Bit of a safety-is-paramount politicking vibe about this, but some interesting nuggets nonetheless, despite the nondescript headline...
The number of taxi licences revoked in Worcester
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/25 ... worcester/
TEN taxi drivers have had their licences revoked by the city council in the past three years.
Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS
Five of those were for “driving standards” according to figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request.
Two drivers lost their licences for “non-compliance with condition of licence”, one because of their conduct and one due to a combination of these.
Another driver had their licence revoked because of criminal convictions.
Richard Udall, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said: “I’m very serious about keeping high standards for taxi drivers, ensuring our standards are followed and having sufficient enforcement to keep any offenders under observation.
“Revoking a license is a serious step - it’s withdrawing a person’s ability to earn a living, which is why it’s reserved for the worst or repeat offenders.
“I’m confident the vast majority of our taxi drivers obey the rules - they are quality drivers and deliver a good service to the public.
“However, we are determined to find and remove those who break the rules and ignore our policies, they will have nowhere to hide.”
Cllr Udall said the council is improving the way it monitors taxi drivers’ compliance with licensing conditions.
“We currently rely on the public to report problems and concerns to us. However, that will be changing,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“I’m particularly concerned about complaints such as attitude and rudeness and the acceptance of taxi drivers of assistance dogs, disabled passengers and short journeys - this is a particular concern.
“We are now starting to use mystery shoppers to ensure compliance. Those who fail the tests will be coming before a licensing sub-committee to face the consequences of their actions.”
Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS
Worcester City Council has also been working to assess misuse of taxi ranks in the city centre.
A project known as Operation Rome was launched last year following complaints from licence holders and members of the public that private hire vehicles from other council areas were using Worcester’s taxi ranks.
By March, the operation had identified 85 incidents and 140 vehicles - reported by taxi drivers, councillors, members of the public and council officers.
Formal warning letters have been sent to multiple drivers from Wychavon, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
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