Southampton taxi drivers who operate a saloon car or a multi purpose vehicle taxi (MPV) can apply for a Smart Cities Card for use on the Itchen Toll Bridge.

The Smartcities card is a multifunctional card which allows you to access a number of different services and products in Southampton:

It can be your bus pass, donor card, library card, leisure card or your ID card. It is also the new way to pay the toll on the Itchen Bridge.

You can apply online at http://www.southampton.gov.uk/living/smartcities/bridgeinfo.aspx or phone (023) 8083 3008.

The card avoids the need to carry the exact change when crossing the toll bridge, you can add credit to your account online with a credit or debit card - great news!

The official opening of Oceans, Southampton’s cruise and visitor support centre featuring a nostalgic Tea Room, Souvenir Shop, Visitor Information Point, baggage store facility and Exhibition Gallery, takes place on Thursday, 14th March 2013 at 11.30am.

Representatives of the Southampton Hackney Association have been invited to attend this event, which is to be opened by Commodore Ron Warwick, first Master of the QE2 and QM2. Please see image for details.

Geely who had a significant stake in Manganese Bronze (makers of the famous London Cab) have now completely taken over the company and all of  it's assets.  

Although The Southampton Hackney Association would like to see the famous London Cab manufactured again in Coventry, it appears we are still a long way from that happening.

We will keep you updated with any news as it comes in.