Transport for London’s plans to force private hire drivers into “zero emissions capable” plug-in hybrids could make London’s pollution problem worse, panellists at the LPHCA conference claimed.

The biggest and best reader-judged car awards programme in the country just keeps growing. We expanded our 2018 Professional Driver Car of the Year Judging event to two days this year, at our regular venue at Sandown Park racecourse in Esher, Surrey. And for…

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association has expressed “grave concerns” over a number of recommendations in a new Department for Transport report into the taxi and private hire trade.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has asked for powers to cap the number of private hire drivers linked to ride-sharing apps in the capital, claiming the rise in numbers since Uber’s market entry in 2012 has increased congestion and pollution.

Indian Uber rival Ola has revealed plans to launch in the UK next month. The company has obtained private hire licences in Manchester and South Wales, and the company is promising more generous commissions for its drivers than they could earn with Uber.

Chauffeur finance specialist Ethos, has relocated to larger premises to support its strong business growth. The company is staying in south Harrogate, and has moved to a larger office suite on the same business park.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (pictured) is launching a consultation across the city in a bid to draw up common licensing standards for private hire and taxi regulations across all authorities within Greater Manchester.

Lancashire-based transport and accommodation provider CMAC Group has acquired managed taxi specialist Cabfind from Transdev, creating the UK’s largest corporate ground transportation network with revenues in excess of £50 million.

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association has reacted angrily to Transport for London’s proposal to remove the exemption from congestion charging for London’s licensed private hire vehicles, minicabs and chauffeur cars.

Joel Hope-Bell, chief executive officer of leading private hire operator Veezu, has died aged 44, following a short battle with cancer.

Karhoo has announced it is can offer integration with the largest UK Dispatch Management System (DMS) partners, including Autocab and iCabbi.

A London court has granted Uber a short-term “probationary” license to operate in the English capital for the next 15 months, subject to the taxi app obeying stricter conditions.

Club Class Chauffeurs has taken delivery of 41 new Volvo saloons, estates and SUVs as part of a major fleet renewal.

iCabbi has announced a strategic partnership with RCI Bank and Services, the financial services provider for Groupe Renault.

Professional Driver is saddened to report the death of John Coombes Senior, founder of Blackpool-based chauffeur operator Fylde Executive Cars, on June 17, following a long and courageous battle against Leukaemia.

Trade union GMB has called on the government to outlaw ride-sharing in private hire vehicles. The move would ensure the safety of private hire drivers and their passengers, the Union resolved at its annual congress yesterday.

Ford dealers are gearing up for a Business Week event starting tomorrow, June 2, to June 10. The dealer network is priming its business specialists to target drivers working for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).