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STV News
27 minutes ago
- Business
- STV News
Councillors reject proposal to increase taxi fares
Councillors have rejected a proposed increase to taxi fares, choosing instead to maintain the current fare structure following strong public opposition. Taxi drivers had sought an increase on basic fare up to three-quarters of a mile (up from £4 to £4.50) and the rate for subsequent distances (up from 20p to 25p every 125 yards), citing increased costs. But concerns about the impact on people who rely on taxis and stating that the increase would make East Ayrshire the fourth highest in Scotland and the 21st highest in the UK helped councillors on the panel decide to reject the increases. A basic two-mile journey in East Ayrshire currently comes in around £7.60, following a review of fares in 2023, which went into effect in 2024. South and North Ayrshire Councils have conducted their own reviews recently, with South Ayrshire leapfrogging East Ayrshire on trade journal Private Hire and Taxi Monthly's regular taxi fare league table. At the 80th highest in the UK, a two-mile journey costs around £8. At £6.40, North Ayrshire remains significantly lower and is well down the table in 274th place. Chief governance officer, David Mitchell, told councillors that, according to the industry, East Ayrshire was the 120th highest in the UK using the basic two-mile taxi journey. That position regularly changes as councils review their rates at different times, as one of the drivers in attendance interjected during the meeting. That is backed up by the position in June 2024, when it was ranked 93rd highest, falling over the last 12 months as other areas raised their fares. Mr Mitchell pointed towards the correspondence from the public, the majority of which was unsurprisingly against an increase. However, he did add that 'leaving aside the toxicity, the hostility and the usual rhetoric, and even leaving behind that some people do not understand this as the council doesn't stand to make any money or profit out of the fares', all of the responses from the public opposed the hike. Mr Mitchell also pointed out that some responses complained about the increase in public holidays, not accounting for the drivers who would have to work those holidays. A total of 12 submissions were received during the consultation period, all opposing the proposed changes. Many of these did appear to believe, incorrectly, that the council operated the taxis and received income from fares. Respondents raised issues ranging from cost of living pressures and accessibility for hospital and shift workers, to claims that East Ayrshire already has some of the highest taxi fares in the UK. Concerns were also raised about the transparency of the process, the fairness of the current pricing model for longer journeys, and anecdotal reports of overcharging by drivers. Councillors acknowledged the issues faced by taxi drivers but said that the impact on passengers and their position as one of the highest in the country was reason enough to keep fares at their current levels. The rejected proposal would have seen a 1.5-mile journey rise from £6.20 to £7.25, with longer journeys rising proportionally. Some surcharges, including the fee for additional passengers in multi-seater taxis, were also due to increase by up to 50 per cent. The Licensing Panel had been required by law to review the fares within an 18-month cycle. With no changes to the fares, the existing tariff will remain in effect beyond July 31, 2025, pending any future review or appeal. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
an hour ago
- Science
- STV News
SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas explodes, but no injuries reported
A SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas exploded on Wednesday night, sending a dramatic fireball high into the sky. The company said the Starship 'experienced a major anomaly' at about 11pm while on the test stand preparing for the 10th flight test at Starbase, SpaceX's launch site at the southern tip of the US state. 'A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,' SpaceX said in a statement on X. It marked the latest in a series of incidents involving Starship rockets. On January 16, one of the massive rockets broke apart in what the company called a 'rapid unscheduled disassembly', sending trails of flaming debris near the Caribbean. Two months later, Space X lost contact with another Starship during a March 6 test flight as the spacecraft broke apart, with wreckage seen streaming over Florida. Following the back-to-back explosions, one of the 123-metre (403ft) Starship rockets, launched from Starbase, tumbled out of control and broke apart on March 27. SpaceX had hoped to release a series of mock satellites following lift-off, but this was halted when the door failed to open all the way. The spacecraft then began spinning and made an uncontrolled landing in the Indian Ocean. PA Media SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk (Susan Walsh/AP). PA Media At the time, SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk called the launch 'a big improvement' from the two previous demonstrations and promised a much faster launch pace moving forward, with a Starship soaring every three to four weeks for the next three flights. SpaceX said Wednesday night's explosion posed no hazards to nearby communities. It asked people not to try to approach the site. The company said it was working with local officials to respond to the explosion. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
an hour ago
- STV News
Woman handed ten-year ban after running illegal puppy farm
A woman has been handed a ten-year ban from owning animals after running an illegal puppy farm in East Ayrshire. Julie Taylor was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to illegally selling puppies and failing to provide for their basic welfare needs. The puppies were described as being kept in poor conditions, separated prematurely from their mothers, and not provided with appropriate veterinary care or vaccinations. Many were housed in unsuitable, unhygienic environments that posed a serious risk to their health. Scottish SPCA opened an investigation after a concerned member of the public responded to an online advert on the site Pets4Home in December 2023. The person had met Taylor to purchase a puppy but noticed that the animal emitted a strong odour, appeared lethargic and frightened, and had a visibly distended stomach. SSPCA Julie Taylor illegally sold puppies and failed to provide for their basic welfare needs. Taylor could also not provide clear answers about the puppy's age or details about its mother during the transaction. The witness told a Scottish SPCA inspector that within a day of the purchase, the puppy's health deteriorated rapidly. A veterinary examination revealed the puppy was approximately eight weeks old, rather than ten, and was suffering from a respiratory infection. 'The puppy had not been microchipped and showed signs of poor care consistent with having come from a puppy farm,' the officer said. The puppy was prescribed antibiotics and probiotics, but her condition worsened. Further veterinary treatment identified potential lung and ear infections, as well as internal parasites. 'Vets noted that the animal's suffering could have been avoided with proper health protocols and concluded the conditions were consistent with those found in illegal puppy farms,' the report added. The animal charity said the case highlights the 'distressing consequences' of the illegal puppy trade. 'Puppies raised in unlicensed, unregulated environments often suffer serious illness or even death due to early separation from their mothers, lack of proper care, and exposure to parasites,' SSPCA said. Taylor was found to have sold puppies without the necessary licence and failed to take steps to ensure the welfare of 16 puppies. She was given a ten-year ban on keeping animals, a 200-hour community payback order, a five-month restriction of liberty order and was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work. A spokesperson for the SSPCA said the charity was satisfied with the outcome due to Taylor's 'significant role' in the illegal and unethical puppy trade. 'We receive frequent complaints from buyers whose new puppies are seriously ill shortly after purchase. Many sellers use online platforms while posing as private individuals to avoid scrutiny,' they said. 'The financial and emotional burden placed on unsuspecting buyers is huge, and there can also be serious health risks to humans from infections such as roundworms.' The spokesperson continued: 'The sentence sends a clear message to others engaged in this type of activity. The scale of suffering in cases like this is unacceptable and avoidable. Stronger deterrents are needed to combat the illegal puppy trade and protect both animals and the public.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
2 hours ago
- Business
- STV News
Council to consider using AI to cut costs and improve service
Renfrewshire Council will consider how artificial intelligence (AI) can cut costs and improve service delivery after the 'success' of its digital adviser, Millie. The local authority will embark upon an AI transformation assessment, including commissioning an AI partner, so it can gain a 'clearer understanding' of how the technology can make the organisation more efficient. This process aims to support the development of a business case that will outline 'the scale of opportunity' and priorities for building on Millie, which launched in November and has attracted mixed feedback. The state of play was set out in a report on the council's transformation and change programme, which also confirmed a 'working relationship' with Derby City Council to share best practice with the leadership board on Wednesday. It said: 'Based on Millie's success so far and the learning established from the AI innovation being progressed by Derby City Council (and other authorities across the UK), it is planned to progress an AI transformation assessment across the council over the coming months, which will involve, as a first step, commissioning an AI partner via an appropriate procurement route. 'Through a series of stakeholder engagement, workshops, data analysis, financial validation solution demonstrations and trials, this AI transformation assessment will give the council a clearer understanding of how AI solutions can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve service delivery. 'This critical initial assessment stage will support the development of a full business case that is intended to be brought back to a future board for detailed consideration later in the year. 'The business case will provide a clear understanding of the scale of opportunity and the key priorities for building on the success of Millie and progressing the council's sector-leading development of AI capability.' Councillor Graeme Clark, a Labour representative for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, said at the meeting: 'I'm glad that this council has committed to using AI as part of its services, as part of the transformation assessment. 'Do we have an estimate of the savings that AI may bring to the council through that commitment?' Council chief executive Alan Russell responded: 'That business case process will help us understand your question. 'I would be slightly uncomfortable committing to even an indication of that at the moment. 'It's a rapidly developing area, and I think the opportunities will continue to grow. 'The report does note that we are working closely with Derby City Council down south, who are a bit further ahead in the journey than us. 'I think that's very helpful. They've been very accommodating and open to working with us in partnership. 'They're maybe about a year or so ahead of us in that journey, they do have AI transformation as a key part of their transformation programme, which is looking to deliver several million pounds of efficiency savings, and they're well down the road on that. 'But no two organisations are the same, and we need to understand how it will work for Renfrewshire and, in terms of our circumstances, how we deliver services here. 'I've got no doubt it does provide the potential to deliver a step change in how we use that technology and how it supports the workforce to do all of our jobs better and support delivery of better outcomes.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
3 hours ago
- STV News
Three arrested after stolen car crashes following police chase
Three men have been arrested after a stolen car crashed following a police chase in Aberdeen. The chase ensued after a car failed to stop for officers on University Road at around 2.25pm on Thursday. After a short pursuit, the car crashed on Fountainhall Road at the junction with Queens Lane North. Three men, aged 31, 38 and 44, were arrested in connection with road traffic offences and the theft of a car. Police said enquiries into the incident are ongoing. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 2.25pm on Thursday, June 19, 2025, a car failed to stop for officers on University Road, Aberdeen. 'A short pursuit took place before the car crashed on Fountainhall Road at the junction with Queens Lane North. 'Three men, aged 31, 38 and 44, were arrested in connection with road traffic offences and the theft of a car, and enquiries are ongoing.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
