Trade has been quiet as in most places, but we've had a couple of new ph operators start up. The scenario now seems to be one of the taxis sitting in the High Street taking bookings and directly passing them to the new ph car sitting almost directly behind them. Is this touting under the Act? It would appear the ph drivers also take work directly from anyone passing who happens to ask.

Sometimes there are up to 4 cars (including the alleged errant taxi) apparently forming a rank opposite the only busy pub in the area most evenings, usually parking on a restricted bus stand, correctly labelled as "BUSES" with compliant signs and Traffic Order.

Complaints have been made to the licencing officers and Kent Police (whose attitude is "it's not our business, don't report it anymore"). It's not only me that's complaining; the other taxi driver has been more or less forced out of town because of this and other ph operators have also suffered loss of business. None of us mind fair competition, but this is getting silly.

The other question is, is the taxi driver allowed to park anywhere on the road and ply for hire? There are no taxi ranks as such in the town; the general view is that he cannot, and must drive around waiting to be hired. What is the law on this? I am aware that ph cars should not park on the street waiting for bookings. what law does that come under as I can't seem to find that specifically mentioned in the Local Government Act.

I tend to shout very load and the Shepway FoI department is kept rather busy!

But any taxi sitting/waiting for work in a public place, whilst not on an approved rank, is touting. And that's illegal.

I would also introduce them to section 167 of the 1994 CJ Act.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/33/section/167

But any taxi sitting/waiting for work in a public place, whilst not on an approved rank, is touting. And that's illegal.

Really?

I think any court would find that very hard to prove.

This is a fact...
A Punter asks a PH to take him from A to B while he is sitting at the road side. the PH drivers asks him and writes down the Date, Time,there location ,& destination and his name,,or can be by text . this now a pre booked Booking and is LEGAL. there is no time limit for when a pre booked booking is taken for a PH driver.

All it needs is an LO or policeman to go up and ask if he is available.

Or some folks with recording equipment that will make a statement and attend court.