Taxi Driver Online

Quite a few of these official council press releases around at this time of year, of course.

But this one's a bit different. Nothing really about plate colours, photo badges, or whatever. And nothing at all really about the HC/PH distinction

Instead, it seems to be mainly about warning people not to use cross-border cars. But it's quite restrained and subtle in that regard, and to a degree you have to read between the lines. But the highlighted bits seem to me to either explicitly or implicitly be warning about cross-border cars. The stuff about Warrington-plated cars having CCTV and to look out for the council crest is of course slightly more subtle than specifically warning about cars plated in other areas.

So to that extent they're more bothered about people using out-of-area cars than the more usual HC v PH stuff etc. And no mention of unlicensed drivers either


Travel with confidence by taxi this Christmas

https://www.warrington.gov.uk/news/trav ... -christmas

Warrington residents who are out and about for the festive season are being encouraged to keep themselves safe by following the ‘taxi travel checklist’.

The Christmas period will see more people than ever - from partygoers to shoppers - relying on taxis for their journeys. Taxis provide an invaluable service, helping people to travel around the town. It’s important that everyone can travel with confidence.

Taxis need to be licensed to operate but this can be with any council. This means that some taxis operating locally can be licensed by an authority hundreds of miles away. 

All councils should have public and driver safety as their primary concern and there are national minimum standards, but safeguarding controls can still vary; depending on where the vehicle is licensed.

Warrington Borough Council wants everyone to travel with confidence and is urging people to follow some simple checks:

• Look for the council crest and CCTV stickers when using taxi ranks
• When pre-booking a journey, ask about where the vehicle is licensed and confirm your booking with the driver before getting it.
• Ensure that you have means of payment and check in advance whether cards are accepted.
• Think about using apps that allow you to share your location
• Know how to make a complaint: warrington.gov.uk/taxicomplaint

Warrington Borough Council works closely with licenced drivers to promote safer streets and safer travel. This includes robust checks on the suitability of drivers, regular compliance checks by local officers, and action to address any issues.

As an additional safety feature, vehicles licensed in Warrington have CCTV fitted as standard.

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, Cllr Hitesh Patel, said: “Warrington’s taxis provide a valuable service for the public, especially late at night when other forms of public transport are not always available. That’s why we’re taking every step to ensure our taxis operate to the highest standards, and provide a safe, quality service.

“The use of CCTV in all of licensed vehicles is a really important part of our work to protect the public and drivers, and improve the likely detection of crime. We want everyone to feel that when they travel by taxi – this Christmas and beyond - that they can do so safely, securely and with confidence.

“Thinking about where your taxi is licensed and following the simple checklist are important step you can take to ensure your journey is a safe one.”

Not quite sure if that's a recommendation or a warning

It leaves a paper trail for the police when things go wrong !

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

Yes, you're probably right Edders. But maybe 'paper trail' not the best terminology in the days of apps, literally speaking. Maybe 'electronic paper trail', or 'audit trail', or similar

Anyways, this is a slightly more conventional news release from a council not a million miles from you.

As reported by the press, it's not a badge and plate or HC/PH sort of release, and focuses on unlicensed lift-sharing and the like. And also on a list of cab numbers etc that can be accessed via a QR code, so all very modern

The council's actual news release (in post below) is a bit more of the usual plates and badges variety. But a bit more vague than the norm, and not the type that goes into plate colours, or the HC/PH divide etc.


Keep Fenland's roads safe, get a taxi home this Christmas

https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/23190 ... christmas/

Fenland District Council wants you stay safe this Christmas, so they’ve launched a new campaign asking you to “Stay safe this Christmas, call for a taxi.”

The new “Stay safe this Christmas, call for a taxi.” campaign is encouraging individuals to keep Fenland’s roads safe while supporting local businesses by getting a taxi home after a night out. 

The council has put together a list of licensed local drivers and private hire operators alongside their operating hours over the Christmas period.

With increasing numbers of unlicensed and uninsured “lift services” being offered on social media, the council is also keen to encourage the use of legitimate vehicles and drivers, both for the safety of passengers and for other road users. 

If you suspect someone is acting as an unlicensed taxi driver, contact the Fenland District Council’s Licensing team on 01354 654321 or email: licensing@fenland.gov.uk. 

You can also report it online at: http://www.fenland.gov.uk/article/14395 ... nsing-team 

You’ll be able to access the list through the QR code on posters in pubs and local businesses across Fenland or by visiting the Fenland District Council website at: http://www.fenland.gov.uk/findataxi

Council launch Christmas taxi safety campaign

https://www.fenland.gov.uk/article/1714 ... y-campaign

Fenland District Council has launched a new campaign to help keep Fenland streets safe this Christmas.

The new "Stay safe this Christmas, call for a taxi" campaign encourages local residents to keep Fenland roads safe and support their local businesses by getting a taxi home after a night out.

Fenland District Council has worked with local taxi and private hire companies to put together a comprehensive list of licensed local drivers and private hire operators as well as their operating hours over the Christmas period.

Posters and flyers will be displayed in pubs and local businesses across Fenland and shared on social media to ensure that everyone has quick and easy access to this directory of local providers.

The directory itself can be accessed by scanning the QR code found on all campaign materials or by visiting the Fenland District Council website at: http://www.fenland.gov.uk/findataxi

Cllr Steve Count, the Council's portfolio holder for Licensing, said: "We all enjoy a drink with friends during the festive season, but it's important to do so safely. Drink driving kills and seriously injures thousands of people every year, so if you know someone has had too much to drink, be a good friend and accompany them to a taxi."

With increasing numbers of unlicensed and uninsured "lift services" being offered on social media, the Council is also keen to encourage the use of legitimate vehicles and drivers, both for the safety of passengers and for other road users.

Residents can make sure that they, their family and friends all get home safely by following these SAFETY tips next time they use a taxi or private hire vehicle:

• Share details of your journey and the vehicle you are in with someone you trust
• Ask the driver to show you their badge before they set off
• Find out which licensed taxis and private hire vehicles operate in your area and plan your journey accordingly
• Examine the vehicle before you get in - Is a license on display and does it look roadworthy?
• Trust your instincts - If you feel uncomfortable, tell the driver to stop so you can get out
• You can report any concerns to the police and the Fenland District Council Licensing Team

Anyone who suspects someone is acting as an unlicensed taxi driver is urged to contact the Council's Licensing team on 01354 654321 or email: licensing@fenland.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can report it online at: http://www.fenland.gov.uk/article/14395 ... nsing-team

If this thread was the basis of a 'compare and contrast' exam question, then it's useful that the Warrington warning was the most unconventional, majoring on the cross-border question, and advising to use local cars.

Fenland's approach was slightly more conventional, but a bit vague on the licensing specifics, although had a more modern slant, with the QR codes etc.

This from Carlisle is the most conventional, and to that degree does concentrate on the licensing specifics like the HC/PH distinction, ranks v pre-booking, door markings and rooflights, looking at driver's ID badges etc.

This is the press version, and always useful to see the original council news release about stuff like this, just in case something's (literally) lost in the translation.

But can't see this on the council's website. Probably went straight from licensing to the News & Star, rather than via the council's 'comms' people and the website


Carlisle City Council shares tips to stay safe from unlicensed taxis

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2319 ... sed-taxis/

People are being warned against using unlicensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

Carlisle City Council’s licensing team has stressed the dangers surrounding this, and has shared some tips which they say are helpful.

The team’s tips include pre-booking through a licensed operator or use one of the Hackney ranks in the city centre to further ensure you’re getting in a licensed cab.

The team recommends asking for details of the car when making the booking and ensuring the driver knows the destination and the name it was booked under when it arrives.

Likewise, they said to check the vehicle, making sure it’s plated with private hire or Hackney carriage license plates on the rear..

Private hire vehicles and white taxis will also have white door signs with the city of Carlisle displayed, and a licensed Hackney carriage will have an illuminated roof sign displaying the word ‘taxi’.

You can also ask to see the driver’s ID badge, something they’re obliged to wear so that it’s distinctly visible.

The team said there’s no reason a driver should refuse to show this to the customer, and they must have it in their possession to carry out licensed journeys.

Their final tip is to not give any personal details to the driver, other than what is needed to get to the destination.

If you suspect that someone is acting as an unlicensed taxi, you can report this to Carlisle City Council’s licensing section on 01228 817523, or contact the police at 101.

You can remain anonymous if you wish.

A Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “All cases of alleged illegal taxi and private hire operations are being investigated and where information is obtained to evidence an illegal operation action will be taken.

“Don’t be tempted by convenience, availability or a cheap fare - the vehicle you get into may not be safe, you may not be covered by insurance and the driver may not be a safe and fit person.

“Properly authorised taxi and private hire drivers have all these safeguards.”

Of course, as always, much of that stuff seems a bit pen-pusher/form-filler -ish, and doesn't conform to what happens in reality.

As the two comments left below the Carlisle article ably demonstrate:

One has to wonder why these hints/warnings/advice happen just during the Xmas period.

People get taxis every day of the year, and Xmas isn't the only busy time.

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IDFIMH

I suppose it's maybe because a lot of people aren't the normal taxi crowd, so they don't know the score so much.

Linked to that is that they don't know the score as regards handling their drink either, so putting the two together is a recipe for trouble...

Last one of these I'm posting on here, unless there's anything particularly noteworthy in any future warnings.

But this is interesting in that it's probably the one of the four in this thread a that most conforms to the council-festive-season-taxi-warning, er, paradigm.

Or, as a cynic might put it, it's the most formulaic.

Thus it majors on the 'bogus taxi driver' warning. It goes into the HC/PH divide, plate colours and door markings, and public/rank hirings as opposed to pre-booking. Then there's the mention of drivers' ID badges and 'tips' about making sure you have the number of a reputable firm, and making sure it's the car you ordered that you're getting into.

Predictably, perhaps, the terminology is dodgy and inconsistent (as highlighted). 'Hackney carriage cabs' v 'private hire cabs' is maybe acceptable. But the word 'taxi' is used generically, and later in the piece the word 'minicab' makes a sudden appearance


Council urges revellers to beware of bogus taxi drivers over festive season

https://nation.cymru/news/council-urges ... ve-season/

Cyngor Gwynedd is urging people to be wary of bogus taxi drivers as they go out to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

The council is warning people to consider how they will be getting home from a night out to enjoy Christmas parties, or visit friends and family, and to make sure they used legitimate and licensed taxis.

Only Hackney carriage cabs can be hailed in the street and in Gwynedd, these cars should carry a blue plate on the front and back.

Private hire cabs should be booked beforehand and will be displaying a yellow plate on the front and back and there is a half-moon shaped symbol on the car doors.

All licensed drivers should have Cyngor Gwynedd driver’s identity badge, and the council say that an unlicensed car and driver will not have been vetted by the Council and may not be insured.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Environment said: “We want residents to be able to enjoy themselves safely over the festive period.

“Our advice is to make sure the car and driver have all the correct Cyngor Gwynedd licence plates and bad before getting inside.

“Getting into an unlicensed cab is essentially the same as taking a lift from a stranger, people should remember to stay safe especially if they are under the influence of alcohol. Bogus drivers may also be undercutting legitimate taxi businesses.”

Staying safe

Other tips to stay safe when you are out and about this Christmas are:

• Carry a telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi company with you

• If possible, book a taxi or minicab in advance. Ask for the driver’s name and for the make and colour of the car

• Confirm the details with the driver when the taxi arrives, is it the car you ordered?

• If you are ordering a taxi from a public place, try not to let anyone overhear your name and address – anyone could pretend to be your taxi.

• If you are out with friends, make sure everyone has a way of getting home. If someone in your group has had too much to drink, accompany them to their taxi and make sure it is a legitimate cab.

• Sharing a taxi with friends is always a good idea

If you’re concerned regarding any vehicle purporting to be a taxi in Gwynedd, contact Cyngor Gwynedd’s Licensing Unit by emailing trwyddedu@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or calling 01766 771000.

So the first tip is presumably using the t-word generically to mean either HC or PH circuits

Which begs the question, what's a 'minicab' as used in the second tip?

It's no wonder the public are so confused about stuff like this