Taxi Driver Online

I think he was trying to impress the lad from Manchester.

Alex

Credit when credit is due

And so you should be.

Alex

Yes, absolutely - the problem, as I've said umpteen times, is that a lot of people who buy plates don't know exactly what they are buying.

The report says something to the effect that purchasers know they are taking a risk, but it's not quite like that - a lot of them don't even know about OFT and the like, but sadly they probably do now.

And there was the likes of the Scottish Fed putting it around that the OFT had no relevance to Scotland.

Why else have plate values been booming recently, even when the OFT report was know to be due and was weeks late? Probably because those buying them didn't have a scooby.

As regards Yogesh's particular point, if purchaser had been told properly in the past what they were buying and what was going on, particularly post-clause 1.147c, then the problem of large debts wouldn't be so acute.

Dusty

I think the madness of the whole present situation, is that some councils are still turning a blind eye concerning the OFT study.

In my area they are still prepared to ignore the study and let some poor sod sign away half his house.

Now I know they can't say too much, but just giving a copy of the OFT press release to those showing an interest in buying a plate, shouldn't be asking too much.

But it is down here, and if that isn't maladministration, will someone tell me what is.

What's also amazing is that some will still be interested in buying plates, wholly ignorant of the OFT report and/or the implications.

The deficiency of the OFT's report in this regard is neatly summed up at the end of para 4.78, where they argue against phased de-limitation:

"Taxi license holders in areas where quantity restrictions apply have therefore been aware for some time that these could be lifted at any time by their LA".

I don't think that quite tells the whole story.

Dusty

I couldn't agree more.

In my manor I would say that less than a quarter of the trade (HC and PH), knew anything about the OFT study prior to it's publication.

I would say that perhaps now that has risen to half the trade, since publication.

That leaves hundreds and hundreds of drivers who haven't got a flipping clue. Yet my council are prepared to turn a blind eye and lets some of those be mugged by their colleagues ( ), without doing anything about it.

Without doubt, it will all end in tears.

Wot, you mean that they don't know about section 37 of the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847, clause 1.147c of the Government's Regulatory Reform Act action plan, and Sir Christopher Bellamy's judgement in the Royden v Wirral Council case??

Reading the OFT's report you'd be forgiven for thinking that everyone in the trade knew all about these things.

Problem is, many don't even know about the OFT's report, which just about sums up the OFT's views on the matter!

Dusty

here's a little leek-

For immediate release — Tuesday 11th November2003
Newsdesks: transport correspondents, public transport and cab trade specialist media


More taxis does not mean better deal all round

T&G say OFT report is superficial and naive

Taxi drivers’ representatives say today’s Office of Fair Trading Report, which recommends removing restrictions on the number of licensed taxis, may have a superficial appeal for consumers but many of the recommendations are naïve and will not deliver on expectations. The Transport and General Workers Union, which represents thousands of taxi drivers across the UK, said the focus on a “market solution” was another example of hope over experience. The union also said addressing peak time demand with more taxis ignored the needs of the drivers to earn a decent living.

“More competition doesn’t automatically mean better local transport,” said Graham Stevenson, T&G national organiser for transport. “The T&G has demonstrated that competition in the bus industry has failed to deliver for the consumer and for bus workers, for instance. We see nothing in the OFT report to show that competition will be the answer for taxis.”

The union contributed to the OFT study but the initial response to the report was that it was not helpful in achieving the balance between a good deal for consumers, the ability of drivers to earn a living and the high quality, value for money service everyone wanted to see. Concerns were also expressed that the report was being seen in isolation and that there should be a much clearer link to local transport plans and, in particular, how taxis fitted into an integrated transport policy.

“The OFT has made a brave stab at examining the taxi industry but just increasing the number of cabs won’t benefit either the consumer or the drivers,” added Mr. Stevenson. “Legislation already exists to help local authorities plan local provision. The T&G works closely with those local councils to achieve just that.

“What will be better for consumers is more robust regulation to outlaw the ‘cowboy cabs’ to ensure a safe and quality service. This report may well muddy the waters, which I’m sure is not the OFT’S intention.”

The T&G will be making its full response to the OFT report in due course and will lobby MPs and local councils up down the UK to ensure that the balance between what is right for the consumer and taxi drivers is achieved.

ENDS


hmmmmmmmm, interesting

Read the report Mr Stevenson.

You will read case studies that show you are talking out of your rear. But then why allow the truth to get into the way of your scare-mongering?

You say that the T&G has shown competition has been bad for the bus industry. Mr Stevenson, we don't drive buses and most drivers are self-employed in our trade.

I could give an example of airlines competition, allowing people to fly across Europe for next to nothing, but I don't fly planes. And for that matter neither would most airlines, if the T&G had their way.

Mr Stevenson, you clearly missed the bits in the report where it states, that the market increases following de-limitation. Convenient that.

Lets debate the facts, lets keep clear of the bollocks, and one day I might, even for only a second, take you and your union a bit more seriously.

And what exactly, has local input got to do with quotas?

And what about the 95% of councils that don't have a rent a mob local section from the T&G?

I want to know why the buses all stop at 11pm. Why is there no pressure on the bus companies to provide a transport service at "Peak Times". After all, they are the ones that are subsidised.

Pity the T&G seems to have such a low opinion of the London black cab trade (I assume).

As for taxi license quotas, they've never really done much to those in the trade that don't have one, as far as I can tell, so what's the difference between them and bus drivers?

As usual, it's I'm alright, Mr T&G.

Dusty

I feel sorry for T&G members (or anyone else) who've bought a plate that will become worthless following de-limitation.

Hopefully, if de-limitation is implemented the T&G and others will find common cause in supporting reasonable quality standards in the trade, which are the best way to provide a good service and give ALL drivers the chance to earn a 'decent living'.

But of course there are plenty in the trade who don't want a proper knowledge test (say) because their main aim is to have drivers in their car as much of the week as possible, and if license quotas and lack of restrictions on driver entry to the trade acheive this, then that's fine, regardless of the consequences on everyone else.

Dusty