Taxi Driver Online

nothing that hasn't already been discussed in other threads

An old picture though because it predates my selling my business as there are cars there with my number on them. whereas the new owners put both on. and the car at the rear is the cousin of the new owner who steadfastly refused to work for him !

https://www.lincsonline.co.uk/bourne/news/council-s-crackdown-on-unlicensed-taxis-in-district-9430051/

A council leader is appealing to the government to tighten operations by taxi and private hire drivers licensed outside of South Kesteven.

Locally-licensed drivers have raised fears of unfair competition from vehicles licensed outside the district operating within South Kesteven, restricting the district council’s ability to monitor those who do not comply with legislation, or even had a licence refused or revoked by SKDC but can trade in the district due to a loophole in the regulations.

The loophole sees drivers apply for a licence in another district, but then take pre-booked fares with South Kesteven.


The taxi rank in Broad Street, StamfordThe taxi rank in Broad Street, Stamford

Council leader Ashley Baxter (Ind) is now lobbying the government about the issue, which allows drivers and vehicles to avoid SKDC standards.

Licensing staff have been on patrol during evenings, nights, and weekends to assist and advise on safety and regulations, including moving visiting drivers on from taxi ranks, ensuring private hire vehicles are not flagged down, and working with other enforcement authorities – including Lincolnshire County Council – to prevent illegal parking.

Cabinet member for licensing, Philip Knowles (Ind), said: “We are serious about closing this loophole and bringing a more level playing field for SKDC-licensed drivers and vehicles.

“We are operating intensive weekend and evening patrols in all four towns with enforcement action being taken on an escalating scale, starting with advice, then warning as we encourage compliance.

“For illegal parking, we liaise with the police, review CCTV footage and also share concerns with Lincolnshire County Council as the street parking authority.”

One of the concerns of SKDC-licensed drivers was of Peterborough, Rutland, and Wolverhampton-registered vehicles – including Uber – remaining in Stamford for pick-ups.

“Legally, there are no restrictions in place about where journeys start and finish, even for drivers licensed elsewhere, which means they can end up here and wait for their next job,” said Coun Knowles.

“We are taking the opportunity to question these drivers, advise them and take positive action where appropriate.

“Where there are concerns, information is collected during our patrols so that we can report any concerns or issues directly to their licensing authority.”

SKDC is set to host a driver workshop this autumn, to encourage discussion of driver/operator concerns and for the council to provide them with further guidance and advice.

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

The headline in the original piece is inaccurate, though, and frames the whole article incorrectly


South Kesteven District Council leader cracking down on unlicensed taxi and private hire drivers


The article itself is reasonably clear, but maybe a tad confusing about the legality or otherwise of the stuff that's going on, particularly when you recall the framing in the headline.

And it makes it sound like SKDC can do something about it all, when of course in the main it will require parliamentary legislation, which won't happen overnight.

Anyway, as regards the day-to-day issues, it certainly sounds like SKDC being quite proactive about the stuff it can deal with (unlike nearby Melton, most obviously), but of course what's actually happening on the ground may be entirely different

you're avin a laugh

SKDC does enforcement from a desk and maybe comes to stamford one night a year .

This is all sound bites and bluster hence my title

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

The more councillors, officials, and MPs who write to the DfT, the better.

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IDFIMH

Ah, Edders, so SKDC have been to the same school of PR and comms as Wolverhampton, not to mention almost every other council.

Who'd have expected that?