Taxi Driver Online

If the thread title seems even clunkier than usual, tried to shoehorn the two very different themes of this article within the character limit. And, of course, include that all important town/city/area/location


Taxi shortage in Barrow as drivers face a medical, extended driving test, local knowledge and simple maths and English questions

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/17720170 ... questions/

BARROW has a “dearth” of taxi drivers, according to a trade leader.

Bob Mullen, secretary of the Furness Taxi Trade Association, said it was tougher to get a licence with drivers facing a range of necessary checks.

The measures were introduced to protect the public as well as driving up standards.

They include a medical, extended driving test, local knowledge, simple maths and English, disability and child protection awareness and a criminal records bureau check.

Mr Mullen estimated there are around 300 taxis serving the borough but said: “There’s definitely a shortage.”

The National Taxi Association said the measures, while necessary, could sometimes take “months” and the delay could deter some people.

Barrow mayor Cllr Kevin Hamilton said some areas of the country had been massively over-subscribed with councils required to take action to reduce the number of drivers in places where there were too many.

Barrow Council is planning to make it easier and cheaper for drivers to appeal if their licences are refused, suspended or revoked.

It plans to amend its policy in order to give drivers the “right of review” before the council’s cross-party 12-member licensing regulatory committee.

Drivers can continue to appeal directly to the magistrates’ court but this can be costly for both the person and the council.

A report to the council said an appeal could lead to a “prolonged and financially burdensome process” for the individual and the authority.

A report to go before the council next week said: “Where drivers’ licences have been refused, or a driver has their licence suspended or revoked, the individual will have an optional right of review to the licensing regulatory committee.

“A request for this review must be lodged with the public protection manager within 21 days of receiving notice of the decision to refuse, suspend or revoke.

“This right does not affect the statutory right of appeal to the magistrates Court and is only an option. The individual may still choose to appeal directly to the magistrates court, where applicable, without utilising this optional right of review.”

Mr Mullen added that it was good to have the option of an appeal to the committee.

Interesting - any other local authorities use a procedure like this?

I think many do, and TBH it has got to be better on the public purse if they go that way rather than via the courts.

Of course even if the rejection of the license is upheld by the committee the applicant can still go to the courts, but it would be much easier for a council to defend if the applicant has already had an independent hearing.

_________________
IDFIMH

I wonder how many existing cabbies are actually moaning about the lack of drivers?

Not many methinks.

_________________
IDFIMH

But does the applicant have to appeal to the magistrates within 21 days of the 1st refusal,this could be seen to be a delaying ploy by the Council to make the applicant out of time,you cannot trust Council Officers.

If it's to the committee then the next meeting no matter when would be acceptable.

From their decision (or the letter of their decision) the 21 days would apply.

_________________
IDFIMH