Penalty points scheme for taxi drivers is next on rankhttps://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/ ... k/?ref=rssViolating a new ‘code of conduct' for taxi drivers in Swindon could see a driver be given penalty points, and if enough are accrued, a review of the driver’s licence could follow.
Swindon Borough Council’s licensing committee has approved a new policy which would impose penalty points on drivers for numerous infractions or offences.
At the lowest level misusing the vehicle’s horn would attract three points, as would leaving a hackney carriage on the rank leaving a blockage.
Smoking in the taxi would attract six points, as would parking in a rank outside the licensing district and using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
There are some sliding scale offences: poor driving standards, a hackney carriage driver refusing a fare at a rank without good reason, and failing to comply with conditions of the driver, vehicle or operator licence comes in at six to 12 points.
While abusive or improper behaviour could receive three, 12, or any number of points in between.
Licensing manager Jason Kirkwood told the committee: “When a driver has accrued 12 points unless the matter is of such seriousness that an officer decided to suspend their licence, then the officer will consider the best way forward.
“That may be a licensing review which would go to a licensing sub-committee or panel.
“This sort of scheme is being implemented by many licensing authorities across the country. The list of penalties is recommended in the statutory guidance.”
Members of the committee were concerned that drivers were given a chance to improve.
Councillor Vinay Manro said: “Is it one strike and you’re out?”
Mr Kirkwood said it wasn’t: “If the matter serious, then we might prosecute a driver, not worrying about penalty points. But if it doesn’t meet that threshold, it’s for an officer to decide on the best way forward.
"And if a license is revoked after a subcommittee review that is appealable to a magistrates court within 21 days.”
Councillor Repi Begum asked about standards of evidence: “Some of this seems subjective, especially about poor or abusive behaviour. I’m concerned that people could complain out of prejudice against a driver’s background, clothing, the colour of their skin. Complaints could be made out of prejudice or discrimination.”
Licensing officers assured the councillor that any investigation would need solid evidence to proceed.
Members were told that a driver accepting a call on a mobile phone in a cradle while parked would not constitute an offence and drivers with allergies to dogs could refuse to carry a passenger with assistance animals, but only if they have previously applied for an exemption.”
The committee voted unanimously to recommend the policy be ratified by the full council in February, and if it is, it will come into force on April 1.
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