Taxi Driver Online

There's a boy round here who used to have PH plates. They are gone now and instead he has 'Contract Hire' written on the back of the vehicle. As far as anybody can tell he is just going about the same as before but with no visible plates of any kind. Anyone heard of this and how does it work. I was thinking of going the same route if it means avoiding licencing etc.

It has to be an exclusive contract of at least 24 hours duration.

He's probably working illegally but if it's anything like around here, nobody will do anything about it.

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I think i read somewhere that the Scottish parliament are looking in to repealing the contract exemption just like our government did a few years ago.

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Grandad,

Hasn't happened yet

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OK so are we saying it's possible to setup up a taxi like business, but as a contract hire. No need for taxi driver licence, no need for taxi operator licence, no need for 6 month hackney test, no need for taxi insurance. Just call yourself contract hire and off you go.

Where do I sign up ?

It is possible to commit murder and get away with it. That doesn't make it legal

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provided that you meet ALL the criteria for contract hire, yes.

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Grandad,

Any links to where these criteria are listed. Thank you

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=7693
Sections 10 - 23 cover taxi and PH licensing.
Section 22(c) covers the exemptions from licensing.

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Not quite. It has to be the only contract within a 24hr period though.

Insurance would still have to include Hire and Reward which it is just as expensive as any taxi or PH cover and very few company's offer if you are not plated.


If he has the insurance cover and is doing just one contract daily I don't see the issue.
And a reasonable exemption from Licensing IMHO.

The word "exclusive" is used in the Act. It is not mine.

I agree with your post though. That's what I've always taken it to mean.

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Surely H&R insurance would still be required?


I know West mids ambulance service used to have contract cars, no plates, but had to use the insurance company the service used

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Voluntary Care Services Drivers

Exeter

Compensation for mileage travelled

At NSL Care Services our patients come first. We provide patients with safe, comfortable and on time transfers. We transfer non-urgent and higher dependency patients on behalf of NHS Hospital Trusts.



If you are sociable, welcoming and enjoy driving then you would be a great help to our patients. You would collect our non-urgent Patients from their homes and bringing them to their appointments. All you need is your own fully insured car, a driving licence and a friendly smile!



A typical session could see you collecting patients from their homes on a prearranged day and time, and driving them to their appointment. You will then accompany your passenger into the hospital, helping them to find the appropriate member of staff.



The role will require you to adhere to the NSL's current Voluntary Car Drivers Policy and Code of Practice, and record details of all the journeys you make. You will be given full training.


A friendly smile and encouraging approach will make a real difference to the patients that you help, giving them a much-needed boost before or after their appointment. Volunteering as a Care Services Driver is highly rewarding, allowing you to make a difference to patients living with illnesses.



What we are looking for?



•Careful and considerate drivers.
•Understanding of patients' abilities (conditions / limitations)
•Good people skills with a polite and friendly manner
•A good knowledge of the local area
•4 door car, no older than 7 years
•A full driving licence (no more than 3 points), comprehensive insurance and an MOT. All the relevant documentation will be checked quarterly
•Volunteer Drivers must be 18 and older
•An enhanced disclosure check is required (DBS)


In return for your time and costs:



•You will receive 40p (per mile for the first 10,000 miles, 25p per mile after)
•5p per passenger you transport
•2 days full training (expenses will be covered)

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Never said it wasn't.

Point being that anyone attempting to run a taxi service in Scotland using this exemption, would find it nigh on impossible to do within the rules. However, the rules are easily broken and difficult to enforce. For that reason I personally think it should be ended, as the similar exemption was in England a few years ago.

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

What if I set up a vehicle with insurance and then contract that vehicle to my or somebody elses taxi firm.

The car only does work on that single contract, but the taxi firm can send the car to as many jobs as it wants.

I'm just playing with ideas here