Hundreds of taxi drivers in Sheffield are currently out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic with many concerned as to what support is available. Government is due to announce a package of measures to help self employed workers who are facing a reduction in work. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Abdi Malik, Secretary of Sheffield Eagles Taxi Association.
A Sheffield taxi drivers association have welcomed the engagement of police and local authorities to address issues affecting the trade. Hundreds gathered at the annual general meeting of Sheffield Eagle Taxi Association to hear from Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police chief Stuart Walne and members of the Sheffield Council’s licensing committee. Issues discussed included driver safety, private hire regulation and clean air zone plans. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Taxi drivers across Sheffield have been invited to take part in health checks this week at the Pakistan Muslim Centre to improve their health and well-being. The health awareness event was to encourage cab drivers to have regular health checks including blood pressure and heart rate to help facilitate early intervention if necessary. The event was organised by the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association and Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Dozens of taxi drivers joined a demonstration outside the Town Hall against rules which allow drivers licensed by other local authorities to ply their trade in Sheffield. A convoy of drivers joined the protest from Atterclife, sounding their car horns and driving slowly to raise awareness of the issue. The Deregulation Act 2015 allows cross-border licensing of private hire and hackney carriage operators enabling drivers for Uber and some local companies to by-pass Sheffield Council’s licensing arrangements. Union officials argue that deregulation is putting public safety at risk. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A loophole in the law which has allowed over seven hundred taxi drivers to operate in Sheffield with licences issued by councils hundreds of miles away is set to end. From 1 November, private hire taxi companies will be obliged to give radio service only to Sheffield badge holders under new Sheffield City Council regulations. Sheffield Live! reporter, Simon Thake spoke to Ibrar Hussain, GMB union representative.
A loophole in the law has allowed over seven hundred Sheffield taxi drivers to operate with licences issued by councils hundreds of miles away. Over four hundred of the licences were issued in Rossendale, Lancashire. The news has sparked concerns over safety and welfare. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with taxi driver and GMB Sheffield union representative, Ibrar Hussain.