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PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:01 pm 
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Thought TaxiPoint had done a typically good job of embellishing a 30-word tweet from Staffs RPU into an article of 160 words, replete with added phraseology like 'rigorous enforcement operation', which sounds more like official PR rather than how a trade publication should be reporting it (or maybe it's just me 8-[ ).

However, have since found this, which is from some kind of local news site, and is totally off the scale in terms of embellishment and decorative language etc :lol:

Although the 'taxi' driver (probably PHV) who only had a provisional licence is obviously quite an interesting case :-o

But it reads kind of like a typical police/council press release, but with more flowery sort of language, sort of thing. Find it difficult to describe the style, but not difficult to spot when your read this :P


Crackdown on Illegal Taxis in the Potteries: A Joint Effort by Police and Council

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/uk/crackd ... nd-council

A recent joint operation in Fenton cracks down on unauthorized taxi drivers, highlighting the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in local transportation.

In the shadow of the bustling streets of Fenton, an unassuming checkpoint became the recent stage for a significant operation aimed at reining in the unauthorized taxi drivers threading through the Potteries. On a brisk Wednesday, just off King Street, Staffordshire Police's Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and Stoke-on-Trent City Council united in an effort that would spotlight the darker side of local transportation. Their mission? To ensure the safety and legality of the taxis serving the community.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Safety

Under the watchful eyes of the RPU and city council officials, taxis were methodically stopped and their drivers scrutinized for the proper credentials. This wasn't merely an exercise in bureaucracy but a crucial checkpoint in the battle for passenger safety. Among the findings was a startling revelation: a taxi operated by a driver with merely a provisional license and void of any insurance. This discovery underscores the operation's critical nature, revealing how easily trust can be misplaced in the hands of those tasked with our safe conveyance.

The Implications of the Operation

While the full scope of the operation's findings remains under wraps, pending further details from the police and city council, the implications are clear. Each unauthorized driver not only represents a direct threat to passenger safety but also tarnishes the reputation of the countless legitimate taxi operators who adhere to the stringent standards set forth by local regulations. This operation, shared with the public via updates on X, not only highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard the community but also serves as a stern warning to those skirting the law.

A Step Toward a Safer Future

The joint operation in the Potteries is a testament to the dedication of local authorities to uphold the law and protect the community. As we await further details on the number of vehicles checked and the full extent of offences identified, one thing remains certain: initiatives like these are invaluable. They not only weed out the bad apples but also reinforce the importance of regulatory compliance and the collective responsibility we share in ensuring the safety of our roads.

As the community reflects on the outcomes of this operation, it's imperative to remember that the fight against illegal taxi operations is a shared battle. It requires the vigilance of passengers, the integrity of drivers, and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and council officials. Together, we can look forward to a future where the streets of the Potteries are not only bustling but safe for everyone.


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PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:02 pm 
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And the thing is, as regards the embellishment, as far as I can make out all of the above is based on nothing more than this tweet/post on X from Staffs Road Policing Unit:

Staffs RPU wrote:
“Busy morning supporting Stoke on Trent Council stopping and enforcing Taxi licensing in Stoke and vehicle examinations.

“One taxi was being driven by a provisional licence holder and no insurance. Seized.”


Image
Image: Staffs Road Policing Unit/X


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PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:05 pm 
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On second thoughts, there does seem to be the sniff of an official news release in the article above, but can't find anything.

However, even by normal official standards, the article does seem over the top, so who knows? But it just doesn't read like it's been written by a non-specialist journalist, and there must be some kind of insider/trade knowledge, or similar. Maybe someone in the trade had some input :?


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PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:57 pm 
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Location: Stamford Britains prettiest town till SKDC ruined it
Quote:
bustling streets of Fenton,
:lol: :lol: :lol:

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PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:10 pm 
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Quote:
t's been written by a non-specialist journalist

Written by a 6th form student.

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PostPosted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:01 pm 
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In fact, and even more oddly, it's not a local news site at all, and it's actually international in scope.

Not sure about its global status in terms of news and comment etc, but it certainly doesn't look like some sort of hobby site.

But it all sounds a bit overblown. I mean, the About Us page says: "We strive to help citizens address the issues that matter most in their lives. We are the trailblazers, the guardians, and the truth-seekers." :-o

Can't copy the author's profile below for some reason, but the description is as overblown as the article on the Stoke stopchecks:

https://bnnbreaking.com/author/israel-ojoko

But he's certainly not any kind of specialist as regards the likes of the Stoke stopchecks. I mean, one minute he's writing about the Hubble space telescope capturing the birth of dwarf stars, then about an intellectual property dispute in the Ugandan music scene, and then about frozen embryos being recognised as babies in Alabama :-s

And apparently he's writing something like 100 such articles per day :lol:

So I somehow doubt the person portrayed as the author did in fact write the piece. But apart from the 30-word tweet, I doubt either Staffs Police or Stoke Council had any input :badgrin:


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PostPosted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:14 pm 
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I wonder if this is an AI driven news site ?

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PostPosted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 10:27 pm 
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edders23 wrote:
I wonder if this is an AI driven news site ?

I think it could be.

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PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 2:18 pm 
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Interesting theory, Edders, which would explain a lot :-o

But whenever I read or hear about AI, I kind of switch off =;

But if that's even part of the explanation here then that's a tad scary 8-[


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PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:07 pm 
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Quote:
But if that's even part of the explanation here then that's a tad scary 8-[


AI can write a doctoral thesis allegedly so a press story should be childs play

Mark my words it's coming why pay expensive wages for hacks when an AI can trawl the net for info write the story for next to nothing.

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