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Fenland District Council Could Introduce Penalty Points System For Taxi Drivers And Operators

30 September 2009

Taxi drivers and operators who breach licensing conditions could be issued with penalty points by Fenland District Council.

A maximum number of points accrued in a set period would mean an appearance before the council's licensing committee which could lead to suspension or licences being revoked.

The penalty point system is just one recommendation being put before the licensing committee on Friday. Current conditions regulating the private hire and Hackney carriage trade are outdated and do not represent best practice, members will be told.

A licensing authority has the power to set criteria for the applications of licences and to add reasonable conditions to licences.

Breaches of licensing conditions are now dealt with by written or verbal advice, an official caution, and court proceedings or at the council's licensing committee.

A report to the committee said: "It is felt that this system is not totally effective in dealing with repeat offenders for minor vehicle defects and breaches of licence conditions as no one event is sufficient to warrant a substantive penalty.

"A penalty point scheme is proposed as an alternative system that would be more effective against those drivers, proprietors and operators who see fit to ignore their responsibilities in relation to the conditions attached to their licences."
Another change could be the creation of a unified licence for drivers. Drivers now need two licences to drive both Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. A single status licensed driver would give both drivers and operators greater flexibility.

Source; CambsTimes.co.uk

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Licensing Committee Approves Consultation Into Taxi Trade Penalty Points Scheme

2 October 2009

Councillors today approved plans for consultations into a penalty points system for taxi drivers and operators - but were told by an angry colleague the policy treats them "like children".

If it's introduced after the consultation, Fenland's hackney carriage and private hire policy will see taxi drivers and operators issued penalty points for breaching licensing conditions.

If they reach the maximum total of points in a set time, drivers and operators could be hauled in front of Fenland District Council's licensing committee and face suspension of even having licenses revoked.

The licensing committee today agreed the policy should go out to consultation with taxi firms and drivers. But the heated meeting saw a number of councillors question some of the punishments.

Councillor Carol Cox raised problems with enforcing nine penalty points for drivers who park with one or more wheel on the pavement.

"There are quite a few roads in Wisbech where, if you don't do that, you're obstructing the middle of the road because it is so narrow," she said.

"There are three or four roads around there where everybody parks on the pavement because, if not, there is no room.

"Nine points for that seem harsh."

Kim Winterton, the council's licensing regulatory officer, said: "There is some intention in the consultation document to provoke thoughts on what penalty points we should issue for an offence.

"I didn't put the penalty points listing together, but as a consultation document we need to get responses before deciding what points to impose."

Councillor Kit Owen, chairman of the licensing committee, told Cllr Cox the policy "has the interests of the public at heart".

Councillor Jan French also slammed proposals about drivers over 45 having medical check-ups every three years, and drivers over 60 having check-ups annually.

She said: "I realise we have to have drivers who are fit but this is bordering on ageism."

Mrs Winterton said: "We are being advised by the Primary Care Trust of the medical conditions and health of the population. Some of the issues taxi drivers are facing include diabetes and having pacemakers fitted.

"The PCT are asking for it to come down to 45, it could come down to 50 but it is needed for drivers before they turn 55."

Cllr French also questioned why drivers who wear shorts, or T-shirts could face points.

"Yes, we want smart," she said. "But I am sure you can get some smart looking shorts for the hot weather, there are some nice T-shirts and smart tracksuit bottoms.

"They (drivers) need to make sure they are dressed appropriately but this is over the top."

Mrs Winterton said: "We have had female passengers complain about male taxi drivers' shorts cutting too high and wearing vest-like exercise tops. But we need to be more specific."

Cllr French also said the council should not limit the age of new hackney carriages and private hire vehicles to three years and historic vehicles to 1973 because a lot of "lovely cars" will miss the cut.

But an outraged Councillor John West - who is not a member of the licensing committee but registered to speak at the meeting - said: "We need a taxi service out there and so do the people of Fenland, but I do hope we are not going to cripple people with these types of legislation; it's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

"This is what these people do to earn a living and whether someone picks me up in a T-shirt or a pair of trousers I don't care - as long as it is clean, tidy and respectable.

"Let's get rules, but when we go out to consultation please do not treat them (taxi drivers and operators) like children because this is what the report does."

The meeting was also attended by Dave Patrick, chairman of Wisbech and District Hackney Carriage Drivers' Association, who said in the run-up to the meeting that the proposed points system would not be supported by drivers.

Source; Wisbech-Standard.co.uk

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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Love it!


Idiots! And get their license straight back in the Magistrates Court!!


Love councillors squabbling!! Wish I had been there, free entertainment!!


Well thought out by the licensing regulatory officer I see!!


No it don’t ….. carry on with the policy so we can all have a laugh!!


It has provoked though ….. my thoughts ….. Kim Winterton you’re an idiot!!


That’s the policy in Brum & I don’t see nothing wrong with it ….. about the only sensible suggestion so far.


Interseting point!


And so he should question it!!! Wear a T-shirt three times & your license is revoked!!

You couldn’t make it up could you!!!




And there’s some crap ones out there too!! Track-suit & shell suits …. Ban the lot!!


Those are the old biddies ….. the young ones love it ….. now that’s ageism for you!!!


Three year old vehicles max ….. are they mad?

And what constitutes a historic vehicle …. one previously owned by some Lord, judge, MP or royalty?


Some sense at last!!


I bet you get it though ….. albeit in a toned down policy!!

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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This seems a lively one-sided discussion..

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

I was trying to get others involved, but who know what about Fenland on the Forum.

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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Disagree with other members' views;
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anyone from Fenland here

near Fenland

WTF is Fenland BTW

Fenland District Council provides a whole range of local services in the Cambridgeshire market towns of Chatteris, March, Whittlesey and Wisbech. We work together with other local organisations to improve the health, well-being and quality of life in the Fenland community.

Oh thats where it is still none the wiser

I wonder if they have more WAV's than the Scottish Borders......lets face facts here...1 would be enough

CC

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

I take that back skippy....this council appear to be the worst in the UK;

Licence - Hackney Carriage Vehicle (Taxi)

Licensing

A 'Hackney Carriage' is more commonly called a Taxi, a vehicle driven by a licensed driver that will ply for hire, be flagged down or be hired at a taxi rank. Maximum fares for hackney carriage journeys are regulated by the Council. A copy of the current fares table, supplied by the Council, must be displayed visibly inside the hackney carriage at all times.


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Hackney carriage vehicles licensed by the Council must display a white plate on the rear exterior using the bracket provided. These vehicles must also have an illuminated roof sign and a "For Hire" sign. Hackney carriage drivers must wear an ID badge issued by the Council, which includes his/her photograph.

The Council does not make taximeters compulsory for hackney carriage vehicles but they may be fitted if the applicant so wishes at his/her expense.

The Council does not limit the number of vehicle licences issued. It must grant a vehicle licence if it is satisfied that, as an applicant,:

•your car is suitable in type, size and design for use as a hackney carriage vehicle (see Technical Specifications below);

•your car is mechanically suitable. The mechanical condition must be confirmed by a detailed inspection undertaken, at the expense of the applicant, at the Council's vehicle workshop. The inspection report is to be completed and signed by the vehicle examiner who carried out the inspection. In the case of a recently acquired vehicle, a report from the garage which sold the car will not be accepted;

•your car is insured for hackney carriage work;

•your car is constructed and adapted to seat no more than eight passengers;

•you are responsible for the keeping and running of the vehicle either solely or in partnership with other persons;

•you have been honest in supplying information to the Council and have not, under any circumstances, made a false statement at any time to obtain your vehicle licence. This is a serious offence. Changes in any information supplied to the Council must be supplied within seven days of such change;

Technical Specifications for Hackney Carriage Vehicles

There are many different makes and styles of vehicle on the road today.

Not all vehicles are suitable for use as a hackney carriage vehicle. The Council therefore has approved certain standards to provide guidance on the type of vehicle considered suitable, bearing in mind public comfort/safety and the legal requirements mentioned previously.

The specifications that the Council applies to vehicles are that:

•the vehicle is in good condition both mechanically and cosmetically. There is no age restriction applicable to vehicles to be licenced on this type of licence but vehicles are expected to remain in a suitable condition.

•the vehicle (if a car) has a minimum of four doors allowing adequate passage into and out of the vehicle. The design of the car can be saloon, hatchback or estate.

•the width of the rear part of the body, measured 15cm below the top and 15cm in front of the rear back rest, shall not be less than 1m 32cm, this measurement to be made with both rear doors closed.

•the minimum leg-room for passengers using the rear seats shall be 21.5cm, the measurement to be taken from the rear door pillar to the nearest point of the rear seat squab.

•the vehicle provides easy access through a door to any passenger seat and no "tip- up" seat mechanism shall be accepted.

•the vehicle is constructed or adapted to carry a minimum of four passengers in comfort.

•the vehicle is capable of carrying a reasonable amount of luggage and that adequate means for securing such luggage is provided.

•a vehicle roof sign is displayed and an illuminated "For Hire" sign is fitted.

•a suitable and efficient fire extinguisher and first aid kit are provided within the vehicle.

•the licence number shall be displayed on the rear exterior of the vehicle on the official plate and fixing bracket provided.

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

Have they got a clue down there, how the heck can a hack run without a meter
They need help and fast

How can they ensure the set tariff is adhered too without meters?

_________________
IDFIMH

Peterborough way!

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

It is not a statutory requirement to have a meter fitted into a HC.

The only things making them mandatory are the HC proprietors license or the byelaws.

CC

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