Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers face tests in Wakefield


TAXI drivers across the district will need to pass English, maths and “knowledge” exams in new council plans to improve public safety.


Private hire and hackney carriage drivers will be tested on their language and numeracy skills to make sure they can do their job safely and professionally in a Wakefield Council initiative, launched on April 1.

They will also be required to complete a “knowledge” exam on licensing laws, customer care, road safety, local knowledge, disability awareness and personal safety.

Knottingley Coun Graham Stokes, cabinet member for corporate performance, said: “Our licensing role is there to protect the residents who use certain services, as well as the businesses which provide these services. We regularly review our licensing arrangements to ensure the best standards are used to keep everyone safe.

“These new safety measures will ensure that the public using taxis or private hire cars in this district can do so with confidence.

“It is particularly important because the nature of the job means that drivers are working alone and often with vulnerable people, so they are well equipped to deliver the best service possible.

“By working with partners and key services we can ensure that suitable standards are in place so that local people and visitors accessing licensed services receive an excellent customer service.”

The council is also planning to create a licensees charter, in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, to make the night time economy safer.

A full report on the new safety measures to be introduced is being considered at a council cabinet meeting next Tuesday.


source: http://www.pontefractandcastlefordexpre ... -1-4322950

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

The good councillor appears to be suggesting English, maths and “knowledge" exams are actually safety measures.

If this is true.....he is obviously thick as pigsh*t.

CC

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

So if they learned to drive in some tinpot country where the driving test is a matter of proving you know where the brake is thats OK then as long as you can add 1+1 and speak pigeon english

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Then that is the case for every resident of a tinpot country who chooses to drive in this country - and a matter for the government to address - not a local authority to guess on~?

CC

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

It seems to be more about service quality than safety, but the two aren't wholly unrelated.

I aint done any research - but surely there must be some complaints to trigger this?

CC

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

Probably, but have you ever taken a taxi in Wakefield

Yes, so long as he doesn't get a free plate, eh CC?

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I dont see how any of the above cases are pertinent to the case in point.

CC

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

Well it perhaps indicates a general lack of quality and regulatory control. Offenders with multiple defective tyres, problems with the background of immigrant drivers, benefit fraud etc etc.

Not the worse by no means, but it perhaps indicates that standards need to be raised a bit. The current proposals may not address the other issues directly, but they may have an indirect effect.

But their surely safety measures the council should take on board themselves?

Tyres go bald......so what is the testing situation like how many tests per year? etc

benefit fraud? .....I dont personally see this within the remit of the council....but that aside a multi agency co-operation would go a long way towards alleviating this issue.

The local authority have it already within their powers to act on the drivers who are affecting road safety and customer care.

I see the councils point, but they are also the ones who allowed the situation to deteriorate.

CC

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