Taxi Driver Online

Thank you JD, however, do you think this is the end of the matter?

I tend to believe the changes will be very much opposed by some factions currently outside of the licensing schemes. However, I suppose that particular argument will occur in the future and not quite yet.

As I have stated before, the input of the site and its members for much of this debate has been extremely beneficial, particularly the court cases highlighted by yourself. Your contributions have been quite thought provoking and up-to your usual excellent standard, thank you.

Perhaps with so much litigation surrounding 7-day contract exemption, this actually proves better than anything else the folly of 75 (b).

In respect of the repeal of 75 (b), to use a football expression, the result was far more important than the game, so in other words it doesn’t really matter how it came about, just so long as it has. In this we agree.

I think it is quite rare to have taxi laws repealed, invariably closing one door effectively opens another. This is why I believe we have HC laws going back 150 years but still on statute. What we must always think about when taxi and PH laws are changed is basically a case of what’s the downside?

Captain Cab

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

National Taxi Association

Press Release

July 06

NTA Welcome end of Contract Exemption

The Chairman of the National Taxi Association, Norman Deegan, welcomes the Government decision to repeal section 75 (b) of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act.

It is obvious licensing law is in place to protect the travelling public. For this reason the association firmly believe all vehicles used for hire and reward, or indeed, where any pecuniary advantage is achieved, should be licensed by the appropriate agency, with the drivers of such vehicles also being correctly licensed and subject to the necessary checks.

The definitions, as described in Section 80 of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976, are clear and unambiguous.

Section 75, 1, (b) of the 1976 Act relates to a possible exemption for vehicles carrying passengers for hire and reward for a period of not less than 7 days.

This section of the act is clearly open and subject to abuse, indeed, it has been the focus of costly litigation on numerous occasions.

It is equally clear if this sentence were removed from the act, the current abuse would virtually disappear.

In our experience, licensing regimes differ from area to area, however, they are not overly burdensome for people who wish to operate their businesses legitimately. Licensing law is designed to protect those who operate legitimately

The 7-day contract exemption is in our view not necessary, being there added an additional workload to already overworked Licensing Departments. The removal of this section will in our opinion lead to a simple line being drawn, either a vehicle is licensed and legal, or it is unlicensed and illegal.

The Association warmly welcome the Government decision.



The Directors of the National Taxi Association

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

I am in no doubt the clause will be repealed, but I expect a period of transition will be offered to those people outside the licensing structure in order that they can come within the licensing structure. How long that transitional period will be I do not know but I wouldn't bet on it being more than 12 months.

Regards

JD

I tend to think the limo people will put up a little fight and perhaps Pink Ladies (or Sheila's Wheels as my colleagues at the golf club refer to them)

But on the basis of 'what exactly' would perhaps cause us all a certain degree of amusement

regards

Captain Cab

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

The limo people are already fighting back, take alook at www.talkinglimos.co.uk my friend

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Legal and proud

Loads a love from BERTIE !!

Cheers Kermit,

I wonder which part of we dont want potential perverts (all perverts have potential) and ex criminals carrying our kids they dont understand?

I'm kinda getting a vision of the Saddam Hussein character in South Park in my mind here, hey relax, you can trust me guy.

Captain Cab

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

Its very hard to fight against a principal in law and this legislation was designed to uphold the licensing laws of hire or reward. We are all aware from past experience that loopholes in legislation are swiftly closed once they are found to work against the principal of the legislation. Section 75 1 B is no different and that's why all efforts to try and retain it, are futile.

Regards

JD

Swiftly JD?

30 years aint gonna break no speed limits

I know what you mean though, but just to make sure, I'll forward the NTA press release around a few relevant people.

regards

Captain Cab

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

I think we might all agree that the change in the law was brought about because of those elements who wanted to work outside the law. The elements in question are relatively recent and to that effect the change has been swift. The isolated cases that have been through the court system in the past pale into insignificance when compared to what is taking place today, or what has the potential to take place?

I still can't believe how swift the DfT reacted to events because most people including me were expecting this to be resolved through the courts.

Regards

JD

I tend to agree with you JD, I'm a little suprised too

regards

Captain Cab

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

It was me.

I told them they couldn't repeal the exemption in the London act if they didn't do like-wise for the rest of us.

And the rest (we hope) is history.

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IDFIMH

Which is an interesting question if they don't, cos those Scottish chaps will be able to work down here.

I think.

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IDFIMH

I forwarded the DFT letter to the STF, if they do whats right they'll pass it on to the relevant people

Captain Cab

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

The T&G are only concerned with plate values and turning-circles. And I doubt any of them would make the Road Safety bill.

Although the banning of the latter would most probably help.

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IDFIMH

So your the culprit? I think there may be a few dissapointed faces whne they read this? lol

Regards

JD