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| Sheffield GMB rep says permanent PHV signs 'draconian' http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=41393 |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Thu Apr 24, 2025 12:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Sheffield GMB rep says permanent PHV signs 'draconian' |
Well this isn't 100% clear, but looks like they currently have removable operator signage on the rear doors, and this is to be replaced by something more permanent on the front doors, but presumably just the plate number and/or 'pre-booking only' kind of stuff, rather than the operator's name. So although it's presumably the difference between removable and permanent signage that's his main gripe, this all looks a tad overblown, and I'd guess it'll help the multi-op drivers, so they might well welcome the change And no point in mentioning the conflict with Wolverhampton on door signage Permanent minicab signage plan is reckless - union https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedyz5we444o A council proposal for private hire vehicles to permanently fix signs to their front doors has been deemed "expensive and reckless" by a trade union. Nasar Raoof, the taxi trade representative for the GMB in Yorkshire, said Sheffield City Council's plan would confuse the public, put drivers at risk of abuse and damage cars, making them difficult to sell in future. He said: "They don't need to be permanent, unless the council is wishing to take on the cost of damage and repair to the vehicle. It is a draconian measure, and it is not proportionate." Sheffield City Council said the proposal was in line with the Department for Transport's best practice guidance. A council spokesperson also said the proposal included removing the existing requirement to display operator signage on the rear doors. The plan would only affect private hire vehicles (PHVs), also called minicabs, which are booked in advance through companies like Uber and Veezu. Mr Raoof, a former taxi driver, said: "[The plan] would mean being identified as a driver even when you're off duty with your family. There will be huge consequences." He previously told the BBC that drivers had suffered verbal and physical abuse during riots in August, with one union member having their window smashed while taking a passenger back to work at a hospital. 'Collective punishment' A petition against the plan, external has more than 300 signatures, with supporters saying they have had eggs and stones thrown at their vehicles while working. The petition requests that the plan is dropped, and for any future proposal to be developed in consultation with drivers and only require non-permanent, magnetic signage. Guidance from the Department for Transport said councils should not go further than requiring drivers to display an authority licence plate and a "pre-booked only" sign on the door. Mr Raoof said it was "not valid" to justify permanent signage with safeguarding concerns. "The problems have been addressed, and the customer always has the option of ringing the operator and speaking to someone as well. "Collective punishment of thousands of [PHV] drivers because of one or two bad apples is extremely unproportionate," he added. Booking rides through an app means information about the driver and vehicle are shared with the customer who can compare details when they arrive. Councillor Joe Otten, chair of the waste and street scene policy committee, said: "Our job now is to analyse what people have told us, both taxi drivers and the people who use taxis. "[We will] bring a report on the findings to the council's waste and street scene committee in early June." Traditional taxis, which are those hailed on the street or booked at a taxi rank with a yellow sign on the roof, are not included in the proposal. |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Thu Apr 24, 2025 12:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sheffield GMB rep says permanent PHV signs 'draconian' |
Worth having a look at the petition via the link in the text above - it actually sounds a bit more measured than as portrayed by the BBC above, and is very articulate Quote: He said: "They don't need to be permanent, unless the council is wishing to take on the cost of damage and repair to the vehicle. Chances of that happening? Quote: Nasar Raoof, the taxi trade representative for the GMB in Yorkshire... At least there's nothing about raoof lights in the petition
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| Author: | Sussex [ Thu Apr 24, 2025 7:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sheffield GMB rep says permanent PHV signs 'draconian' |
This is a very rare issue for me where I can actually agree with both sides equally. I get the council wanting to ensure customers don't get into a vehicle that isn't licensed, and I get the driver's side that they wish to take the signs off if they are not working. |
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| Author: | edders23 [ Fri Apr 25, 2025 8:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sheffield GMB rep says permanent PHV signs 'draconian' |
this is why magnetic door signs have always been popular. The trouble is they can be forgotten or lost which is why permanent stuck on signs are more reliable |
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