Taxi Driver Online

My understanding of the law is that a hackney carriage has to use a meter at all times
when operating inside its own licensing authority

However our council says it doesn't it says if its pre booked it can work on an agreed fare even if that agree rate is higher than the meter fare would be
and in fact advised a customer recently who complained to use another company in future

they have also now added into policy this
1.6 Fares
1.6.1 Taxi fares must be charged in accordance with the rates approved by the licensing authority.
Department for Transport
Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing: Best Practice Guidance 2010 states:
“The driver will:
 Use the meter within the licensed area, unless the passenger has agreed to hire by time.
 If using the meter, not start the meter until the passenger is seated in the vehicle.
 If travelling outside the licensed area, agree the fare in advance. If no fare has been negotiated in advance for a journey going beyond the licensing area then the driver must adhere to the meter.
 Take the most time-efficient route, bearing in mind likely traffic problems and known diversion, and explain any diversion from the most direct route.”

Ive argued this isn't lawful but they have said it is thoughts please!

a table of fares is a MAXIMUM table i.e. you can legally charge less but not more unless you are going out of your licensing area

round my way nobody will get in at a rank without first of all getting a fixed price BUT you should still put the meter on and if it meters less charge whats on the meter

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I agree but try telling that to my licensing officers

Dont tell em...just do it

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

I think you have misunderstood. The Council are saying that it is ok. Now as it is only the Council who will prosecute, drivers are in the clear. I wish we had such a condition on our fares for the village to village stuff that we are currently refusing because of the dead mileage.

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Grandad,

don't get me wrong council have shot them selves in the foot as now they will be unable to discipline a driver for over charging or not using his meter
as its clearly now written in policy he doesn't have to

However my concern is law enforcement on this


I should state I operate as private hire so not controlled by same rulings
although they have now put in policy that a P/H should only charge a similar amount but worded
differently and in my view an unenforceable policy note..

I just don't think the t*** writing the policy has the first idea of how it should read or what it should contain

Why worry? lifes too short

your LA only has powers within its area ... your at heathrow more than at home

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

We are allowed to charge more for a pre-booked journey staying within our licensing area as long as it is agreed in writing at least 48hrs in advance. (Cheshire west and Chester)

as all fares are of course...

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

I must know you from elsewhere

Section 55 of the 1847 act is quite clear. You can't charge more than the approved local tariff for jobs within the district.

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IDFIMH

Another council making up their own statutes.

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IDFIMH

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin