TaxiPoint July 2022 Edition 39 by TaxiPoint

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Edition 39 | JULY 2022

million magazine reads and counting... Image credit: LEVC

DISTINCTIVE TAXIS? IOL LICENSING PROGRESS EV WARRANTIES AROUND THE TAXI RANKS AND MUCH MORE... JULY 2022 - Edition 39

Image credit: SBL AUTOMOTIVE

EDITORIAL

TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquiries at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice.

Hello and welcome to edition 39 of TaxiPoint’s monthly digital magazine. This issue is packed with new stories and analysis focusing on fuel costs, tariff changes and licensing policies throughout the UK. TaxiPoint’s UK taxi industry reach is well documented and we want YOU to get involved and use the platform to highlight successes and concerns where you work. We’re inviting guest columnists, local and national industry representatives looking for a bigger voice or industry businesses looking to share information, to get in touch.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2022. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

We can help with editing and imagery, so please do not be shy and email us direct at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Be lucky,

Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Founder

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FEATURE

ARTICLE BY: PERRY RICHARDSON TAXIPOINT FOUNDER

The two-tier taxi and private hire system is largely supported by most and is here to stay. However, whilst those working within the industry can distinguish between the two easily, there is growing concern that the public struggle to tell the two apart. For many, anything with a plate or sign attached to the vehicle that was present on a previous vehicle they’ve used to hail down or order for a journey is a taxi. A plate or roundel with a licensing authority logo gives the public looking for a car a sense of verification that the vehicle is authentic. The problem is that they don’t always fully understand

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the rules around plying-for-hire and pre-booked, and why should they quite frankly.

As a result, the Government is now looking to make taxis MORE visible and distinctive and PHV less visible. Within the proposed Best Practice Guidance, a revamp of taxi and PHV signage has been signalled to help the public better identify taxis. According to the consultation it says: ‘There are a number of factors to consider in relation to vehicle signage and identification: safety, competition, commercial arguments and the fact that there are a wide variety of approaches taken by licensing authorities.

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FEATURE ‘The government’s view is that safety should be the and how each service can be legally and safely prime consideration and the recommendations in engaged. the best practice guidance reflect this. ‘This also supports the distinction between the two ‘The intention is to try and make taxis the most elements of the trade and reduces the opportunity noticeable and distinctive vehicle to members of the of unscrupulous drivers (licensed or not) from public who want to engage a taxi or PHV and to illegally standing for hire. make it clear that only taxis can be hired without ‘An approach that says PHVs should not display being prebooked. signage other than the licence plate or disc and a ‘Increasing the differentiation between taxis and PHVs, so that taxis are easy to identify and PHVs are less visible would simplify safety messaging to the public that they should only get into a vehicle that looks like a taxi unless prebooked.

prebooked only door sign means it’s easier for drivers to work with more than one operator.

‘Licensing authorities could promote this personal safety messaging to ensure that residents understand the distinction between taxis and PHVs

to be required, the use of magnetic signs also increases the risk of passengers unknowingly using unlicensed drivers and vehicles. A vehicle with a sign may be assumed by the public to be a taxi.

‘A requirement to display operator details means, at best, that drivers would need to carry multiple sets of magnetic signs and, at worst, replace adhesive ‘Operators should provide information that enables stickers multiple times per shift. the passenger to identify the driver and vehicle ‘Magnetic signs may be stolen from, or possibly allocated. shared by, the licensed trade. If PHV signs continue

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FEATURE ‘There may be instances where a driver and vehicle prevent the vehicle from being used for normal proprietor has an exclusive relationship with an private hire work.’ operator and both parties may agree that they want So, what could we see happen? to display the operator details. In cities that have traditionally recognisable ‘black ‘In these circumstances, the licensing authority cab’ shaped vehicles, there’s not much more that could allow the operator details to be displayed discreetly, for example, through small branding on can be done other than to have one uniformed the rear of the vehicle, so as not to undermine the colour and no taxi livery adverts. The iconic shape of these vehicles and a distinctive orange ‘For Hire’ overall objective of enabling the public to easily light should be enough. differentiate between taxi and PHVs. There is an argument that PHV do not need to be distinctive in any way. Without any form of signage, the public looking to hop into a taxi cannot make ‘Executive hire services are licensed as PHVs and that common mistake. As all minicab journeys are licensing authorities should assure themselves that, pre-booked via an operator, the vehicle’s given the signage on private hire vehicles may be registration should be all that’s needed to identify negligible, there is sufficient justification to exempt the car on arrival. these vehicles from a requirement to display a small plate or disc in the absence of an effective means to ‘Many licensing authorities already exempt some services from their PHV signage requirements.

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FEATURE What about digital distinction? Should PHVs be visible on an app? It has been argued that those vehicles displaying a Transport for London (TfL) roundel are in fact displaying their availability to passengers who have ride-hail apps available on their device. Recently Trevor Merralls, General Secretary of United Cabbies Group (UCG), called London’s minicabs a ‘ghost taxi fleet’ because of the advertised availability of the vehicles.

Trevor Merralls said via social media: “Private Hire vehicles are driving around for the purpose of being hailed pan London via an app. These vehicles are identifiable to the public via their TfL Roundels, gone are the days of the sticker that said these vehicles must be prebooked. “Acting like a ghost taxi fleet.” Later this month the United Trade Action Group (UTAG) are expected to enter the High Court to argue the trade’s exclusive right to ply-for-hire with a heavy focus on the ‘digital hail’. More will then be learnt from the results of this case.

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LICENSING

Image credit: IoL

certificates issue is dealt with. Drivers should be mindful of cards expiring and look out for an email from DBS asking them to update their card. Failure to do so will result in the requirement for a brand new DBS certificate causing possibly impacting on licences.

In a further update on licensing matters affecting drivers and operators, John Garforth JP, Vice Chairman of the Institute of Licensing, and a Council Licensing Manager discusses current topical issues of interest to the trade.

DBS Certificates

Equality Act changes You should be aware of changes that have come into force on the 28th June. These changes go further than the existing law which just cover wheelchair users. Changes for drivers are as follows: •

The fiasco of manual DBS certificates and a flawed update service continues. DBS tell me that it will be late 2023 before the glitch that has caused the issuing of several hundred manual certificates will be fixed. I have been pressing for the update service • payments to be switched to direct debits rather than taking from the card. This is promised to be investigated but not until after the manual

Accept the carriage of any disabled person, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance, and carry their mobility aids, all without charging them any more than they would for a non-disabled passenger; and Provide any disabled passenger who requests it with assistance to identify the vehicle, at no extra charge.

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LICENSING Changes for operators are as follows: •

•

is not best practice. In the end it will only be guidance so won’t to be adopted but it will cause Accept bookings for or on behalf of any disabled person, if they have a suitable vehicle many discussions between trade reps and Licensing Officer and Councillors. Watch this space! available. Failure to comply with the above will be an offence in law. Drivers who consider themselves medically or physically unfit to perform the mobility assistance duties should contact the licensing office to discuss exemptions. Councils, by law, have to publish a list of all wheelchair accessible vehicles.

DfT Consultation on Best Practice Guidance Hopefully, by now, you will have responded to the consultation on best practice guidance which has now closed or at least contributed to one. The 99 page document, which was very comprehensive, will be a welcome addition to a growing suite of Government guidance but doesn’t come without controversy. Proposals not to have livery on private hire vehicles and remove age limits on licensed vehicles has dismayed many licensing officers. Public safety, which is the golden thread of licensing, plays a key part in determining licensing policy. Hopefully, enough respondents to the consultation will convince the Department that this

Out of Area Working The media continue to report on confused passengers who wonder why vehicles from other parts of the country are collecting them. Questions being posed to local councils include: •

Is my daughter safe in that vehicle?

•

Do those vehicles meet the same safety standards that my Council has?

•

How do I know the driver doesn’t have convictions sexual or violent offences?

Frustrations amongst licensing officers are growing and the Government seem resistant to change. New powers must be considered by the Government!

By way of example, Greater Manchester is looking to secure, via Greater Manchester’s Devolution Trailblazer bid, a commitment from Government to devise an appropriate regulatory approach that will legally require “Frustrations amongst licensing officers are that all private hire growing and the Government seem journeys within the Greater Manchester resistant to change. New powers must be boundary must be considered by the Government!” undertaken by a driver and vehicle which are both licensed by one of

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LICENSING the ten Greater Manchester local authorities. The effect would be to ensure that private hire operators with a licence to operate in one or more of the ten Greater Manchester local authorities will be required to serve any intra Greater Manchester journey request with a locally licensed driver and locally licensed vehicle.

Clean Air Zones The Bradford clean air zone has been confirmed to launch on 26 September 2022. Applications for exemptions are now open. Greater Manchester is due to submit the outcome of their review, having paused implementation, to Government on 1 July. Proposals are to create a investment led noncharging clean air zone. Other schemes around the country continue to be developed and consulted upon.

To conclude Active engagement of both the trade and Councils in consultations, reviews and lobbying has never been as important. The Department for Transport have finally got the message to work more closely with the trade and regulators alike and they are increasing their exposure for engagement opportunities. Never, in my eighteen years of licensing management, have I seen the trade and Councils on the same page on so many issues. Let’s continue this and use this new momentum for change to be heard at the doors of Government who are keener to listen. When their doors are closed let’s knock louder until we are heard.

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FEATURE

The LEVC TX taxi has widely been seen as a success since it came on to market in January 2018. Despite its high initial price-tag, cabbies working full-time and clocking up the miles have seen the cab become more economical than its diesel counterpart due to savings in maintenance and fuel costs. Many drivers who opted for the TX took out fiveyear warranties, which depending on when you purchased your cab may now be approaching its final years. With new electric technology entering the industry and unknown parts costs at the time it was seen as a must.

But what will cabbies do when the warranty runs out and they become freehold owners? It’s a big talking point within the industry. Whilst freehold ownership greatly reduces your monthly costs, there are increased risks around vehicle maintenance the older the vehicle becomes. Previously taxi drivers were confident about what the costs would be should the worst happen in an older diesel freehold cab. They also roughly knew how long parts within the cab would last. The LEVC TX is a whole new kettle of fish though.

Invoices for replacement LEVC batteries have been seen for close to £20,000. Granted this is the worst -case scenario, but will a cabbie with only 5-years of licensing age limit left invest in a battery costing that much for example? With the global demand for EV vehicles growing by the day, there is little suggestion that the price will drop in the next ten years either.

It is worth noting how long the batteries SHOULD last for though. It should stand the test of time and last 500,000 miles. The storage capacity of all EV batteries will gradually decrease over time, a process known as ‘ageing’, but this effect can be minimised. Onboard LEVC TX systems constantly monitor and manage energy usage to protect the battery, such as a cooling system dedicated to keeping the battery at exactly the right temperature whether operating in extreme ambient temperatures, under heavy usage or during rapid charging. LEVC say that after extensive testing under the most demanding operating conditions, the TX drive batteries retain at least 75% of their original charge capacity after 9,000 use cycles – that’s the equivalent of more than half a million miles.

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FEATURE Can I get EXTENDED WARRANTIES after the five-year period? Thankfully yes you can, and the prices are competitive.

no excess payable. It’s also worth noting that if you were to make a claim, Autogroup does allow owners to take the vehicle to ANY VAT registered garage for repair.

The LEVC TX battery does however have a separate According to The Autogroup, 12-months of claims liability limit of £2,500. extended warranty on an LEVC TX that has done between 120,000 and 175,000 miles will set drivers Will cabbies go for the warranty? back £1,769. Drivers looking for a three-year Many LEVC TX owners will be looking closely at the warranty can expect to pay a £2,369 premium. three-year extended package. After that, it will Both these warranties come under the ‘Ultimate depend greatly on the number of miles the cab has LEVC’ protection and have unlimited mileage for accumulated over the eight years and whether a warranty term. The warranty plan will also include further expended warranty can be found. up to one hour’s diagnosis cost in the event of a Some will shop the cab straight back in after fivevalid claim. years and replace with a brand spanking new one The claim limit will be set at £5,000 each and every with the knowledge EVERYTHING, including the time the vehicle owner needs to make a claim and battery, will be covered over that time period. also includes a £108 per hour labour rate. This What is certain is that there won’t be many cabbies means they will be covered up to that claims limit running these vehicles without any warranties in for parts, labour and VAT per individual claim with place at all.

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THE TRADE QUESTION

There are two hot topics within the taxi industry both locally and nationally right now. Fuel costs and tariff reviews. Both topics are linked as it’s the rapidly rising pump prices that is pushing the need for increased tariffs across the UK. TaxiPoint asked its readers whether taxi tariffs are keeping up with fuel and living costs, and is there a need for more regular taxi tariff reviews.

The majority of trade responses argued IN FAVOUR of an annual fare review based on the rate of inflation. There were also several frustrated drivers who have not had a tariff review for a number of years and are currently feeling the pinch.

Andy Winter said: “They've never kept up with costs because it’s a crazy system where the council sets the rates, should be annual rise in line with inflation.” Kim Mark simply said “Yes, they should be reviewed more frequently” and Dawn Johnson added “drivers are losing money every day”. Bill Annetts said: “What we need is a government to say this is the price for a year.”

George Bathgate said: “It’s the old story. You need regular small fare increases. Instead of one large one.” There were however some industry voices AGAINST the idea of more regular tariff reviews. Most concerns centre around putting the fares up too much and at a level customers can’t afford. Brian Graves said: “Constant price increases will just drive the non-essential use customer further away, so nothing gained!” Matthew Ronaldson agreed saying: “Put the price up and the customers won't be able to afford to travel via a taxi.”

Image credit: TALAKO

The general feeling within the taxi industry seems to be that the process of reviewing a taxi tariff varies wildly from region to region. A more uniformed way of reviewing taxi fares would be welcomed, whereby the industry can better plan future revenue levels and invest where necessary.

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TAXIPOINT FUEL REPORT Fuel costs are KEY to managing a successful taxi business. Whilst you can’t do much about the price of fuel apart from shopping around local fuel stations, we can analyse the impact. In this new ongoing feature, we detail the true costs, and eventually hopefully savings, associated with every penny change at the fuel pump.

Some drivers will work the LEVC cab completely off the electric charge, some a mix of electric and petrol, and there might even be a few mavericks out there who solely use the petrol range extender.

At the turn of July fuel prices stood at £1.99 per litre when filling up from the black pump, and £1.91 per litre from the green pump. For electric it In this review we look now costs on average around 28p per kWh at three of the UK’s most popular cabs; the to charge from home diesel TX4, the electric and roughly £9 for a LEVC TX and the petrol full charge on public chargers. Skoda Octavia. Taxi drivers all work in Here’s how it has impacted your pocket different ways, so we’ve modelled a few compared to last different scenarios and month and what you can expect to pay will explain the workings out as we go. moving forwards. JUNE 2022 LTC TX4 (Diesel) Skoda Octavia (Petrol) LEVC TX (Petrol range-extender only) LEVC TX (1 EV Home charge then petrol range-extender) LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 1 EV public charge, then petrol LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 2 EV public charges) JULY 2022 LTC TX4 (Diesel) Skoda Octavia (Petrol) LEVC TX (Petrol range-extender only) LEVC TX (1 EV Home charge then petrol range-extender) LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 1 EV public charge, then petrol LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 2 EV public charges)

Daily Weekly Monthly Annual 5 Years £37.20 £186.00 £744.00 £8,928.00 £44,640.00 £21.26 £106.30 £425.20 £5,102.40 £25,512.00 £31.21 £156.05 £624.20 £7,490.40 £37,452.00 £27.61 £138.05 £552.20 £6,626.40 £33,132.00 £25.16 £23.38

£125.80 £116.90

£503.20 £6,038.40 £30,192.00 £467.60 £5,611.20 £28,056.00

Daily Weekly Monthly Annual 5 Years £40.89 £204.45 £817.80 £9,813.60 £49,068.00 £24.16 £120.80 £483.20 £5,798.40 £28,992.00 £35.49 £177.45 £709.80 £8,517.60 £42,588.00 £30.32 £151.60 £606.40 £7,276.80 £36,384.00 £25.50 £23.38

£127.50 £116.90

£510.00 £6,120.00 £30,600.00 £467.60 £5,611.20 £28,056.00

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VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY Image credit: SBL AUTOMOTIVE

An innovative new fuelling system which could save LEVC TX taxi drivers between 30-50% in operating costs compared to using petrol fuel was revealed in London this week. SBL-Automotive plan to evolve the fossil fuel petrol fuelled range extender engine of the LEVC TX and VN5 by using compressed natural gas (CNG), biomethane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biopropane to further drive down costs and make for a greener running taxi. The black cabs supplied by rental firm HP Taxi use Prins Alternative Fuel Systems VSI-3 hardware which can also adopt net zero carbon emission renewable fuel biomethane (replaces CNG) and net zero carbon emission renewable fuel biopropane (replaces LPG). Biomethane and biopropane are seen as ‘drop in’ replacement fuels for CNG and LPG. No further vehicle changes are required to adopt these fuels in place of CNG and LPG. The technology was revealed at an industry event held at central London’s ME Hotel on Monday 27 June.

Image credit: SBL AUTOMOTIVE

As an added bonus the LEVC TX, and also its commercial van model the VN5, operating ranges are also increased by 90% (LPG/biopropane) and 70% (CNG/biomethane) when powered by the range

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VEHICLE Image credit: SBL AUTOMOTIVE

extended engine after the installation of the bi-fuel system as the original petrol tank is also retained.

What gets installed into the taxi and van? According to the bi-fuel experts the technology uses Prins Alternative Fuel Systems VSI-3 system.

•

Fuel gauge / switch in the vehicle cabin.

Conversion costs for the system are in development and SBL-Automotive are targeting the system paying for itself in 1-2 years. Visit www.bi-fuel-taxislcvs.com for further information and to register for future updates about this project.

This includes: •

Fuel tanks for LPG / biopropane or CNG/ biomethane

•

Bi-fuel ECU which works alongside the original LEVC engine ECU

•

LPG / biopropane fuel vaporiser (warmed by engine coolant)

•

Or a CNG pressure regulator (warmed by engine coolant)

•

Gaseous fuel injectors

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Image credit: SBL AUTOMOTIVE

AROUND THE RANKS

Driver shortages, taxi vehicle age limit issues and fuel prices are the big three talking points for drivers on the south coast, says union representative.

drivers, working in the south coast region.

James Kiernan, a Unite Union Shop Steward for Lewes District Hackney Drivers, highlighted some of the successes and problems facing drivers, or lack of

would return postcoronavirus featured in most taxi drivers’ minds throughout the country.

Kiernan said: “Like everywhere else the Lewes District is short on drivers due to the pandemic and In this edition’s inaugural lack of local authority help ‘Around the Ranks’ section, during the pandemic.” we ask different industry While the shortage of taxi representatives from drivers is a long-term around the UK to explain concern nationally, it has some of the key issues however increased demand facing their regions and look for those still working in the at how they marry up with short-term. Fears as to wider issues being faced. whether demand for taxis

Finding the right balance between the number of

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AROUND THE RANKS cabbies to fulfil the current demand is a juggling act most people are coming to terms with. Too many cabbies would place pressure back on drivers within the industry to earn a living, and too few means loyal customers look elsewhere for a service.

so many errors on the Council’s side and them not taking our advice when pointing out issues, I think we are now in the final stages of getting the muchneeded rise, but it’s still a mess and there are possibly changes still to come.”

Kiernan commented on the work levels in Lewes: “It's not doing too bad, but that is just down to lack of drivers. Takings are at pre-covid levels, but if we had the numbers, it would be down and drivers would be struggling.”

Having emerged out of the pandemic, the focus on drivers investing in newer vehicles has begun again. However, with many cabbies losing thousands of pounds throughout the lockdown periods, many deposits for new vehicles were swallowed up on general living expenses.

Kiernan said: “The biggest drain on drivers’ incomes is the fuel costs with diesel hitting the £2 a litre this week. You have to take a fair amount to cover them costs before you put money in your own pockets, so we asked for a fare review back in November. After

there are currently over 30 private hire vehicles over 10 one being 17 yet it still holds a licence.

In Lewes the representatives have asked for vehicle extensions beyond the ten years granted to cab Rapidly rising fuel costs remain high on the agenda owners. Despite exemptions being made for private for all those in the trade. Some local authorities hire vehicles, taxi drivers are yet to see the same acted fast by implementing a metered fare increase. leniency offered. There are many though that are still consulting or Kiernan said: “Hackney drivers are unable to get age simply sitting back and waiting. extensions as we only get 10 years on a plate but

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“We have a licencing team split between two councils so getting hold of them is extremely hard and they fail to communicate.”

Image credit: James Kiernan

TARIFFS

Local authorities across the UK have quite rightly been reviewing taxi tariffs following the rapid spike in fuel pump prices and the rate of inflation. For some taxi drivers a rise in tariffs represents the first increase in over a decade. Inflation based rises in the past were rejected in some cases so that licensed taxis could remain competitive with lower priced private hire services being offered. Fast forward to postpandemic and demand for taxi services has boomed partly due to a lack of drivers across the industry. Prices for minicab services have also rocketed due to driver supply issues and increased operating costs

based around new VAT and worker’s rights rules. In a bid to entice new drivers into the industry, and to help cabbies hit hard by the rising costs, most tariffs have been recently reviewed. In the case of one authority, East Lindsey Council, they have reviewed the cost of a taxi TWICE in a year. Most licensing authorities have chosen to increase fares across the board, including starting flag fall rates and even soiling charges. However, in the capital late night fares were frozen. The taxi fares on Tariffs 1 and 2 in London increased by 5.51% and the meter drop increased from £3.20 to £3.80, but Tariffs 3 and 4

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TARIFFS were frozen. The frozen tariffs represent journeys between 10pm and 5am, Bank Holidays and longdistance roaders.

It’s always busy in the evening so why does it matter? The higher value tariffs handed to cabbies are used to cajole drivers to work unsociable hours, deal with more alcohol fuelled passengers and meet the demand set by late night partygoers as trains and tubes stop running. However, by closing the pay gap between easier daytime work and harder graveyard shift work, drivers are choosing the easier option. Late at night and even at the weekends, demand has scaled up massively, but crucially drivers don’t need to work these hours to earn the living required as before.

Ben Story, Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee, shared his worries that escalating fuel prices will need to be monitored. Story said: “I’m just conscious of how fuel prices are rising potentially really dramatically, so I think we might find that we have to review this more quickly.” The committee were concerned that if fuel prices continued on their rapid growth in the next few weeks the tariff increases agreed could be ‘overtaken by events’. Later in the talks the panel agreed to review and report on how fuel costs are impacting the taxi industry in six-months’ time. As fuel prices and inflation show no let up, TfL and a whole host of other licensing authorities who introduced more reserved increases could be heading to the taxi tariff drawing board again.

There has been talk of a second tariff review based ARTICLE BY: on the ongoing fuel crisis PERRY RICHARDSON and Tariffs 3 and 4 will need TAXIPOINT FOUNDER addressing second time round. On 9 March, Transport for London (TfL) Finance Committee met to discuss and approve the new black cab taxi tariff which arrived on 30 April.

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MOTORING

A whopping 68% of commuters travel to work by car and traffic congestion costs both time and money. It’s costing the passenger more stuck in traffic and costing the driver revenue stuck in queues with no customer onboard.

City Dublin

A study by Instant Offices saw that 27 of the most trafficcongested cities in Europe are in the UK, with London traffic worse than other capitals like Rome, Berlin and Zurich. Dublin came top with a 36% congestion level, with Edinburgh second (35%), and London third (33%). After Dublin and Edinburgh, London is the third most congested place in the country found by the study.

Congestion level 36%

Edinburgh

35%

London

33%

Hull

32%

Cork

29%

Bournemouth

28%

Limerick

27%

Belfast

27%

Bristol

26%

Leicester

25%

Liverpool

25%

Manchester

24%

Cardiff BirminghamWolverhampton Portsmouth

24%

Swansea

22%

Newcastle-Sunderland

22%

Nottingham

22%

Glasgow

22%

Sheffield

22%

Leeds-Bradford

22%

Southampton

20%

Preston

20%

Middlesbrough

19%

Stoke-on-Trent

17%

Reading Coventry

17% 17%

24%

23%

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MOTORING A massive 27 of the 28 most congested areas are London boroughs, with Kensington and Chelsea’s roads causing more than two-hour delays for commuters per month. The councils with the most delayed roads in the UK are below: Council Kensington and Chelsea

Average road delays per month 10 hours 14 minutes

Westminster

10 hours 8 minutes

Islington

9 hours 33 minutes

Wandsworth Camden

9 hours 8 minutes 8 hours 56 minutes

The most delayed A-roads in the country and potential nightmares for commuters and cabbies include: Road A3207

Council Wandsworth

A2198

Southwark

A5204

Westminster

A5268 A200

Cheshire West Greenwich

Southampton, the 24th most delayed area, is the area most severely affected by traffic interruptions outside of London. The five councils with the most extensive commuter pauses outside of London are: Council Southampton Wolverhampton Liverpool Reading Bournemouth

Average road delays per 5 hours 3 minutes 4 hours 9 minutes 4 hours 8 minutes 4 hours 6 minutes 3 hours 55 minutes

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UK TAXI NEWS

The Government recently CLOSED the Plug-in Car Grant scheme to new orders after supporting the sale of nearly half a million electric cars.

Image credit: LEVC

Transport ministers did however confirm the EXTENSION of the Plug-in Taxi Grants (PiTG) scheme until at least the financial year 2023/24 for new electric taxis. To aid the Government’s drive towards net zero and ensure effective use of taxpayer funds, £300million will now be refocussed towards extending Plug-in Grants to boost sales of plug-in taxis, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and wheelchair accessible vehicles, as announced in the Autumn Statement. The PiTG scheme currently offers a discount on the price of eligible taxis of up to a maximum of £7,500 or £3,000 – depending on the vehicle’s range, emissions and design. It is available to all taxi drivers and businesses buying or leasing a new purpose-built taxi at the point of purchase from the dealership or manufacturer. Under the scheme, eligible taxis are allocated into one of two categories based on their carbon emissions and zero-emission range:

Image credit: LEVC

•

Category 1 PiTG (up to £7,500) - a zero emission range of 70 miles or more and emissions of less than 50g CO2/km.

•

Category 2 PiTG (up to £3,000) –a zero emission range of 10-69 miles and emissions of less than 50gCO2/km.

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UK TAXI NEWS

New laws will ensure the 13.7 million disabled people in England, Scotland and Wales receive the assistance they need and will not be charged over the odds when using taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs).

This will also ensure that visually impaired passengers will be assisted by drivers to help them identify or find the vehicle. There will also be a duty for local authorities to publicly identify wheelchairaccessible vehicles in their fleets.

The new Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, which came into force on 28 June, is the most significant change to taxi accessibility legislation since the Equality Act was introduced 12 years ago.

The measures will apply to drivers in England, Scotland and Wales and will help to provide consistency of experience for affected passengers.

As part of the amendments, taxi and PHV drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to provide reasonable mobility assistance to disabled passengers taking a pre-booked vehicle.

and our Inclusive Transport Strategy is making travel more accessible for all."

Wendy Morton, Accessibility Minister, said: "It is fantastic that the updated legislation and guidance The 2022 Act amends the Equality Act 2010 to place will help ensure that all disabled people receive duties on taxi drivers and PHV drivers and operators, assistance when using so any disabled person has specific rights and taxis and PHVs. protections to be transported and receive assistance "Disabled people when using a taxi or PHV without being charged account for around a extra. fifth of the population

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UK TAXI NEWS The Government will recruit a specialised team of inspectors to join the country’s first ever Road Safety Investigation Branch, looking at how and why incidents happen and to provide real insight into how new technologies – such as self-driving and electric vehicles – can be rolled out on our roads. The branch will investigate themes in the causes of collisions, as well as specific incidents of concern, to learn valuable road safety lessons. It will make independent safety recommendations to organisations such as Government and police forces to better shape the future of road safety policy and provide better, greener and safer journeys for people right across the country. The specialised unit will also provide vital insight into safety trends related to new and evolving technologies which could include self-driving vehicles, e-scooters and EVs, which will ensure the country maintains some of the highest road safety standards in the world and exciting new tech is deployed safely.

A concerned London MP has contacted Sadiq Khan to express concerns over ‘extreme changes in policy’ which is claimed to threaten the livelihoods of taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers. Jon Cruddas, Labour MP and Chair of Transport for London, wrote to the Mayor of London after taxi drivers in the capital became FURIOUS at new driver policy changes that could see their licences SUSPENDED or REVOKED for toting up just 6 driver’s licence penalty points. Under new rules, drivers who receive convictions for certain offences such as using a mobile phone or who tot up 12-penalty points on their DVLA driving licence will be at risk of having their TfL taxi licence revoked.

JULY 2022 - Edition 39 Image credit: LEVC

Image credit: LEVC

UK TAXI NEWS

New wireless charging pads are now being installed at Nottingham’s Trent Street rank as a trial of the new technology draws closer in the UK. Nine converted black cabs will be fitted with wireless charging hardware and allowed access to the 5 charge pads being installed.

These vehicles have been loaned to local drivers for them to experience the technology, while the council and its WiCET project partners closely monitor the trial and take learnings forward to future wireless charging projects. The trial is set to begin mid-August.

Image credit: Nottingham City Council

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UK TAXI NEWS

Taxi drivers in East Lothian have missed out on a vital fare increase after a shocked council failed to receive one fare consultation response from the trade.

Image credit: LEVC

LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) announced key leadership changes, with Joerg Hofmann standing down as CEO to pursue a new opportunity within the automotive industry. Joining in February 2019, Joerg Hofmann’s threeand-a-half years of leadership at LEVC have resulted in many significant achievements, with the company recently hitting a major milestone of 7,000 global sales of the TX electric taxi, the launch of a new light commercial vehicle, the VN5 and ever-growing demand for its purpose-built electrified products in UK and internationally.. From 1 September, Joerg Hofmann will take up a new CEO position within the automotive industry. LEVC have moved quickly to announce that from 1 July, Alex Nan will take over full responsibility for LEVC globally. To facilitate the handover of the CEO role, Joerg Hofmann will work closely with Alex Nan and support him through July to the end of August.

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Taxi drivers in the region now face a third year of frozen tariffs after all 70 taxi operators contacted directly by the council failed to respond. The East Lothian Council’s licensing sub-committee were left with little choice but to keep the fares static despite the incredible spike in fuel and living costs over the last 12 months. According to the East Lothian Courier, Committee members were however concerned over the lack of communication between the council and the taxi trade. It is not the first time East Lothian cab operators have returned a no-show on responses either. The last fares review started just before the pandemic lockdown on 20 March 2020 and ended six weeks later with no trade responses. Nearby Midlothian Council recently gave the green light for cabbies to receive a fare increase totalling up to 20% after six years of frozen fare reviews. The East Lothian licensing sub-committee will now contact taxi operators again to notify them of the fare freeze and seek new ways to engage with the taxi industry.

UK TAXI CHARITIES The Taxi Charity for Veterans was delighted to take the biggest group yet of veterans to the British Normandy Memorial. This June, in a week long trip to Normandy for the D Day Commemorations, the Taxi Charity was finally able to bring a large group of veterans to pay their respects at the beautiful British Normandy Memorial situated above Gold Beach. The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was thrilled to finally be able to take a group of twenty-four veterans including sixteen Normandy veterans, to the British Normandy Memorial in Ver Sur Mer on 4 June. Last year the Charity took veterans to watch the opening ceremony live from the Memorial Arboretum on screens in the UK when pandemic restrictions did not allow them to travel abroad.

Image credit: TAXI CHARITY

Edinburgh’s annual Taxi Outing to Troon was back after a two year break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

June’s fun filled event marked the 75th trip which saw volunteer black cab drivers drive young children with special needs around the city. The majority of the vehicles involved were decorated with balloons and other colourful items. Over 100 taxis took part in the event driving over 300 children through Edinburgh over to East Lothian’s Troon. Laurie Ross Insurance, one of the sponsors on the day, said: “It was wonderful to take part in the Glasgow Taxi to Troon today. Congratulations on 75 years, you knocked it out the park again!”

Image credit: LEVC

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Image credit: UNITE GLASGOW CAB SECTION

UK TAXI CHARITIES

Image credit: LTCFC

It’s the first time the LTCFC have done this kind of event on water. The children enjoyed the taster into kayaking and paddle boarding with year four student Maize Drew saying “I’ve never done this before and it’s the best thing ever“.

The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC) treated 30 school children to a fun filled and actionpacked wet adventure in the capital. On Friday 10 June, the LTCFC took 30 children from St Luke’s School on the Isle of Dogs for a fun day out at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre. The children, along with a team of staff members and helpers headed by Jessica Tough and Billy-Jo Canaway, had a fun-packed sunny morning kayaking and paddle boarding, assisted by the Docklands centre instructors Simon, Leila, and Courtney.

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The sailing centre, located in the west end of Millwall outer dock, has been in operation for the past 35 years delivering courses in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating and paddle sports for adults and children, but this was the first time that St Luke’s had visited this incredible purpose-built facility. The LTCFC believe the experience will increase the confidence the children have in their own abilities and would like to say a big thank you to all those involved in making it a smooth and happy day for everyone. To make a donation to the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children, text TAXI £5, £10 or £20 to 70085 or scan the QR code to donate via the website.

GLOBAL NEWS

Image credit: LEVC

Australian taxi drivers have welcomed in a new exemption on wheelchair accessible taxis that will save them $3,000 on new vehicles.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) vehicles in our State.

Party, said in Drive Now magazine: “These vehicles are crucial in our community and are relied upon by thousands of Victorians living with a disability – making this transition a big win for essential

“There are, however, requirements for this exemption - the vehicles must meet the requirements to provide unbooked work and must be less than two years old.”

“Yes, these vehicles are costly and, in many cases, The State Taxation and Treasury Legislation financially nonviable; we know this because taxi Amendment Bill 2022 introduced a new motor drivers and operators have been begging for vehicle exemption for wheelchair-accessible assistance to keep this essential service on our roads. commercial passenger vehicles, which will save Unfortunately, the running of this service has relied operators $3,000 off their next vehicle as of 1 July heavily on cross- subsidisation, which means that an 2022. operator can only provide a WAT service if subsidised The exemption means taxi drivers who are able to ply by more profitable work like a standard taxi sedan. -for-hire and pick-up unbooked work can save “This exemption is the result of me advocating thousands of dollars should they invest in a directly with the Treasurer. Not only does it wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) less than two acknowledge the importance of our WATs and their years old. essential role in our community, but it supports and provides value to the passengers utilising them. Rod Barton MLC, Leader of the Transport Matters

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GLOBAL NEWS Yokohama Rubber have announced that it has begun practical testing of its Tyre air Pressure Remote access System (TPRS) as a tyre solution service for taxi companies. The TPRS test is being conducted using tyre air-pressure sensors developed by Yokohama Rubber attached to the inner surface of tyres mounted on taxis operated by the two companies in Kyoto Prefecture and surrounding areas. The testing seeks to verify the effect of TPRS and the air pressure sensors attached to tyres’ inner surface, which Yokohama Rubber has developed as part of its response to changes in the automobile industry, such as ride-sharing services and other mobility options now available. TPRS and the air-pressure sensors attached to the tyres’ inner surfaces enable car fleet operators and Yokohama Rubber staff to remotely monitor tyre air pressure, temperature, and vehicle location.

Ride-hailing giants Uber have reintroduced SHARED RIDES after pausing them back in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions. Uber announced that UberX Share will arrive first in cities across the U.S., including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, Portland, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

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The rideshare firm plans to expand UberX Share to more cities over the summer.

Image credit: UBER

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