Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers stripped of licences

SIX Hartlepool taxi drivers have been stripped of their licences for offences including violence, dishonesty, indecency and drugs in the last year.

Ten would-be cabbies had applications refused for similar crimes and one had his licence suspended and not renewed for being involved in illegal activity.

A taxi company boss has restated the importance of taking a tough stance on taxi drivers.

Ian Cameron, owner of town firm Cameron's Taxis, said: "If a taxi driver of mine got a conviction for violence or dishonesty or whatever he or she wouldn't be one of my drivers. "I'm very strict on things like that because the public should be protected.''

Mr Cameron added: "Taxi drivers see the public at their weakest moments. They transport children backwards and forwards to school, and they meet the public after they've been drinking or when vulnerable people need transportation.

"They should be protected, it's quite simple. The rules should be enforced to the letter."

The council's principal licensing officer Ian Harrison reassured the public that measures are carried out for their protection.

He said the number of badge refusals has increased but only because there is usually a growing number of applications year on year. He aded: "Before any taxi licence is granted, all applicants are required to produce an up-to-date Criminal Records Bureau disclosure that details any criminal offences they have.

"If this casts any doubt as to their suitability to be given a licence the matter is taken before the council's licensing sub-committee. "If a licence is granted there is a continuous monitoring process to ensure that all drivers remain fit and proper to hold it.

"Any criminal offences committed by taxi drivers are automatically reported to the council and new Criminal Records Bureau checks are carried out every three years.

"If a driver is no longer considered fit and proper to continue to hold their licence it will be revoked. While every application is taken on its merits, the sole concern of the council is the protection of the public."

The cabbies would be refused a badge for serious driving offences – like reckless driving, driving without due care and attention, or being drunk at the wheel – until a period of one to three years free from conviction has elapsed.

There are currently 384 private hire drivers and 196 Hackney carriage drivers, with 20 licensed to do both.

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IDFIMH

Never mind. The limo's system of no licencing would surely catch them out!

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

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Legal and proud

Loads a love from BERTIE !!

Yet again you make a joke of serious offences committed by ppl in your own industry and try and deflect some flack.

No we make a joke of your assertion that these people and others like them couldn't possibly be involved in an unlicenced trade.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Well we are all very happy they are no-longer part of our gang.

Self-drive hire is the future for them.

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IDFIMH

Sounds like hartlepool is a LOT stricter than our authority

no no no you can't take his badge off him for being convicted of kidnapping that would be racist !