left toys given to Salvation Army

Toys left on London Transport network given to charities

Over 500 unclaimed children’s toys left on London’s transport network has been donated to charity.

A mountain of new, unclaimed children’s toys which were handed in to Transport for London’s Lost Property Office this year have been given to The Salvation Army to donate to children in south London so they get a gift this Christmas.

Exactly a month before Christmas, TfL gave over 500 lost toys to the Deptford branch of The Salvation Army, for their Christmas Present Appeal. The Salvation Army is to work with Lewisham Council to distribute the toys to those who will appreciate them most and may otherwise have gone without this Christmas. This is the seventh year TfL’s Lost Property Office has donated new unclaimed children’s toys to The Salvation Army. All the brand new toys donated were left on the transport network and went unclaimed for over three months, they have all been provided in their packaging and will bring joy to children of all ages as they range from dolls and play sets to board games and electronic gadgets. Paul Cowan, Operations Performance Manager of the Lost Property Office, said: “Although it is a shame that these toys were not reclaimed by the original owners, the thought that they will now bring smiles to the faces of many children who might otherwise have gone without is heartwarming. The fact that so many brand new toys have been handed in is also a testament to the honesty of the travelling public in London.

The team at the Lost Property Office work extremely hard throughout the year to deal with hundreds of thousands of items of lost property and it is great to see their efforts highlighted once again through this donation to such a worthy cause.” Captain Kevin Stanbury, of The Salvation Army’s Deptford Community Church, said: “This donation from Transport for London is invaluable in allowing us to provide toys to children and families who would otherwise go without this Christmas.

The Salvation Army work closely with local council outreach workers to ensure that the toys go to those who are most in need. As a Church and charity we look to be there for people when they need us, not just at Christmas but all year round, by offering compassionate support and practical help which we hope our toy appeals are one example of. We hope families and children who were facing a bleak Christmas can now feel the joy and happiness that the season should bring.” It is estimated that the Lost Property Office has received over 15 million items since it was established in 1933.

Last year, over 246,000 items of property were found on the TfL network, ranging from bags, books and clothing to mobile phones, laptops, wallets and cameras. Over the years, many extraordinary items have been handed in to the Lost Property Office including false teeth and limbs, wedding dresses, stuffed animals, an urn of ashes and even a parachute. Close to one quarter of items found on the network are restored to their owner. Higher value items and those with unique identification, such as mobile phones and wallets have a better success rate with up to half being returned. Items not claimed after three months have personal data removed and securely destroyed before either being donated to charities including The Salvation Army and the British Red Cross, recycled, disposed of, or sold at auction. Any revenue generated from unclaimed items contributes towards the cost of running the Lost Property Office.

left toys given to Salvation Army
TaxiCabNews

 

Uber Accident crushes bike

Uber Driver Crushes Bike

Uber Driver allegedly drove into a Cyclist on the Wlaworth Road, Camberwell at 8pm whilst carrying two passengers.
The cyclist was treated for minor cuts and bruises at the scene and was lucky to escape without more serious injuries as his Cycle was completely crushed in the incident.
A spokesman for Uber said: “Trust and safety are of importance to Uber, as such we are shocked to learn that one of our partner drivers was involved in this incident.
“We are in touch with the authorities and have asked them to pass our details to the cyclist so we can offer our full support. The driver has been deactivated from the Uber platform whilst we investigate.”

Uber Accident crushes bike

Highbury corner bridge replacement

TfL are replacing the bridge at Highbury Corner – the bridge was built around 1850 to carry the Holloway Road (A1) over London Overground’s East London line and Network Rail’s Northern line. Highbury & Islington station sits on the bridge. Now the bridge carries more than 25,000 vehicles a day over the railway lines by Highbury and Islington station. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the duration of the works. Nick Fairholme, Director of Projects & Programmes for Surface Transport at TfL, said: “Highbury Corner is a key junction in London and it is therefore important that we ensure that it can continue to remain usable and safe for years to come.

We are committed to completing these bridge works as quickly and efficiently as possible and will keep the local community and road users informed of progress as we work to deliver these vital improvements.”
During these works, TfL will also continue to develop a scheme to remove the Highbury Corner gyratory, creating new facilities for pedestrians and cyclists as well as improving the look and feel of the local area. These improvements, which form part of TfL’s 33 “Better Junctions” programme, will help transform the area and support the continuing regeneration of Highbury. A consultation will begin on the final concept design for these plans by late 2015.

OLD POST OFFICE

The empty Post Office building needs to be demolished, and TfL expect to start work in the week beginning Monday 5 January 2015. The demolition work will be completed by March 2015.
ROAD CLOSURES: HIGHBURY STATION ROAD AND HIGHBURY CRESCENT
Highbury Station Road (east of Swan Yard) will be closed from the end of 2014 and Highbury Crescent (between Highbury Terrace and Highbury Place) will be closed from January 2015. Both will be closed for the duration of the works.

Taxicabnews

New Quotax Insurance News

Welcome to the Quotax Insurance news page, we will be bringing you regular updates on the latest news and general information related to the industries we provide cover for including taxi & minibus insurance, as well as medical and motor trade cover.

Whether the posts are about insurance specific products or are general industry news, we will try to provide you with as much information as possible and hope you find each post useful.

Ponytail Gives away Unlicenced Driver

A Manchester man who had operated a hackney carriage without a licence or insurance has been ordered to pay more than £900 and received eight penalty points in Court on November 6. He was stopped back in May and when questioned gave a false name and produced a fake licence that did not look like him. The driver, Mr Ali had a full head of hair but claimed the picture of an older man with a bald head was his; he said he had been using hair regrowth products and underwent a transplant using horse hair. He was fined £50 for being an unlicensed hackney carriage driver, £80 for driving without insurance and £165 for taking the vehicle without consent, as well as being ordered to pay £589 in costs and a victim surcharge of £20. Checks found that Ali had previously held a Hackney carriage licence but had been refused a new application in April 2012.

TaxiCabNews

Ruling regarding Children in arms in London Taxis

Following a number of quiries from clients regarding whether they are covered for children in arms and whether two under 10s count as 1, Quotax wrote to TFL asking for clarification, please see their response below:

This can be a complex issue but with the application of common sense it is usually overcome very quickly.

The notice 45/06 attached in this email summarises the various seat belt and child restraint legislation for children under 12 and under 1.35m (small child) and children age 13 and over 1.35m (large child).

In brief, children travelling in vehicles must when available use an appropriate restraint which meets the child’s age, height and size requirements. However, there are qualifying exemptions to this rule when travelling in taxis fitted with partition screens, these are laid out in the attached Notice.

The legal requirements, responsibilities of the driver need to be taken within the context of the various qualifying exemptions as summarised in the notice:

•      The driver of a PHV without a partition screen fitted does have a legal responsibility for ensuring children do wear the appropriate seats belts where available
•      Where taxis have a partition screen it is in the interest of the taxi driver to ensure all passengers, including children, wear an appropriate restraint
•      For taxis, there are no examples or descriptions of how children may travel unrestrained, such as travelling on the lap of the parent or guardian
•      The qualifying exemption does not specify a number of children that may travel unrestrained
•      The age of children are those that are defined in notice 45/06

The driver will need to make an informed assessment and judgement at the time of travel as to whether or not the hiring is accepted (the driver should have the last word in this matter).

Taking all of the above into account the common sense approach to this should be that all occupants of a taxi should be appropriately protected in the event of a collision. This means that all occupants should wear an appropriate seat belt and the guardian of any children should take responsibility for ensuring that their children are appropriately restrained either with a seatbelt, use of a child seat (provided by the guardian) or the child should be attached appropriately to the guardian themselves.

Drivers are not allowed to take any more passengers than is stated on the taxi licence plate so, taking into account the information above,  they will have to make informed decisions regarding the carriage of adults and accompanying children

Please see PCO notice below

PCO Notice 45/06
Wearing of seat belts and child restraints –
amended legislation from 18 September 2006
With effect from 18 September 2006, the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993 and associated legislation will include particular requirements, and exemptions, relating to both adults and children wearing seat belts and/or appropriate restraints. The following is a summary of the new rules as they relate to passengers in taxis and private hire vehicles.
Child restraint regulations
The regulations state that if a child is under 12 years old and under 1.35m [4ft 5ins] in height (a small child) they must either be in a child restraint appropriate for the weight and height of the child with that restraint marked as complying with the relevant British or European Standard, or in a child restraint that would be legal for that child in another EU member state.
If the child is 12 or 13 years old or over 1.35m in height (a large child) they must either be in a child restraint appropriate for the weight and height of the child with that restraint marked as complying with the relevant British or European Standard, or use an adult seat belt.
However, taxis and private hire vehicles are not required to provide child restraints and there are qualified exemptions allowing children to travel unrestrained in those vehicles.
Taxis and private hire vehicles with a fixed partition between the driver and passenger compartments
Children may travel unrestrained if no appropriate restraint is provided in the passenger compartment. Where an appropriate restraint is available, this should be used.
Private hire vehicles without a partition between the driver and passenger compartments
Child passengers aged under 3 years of age
• Front seat – an appropriate child restraint must be used. No rear facing child restraint can be used in the front seat if the vehicle is fitted with a front passenger air bag unless it has been deactivated
Page 2 of 3
(or is designed or adapted so it cannot inflate in a way that poses a risk to a child in a rear facing child seat).
• Rear seat – an appropriate child restraint must be used if available but a child may travel unrestrained if an appropriate restraint is not available.
Responsibility for compliance rests with the driver.
Child passengers aged 3 to 11 and under 1.35 metres [4ft 5ins] in height
• Front seat – an appropriate child restraint must be used.
• Rear seat – an appropriate child restraint must be used if available where seat belts are fitted. In addition, a child must use an adult belt if;-
a) the appropriate child restraint is not available
b) two occupied child restraints prevent the fitting of a third.
Responsibility for compliance rests with the driver.
Child passengers aged 12 or 13, or over 1.35 metres [4ft 5 ins] in height
• Front seat – appropriate child restraint or adult seat belt must be used
• Rear seat – if a seat belt is fitted the child must use either an appropriate child restraint or an adult seat belt
Responsibility for compliance rests with the driver.
Adult passengers
• Front seats – adult seat belt must be worn if fitted
• Rear seats – adult seat belt must be worn if fitted
Responsibility for compliance rests with the passenger.
Drivers
• The driver of a licensed taxi is required to wear a seatbelt when not plying for hire, answering a call for hire or carrying passengers.
• The driver of a licensed private hire vehicle is required to wear a seatbelt when not carrying passengers for hire.
Responsibility for compliance rests with the driver
Page 3 of 3
The legislation
The information contained within this notice does not present the full requirements of this complex legislation but attempts to focus on the elements relevant to the taxi and private hire trade.
The legislation that this notice relates to is:
• Sections 14 – 15B of the Road Traffic Act 1998;
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993, as amended; and,
• The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993, as amended.
Further information on the new regulations may be found on the following website http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm
RoyEllis
13 September 2006 Head of the Public Carriage Office

 

Children’s Magical Taxi Tour 2014

A convoy of cabs left the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf early on the morning of 12th September, destination Disneyland Paris. The 21st annual Children’s Magical Taxi Tour had begun – with lots of excited children (and cab drivers) gathering for the Big Breakfast Send Off.

This breakfast was attended by sponsors and dignitaries alongside the VIP guests – the children – with The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens of the City of London Alderman Sir David Howard cutting the ribbon at 07:40 sharp signalling the beginning of the trip.

magic-taxi-2014-5

Office workers at the venue were surprised at the sight which greeted them and stood to watch in amazement as the convoy set off, horns blaring to bid farewell, each cab with the sponsors names emblazoned on the side.

More than 400 people set off on this year’s trip, taking children with life limiting illnesses on such a magical journey. As well as the children, the Magical Taxi Tour was supported by medical teams, ambulances, breakdown services and carers. The trip, organised by The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, was escorted by police officers from the City of London Police, UK and also fellow officers from over the channel, the Gendarmerie Nationale. The Big Breakfast Send Off saw the Royal British Legion Band from Romford entertain everybody and the charity is grateful for the support from the Marriot Hotel Canary Wharf for the provision of packed lunches, the London Taxi Company for the spending money for the children and Ampersand for the breakfast itself.
Each year the tour reaches another milestone; more than 4800 children have been on this trip over the course of its 21 year history. It is thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the taxi drivers who give their time freely that the trip has grown and gone from strength to strength, together with support of the Livery Companies and the corporate sector. Some of the taxi drivers have actually taken part in every single trip since the first one in 1994, an amazing commitment.

magic-taxi-2014-4

They are used to the cries of “Are we nearly there yet” that begin as the convoy lands in Calais following crossing the channel on a P&O ferry. The ferry trips are also donated kindly by P&O. The car deck full of London taxis is quite a surprising sight to fellow travellers, as is the hotel car park full of cabs over the weekend. This year the convoy enjoyed a lovely sunny day for the journey down to Disneyland and many were on the outside decks of the ferry.

A refuelling stop at the Aire De Repos Assevillers Ouest services saw quite a sight to greet the convoy. Giant characters were waving, a room had been set aside especially for the guests of the convoy where the children found snacks, sweets and drinks waiting for them. Face painters were also on hand and it was somewhat hard to persuade the children to get back to their cabs when it was time to leave as they were enjoying a good time. Then it was onwards to our final destination. Although we were a bit delayed by traffic queues, we arrived at the Disneyland resort in daylight, giving the children their first glimpse of the enchanted kingdom in the distance. As the taxis arrived at the Cheyenne hotel – cowboy themed and decorated – some of the Disney characters were waiting to greet the children and this was greeted by lots of happy faces. Having checked in to the hotel, dinner was in the Chuck Wagon. Drivers took the chance to relax and enjoy the evening before the visit to the theme park the next day. Bright and early on Saturday, everyone headed into the Park itself. With so many rides and things to experience in the park this is a fun packed day which this year was enjoyed in beautiful sunshine.

 

Behind the scenes, the team from the charity are always working to ensure the children have a great time. As the children and drivers enjoyed their time in the park, others were preparing packed lunches for the return journey, with sandwiches donated by M&S.

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This fun packed day is followed by a Gala Dinner, which is also attended by the Disney characters who sign autographs and pose for photos with the children – truly magical. During the evening the party atmosphere continued with a disco. All too soon the evening was over and it was time for bed before the journey homewards. First thing on Sunday as drivers packed the cabs with their guests’ luggage, the police – both English and French – were showing the children their cars and motorbikes and the hotel car park became a very noisy place to be with sirens blaring and blue lights flashing. The convoy then departed for Calais. A quick refuel stop, then onto another P&O ferry for the return to the UK.

magic-taxi-2014-2

Fund raising in today’s economic climate is more difficult than it has been in the past and without the continuing support of the drivers, City Liveries and the Magical Taxi Tour sponsors this event could not carry on. New sponsors come on board each year as they learn more about the trip and how much pleasure it brings. Fund raising events are held, such as the Dinner Dance held each December and those involved in the charity this year have done some different things to raise funds, including the Three Peaks Challenge and some ice bucket challenges. The Disney Organising Committee is confident it will be able to carry on bringing smiles to the faces of the children and the supporting team who travel. The Committee is extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this year’s trip so successful; every bit of help and support counts in making this the trip of a lifetime for the children. Each year the preparation for the trip sees goodie bags filled, the cabs liveried with their sponsors names, meetings with P&O, lots of telephone calls, vehicles lent to the trip as support, food ordered, a briefing meeting, to name but a few. It is this preparation which results in a trip which looks seamless and shows the generosity of the cab trade, as with so many of our trade charities. Long may it continue.
Next year’s trip will take place on 18th September and fund raising has already begun…….

Sandie Goodwin

Taxicabnews

magic-taxi-2014-1

Geely close to announcing new home for TX5 production

Black Cab maker Geely are close to announcing Coventry’s 100 acre Ansty Park as the new home for the factory that will be building the upgraded TX5. A formal decision is expected in May.

The UK government have worked with Geely during the last year to secure the major investment and put forward a number of sites across the UK. The site in Leeds is expected to be chosen due to its close proximity to the existing Manganese Bronze Holdings headquarters on Holyhead Road in Coventry.

If they go ahead the factory is set to cost in the region of £150 million and the building is set to take the place on the remaining development land to the south of the phase 2 area at Ansty Park, which is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency and is located next to junction 2 of the M6. The second phase of the bilding work is likely to comprise of 6 buildings ranging in size from 34,000 sq ft to 90,000 sq ft.

Geely already owned 20% stake in the London Taxi Company and saved it from administration in 2012.

Hailo Pulls out of North America

Hailo Network Ltd. Have made the decision to pull out of North America citing intense competition from companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. Lyft Inc and Get Taxis Inc.
Uber have made significant gains in the worldwide app hailing technology market and have met significant resistance from Taxi Drivers and regulators.

In London Black Taxi drivers held several protests, they felt TFL were not regulating Uber correctly, as well as several other Licencing issues in London.

App Hailing technology has seen £1 billion in venture Capital invested intp this sector.
Hailo initially took a different approach working with traditional Taxi drivers in both London and New York but they recently opened up their services to Private Hire and this angered many of the London Black Taxi drivers, many of whom moved to Get Taxi.

Chief Executive Tom Barr said that they would concentrate on the expansion in Europe and Asia rather than compete with the astronomical marketing costs required to compete in North America.

GetTaxi cuts most London fares to £5

The Taxi app service GetTaxi has fought back aggressively against competitors in the London Taxi/Private Hire by cutting its fares to £5 for many of the jorneys across London for the rest of the year.
GetTaxi are charging a flat rate of £5 for travel of up to 10km, in areas outside the centre of London. The Isreal-based company has already run a similar scheme in New York, with customers who hailed yellow cabs in Manhattan for under an hour charged at 10$. Uber has cut prices by up to 20% in most of the cities they operate.
GetTaxi have heavily relied soley on London Black Taxis and have not followed other app companies by using Private Hire to transport a percentage of their client base.
All of the major app companies have seen significant investment over the last few months with GetTaxi raising $150 million and Uber a huge $1bn after raising $1.2 billion only 6 months ago.
The huge influx of investment has already seen some apps retreating from unprofitable cities, with Hailo leaving North America altogether in October.
Remo Gerber Chief executive of GetTaxi UK said ‘’We believe by introducing these fantastic flat and fixed prices, consumers will see huge benefits of taking black cabs over minicabs, plus all our drivers are fully licenced and undergo extensive criminal record checks.’’