Taxi Driver Online

Go on strike' dare to cabbie

A COUNCILLOR has called for tighter rules to clear the streets of rogue taxi drivers and improve safety for passengers. And Colin Stout (Ind, Brighouse) dared drivers to follow through their threat to go on strike.

He was responding to a call by the Private Hire Steering Group for a district-wide shutdown over the introduction of new rules for drivers. Councillor Stout's 23-year-old nephew, Dean Stout of Brighouse, was involved in an accident on December 4 involving a drunk taxi driver.

He rang a cab to take him and a passenger to Huddersfield and magistrates heard the car sped along Huddersfield Road, before flying into the air and shooting across a roundabout. It came to a halt with a burst tyre.

The driver, Sajid Mahmood (26), of Queen's Road, Halifax, was self-employed and driving his own car. Huddersfield magistrates banned him for 18 months after he admitted drink-driving. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of community service.

Councillor Stout said Calderdale Council would not bow to threats from cabbies. "I say to them, go on strike because then we can start with a clean sheet of paper and ensure we get the drivers that are competent and reliable running the taxis in Calderdale. " We consider taxi drivers to be part of the public transport system. We expect them to be responsible and well trained and to obey the highway code.

"Let's sit down and see what we can do but we won't change the rules. I would want more stringent rules for Calderdale taxi drivers than those we already have, including photographic identity cards.'' Councillor Stout said the district was seen as a "soft touch'' and that attracted rogue drivers from out of the area.

The threat of strike action, and price hikes, follows the introduction of new guidelines for taxi operators. Drivers clocking up more than nine penalty points will have to retake their test. And cars over five years old will not be granted private hire lic-ences. The age limit will be eight years for Hackey carriages.

Drivers have called a meeting at the Lord Street Tandoori, King Cross, Halifax, on Thursday at 6.30 pm, to discuss the new rules. They have invited councillors to attend.

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IDFIMH

That pillock couldnt strike a match.

The story that led to the Councillor speaking out was the day before.

http://www.halifaxtoday.co.uk/ViewArtic ... ID=1040480

It would seem they have a problem with standards in Calderdale.

Well at least the drivers do.

Alex

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ʎɐqǝ uo pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ɐ ʎnq ı ǝɯıʇ ʇsɐן ǝɥʇ sı sıɥʇ

Simply the best taxi forum in the whole wide world. www.taxi-driver.co.uk

cabbies out in three weeks time.

http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/ViewArt ... ID=1045906

but i do like the meeting place.

I miss Yorkie.

Bring Back Yorkie

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry

yes ....

But he's on strike.

On a serious note, I think Mr Yorkie is aware of what he needs to do, or more importantly needs to say.

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IDFIMH

How is their new forum. Can't find it myself.

Are Nidge and co patting each other on the back all the time?

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry

I'm banned from mentioning it.

But you could be right, although a certain Mr Black doesn't post on there anymore.

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IDFIMH

NO

Thanks for directions.

Not very busy over there is it. About a dozen posts a day. And 18 registered users.

Bet Nidge is 4 of them.

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry

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IDFIMH

has it died as ive just had a look and its not well?