Taxi Driver Online

Changes to taxi rules proposed

Taxi drivers in Gloucestershire are being asked for their opinion on changes to current operational rules.

Suggested changes include a basic test in numeracy and literacy for new drivers with additional requirements for drivers from abroad.

Views are also being sought on whether private hire vehicles should have roof lights and new rules covering "stretched limousines" are planned.

Any comments should be submitted to the city council by Thursday.

Councillor Andrew Gravells, from Gloucester City Council, said: "This is really a matter of public safety and common sense.

"It makes sense for there to be consistency across the county.

"That will make things simpler and clearer for the travelling public.

"At the end of the day it is their safety which is of paramount importance."

The city council will discuss the matter on 24 November.

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IDFIMH

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

A very sensible well thought out policy.

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IDFIMH

PH rooflights?

May aswell have a sign on the side saying;

This vehicle is not a taxi.....yes thats right, its not a taxi, no dont hire it because its not a taxi.....honest.



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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Roof lights do little other than to encourage plying for hire by drivers who can't.

Door signage and plates are more than enough to identify PH cars.

In bright YELLOW

Or in Mr BB's case bright orange.

Ask the Captain all about that!

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IDFIMH

What 'additional requirements' would not breach various legislative provisions?

Unfortunately Gloucester PHVs have had roof signs since 2002. These new rles are the long overdue update, which went to committee in November. We convinced them to bring in the rules withing 48 hours, and they agreed and roof signs were to come off, a new litercay and numeracy test would be implemented as well.

A few weeks later we hear that the council solicitor has said that the committee decision could not stand as comments from the police were received before the committee meeting but not put before them and as "an important stakeholder their views cannot be ignored". It is irrelevant that the police regard us as a low priority. Another point they said was that new conditions can only be applied to licences after they are renewed or newly issued and not in mid licence.

Now we go to committee again tomorrow to argue this all over again, and argue against the police saying that private hires should retain roof signs.

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IDFIMH