Profesional Driver Magazine

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412815

The Czech automaker has just released details of a revised version of its Octavia hatchback and estate range, which the company describes as “the backbone of the brand”. With more than 7.15 million units sold since 1996, it is by far Skoda’s best-selling model.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412795

The government is looking at the VAT issue on taxi and private hire fares, and it could decide to impose a blanket 20% “taxi tax” across all fares, which would result in steep fare rises across England and Wales.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412790

The Bill will allow Transport for London to devise a licensing scheme for the pedal-powered rickshaws, with the ability to impose fare controls and to crack down on poor safety standards, dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour in hotspots such as Soho and Covent Garden.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412762

The council is currently running a consultation into changes to its policy, including the application process, ages of vehicles, DBS checks and signage.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412718

From January 1, 2026, all vehicles must adhere to ULEV standards, which means tailpipe emissions of no more than 75g/km of CO2. Non-compliant vehicles will have to pay £8 per day to enter the Oxford UL*Z.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412666

“Not equalising the VAT on public charging of EVs with domestic charging is a missed opportunity to encourage more car owners to switch to an EV and contribute towards the UK goal of Net Zero,” said Jack Cousens (pictured), the AA’s head of roads policy.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412623

One of my granddaughters asked what I did for a living. The Oxford English dictionary translates the French word ‘chauffeur’ (which simply means ‘driver’) into English using the following vague description: “Someone hired to drive a car for, usually, rich and/or famous people”.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412535

For self-employed drivers, this change brings both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, MTD mandates the use of digital tools for keeping records and submitting tax returns, which could streamline processes, reduce errors, and potentially offer real-time clarity on tax liabilities, helping wit...

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412371

No strategy and no policies equals no direction so no one should be surprised if the vacuum is filled by well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning groups that can see the gap and decide to do something about it.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412357

Many electric cars have been SUV shaped, and thus don’t provide the ideal replacement for the kind of roomy estates favoured by private hire operators specializing in airport transfers and other journeys where passengers and their luggage need to be moved.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412238

New research has shone the spotlight on the escalating cost of dropping off and picking up customers at UK airports. And the report’s authors, the British Travel Association, is calling for action to remove, or at least reduce, the charges.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412190

The London Assembly Transport Committee published what it called a “comprehensive set of recommendations” to London Mayor Sadiq Khan last month. But the report is couched in management-speak, and seems to skirt round addressing any issues of genuine concern.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412128

The council, which covers a number of towns and villages close to the airport, has brought in a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing long-standing community grievances over issues such public urination, defecation and littering by drivers waiting for fares near residential areas.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412111

Skoda’s flagship non-electric model returns with a fourth generation that offers more space, enhanced design and a more efficient powertrain selection.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412103

Simon Geere, CEO at Farnborough Airport said: “The collaboration with BMW and the showcase of their all-electric i7 not only reflects our dedication to providing a unique guest experience, but it also highlights our commitment to innovation.”

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412095

Transport for Greater Manchester wants to change the law in a bid to restrict Mancunian private hire drivers from getting licensed by other local authorities.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46412007

This strategic acquisition adds a further 80 cars to the fast-growing Take Me national fleet. Under the deal, Direct Taxis will work closely with the Solihull-based arm of Take Me.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46411974

Uber has restarted launches in UK towns and cities following the collapse of the Local Car scheme late last year.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46411956

The acquisition of Green Tomato Cars in June 2023, and the earlier acquisition of black taxi firm ComCab in July 2021, has also enhanced the suite of services available on the Addison Lee platform and significantly bolstered its supply of drivers to over 7,500.

10/04/2024

https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue/s/46411870

The move is Veezu’s first move on to the South Coast, and represents the biggest deal for the fast-growing group since it bought Sheffield's City Taxis and Britannia Taxis of Liverpool last year.

09/04/2024

Read our latest publication on Issuu: https://issuu.com/prodrivermags/docs/prodriver_march_2024_issue

18/03/2024

Join us this summer for an opportunity to test the latest cars for the private hire and chauffeur market. It's free to all licensed drivers and operators, and you'll be helping Professional Driver magazine choose our Cars of the Year for 2024. We'll have around 50 cars on the day, including all the latest electric and hybrid models. We're back at Epsom Racecourse this year, on Tuesday, August 20. To register for your free ticket, visit https://lnkd.in/dEtFNXA


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12/12/2023

The trade union that won landmark employment rulings against Uber has been plunged into chaos after an internal report highlighted multiple cases of abusive and

12/12/2023

Curtis Gabriel, the technology and marketing business that specialised in running private hire operators’ social media accounts, has gone into administration. I

21/09/2023

Ride-hailing operator Bolt has launched a dedicated Pet category in London, with a supplementary charge for passengers wishing to bring animals with them on their journeys. Deborah Meijer, Head of Operations for Bolt in London said: “The category implements a level of transparency which will be ap...

21/09/2023

Be.EV announces 60 rapid charging points dedicated to EV private hire in Greater Manchester, funded by a £5.9 million grant, with discounted rates and a new EV charging hub.

19/09/2023

Three Glasgow taxi operators' licenses revoked for non-compliance with low emissions zone regulations, leading to fines and calls for a more sympathetic approach by the council.

18/09/2023

Manchester City Council removes requirement for private hire vehicles to display operator details, allowing drivers to work for multiple operators and improving passenger choice. GMB Union celebrates the decision.

18/09/2023

Apple Taxis, Exeter’s largest private hire company, is considering ending services in response to increased fares, violence, and abuse caused by recent road closures in the city.

09/08/2023

With Clean Air Zones, congestion charging and increasingly eco-conscious customers, it’s now the time to think about going electric. Professional Driver’s Car of the Year judging days offer you the chance to drive more than 40 of the latest electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, so it’s a great...