Taxi Driver Online

Another rather bizarre interpretation of the Govt's OFT statement in this month's Taxi Talk.

On page 26, the Reiver said:

"The government asked LAs to justify local policies, they did not ask for delimitation."

However, the Govt did in fact say:

"The Government agrees that consumers should enjoy the benefits of competition in the taxi market and considers that it is detrimental to those seeking entry to a market if it is restricted. The Government is therefore strongly encouraging all those local authorities who still maintain quantity restrictions to remove restrictions as soon as possible."

Of course, the Govt did not make delimitation compulsory (not yet, at least!!), but the Reiver's interpretation of things seems to be spinning things somewhat.

I think the Reiver is more than likely a member of the NTA, and methinks there's a battle over who won the OFT battle.

The NTA say it was the NTA, the T&G say they KO'd OFT.

I suggest both of them should ask drivers in Chemlsford, Amber Valley, Solihull, Guildford, Slough, Cardiff, North East Lincs, Wolverhampton, Wyre, Hastings, Woking, Wycombe, Selby, Stratford upon Avon, and the increasing number of other councils that are doing exactly what the OFT wanted, and that's de-limiting.

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IDFIMH

its nice to see you guys reading a decent trade magazine, instead of that rag from the ph industry.

LA's must justify there policies, the ones mentioned by sussex are not helping anyone by throwing licenses about left right and centre. There is more to the issue than limitation of numbers, its about looking at the best situation for all customers, PH and HC.

The councils named are taking an easy way out, one that may come back to haunt them in the end, when all taxis are owner driven and everybody who wants one has one, and theres still not enough!

Of course, at this time it'll be easier to get a cab during peak periods, but more difficult to get one during the quiet periods. We cant do two shifts at once can we.

The councils named say they work in the public interest, but unfortunately its in their own and its plain irresponsibility.

Regards

Captain cab

Makes a change from the 'all taxis would be owned by big corporates' argument, el capitano.

I think it's restricted numbers that's coming back to haunt LAs, not getting rid of them.

Yes, I read PH and Courier as well, it's mainly London stuff, but still a good read, and the only real PH mag left.

Talking of trade mags, is there any truth in the rumour that PH and Taxi Monthly and Taxi Talk are about to merge?

Since PHM added the word taxi to its title, it's started to read more and more like a taxi-oriented mag.

Presumably it won't be long until before it's the PH bit that will be dropped, and it'll become good old Taxi Monthly.

And when I opened Taxi Talk last week and saw the two page spread about Sandown, replete with photos, I thought it was PHM I was reading.

I recommend a merger

To my knowledge PHM added taxi into the title because of metrocab, metrocab (as LTI) refused to advertise in PHM because it was originally aimed at the PH trade.

Regarding the photos were taken at Sandown by Taxitalk, and at the request of PHM who apparently forgot their camera.

I would say there's zero chance of a merger.

I dont think taxis will be owner by large companies, quite the opposite, but I think the service will be poorer.

In my experiences of delimitation, its easier to get cabs when its busy, but more difficult when drivers feel it'll be quiet. At this point the derestricted LA's will be faced with complaints from the public about a poor service from phones based work and ranks, then they may wake up and realise they have lost control.

Regards

Captain cab

As regards the Reiver, the latest from Babergh is perhaps a better representation of the Govt's position:

"Officers advised that we must review the current policy on limiting by April 2005 and that changes were likely in view of the Government instruction. Officers advised that whilst the legislation provides that Council’s may retain limitation if they are satisfied there is no unmet demand, the Government are advising that limits should only be retained if they can justify retaining such a policy is of benefit to the consumer - a more difficult proposition. "

"Officers suggested that the wording of the document indicates that the Government may at some point legislate to remove restriction policies unless local authorities are to seen to be doing so voluntarily."

At long last somebody has spotted that the gov have said that it's down to individual councils to decide, but if they decide not to do what the gov says, then the gov will decide for them.

And Kavanagh said that he KO'd OFT.

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IDFIMH

the government has promised to remove restriction by number to a cart load of companies including mine, and just get over the election.

they have also promised deregulation in the gaming industry to bring jobs to deprived areas, god help us.

they are determined to get dole money back.

They are not getting my dole money back. I sigfn for it each week so I should keep it.

I'm slowly catching up but I have a few commnts to make on this magazine I shall do so shortly.

Best wishes

JD

jd,

i almost take your comments with the utmost regard,

however, perhaps before you comment on the reiver, you should maybe consider how much of it is put in there to upset people.

regards

captain cab

I spoke to a Selby driver the other day, nothing has changed there , where did the info come from
regards.

SELBY DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

Deregulation of Taxis in the Selby District

29 April 2004

Selby District Council has agreed to deregulate the Hackney Carriage service within the Selby district in order to boost the number of taxis available for residents and visitors.

The decision to lift restrictions on the number of operators has been taken following a review of services, recently carried out by the Licensing Enforcement Officer. The deregulation will cut waiting times for customers as well as increasing choice by having a larger number of licensed vehicles in service. The decision to end restrictions on the number of taxis operating in the area will also have a positive affect in creating business opportunities.

Selby District Council Licensing Enforcement Officer, Tim Grogan, said:

“Providing they meet the very stringent criteria we have set out, anyone can now apply for a licence to run a taxi. Introducing more competition into the market will mean a better service for customers. Other authorities undertaking the same deregulation plan have seen a steady and gradual increase in the number of vehicles operating in line with market trends. There will be no lowering of standards of service, and both drivers and their vehicles will be required to meet very strict operating guidelines.”

Chairman of Selby District Council’s Licensing Committee, Cllr. Chris Pearson, added:

“These changes will make a positive difference to both taxi customers and operators across the Selby District. It is part of the District Council’s commitment to improving levels of service for local residents. All new taxi operators will be fully vetted before they are given a licence to operate.”

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IDFIMH

Oh the driver I spoke to must have been telling me porkies
Not a big deal Selby, have noticed odd new cabs knocking about as I have passed though the dump, maybe a bit like on par with Mansfield except the place shuts down at midnight, I don't even think there is a night club still open

There usually is a big queue at the rank friday and saturday, think there is only 2 ranks in the town, but all I see is load of lads scrapping or laid in gutters, often 5 police vehicles parked up near the rank, watching. It's not a place I would like to work.

Suppose when they say deregulate ,Selby covers a large area of villages up to the Leeds boundries, Tadcaster and towards the Goole area, also towards the York boundries.