinburgh taxi drivers will soon be charging more, with a 9.5% fare hike set to take effect in December.

This increase, approved by Edinburgh City Council, will impact both standard fares and airport transfers.

The decision comes despite concerns raised by taxi drivers that the higher fares would "drive more black cabs off the road" and further erode their business, as they face increasing competition from private hire companies such as Uber.

While the new fares represent a significant increase, they are lower than the 20% hike applied last time maximum fares were revised in February 2023.

The increases mean that from Monday, 9 December, a three-mile trip between 6am and 6pm on a weekday would cost at least £11.50, up from £10,50 - unless an operator opts not to charge the maximum fare allowed.

A journey of the same distance but between 6pm and 6am on a weekday, or on the weekend, would cost at least £12.82, up from £11.70.

A cap on the additional charge levied on passengers being picked-up or dropped-off at Edinburgh Airport will also rise from £5 to £6.

Regulatory convener, Councillor Neil Ross, said: "I appreciate that a 9.5 per cent increase may seem like a lot in these relatively low-inflation times. Nevertheless, we are considering increased costs for the trade and also taking into account the increase and very substantial cost of replacement vehicles - particularly replacement electric vehicles which is what we would like to see.”

A report said: "The fare tariff stipulates the maximum that may be charged, and a lower amount may be charged at the discretion of any person providing a taxi service."

It added this was "relevant to considering any representations to the effect that the proposed tariffs would result in operators providing a service which is too expensive for the market to sustain".

The fares consultation received 52 responses. "Approximately 25 per cent of those who responded were broadly in favour of the proposals," the report said. "However, several respondents suggested that a smaller percentage increase would be more appropriate than that proposed.

“Approximately 69 per cent of those who responded to the survey were against the proposals."

The report concluded: "Having reviewed the responses the directorate is of the view that there is insufficient material therein to justify not implementing the increased fares as recommended.

"Therefore, it is recommended that the proposed taxi tariff is agreed and implemented without any further changes."

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