Taxi Driver Online

Got sent this e-mail from a chap in Manchester not please with having to do 3 tests a year.

Alex

Hello Sirs,

I'm a Black Cab driver in the vicinity of Manchester City Council. Recently, Manchester City Council enforced rather than proposed a 3 MOT a year rule on all Black Cab Drivers which are more than 7 years old.

The reason they gave me were the fact that so many Black Cabs' fail their MOT tests, so we decided to take action. However, approximately 2 years ago, Manchester City Council did propose a re-test free of £35.00 if your Black Cab failed on a 'major' fault.

Basically, i believe Manchester City Council are just trying to snatch whatever living we make in these tough circumstances.

I am just wondering if i have a legality of any claim against the council? as the trade unions are useless and nor am i a member of any.

Manchester City Council stated that a meeting was held and a license committee review took place which proposed this changed and enforced it without the consent of drivers.

Currently, in BBC as you may also have noticed that Manchester City Council is under review for charging Black Cab drivers excessive License fees.


I'd like to know my options, in terms of success as well as fee.

Regards

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My fee for this info is nothing.

I understand what you are saying, and in my view 3 tests a year is excessive, but the chances of getting the council to back down is very slim.

Please don't go to court over this issue, as the costs will be ridiculous.

Maybe wait to see what the Law Commission say in their report due next month, but don't spend any money challenging this.

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IDFIMH

we have 3 test a year once the cab gets over 5 years old

CC

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

But are they necessary?

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IDFIMH

More to the point are ph treated the same way?

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

yes I think they are, it keeps standards up.

CC

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

Up to 5 years 1test,5 to 10 years 2 tests and over 10 3 tests .Im sure its wrote somewhere that 3 tests is the most they advise.

Yeah thats right....its 3 by law.....but it suggests they maybe flirting with breaking the law when they spot check vehicles that are at the maximum permitted number?

CC

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

And thats just to see if yours starts

Or whether the gearbox still shakes, rattles and rolls!!

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

I'm gonna get a starter....eventually

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

When you say it is "3 by law" I take it that is the maximum they can do?

Down here it is one a year for purpose built vehicles for up to 10 years.

What I think needs looking at is this................why should a vehicle doing shall we say 10k miles per year (might be semi retired), be treated the same as a vehicle being shall we say triple shifted 60/90k per year!!! because that makes no sense whatsoever because the wear and tear is the issue, not the age as they are making it out to be. It is a silly reason to do three tests a year and not really a valid reason to do so. If an individual is not looking after his/her car.....................then that person should be made to take extra tests, and not all and sundry.


The other thing to look at is how often "School Buses" are tested because in some cases around the country they are extremely old!! and then to look at some of the transport that is used to carry around young children and those with special needs!!! because in some cases they are absolutely hanging.

If you could then prove that you are being treated unfairly then I would think that you have a case.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

It was another way of trying to get older vehicles of the road.I get what your saying, but trying to do it on milage would be a minefield i think.Thats why age restrictions are no good,if the vehicle is fit so be it end of.The only thing that will happen if they loose on age limits is they go down the emission route so i guess its one or the other.

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

I thought I would check the Plymouth Act in comparison - I was surprised to see that they can do us four times a year!

Mine is old enough to be in the twice per annum category.

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Chris The Fish

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