Unlicensed 'Pink Taxis' to start in Carlise

Paisley Buddie · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 10:13 am

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewa ... ageindex=1

I lifted this from the above news story

The pink cars will be advertised as chauffeur-driven limousines that are pre-booked and paid for.

Because they are run on a membership basis, Pink Ladies does not need to be licensed by Carlisle City Council like traditional taxis

If it is correct that private hire operators run as members only do not need to be licensed then maybe we should all become members only ?

Paisley Buddie · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 10:16 am

See also http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3599

Sussex · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 5:46 pm

Paisley Buddie wrote:

If it is correct that private hire operators run as members only do not need to be licensed then maybe we should all become members only ?

In my opinion no, but it appears some areas don't know the law of the land.

Anyone who takes anyone from A to B for reward, and that need not be money, without a PH, PSV or HC license is breaking the law. Unless it's a one off contract of more than 7 days.

I might have suggested the local trade contact the NTA and ask for advice, but I wont. :-$

kermit2482 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:17 pm

A ha the old 7 day contract rears its ugly head, this is one of which that some limo ops use to get by the over 8 rules, and as for pink ladies i think its a good idea but are possibly going about there publicity the wrong way!

rambo · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:26 pm

We have something simular in london, they say they will only pick up women, but surely that's sexual discrimination. :sad:

kermit2482 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:42 pm

Yes i believe it would be in any other neck of the woods.

fairway · **Joined:** Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:02 pm **Posts:** 171

I don't know that much about 'Pink Ladies' or indeed any women-only taxi firms, but I think it seems a very strange set up.

I knew that it was run as a members club (some have said that's so they can get around the sexual discrimination) but I thought they were plated PHVs.

If as 'Paisley Buddie' said, they are not licensed by the LA, then in my opinion, it is not a very good company.

I think that a company whose main emphasis is supposedly on the safety of women, should be at the forefront of licensing - promoting the use of only licensed taxis and PHVs.

As far as I can see, all this is very similar tot he limo situation, unlicensed cars carrying paying passengers.

I would say that any limo firm wanting to be a professional company and do things well should get its cars licensed and promote the fact that they are licensed.

Personally, if I were looking to hire a limo and there was one in the Yellow Pages with 'Licensed by ---- BC' and the others didn't mention licensing, then I would definitely use that one firm. To be honest though, when you look at most limo customers, they truthfully don't seem to give a damn.

kermit2482 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 8:52 pm

Well said FAIRWAY and clear cut as far as im concerned, thats why when ever i advertise i put my badge number with it, you will be suprised though as to how many of the public are wising up to this now, i often get asked if they can see my licence :lol:

TDO · **Posted:** Sat Apr 29, 2006 2:48 am

fairway wrote:

I knew that it was run as a members club (some have said that's so they can get around the sexual discrimination) but I thought they were plated PHVs.

I don't think that's the case because the discrimination would only be unlawful in relation to employing drivers, and it would be irrelevant whether they were employed by a club or whatever, as far as I know. In a previous article I think the firm claimed that they were offering personal services, which exempts them from the discrimination legislation.

(If the drivers were the usual self-employed then even that would be irrelevant, because I think the discrimination laws only apply to employees. And it's basically not discriminatory to offer your services only to women)

As far as I can make out the club is set up so that the cars are permanentedly contracted to work for the club, thus exempt from plating.

We discussed this at greater length in a recent thread:

http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/vie ... hp?p=43197

kermit2482 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 29, 2006 9:13 am

I can offer personal services to women all day every day, sorry couldn't resist :lol:

Paisley Buddie · **Posted:** Sat Apr 29, 2006 10:55 am

TDO wrote:

fairway wrote:

As far as I can make out the club is set up so that the cars are permanentedly contracted to work for the club, thus exempt from plating.

We discussed this at greater length in a recent thread:

http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/vie ... hp?p=43197

If this is legal I think all private hire companies should become' clubs' & invite members of the public to become 'members'

I am sure licensing officers would soon act & decide that 'clubs' needed to be licenced

Paisley Buddie · **Posted:** Sat Apr 29, 2006 10:56 am

kermit2482 wrote:

I can offer personal services to women all day every day, sorry couldn't resist :lol:

That Viagra's a great thing, ha ha !

Sussex · **Posted:** Sat Apr 29, 2006 6:59 pm

Paisley Buddie wrote:

If this is legal I think all private hire companies should become' clubs' & invite members of the public to become 'members'

I am sure licensing officers would soon act & decide that 'clubs' needed to be licenced

This is only legal in the eyes of the thick, which is why many councils are allowing it.

Nuff said. :sad:

TDO · **Posted:** Sun Apr 30, 2006 2:30 am

So explain why it's illegal?

TDO · **Posted:** Sun Apr 30, 2006 2:32 am

Paisley Buddie wrote:

If this is legal I think all private hire companies should become' clubs' & invite members of the public to become 'members'

Yes, but they would probably get more business by going down the usual route, so the club scenario is probably not an option that needs to be considered.

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