Taxi Driver Online :: View topic - Gwent Drivers to fight taxi age rule

Thank you for the link which I note relates to "Gwent drivers to fight taxi
age rule".

Quote:

First and foremost may I say that in accordance with sections 47
& 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Local
Authorities can implement any Conditions they so wish as long as they are in
the interest of Public Safety and would stand up to challenge in the
Magistrates Court.

Only if they are deemed reasonable, 3 mots would not be reasonable
The article in a local paper is factually incorrect and I will cite them in
order for you.

1. This Authority is NOT banning taxis over 5 years old. After a 12 month
consultation period with the trade and local residents, the full Licensing
Committee decided to bring in a ruling that, from 1st September 2008 (a date
suggested by the trade members who attended the meeting), any new vehicle
being licensed with this Authority from that date will have to be 5yrs old
or less, as detailed on the Vehicle Registration Document (V5). This does
not effect vehicles currently licensed.

2. The Federation of Independent Taxi Drivers relates to those from Milford
Haven only.

3. This, and other decisions made on the day, were as the result of 12
months consultation with the trade and approved by our Legal Department.

4. Cars are NOT currently MOT'd 3 times a year - it is every 6 months. From
the 1st April 2008, all vehicles which are 8 years or older, as detailed on
the Vehicle Registration Document (V5)will be subject to 3 MOT's per year.
This decision being made by the full Licensing Committee as a result of the
consultation.

The decisions of the Licensing Committee were made after approval by our
Legal Department. Mr Jones has been contacted and advised of his legal right
to challenge any decision through the Magistrates Court.

Alun Williams
Licensing Officer
01437 775275

Author:	JD [ Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:12 am ]
Post subject:	Gwent Drivers to fight taxi age rule
February 28, 2008 Thursday Drivers to fight taxi age rule Western Telegraph Concerned that their livelihoods are in peril over a County Council decision to ban taxis over five years old, taximen in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Tenby have formed a Federation of Independent Taxi Drivers to challenge the move. "We feel this was pushed through too quickly, "said the self-elected chairman of the Federation, independent owner Tony Jones of Milford Haven. "We are taking legal advice with the intention of challenging this decision through the Magistrates Court, because there is no question it could put some people out of business." Mr Jones claimed the County Licensing committee made the decision without proper consultation at the request of three taxi operators who have relatively new cars. "We already have to have our cars MOT'd three times a year, so there is no question that they are safe to drive. I haven't heard of any being taken off the road." said Mr Jones. "The age of the vehicle is not important so long as it is properly maintained and tested. "We want this undemocratic decision vetoed before it puts the smaller operators out of business. It could make all the difference to an owner's livelihood if, after September 1st, he has to spend £4,000 instead of £1,000 to change his car." He said the minority pushing for the change stood to enhance their own business at the expense of other operators, leading to a massive hike in taxi fares. "We don't want to see people being charged £25 for a trip from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven instead of £15 because a few have got rid of the competition," he added. A council spokesman said: "Consultations have been held with the taxi trade over the past 12 months over vehicle colour and age policy. "A number of proprietors responded to the consultation and their views were considered when the Licensing Committee made its decision. "It was felt that a number of safety measures - such as air bags and advanced braking systems - were incorporated in newer vehicles which were not available in older ones and that it was therefore prudent to set age limits on taxis." ___________________________

Author:	Sussex [ Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:29 am ]
Post subject:
If you have three tests a year then do you really need an age limit? Methinks not.

Author:	skippy41 [ Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:
Three tests a year is OTT two would be the norm but only when the vehicle has reached five years. I don think this council has heard of best practice. If they want to do something constructive, they could have a policy whereby they dont issue a licence to any vehicles over three years when they apply for there first licence but after that owners can keep them on the road until they change them

Author:	skippy41 [ Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:
A reply received from MR Williams to questions raised in the paper article. I still cannot see the need to have 3 mots when all the licencing officer has to do is write to the companies and request they bring them round for a visual inspection or meet them at a location close to there base 2 mots is all thats really required Quote: Thank you for the link which I note relates to "Gwent drivers to fight taxi age rule". Quote: First and foremost may I say that in accordance with sections 47 & 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Local Authorities can implement any Conditions they so wish as long as they are in the interest of Public Safety and would stand up to challenge in the Magistrates Court. Only if they are deemed reasonable, 3 mots would not be reasonable The article in a local paper is factually incorrect and I will cite them in order for you. 1. This Authority is NOT banning taxis over 5 years old. After a 12 month consultation period with the trade and local residents, the full Licensing Committee decided to bring in a ruling that, from 1st September 2008 (a date suggested by the trade members who attended the meeting), any new vehicle being licensed with this Authority from that date will have to be 5yrs old or less, as detailed on the Vehicle Registration Document (V5). This does not effect vehicles currently licensed. 2. The Federation of Independent Taxi Drivers relates to those from Milford Haven only. 3. This, and other decisions made on the day, were as the result of 12 months consultation with the trade and approved by our Legal Department. 4. Cars are NOT currently MOT'd 3 times a year - it is every 6 months. From the 1st April 2008, all vehicles which are 8 years or older, as detailed on the Vehicle Registration Document (V5)will be subject to 3 MOT's per year. This decision being made by the full Licensing Committee as a result of the consultation. The decisions of the Licensing Committee were made after approval by our Legal Department. Mr Jones has been contacted and advised of his legal right to challenge any decision through the Magistrates Court. Alun Williams Licensing Officer 01437 775275

Author:	JD [ Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:49 pm ]
Post subject:
I'm glad you took the time to contact the LO Skippy otherwise we would have been none the wiser as to what has actually been passed. So the question left in the balance, is this. Is there an upper age limit restriction and if so what is it? Well a quick telephone call revealed that there is no upper age limit restriction and vehicles can remain licensed as long as they pass the inspection. The new rules are as follows. First licence five years or less. I forgot to ask the number of tests for vehicles up to five years but over five years vehicles will have two tests per year up until eight years, over eight years vehicles will be subject to three tests per year and as previously pointed out there is no upper age limit. I hope that puts the full perspective on the matter. Regards JD

Taxi Driver Online http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/

Gwent Drivers to fight taxi age rule http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8125	Page 1 of 1

Author:	skippy41 [ Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:
Its a good job they where not going to do as the papers says It just goes to show never belive what they write and its always better to get it from the horses mouth instead

Author:	JD [ Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:
skippy41 wrote: Its a good job they where not going to do as the papers says It just goes to show never belive what they write and its always better to get it from the horses mouth instead I don't think the sexy voice on the other end of the phone line resembled a horse but one never knows? Regards JD

Author:	skippy41 [ Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:
JD wrote: skippy41 wrote: Its a good job they where not going to do as the papers says It just goes to show never belive what they write and its always better to get it from the horses mouth instead I don't think the sexy voice on the other end of the phone line resembled a horse but one never knows? Regards JD When did Alex start the TDO chat lines

Author:	JD [ Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:
skippy41 wrote: JD wrote: skippy41 wrote: Its a good job they where not going to do as the papers says It just goes to show never belive what they write and its always better to get it from the horses mouth instead I don't think the sexy voice on the other end of the phone line resembled a horse but one never knows? Regards JD When did Alex start the TDO chat lines They were activated some time ago but you need a telephone with a turning circle of 28 feet to access them, its a condition of license. Besides the chat lines are for those persons who only get turned on by listening to monologues of outdated Taxi legislation from the 19th century. I don't think you fit that bill do you? Regards JD

Author:	cabby john [ Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:24 am ]
Post subject:
Typical bldy taxi drivers, Umm where is Haverfordwest - Answer, Pembrokeshire West Wales. Gwent is in East Wales**, no wonder the punters complain about getting ripped off

Page 1 of 1	All times are UTC [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/