Taxi plan is thrown out
Politicans who oversee Preston’s taxi trade have voted out plans to delegate their powers.
Mick Lovatt, the council’s corporate director of environment (pictured), suggested committees should no longer be convened to deal with drivers who appeal against points dished out under the council’s penalty scheme for offences such as illegal ranking.
Instead, it was suggested they should appeal in writing to a council officer within 14 days.
However the committee, chaired by Coun John Browne, rejected the plan which had attracted opposition from the Bolton, Bury and Preston Hackney Carriage Association.
It was also suggested that the council should no longer arrange accredited and independent interpreters for drivers who attend meetings.
The committee agreed the council should no longer foot the bill but said: “If applicants and licence holders wish to use an interpreter to assist them making representations to this sub-committee, then they must make their own arrangements to employ an independent accredited interpreter.
“This will be the normal practice, however, alternatives will be considered in exceptional circumstances.”
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