Taxi Driver Online

I couldn't agree more Wharfy.

The research documents are a rich source of info for sites like this. The legal stuff is basically an on-line Button book.

Given that the DfT/Government had proposed de-limitation and were drawing up best practice guidance long before OFT, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the result had been determined months, if not years before the OFT even started the study.

In particular, what they've proposed won't take any longer to implement or take up valuable Parliamentary time, for example - London was clearly totally off limits as well.

They should have just proceeded as before and not bothered with OFT, it's just wasted more time and money.

There's plenty useful stuff for taxi 'anoraks' like us, but in general it's otherwise not much use - surely a good case could have been made for de-limitation without involving OFT??

Incidentally, I think the first part of the above was what Wharfy perhaps said a few weeks ago - I thought the OFT would be a bit more radical and independent, but Wharfy was spot on.

Dusty

Indeed the Wharf man could be right, it may have been a little wishy washy. However if the quotas are to go, then I'm going to be the first mush to wave the flag.

Hmmmm. I spose I better go out and buy a meter.

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There is Significant Unmet Demand for my Opinion.

See I'm not even sure that will be necessary. Providing your prices aren't higher than the agreed district fare, then surely it doesn't matter.

Yet another bit of un-finished business.

At last I had finsihed reading the report. No way am I reading the other bits.
Nothing to much for me to be scared about. If they say that lifing restrictions just means that the ph are going to change to taxi, then that may give me less rank work but I will have more radio work.
Or am I being naive.

yes bless you, you are being niave.

you massively over simplyfy it as I see it.

the report reccomended massive improvements in Quality control indeed there will be moves to prevent what you describe happening, so its about WAVs newer vehicles driving tests and maybe knowledge tests.

in some places there will be a reduction in the number of taxis, and I expect that in our area, new council rules here will vastly reduce the fleet particularly private hire.

Wharfie

I haven't read it yet Wharfy, but from the bits I have I didn't quite get the impression that the improvements in quality recommended were 'massive'.

The problem as far as I see it is that they've been over-vague about what kind of standards would be appropriate, and how stringent they should be.

But if there is a significant improvement in this area then I'll be more than happy.

But we'll have to wait and see if the DfT accept the recommendations. Then they'll issue best practice guidance, which will be non-binding on LAs.

Plus ca change.

Dusty

Apart from the restricted numbers business the OFT report seems to be a bit of a dissapoinment, theres not much specific stuff in it, it mentions quality but its a bit waffly for my liking.

I think the government up here will be a tougher not to crack than yours down there. After all you had the clause-whatever so the government seemed to be just looking for an excuse to uncap.

UP here we had the consulation last year and there was nothing about caps on taxi numbers, they just proposed caps for Ph as well.

So who knows what will happen.

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Caledonian Cabbie

It will be interesting to see what the 'Task Force' say, following the OFT report.

If they keep up with the daft suggestion of restricting PH numbers, then that will go very well along side the OFT report.

I was going to say that perhaps someone should build bridges between the two sides, perhaps even the chaps who are building your new Parliament.

Sorry, but have I got this right?

The OFT say that restricting HCs is a bad thing, but the Scottish Group say restricting PHs is a good thing.

Alex

Wouldn't that be good idea, lifting the limit on the numbers of HCs and putting a limit on the number of PHs.

We could then have a waiting list for PH vehicle licenses. Have surveys from time to time to assess PH demand. Have a grey market trade in PH vehicle licenses. Perhaps some union will have a 'managed growth' PH policy.

And then the OFT can do a year long study to say that limiting PH numbers stunts market growth.

As I said, wouldn't that be a good idea, or maybe not?

Hello

I have read the report in full and feel that there is an area where we might be able to at least postpone the de limitation for a few years (maybe two years).
Its in section 4.7 or 4.8 of the report where they state that the Govt might wish to consider ''the social implications'' of removing the limits to the number of licences in issue.
This is particularly relevent in relation to drivers/owners who have obtained loans to buy the licences and who will now face hardship as they will not be able to earn the same that they did previously and therefore find it hard to service the debts.
I think it quite reasonable that these people be given say two years to get some return on their investments before the limits are removed.
Lobbying of members of parliament can and will work if enough people protest to them as was the case with the Pharmacy industry where the OFT report has not been adopted for now at least.
I am NOT a holder of any hackney licence .

Yogesh (Manchester)

Yogesh you could be right, and it may well take a number of years to sort out. That's of course if the DfT and the DTI want to sort it out.

The bits about having to assess the social aspects, is something that the government and councils have to do, under The Human Rights Act.

Those sort of issues are dealt with in the report in a small way, but in the annexe's in a large way. Basically the license, be it drivers or vehicles, are your property under the HR Act. They are not to be taken away on a wim, if at all, unless the holder does something stupid.

However the plate premium, has been deemed as not a property under the Human Rights Act. So any financial loss following de-limitation should be irrelevant.

In Ireland, they are paying a fraction of the cost of the premium, in compensation. However I really doubt that tax payers money will be used to bail out plate holders over here.

I hope this does not cause an protractive postings but I have to state that it is refreshing to see Sussexman refer to such matters of premiums without dropping in the usual derogative comments.

When I first started read SM's reply I though.."Here we go", but no, no such usual comments were made.

And I actually enjoyed reading his reply!!! Please keep it up!