Is this the end of the road for Derby’s yellow Taxi’s?

/in ,

For the last 20 years Derby’s Hackney Carriages have been painted yellow. One of the deciding factors when Derby Council first went ahead with only Licencing vehicles that were yellow, was to help people with Disabilities and visual impairment identify Taxis.

Derby is classed amongst one of the most accessible cities in the world for those with disabilities and many disability charities have branded the councils decision a ‘’backwards step.’’

Yellow Taxis will have until 2025 to change their colour to black with a yellow stripe and all newly licensed vehicles will have to be presented to the council in the new colour scheme.

Truck Shows For Your Diary

/in ,

2019 has already seen a number of fantastic truck shows for truck lovers to visit, but if you haven’t already seen enough trucks this year here are some more events that are well worth going to:

Cumbria Power weekend – Pull and Truck show at Carlisle
Date: June 29th and June 30th 2019
Location: Kirkbride Airfield
Kirkbride Airfield
Kirkbride
Wigton
CA7 5HP

The event is organised by the Cumbria Tractor Pulling Club and this sees some of the best Tractors from across the country attend.

As well as the Tractors there is also a great Truck show with the following classes:

Best Artic Truck Unit
Best Rigid Truck (over 7.5ton)
Best Light Commercial (up to 7.5ton)
Best Classic & Vintage Truck
Best New Truck (up to 2years)
Best senior Truck (8years & over)
Best Owner Driver
Best Fleet (2 or more)
Best Custom Truck
Best Cumbrian Truck
Best Specialist Truck (Hiab, Sweeper, Tipper etc)
Truck of the Show (Entered in automatically)

Camping is also available for this event and there are bars and refreshments available.

Convoy in the Park
Date: August 10th and 11th 2019
Location: Donington Park Circuit
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2RP

This family friendly event is marketed as the ultimate celebration of trucks, drivers and life on the road. If you have a show truck this a event not to be missed with over 1,000 show trucks being on display. There are vintage trucks, trucks of different sizes and uses. Over the weekend there is also the opportunity to see the following:

Racing Action – British truck racing, Pickup truck racing championship, Legends cars championship, Britcar Endurance championship, Renault UK Clio Cup Junior and 2CV Championship.
Live Music
Kids Entertainers
Trade Stands
Stunt Shows
Monster Truck Rides

Also at the event is a used truck village, if you are looking to purchase a truck this is a great place to find one (don’t forget to call us for a quote as we have great rates for Truck insurance J).

Tickets are priced at £20 for an adult and kids under 13 go free.

Truckfest 2019 dates

Truckfest North East
Date: June 15th and 16th 2019
Location: Wolsingham Showground
Wolsingham

Truckfest West Midlands and Wales
Date: June 29th and 30th 2019
Location: Three Countries Showground
Malvern

Truckfest West Scotland
Date: June 29th and 30th 2019
Location: Three Countries Showground
Malvern

Truckfest South West
Date: 31st Aug and 1st Sept 2019
Location: Royal bath & West Showground
Shepton Mallet

Truckfest South East
Date: Sept 14th and 15th 2019
Location: Cheshire Showground
Knutsford

Truckfest Orignial – Season Finale
Date: Oct 5th and 6th 2019
Location: Newark & Notts Showground
Newark

Truckfest is one of the largest outdoor events in the UK with a number of shows across the country. Each show has family entertainment, celebrity guests, over 3000 trucks across all events as well as onsite camping.

Retro Truck Show – Showcasing Trucks from 1970 to 2000
Date: Sept 7th and 8th 2019
Location: British Motor Museum
Banbury Road
Gaydon
Warwickshire
CV35 0BJ

This event displays some of the very best modern classic trucks from 1970s to 2000 from across the UK, France and the EU. Trucks you will see there include DAFs, Scanias and Volvos as well as many others. Tickets are priced from £14.50 for adults and there is also camping available.

Here at Quotax we have a number of schemes to cater for a wide variety of Trucks from show trucks to lorries used for haulage – please give our team a call on 0208 691 9691.

Car Theft payouts at a 7 year high!

/in , , ,

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) the insurance industry trade body have said claims for January to March for vehicle thefts have hit their highest level in seven years.

Some facts for January to March:

· The number of claims increasing from 14,000 to over 16,000.

· Costs of thefts at £108 Million, an increase of 22% on the same period

· LAST 4 YEARS – Overall theft costs have doubled.

The ABI said that this was partly due to an increase in thefts for vehicles with keyless entry. Working in pairs the thieves use electronic signal devices to steal the owner’s vehicle. One often stands by the car whilst his partner stands close enough to pick up the signal from the key and amplify it so the vehicle electronics believes the owner is in the immediate vicinity.

Ways of reducing the risk of keyless car theft:

· Leave keys in a signal blocking wallet
· Install CCTV
· Install spot lighting overlooking the vehicle
· Install a tracking device – whilst it doesn’t stop the theft it increases the chance of the Police finding the vehicle.
· Invest in a steering Lock

Richardson Scores Knockout Win As He Closes In On Title Shot

/in ,

London Taxi Driver, Dean Richardson, downed his opponent three times on his way to a 3rd round knockout victory against Croatia’s Silvije Kebet at York Hall on 2nd March.

Now 9-0 with 6 knockouts, Dean looks to be on the verge of a Southern Area title fight. The same title is being fought for on 9th March between Sean Robinson and Josh Ejakpovi, with Richardson looking to fight the winner. In a post fight interview, Dean and his manager, Steve Goodwin, said they will sit down and plan a route to titles with a possibility of an English title eliminator if a fight for the Southern Area can’t be made and is looking to fight late May or early June.

We will keep you updated with more news on tickets as we receive them.

Quotax Insurance Expands With Opening Of New Office In Dartford, Kent

/in ,

Quotax Insurance is pleased to announce that they have recently opened a second office in Dartford, Kent; this is in addition to their current office which is on site at Ascott Cab Co in Deptford, South East London.

Quotax Insurance is a family run business that was started in 2004 by John Fosker who was himself a Licensed London Taxi Driver. This specialist Taxi Insurance Brokers is now owned by John’s 2 sons Daniel and Paul Fosker.

Daniel explains why Dartford has been chosen as the location for their second office;
“Over the past 14 years Quotax has widened its Insurer Panel so that they can accommodate almost any London Taxi Driver regardless of their age or experience. This has created growth within the business and we consequently have outgrown our current offices in Deptford.

When the owners of Ascott Cab Co advised us that they were developing a New Bodyshop in Dartford we were delighted that they had ample office space that would be a perfect fit for our growing Sales and Renewals Team. ‘’

Ascott Cab Co have invested a significant amount into their new Bodyshop; the new premises are capable of carrying out repairs to the new electric vehicle as well as turning around repairs on existing models faster.

Quotax recognises that there are a number of London Taxi Drivers who live around the Dartford area and we would be happy to quote for your Taxi Insurance face to face if you are in the vicinity, or of course as usual in the Deptford office.

The address of the new office is:
Quotax Insurance Services
Unit 7 Avery Way
Questor
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1JZ

London Taxi driver Dean Richardson returns to the ring on the 2nd March 2019

/in ,

London Taxi driver, Dean Richardson, returns to the ring on Saturday 2nd March as he looks to close in on titles.

The light-middleweight will be in a 6 round bout at York Hall, Bethnal Green, in the hope of setting up a shot at the Southern Area title later this year.

Richardson last boxed on 13th October, winning a shutout points victory and extended his record to 8 wins out of 8, with 5 knockouts.

This will be Dean’s second fight under new trainer Gary Logan, and the pair hope to pick up their first belt together in the very near future.

If you would like to show your support, tickets are priced at £40 Unreserved Seating, £65 Ringside and £100 and available on 07702 887088. Credit/debit card bookings can be made via http://bit.ly/mft-drichardson (booking fee applies)

Quotax continue partnership with Middleton Murray apprenticeship scheme

/in

Over the last few years Quotax have taken on a number of young talented individuals from Middleton Murray. Middleton Murray run an award winning Apprenticeship training scheme and the latest apprentice to join our expanding Commercial sales team is Kian Daniels. Quotax are pleased to give young people the opportunity to learn and develop a career in the insurance industry whilst being able to earn a salary. Kian will specialise in London Taxi and National Private Hire Insurance.

Kian is an avid Millwall Fan, in his free time he can often be found in the weight lifting section of the local gym. Kian’s favourite food is pasta or a sausage baguette from the local Café.

If you are interested in taking part in the apprenticeship scheme, the contact details for Middleton Murray are as follows:

Sidcup Office:

MiddletonMurray House
124A Station Road
Sidcup
Kent
DA15 7AB

Tel: 020 3857 9000

We wish Kian the very best in his new role within our company.

Minibus Tips For Winter

/in ,

At Quotax, we comprehend how useful minibuses can be – particularly in the winter season with transport being critical for festive school/work/community trips – but also understand the dangers of wintertime driving. Efforts must be made to further ensure the safety of passengers when making a journey at this time of the year and so we have produced a quick guide to help.

Have greater braking distances

As the minibus is a larger vehicle, it is heavier and therefore builds up more momentum. The time it takes to brake is longer and the stopping distance is bigger. When roads are icy and wet, the distance increases even more – it is essential to maintain reasonable space at all times.

Travel at slower speeds

Leading on from the point above, going slower is altogether beneficial. With the cold weather risks, moving at a moderately unhurried velocity means moving with stability. To have best control of the vehicle, and avoid the slippery hazards, we think you should stick to the inside lane.

Take regular breaks en route

If you are using a minibus, it is likely that you are travelling relatively far. As the driver, you should free to take frequent breaks if you need to. The climate towards the end and at the start of the year causes a more difficult setting for transport and requires care, diligence and focus. To avoid distraction and develop concentration, ultimately safety, the driver should plan small rests along the trip.

Check tyre pressure

Under inflated tyres pose a threat to grip and control. With a large vehicle, a minibus, it is absolutely crucial to confirm that the tyres are well pressured. If you’re making multiple journeys through the winter period, we recommend that you keep a close eye on the tyres to make sure that the tread is adequate and the pressure is at a safe level.

Thoroughly de-ice

Frost and ice restrain visibility, covering windscreens and mirrors. Before you embark on your group trip, you need to spend time de-icing properly. Sight is more than important, especially given the braking distance needs and ability to focus, and so it is wise to stock up on anti-freeze or de-icer for your minibus over the wintertime.

A Guide for School minibus drivers

/in ,

The ability of an individual to drive a minibus safely is extremely important due to the size and risk of driving such a large vehicle.

Our brief guide for (both potential and current) minibus drivers is comprised of the best tips and key advice. We have separated the manual into subheadings according to the most significant areas in preparing you for minibus driving and have included the necessary information regarding safety – because after all our aim here at Quotax is to simplify the journey.

Responsibility

Driving a minibus only occurs after volunteering to do so and therefore personal responsibility lays with the volunteer. If a mechanical defect is reported by police, the driver is accountable and is liable for fines, license points or even prosecution – regardless of whether they own the vehicle or not. The driver has the requirement to ensure that the insurance policy covers all leisure uses and information (i.e number of passengers, weight).

Training

Minibus use is typically associated with school trips or club outings and the training programmes for the permits are usually provided – with full funding – by the National Union of Teachers (NUT). The programmes cover all the key sections (vehicle familiarisation, emergency scenario, seatbelt use, disability aids and road assessment) and are generally several weeks long.

Checks

Before every minibus journey, the teacher driving should check the following components:

  • Fuel and oil level
  • Windscreen wipers/washers
  • Lights
  • Indicators
  • Brakes
  • First Aid Kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Permit on display
  • Seatbelts
  • Paperwork (insurance and driving license)

The teacher should also check at regular intervals – but not before every use – the following more mechanical aspects of the vehicle:

  • Tyre pressure (particularly critical given that under-inflated tyres are the main fault with accidents, according to Belt Up School Kids Campaign)
  • Coolant level
  • Brake fluid level

Permits

A Section 19 is a permit which enables an organisation to lend their minibus to another organisation, not for profit. If you do not lend the vehicle at all, you do not need a Section 19. The Traffic Area Network Office supplies the permits and can be contacted via the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA).

Driving Licenses

You can only drive a minibus if these 5 standards are met:

  • You must have a full car driving license and must have held it for at least two years
  • You must not drive a minibus with more than 16 passengers
  • You must be 21 or older
  • You must have a Section 19

Rules

In addition to those mentioned above, there are laws in place to better confirm the safety of minibus passengers:

  • A 2 point or 3 point lap seatbelt is required at every seat, including the disabled spaces
  • Children aged 14 or above are held personally responsible for their safety and seatbelt use
  • UK Minibuses going abroad have to comply to European Commission regulations over driving hours
  • Minibuses abroad must have a tachograph (a device used to record speed and distance of travel) attached
  • The past ‘3for2 concession’ (allowing three kids to share two seats) has been made illegal – every child must occupy an individual seat
  • The NUT has issued a strong recommendation that a 2nd driver is present in the minibus on all journeys (though this is not a law)
  • Pre 1997 driving licenses automatically included a minibus enabling qualification. After 1997, minibus drivers require an additional Category D1 test and pass (for which the Local Education Agency will pay)
  • School Minibuses typically have an Any Driver Policy so each teacher or staff member driving does not need to make themselves known on the insurance (unless they have previously committed crimes or have been involved in accidents)
TX Electric Taxi News

Tips For The Electric Taxi Over The Festive Period

/in ,

TX Electric Taxi

The TX from LEVC offers technological advantages for cabbies, especially through the winter, and acts as the perfect assistance for taxis in delivering quality service for passengers travelling during the cold seasons. Whether you are a TX driver or a cabbie considering purchasing one, at Quotax we think that an insight into some of its most beneficial features, particularly useful at this time of the year, could be helpful and so have created a list of the best tips below.

Ensure that Forward Collision Warning is switched on.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a digital instrument provided by the TX to alert the driver of potential collision risks ahead of the vehicle. It is particularly useful in the winter as braking can be done well in advance, reducing chances of control loss or slipping on ice, and so we heavily recommend that this is turned on.

 

Use the Lane Departure Warning.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is another TX electronic tool which displays its technological skill. The taxi analyses and processes the lane markings on the road and if you are drifting out of your lane, the LDW will, subsequently, produce an alert reminding the driver. Given the icy conditions with the cold and the ease of accidentally drifting, the LDW is extremely helpful indeed.

 

Adjust the heating zone.

To save energy and maximise the efficiency of the cab, the driver can adjust the heating zone to focus on specific areas of the vehicle. When it’s a cold day and there’s no passenger at that moment, the cabbie can cut off the heating circulation to the back and use less energy in heating their own space – another benefit for winter.

 

Use the programmable timer to pre-heat the cab.

As the taxi charges, the driver can set a timer for the heating system to activate. This allows the cabin to warm before the driver/passenger enters and makes the cab even more welcoming upon entry.

 

Turn on the heated seats.

The two points above both emphasise how advantageous the heating apparatus is and without doubt it is largely beneficial. However, the system also uses quite a lot of energy. The TX obviously has a method to solve this – heated seats. Utilising the heated seat application provides that sense of warmth, essential during winter, whilst keeping the energy consumption to a minimum. It is a great feature which we recommend you to make the most of.

 

Play Christmas music using the onboard Wi-Fi.

The TX has a Wi-Fi hub attached within every vehicle. So, as a driver of cold passengers through the winter period, you could cheer them up and restore that festive feeling by utilising the Wi-Fi to access music services and play the classics. We think that your passengers would appreciate it and so urge you to consider it.