Statement by National Private Hire Association (28/11/2003)

We have had a huge response, hundreds, from all round the country all but 2 (yes TWO) against the report. We are acutely aware that many in the industry are not aware of the report and have therefore revamped our paper Private Hire & Taxi Monthly to include all of the main document. Hopefully the 30,000 copies will get to most ranks, offices and licensing officers by the first week in December and will be read by many of those at greatest risk.

The MOST important issue has been missed by all but a "select few" and that is there is a "covert" consultation going on at the same time by the DfT which requests responses by the 12th DECEMBER. This consultation is to "advise the Minister before he formally responds to the report which he has to do within 120 days"

Responses to Pippa Brown at
Department for Transport
Buses and Taxi Division
3/12 Great Minster House
76, Marsham Street
LONDON SW1P 4DR

I spoke to Pippa this week and was advised that "she had NOT been ovewhelmed by responses so far" I have to hazard a guess that EITHER as the consultation was only sent to a few organisations and they have not had time to stir up all their members yet OR the usual "rank indifference"will ensure that few put pen to paper.

CAN EVERYONE PUT OUT THE MESSAGE PLEASE TO GET OFF THEIR BACKSIDES AND DELUGE THE MINISTER WITH YOUR VIEWS OR HE WILL JUST SWALLOW THIS REPORT HOOK LINE AND SINKER.

Please post this message on your front page so that the troops KNOW that there IS a consultation and if they want a copy of the paper with the report phone me on 0161 280 2800 after 1st Dec

Bryan Roland
The National Private Hire Association
(the Association with more TAXI members than you would ever believe!!!!)