Taxi Driver Online

GA, I hesitate to put words in JD's mouth and I hope I don't cause any offence to anyone, but here is how I see it;

The licensing regulations that bind us as operators/drivers are, in essence, the law.

So, if those regs say we can't do something then we can't - until a competent challenge is made and the regs changed.

It is my opinion that the law (and the regulations) should (and often do) evolve over time to adapt to circumstances that were unforeseen at the time of the drafting of said regs.

I agree that CCTV installed in an appropriate manner in PHC/taxis is a good thing which will benefit both the public and the trade, but at present I would have to concede that I would need the approval of my licensing authority - something I feel confident I could obtain with little argument.

I hate to say it, but the licensing regs are BROADLY there for the greater good. If there are any unfair conditions then they can/should be challenged - hence the evolution.

Can you post a link to this item on ebay, or send it to me in a PM.

That does look like a good deal!

You didn't ask a simple question you proceeded to tell us what you think is the law.

I told you what the law is, now if you don't want to believe that then I suggest you ask one of your previous mentors such as captain cab, alternately you can phone Garry Callum and he'll advise you, or better still, instead of showing your ignorance you can look up section 18 and 19 of the Gateshead hackney carriage vehicle conditions and find out for yourself. But whatever you do, we can do without you coming on here and advising subscribers "wrongly" about the "law" in relation to installing any new equipment in a hackney carriage.

I was under the impression you were some sort of advisor for the GMB North East region? Perhaps you should learn the basics before you start shooting off your mouth about the Data protection act.

Thats all I have to say on the matter.

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

Firstly .......... and lets make this clear ............... I resigned any representative positions some time ago ............... it was posted on here and I'm surprised that you believe any differently.

Secondly ........... we had been in discussion with Gateshead Council regarding CCTV before my resignation, with the magazine UPFRONT taking a lead.

Thirdly ............ the purpose of the discussions related to the system Upfront were seeking to install, for which a company sought to install a system free of charge (to the driver) and then recover the money through adverts which would be played to rear passengers through a LSD screen.

I should also add that I didn't tell everyone what the LAW was with regard this issue .............. what I did say was that it was the right of every citizen in this country to protect themselves or their property by using CCTV providing the system complied with the DPA.

I them showed that certain CCTV systems were not included within the DPA and offered case law and links to websites which explained the situation in greater detail.

Sections 18 and 19 of Gatesheads Legislation and Policy document (written in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976) indeed covers the points you raise before in an earlier post.

I repeat ............ am I in contravention of the councils policies if I change the stereo within the car or the wheels on it?

So I would appriciate it if you could point out where I advised people on the law, and then explain if I were doing that, why I would have asked you to clarify which law prohibits the use of CCTV in taxis or private hire vehicles.

Of course you fail to point out that I advised anyone to contact their local authority with the specification of the system they intended to use, and then provided information (for either the driver or their LO) to confirm that certain systems, or the system proposed doesn't need to conform to DPA legislation.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

For all those who keep harping on about the data protection act and in particular Mr Gateshead Angel You should be aware of the following.

The data protection act concerns the way data is collected, stored and used. It has nothing whatsoever to do with installing CCTV or any other type of equipment in Taxis.

The optimum word is "use".

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

What about meters then JD.

Of all the vehicles I have ever bought to use as a taxi only two have been fitted by the manufacturer as standard equipment ................ my beloved Metrocab and my TX1.

Every other vehicle has had its meter fitted by a meter agent by myself ...................... and I didn't need to ask permission OR fit a certain type of meter.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Not sure I see the connection GA. Here we can use any meter we want provided it has a calender and timelock. Must be approved by PCO. Nothing to do with data protection

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Sounds a bit dodgy to me [/u]

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=z07K29Fc15U

Well gusmac ................. it is proposed by the member known as JD, that the reason councils can decide whether your safer at work or not is decided by a section of local legislation which prohibits the fitment of any item not installed at the time of manufacturer without consent from the council.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

I suggest you look at conditions 29 - 40 of your hackney carriage licensing conditions. It explains quite clearly what you are required to do in respect of Taximeters.

Please don't bore us with any more nonsensical questions about vehicle license conditions go and look them up, you might find them clear and unambiguous. Like the rest of us.

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

I have checked the licence conditions JD ...................... and no-where can I find anything about not allowing CCTV .................. so do we conclude that CCTV systems are allowed and the only conditions that anyone needs concern themselves with are contained within the DPA or exempt depending on the system used.

B. Lucky

_________________
"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Like lots of legislation, Ummm well it did not include this and it did not include that and so on. I would like to see any council take anyone to court over what is basically a safety issue.

So long as you have got the relevant signage warning people they are being filmed, and also that you can prove that you do not have direct access to the film itself, then I do not see any problems.

Is there any case history of any council taking anyone to court, or stopping them working?

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

There is no case law otherwise JD would have pulled it out.

The fact remains that certain systems are exempt from the DPA, and whether you can view the images or not IS NOT part of the criteria for exemption.

Obviously if you make the images public (you tube or the like) then a different set of regulations will boot you very hard in the ballacks ...................... and rightly so.

B. Lucky

_________________
"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Okay, but by saying what system you can have and which you cannot,(and providing they all do the same) leaves them open to favouritism,when they should remain impartial. I think one council may favour a more expensive system,whilst another may be more reasonable.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

But John ...................... the law allows you to use CCTV without DPA implications depending on the system.

TBH I don't see why the councils should have a say PROVIDING the system used is DPA exempt ............ and I don't think they would even challenge your rights to do so.

B. Lucky

_________________
"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.