grandad wrote:
The subject of when to start the meter comes up regularly on here. Our council say that it is when the customer is seated and ready to go.
The following is from the Government best practice guidlines and it seems to back up this view.
Annex B
TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENSING: BEST PRACTICE GUIDANCE
Notice for taxi passengers - what you can expect from the taxi trade and what the
taxi trade can expect from you
The driver will:
Drive with due care and courtesy towards the passenger and other road
users.
Use the meter within the licensed area, unless the passenger has agreed to
hire by time.
If using the meter, not start the meter until the passenger is seated in the
vehicle.
If travelling outside the licensed area, agree the fare in advance. If no fare
has been negotiated in advance for a journey going beyond the licensing
area then the driver must adhere to the meter.
Take the most time-efficient route, bearing in mind likely traffic problems and
known diversions, and explain any diversion from the most direct route.
Ask your council if this
Our council say that it is when the customer is seated and ready to go. is a by-law.....if not non enforceable...
I think the workings of the cab would come under vehicle rules ( mainly 1976 act), not driver rules (1847 act).