Taxi Driver Online

23 convicted in private hire abuse clampdown

Publisher: Ian Morgan
Published: 15/11/2006 - 15:47:19 PM Printable version
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Beware of rogue taxis! Twenty Three Private hire drivers have been convicted after a clampdown by Rochdale Council.

The drivers, who were all caught plying for hire were targeted as part of a joint campaign between the council and the police, designed to tackle rogue operators.

In all, 27 drivers were prosecuted.

23 were found guilty of offences of plying for hire without the appropriate licence and for driving without insurance.

Private hire drivers are only allowed to carry passengers who have pre-booked them through a private hire operator.

They are not allowed to pick up people who flag them down on the street or to stand at a rank.

If they do so, then their insurance is void and passengers are put at significant risk.

The total fines received by the drivers amounted to £6700 plus £5573 costs and each had at least 6 points placed on his licence, resulting in five of them being disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Lead Member for Environment & Sustainability, Councillor Wera Hobhouse said: "I am delighted with the outcome of these cases. Public safety is our number one concern and private hire drivers who flout the law simply won't be tolerated. I hope this serves as a warning to other operators that they just can't get away with it."

Adrian Watson, Chief Environmental Health and Licensing Officer, said, "This operation proved just how effective we can be when working with our partners to improve safety on our streets. The message to the public is clear - either use taxis, which in Rochdale are black cabs or white saloons and have white licence plates, or make arrangements with one of the private hire companies, before you go into town, for your return journey."

All those convicted will be invited to attend a Council Licensing Panel when the future of their drivers' licences will be considered.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Looks like that some LOs have finally realised that if they prosecute under the no insurance issue, then a proper punishment is given.

If the will is there, then it can be sorted.

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IDFIMH

In the North East councils have been procecuting under no insurance for years.

But it doesn't stop those who believe their actions are defensible.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.