Chorley cabbie, Abdul Javeed, has been hailed as a hero, after he pulled a man out of a burning car - before getting back on with his fare.
Abdul spotted the wreckage of a car in Spendmore Lane, Coppull, as he was taking a customer home to Liverpool at 3am on Saturday 2 March.
The car had left the road, smashed into two houses, and flames were beginning to take hold.
With other bystanders taking pictures at the scene and with no emergency services around, he stopped his taxi and ran towards the damaged car as it burst into flames.
Abdul told The Lancashire Post : "I went over to the car and saw a person unconscious in the car. I went round and managed to open the door, managed to take the the seat belt off, and got the man out of the car.
"It was a good job the seat belt wasn’t jammed."
He added: "It was terrifying. I have never encountered anything like this.
"After the arrival of the police and firefighters at the scene, I offered my support to the police by aiding them in evacuating residents from their homes in the event of a fire."
"He's saved the man's life", said Shaz Malik, founder of the Chorley Taxi Association, who says that the act of courage showcases the importance of having trained and responsible taxi drivers in the community.
The CTA has introduced a TaxiWatch scheme which aims to keep residents of Chorley safe at night. The idea is that all taxi drivers who are members of the CTA would report any incidents or concerns to the body, who will then liaise with emergency services.
Shaz said: "Javeed's story serves as a reminder of the vital role that CTA taxi drivers play in our communities, not only as transportation providers but also as first responders in times of crisis.
"His actions exemplify the values of compassion, quick thinking, and selflessness that are essential in emergency situations."
Shaz added: "Saving anyone's life is one of the biggest things you will do in your life, and every life matters.
"Our TaxiWatch programme has extended out to saving lives in Chorley, serving as a shining example of the positive impact that individuals can have when they are willing to go above and beyond to help others in need.
"His bravery and quick actions undoubtedly saved a life and inspired others to do the same in times of crisis."
PHTM SO PROUD OF OUR TRADE
Very sad to share this report from Newcastle Hackney Carriage Drivers Association (NHCDA) of a shocking driver attack.
"It has come to our attention that a driver was attacked yesterday evening Tuesday 5th March at around 640 pm on the Haymarket rank (the penn).
Information we have received is that a gang of up to 14 youths in dark clothing and their faces covered attacked the driver who was sitting by himself.
Injuries sustained were a broken nose , cuts and bruises.
Police are involved and also 2 witnesses .
Apparently this is the second such attack on a driver in as many weeks.
Out of respect for the driver we will not be releasing his name or plate number."
MESSAGE TO ALL DRIVERS
Be Safe
Be Aware Be
Vigilant
Regards
NHDCA
Taxi licences have been granted to applicants with spent convictions including assault, burglary, theft, handling stolen good, speeding and perverting the course of justice in Gwynedd.
Nation Cymru reports that the licences were considered “acceptable” due to the historic nature of the crimes – in one case they had happened as far back as 36 years.
Gwynedd Council’s general licensing committee met on Monday, March 4, and discussed minutes from a meeting of December 4, which was held behind closed doors.
The minutes described how an applicant – “Mr A” – had requested a hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence.
The sub-committee noted that Mr A’s convictions were “historical” and had happened when he was “young and foolish”.
Mr A had highlighted his experience working as a taxi driver and that he was offered work locally. Detailed checks were also carried out for many years at another place of work ensuring his “suitability”.
In response to why he had not acknowledged convictions on his application ‘Mr A’ said his last conviction was in 1987 -36 years ago – and he thought “they would be spent”.
Despite the number of offences under the authority’s policy it was now considered that “enough time” had passed since the last conviction and it was decided that he was “a fit and proper person” to be issued with the licence.
In another case ‘Mr B’ applied for a hackney/private hire driver’s licence.
In May 2021, he received three penalty points (SP30) for breaching the speed limit on a public road – expiring in May 2024.
He received three more penalty points (SP30) for breaching the speed limit on a public road in June 21, expiring in June 24.
The applicant had not declared the points – a condition of any taxi licence.
It was accepted that information should have been shared. It was noted that it was an application to renew the licence and the applicant had declared the points on his application.
Two-and-half years had elapsed without re-offending. The applicant had “acknowledged his fault”.
The sub-committee determined that the applicant was “a fit and proper person” to hold the licence.
In a third case, “Mr C ” applied for a hackney/private hire driver’s licence.
In August, 2023, the applicant visited the council offices and spoke to a member of staff “inappropriately and aggressively” and the experienced member of reception staff had reported the matter.
Several days later, the applicant had returned to the offices, and was met by two licensing officers who advised him “that as an applicant for a taxi driver licence his conduct was a matter of relevance, and that bad behaviour towards council officers would not be tolerated”.
The applicant was “frustrated that the application process was not straight forward, he just wanted to start earning a living”.
In October 2023, the applicant had telephoned the licensing officer. But, the minutes stated, “the applicant’s attitude was again unacceptable, he swore at the officer over the phone and lost his temper”.
The sub-committee believed the applicant’s behaviour was “totally unacceptable”.
Whilst accepting that he “felt frustrated with the process, it was not an excuse, and his personal circumstance and pressure on him to earn a living, did not justify the behaviour”.
The sub-committee did welcome the fact that the applicant acknowledged his behaviour was “not up to expected standards”.
In the absence of any convictions and any detailed specific provision in the authority’s policy, the sub-committee considered the application in the context of public safeguarding.
Consideration was given to the test; ‘would members be willing to allow a close member of their family to travel in a vehicle, on their own, with the applicant?’
After meeting the applicant the sub-committee was satisfied, and he was considered “a fit and proper person” to hold the licence.
The sub-committee reminded the applicant that the licence “could be suspended or revoked a licence if any unacceptable behaviour was brought to its attention”.
Private hire technology platform Veezu has launched in Barry reports Barry & District News.
Veezu offers passengers multiple booking options, via phone, web, or the Veezu mobile app, and offers multiple payment options.
Alternative payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and card payments are also accepted.
The Wales-based firm partners with more than 16,000 local drivers in the UK, with 1,500 across South Wales.
Through its ‘Funded by Veezu initiative’, the company also supports Barry RFC, Ty Hafan and Childline Cymru, alongside being official ride partner for the Cardiff Devils, Dragons RFC, and Newport County FC.
Jack Price, Regional Director for Veezu, said: "I’m really excited to launch the Veezu brand in Barry.
“Bringing with it improved benefits across the board for passengers, I’m especially proud of the new Veezu mobile app that gives passengers a seamless user experience with the ability to book a trip in two taps.”
In a recent revelation, cabbies in Glasgow are turning off or removing expensive retrofitted exhaust systems that convert harmful nitrogen oxide emissions into harmless gases, yet they continue to operate within the LEZ as if 'compliant' on paper.
BNN reports that these systems have reportedly caused operational issues or ceased functioning, prompting drivers to disable them.
The loophole came to light in the 'Talking Taxis' podcast, highlighting concerns over air quality and regulatory enforcement in Glasgow's LEZ.
Introduced to improve air quality, Glasgow's LEZ mandates that only vehicles meeting specific emission standards can operate within the zone without incurring fines. To comply, many taxi drivers invested in the retrofit exhaust systems.
However, according to taxi drivers David Farrell and John Lundie, who spoke on the 'Talking Taxis' podcast, these retrofit systems have become a source of frustration.
Drivers face dilemmas as malfunctioning systems force them to choose between costly repairs and disabling the technology to maintain their livelihood.
The core of the problem lies in the retrofit technology itself. While it promises an eco-friendly solution on paper, the reality has been less than ideal for many drivers.
The financial burden of installing these systems, coupled with their subsequent operational issues, has led some to bypass the technology altogether.
This action raises questions about the effectiveness of Glasgow's LEZ in achieving its environmental goals and the fairness of imposing such financial burdens on taxi drivers, many of whom are self-employed and facing significant economic pressures.
This situation underscores a critical challenge in urban environmental policy: balancing ambitious air quality goals with the practical realities faced by those on the front lines.
As Glasgow strives to become a greener city, the effectiveness of its LEZ hinges not only on stringent regulations but also on the reliability of the technology deployed and the support provided to those affected by these changes.
Without addressing these issues, the city risks undermining both the trust of its citizens and the long-term success of its environmental initiatives.
The revelation about taxi drivers disabling retrofit systems to avoid LEZ fines in Glasgow exposes a significant loophole in the city's efforts to combat air pollution.
It prompts a broader discussion on the need for more robust support systems for taxi drivers, the reliability of green technologies, and the importance of ensuring that environmental policies are both effective and equitable.
As Glasgow moves forward, finding solutions that align the city's environmental aspirations with the realities of those on the ground will be crucial.
Taxi drivers in the town will be able to charge passengers more following a decision by the borough council on 31 July.
A taxi driver has been sentenced to a community order after admitting causing the death of a pedestrian by driving at excessive speed.
A joint operation by council, police, and DVSA officials has seen three taxis taken off the road in Oldham due to safety concerns.
Taxi drivers licensed by Mid Sussex could soon be forced to accept card payments, following a surge in complaints about cash-only services.
Two men have avoided immediate jail time after a high-speed race left a taxi driver with serious injuries.
BYD, manufacturer of new energy vehicles and power batteries, has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Uber, designed to bring 100,000 new BYD EVs onto the Uber platform across key global markets.
Ways of increasing the amount of wheelchair-accessible taxis across the city are set to be explored to make it easier for those who need one to get one.
Cumbrian taxi drivers are fighting back against proposed licensing changes they fear will cripple their livelihoods.
Bolton taxi drivers are urged to sign up for free safeguarding and disability awareness training before the deadline on October 31st, 2024.
A Conwy Council meeting on Monday revealed a critical failing that allowed a taxi driver whose license had been revoked to continue transporting children to school.
Worcester City Council is seeking public opinion on a proposal to make safeguarding training mandatory for taxi and private hire drivers.
A proposal to increase driver, vehicle and private hire operator licences was discussed on Friday 19 July 19 at Sheffield City Council’s waste and street scene committee.
Through this collaboration, FREENOW willl provide additional benefits giving drivers up to 25% off pay-as-you-go rates across the entire bp pulse electric charging network and discounted fuel at all UK bp branded sites.
Wakefield Licensing, working alongside West Yorks Police Roads Policing unit, NPT, Off-Road Bike Team, Police Intercept Team, DVLA & DVSA, held a Partnership Day of Action at Thornes Park.