A new trial is being rolled out which allows residents without driveways to apply for a free cross-pavement channel to charge their electric vehicle from home

More than 60 residents so far have been successful in applying for Lancashire County Council's trial of three different types of cross pavement channels, also known as 'cable trays' which are sited on residential roads across all 12 districts in the borough.

Mike Pickering, 65, from Nelson, has arthritis and has a rechargeable car through the Motability scheme. He says that the convenience and the financial benefits of charging on his own street have given him more freedom to use his car whenever he feels like it.

He said: "I live in a terraced street and this is the first scheme I have been able to use that is really local to me. The benefits include it being eight times cheaper and the convenience of charging it so close, overnight.

"It costs 87p a kilowatt on some of the paid charging points but charging from home is just 7p to 9p per kilowatt. It can really add up – now I can charge the car for around a tenner, whereas it previously cost £70-80.

"Previously, I had to take two buses either way to get home and back to the car whilst it charged at the Nissan garage in Burnley, or I could use much dearer public charging points.

"As I can charge the car more often for less money, this means that I can be less cautious about when I use it. I can go shopping and make trips out when I need to and now have the freedom of being able to pop out more.

"There have only been benefits for me with this free trial, there have been no drawbacks and I would urge anybody eligible to sign up to take part."

The trial is being funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) under the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Pilot Fund.

Cllr Shaun Turner, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change said: "This is a fantastic scheme which allows eligible residents who have to park on the road to apply for a cross pavement channel installed free to gather their feedback.

"The electric vehicle charging cable runs from their home electricity supply, directly to their vehicle via a channel which is cut into the pavement surface. A metal or plastic case is slotted into the channel to contain the charging cable safely and reduce trip hazards, whilst the vehicle is being charged.

"As Mike Pickering's story shows, it can make a huge difference to users' time, finances and opportunities to access more days out, trips shopping or for medical appointments and access to employment and training opportunities. There are still limited spaces for the trials, so apply now!"

This delivery is part of wider programme for EV charging infrastructure in Lancashire. The strategy for this can be viewed at Installation of electric vehicle charge points throughout Lancashire - Lancashire County Council. For the duration of the pilot, eligible properties can have the cross-pavement channels installed free of charge in order to gather their feedback on the performance of the channels.

Residents are encouraged to contact EV Charging Infrastructure team on EVCharging@lancashire.gov.uk for more information and how to express their interest in participating in the trial.

Please note, the application window will be closed once maximum participant numbers have been reached and there are only a limited number of places left.

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Uber has officially launched its services in Blackpool today, months after taxi drivers staged protests against the company's arrival.

In June, scores of disgruntled taxi drivers blocked Talbot Road to express their concerns about the influx of "unknown" drivers.

Despite the opposition, Blackpool Council granted Uber an operator licence, allowing the company to operate in the town.

An Uber spokesperson said: "We're excited to launch in Blackpool, providing earning opportunities for local drivers, more transport options for passengers, and a boost to the local economy."

Uber has emphasised its commitment to driver rights, stating that all drivers will have access to benefits such as holiday pay, a pensions as well as formal representation through GMB Union.

Uber states they operate according to high safety standards set across the country, abiding by the same regulations as other private hire operators.

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Taxi fares in Basingstoke and Deane could be set to increase as drivers face rising operating costs.

The proposed changes, currently out for public consultation, would see a more standardised fare structure based on a unit of 1/10th of a mile. This replaces the current 1/12th of a mile calculation, which is often confusing for passengers.

Under the new proposal, the flag rate would increase from £4 to £4.20, and the cost for the first mile would rise from £6 to £6.20.

Each mile travelled would see an increase of £2, with the price of ten miles set to rise from £22.20 to £24.20.

While the changes aim to provide a fairer income for drivers, the council is keen to ensure that passengers are not unduly burdened.

The proposals were approved by the Licensing Committee on November 4th, but will now undergo a 14-day public consultation period.

If no objections are raised, the changes will be considered by the cabinet for final approval.

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Merseyside Police is appealing for information after a man was shot in Tuebrook.

The 27-year-old victim sustained a gunshot wound to his lower leg on Monday, October 28th. He took himself to hospital around 10.10pm.

Detectives believe the shooting occurred around half an hour earlier on Denman Drive, when the victim was targeted as he exited a private hire vehicle.

As part of their investigation, police have released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to. The footage shows the men walking along Prescot Road at 10.07pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson urged anyone who recognises the men to come forward.

He stressed the seriousness of the incident and the potential for fatal consequences.

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 24000917613.

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A Cambridge private hire driver has been ordered to pay £4,500 in legal costs after losing an appeal against the revocation of his licence.

Ahmed Al Ansar, 36, had his licence revoked by South Cambridgeshire District Council in 2021 after picking up a passenger without the necessary legal documents.

The passenger, also a licensed taxi driver, reported Ansar for failing to display the required plates and operator door signs on his vehicle.

Despite claiming an exemption for the missing signs, Ansar was unable to provide proof.

He also failed to attend police interviews and made a hasty attempt to apply for a private hire licence to cover himself.

Ansar appealed the initial revocation as he said it was an accidental pick-up, but lost his first appeal at Cambridge Magistrates Court in November 2023.

A year later on November 1 2024, his second appeal failed in a hearing at Peterborough Crown Court as the court found Ansar's explanation unconvincing and upheld the council's decision to revoke his licence.

He was ordered to pay costs of £2,551 and a further £1,967 costs were upheld from the first appeal. 

Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing,said: "The council has proven that this individual does not meet the standards of a fit and proper taxi driver, leading the court to revoke his licence.

"As the licensing authority, we are committed to protecting the public and maintaining the highest standards in private hire services."

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