Taxi Driver Online

Neston minicab Drivers Campaign Against New Council Policy

Cheshire West and Chester Council are looking to bring in new rules from April 2013 relating to the age of vehicles used for private hire in the area

Under the amended rules, new licences would only be granted to vehicles under 12 months old and no vehicle over 10 years old would be granted a re-licence.

Reacting to the news, owner of Neston Private Hire Caroline Munnerly Howe told AboutMyArea Neston: "We do not oppose the 10 year age restriction, but the 12 month limit on new plated vehicles will threaten our ability to remain in business.

"In a tough economic climate, most private hire firms cannot afford to only put brand new vehicles on the road. There are plenty of perfectly safe, good-condition vehicles available that are over a year old and are more affordable for us. If we are forced to purchase new or nearly new cars as our older cars come off the road, the increased overhead will mean that we are no longer able to price our services cost-effectively for passengers.

"We have been asked to complete a consultation form where we are only allowed straight yes or no answers, so we cannot log our objection to one part of the new rules and agree with another. Clearly this is unreasonable."

Neston Private Hire drivers are carrying copies of a petition with them and asking their customers to show their support. You may also leave comments below, which will be forwarded to the relevant department at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

source: http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Cheshire/N ... cil-Policy

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

This is just a small part of the changes that are due to be brought in in April 2013,

As part of an effort to harmonise conditions across the 3 zones from the previous councils the Vale Royal Zone Hackney Carriages will have 12 months from April to replace saloon cars with WAVs.

The Ellesmere Port Zone is possibly being de restricted

A colour and age policy is to be decided after the consultation which is due to last 3 months.

All new drivers will be required to take a DSA taxi test, and also the CWAC new drivers qualification. While existing drivers will have 6 years to pass the DSA test.

It keep people out who want in on cheap it mean customer get safe vehicle cant be bad idea

Vale Royal Zone Hackney Carriages will have 12 months from April to replace saloon cars with WAVs.

is it true ? that no rear loading WAVs will be allowed ie doblos etc but east cheshire red zone ie the old crewe & nantwich allow rear loading WAVs and still allow saloon cars with grandfather right plates to remain and change hands still at a lot of money ,this west cheshire / east cheshire is a total pigs ear

Do they really think having a 12 month max start policy will increase the overall standard of the fleet?

Cos if they do they are as thick as pigs poo, as the reverse will happen.

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IDFIMH

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IDFIMH

And stops existing owners from renewing their vehicles.

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IDFIMH

Why are the council bothering with the LC possibly going to re write the rule book

Wow didn't even know there was a ph company in Neston Joking aside I think having a 12 month policy on newly licensed vehicles is a little harsh perhaps 3 year olds are more practical although I don't really see the point of any age limit so long as the vehicle is safe and in good order.

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

It's their job to bother. That aside it's kinda of like saying just cos something may happen in the future we won't bother with the present

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

At a start up cost of £17,000+ (vehicle, equipment, insurance, licences etc.) for anyone wanting to get into the trade it might restrict the number of PH on the road which might not be a bad thing.

Clearly that council hasn't worked out that you cannot zone PH.

So the standards for PH should have been standardized on day one, not three years down the line.

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IDFIMH

kind of takes the p*ss out of dezoning

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

I be thinking about this today and I still think an age is need to keep fleet good BUT 3 or maybe 2 year would be better

reason is car price and if little man cant aford car no more big man move in and every man his slave

I think you need to think about it some more because what you are saying does not make much sense.
You are saying that if the little man can't aford a car then the big man can't move in.

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Grandad,