This was the response from the St Albans council. Its a shame that they did not mention the complete lack of full and constructive consultation was refused, the fact that this council issued a formal warning to a driver with out giving the driver the opportunity to respond to a complaint made about him. Or the fact that one of the councillors appeared on the local radio station this morning and could not answer one single question about the issues which have enraged the local taxi trade.
Regards
BB
Taxi licensing policy is there to protect customers
A convictions policy was approved by the St Albans District Council’s Licensing and General Purposes Committee 25th September 2008.
The convictions policy clearly states that where an applicant has 6 or more penalty points on their driving licence, the officer will usually consider granting the licence with a written warning – see extract from the policy below:-
5 or less penalty points
For 5 or fewer points on an applicant’s driving licence, a licence will usually be granted, with a verbal warning.
6 or more penalty points
Where any applicant has 6 or more penalty points on their driving licence the Licensing Officer will usually consider granting the licence with a written warning, unless exceptional circumstances justify a refusal.
The policy does not indicate that having 6 penalty points will result in revocation or refusal of a licence. Each case will always be considered on its own merits. If any driver has a query or seeks clarification, the council invites them to call 01727 819542.
The council’s duty is to ensure the safety of customers who use taxis which are licensed by the council and to provide reassurance that there are guidelines in place to maintain the standards of both driver and vehicle.
The District Council’s Licensing and General Purposes Committee also rejected the application from the St Albans Taxi Association, to increase the current Hackney Carriage Fare Tariff. However, the council’s committee invited the taxi association to submit a further application that demonstrates justification for the proposed increase. The committee recognises the difficulties faced by the taxi drivers and is sympathetic of the rising cost of fuel.
Given the publicity regarding the possible strike on Saturday 4 October, the council took the following measures to assist people, who might otherwise have been stranded:-
taxi marshals were given the contact details of approved private hire operators.
extra buses were organised to ferry customers between Batchwood Hall nightclub and the city centre.
Batchwood Hall nightclub and the Adelaide / Ice Bar assisted the council and the police by remaining open until 4am, providing customers who wished to remain until the strike ended, with somewhere safe to wait.
Information was issued by the council to local radio stations over the weekend.
Member contact:
Cllr Anthony Rowlands
Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Support
Tel: 01727 839132 Mobile : 07761 232064
Communications Team contact:
Davina Mansell, Information and Communication Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819316 E-mail:
davina.mansell@stalbans.gov.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk
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