Taxi Driver Online

A couple of days ago I parked alongside an 8 seater minibus advertising airport transfers from 4 to 16 seats. This particular vehicle did not have any PSV "O" disc in the windscreen nor any evidence of taxi/PH plates. I made a note of the reg no and name then passed the info to VOSA. Got an email back just saying

Thank you for your e-mail

For a vehicle to have a PSV Operators licence it has to have over 9 passenger seats. You need to inform the local council concerning taxi/private hire licensing.

Regards
****

Which is of course incorrect, no wonder the cowboys continue to thrive.

Just today, Tuesday 26th August 2008, whilst waiting for a flight to arrive, a quick stroll round T1 car park I counted 32 vehicles carrying no sign of any sort of licence, plus a couple of car park shuttle and hotel buses again with no obvious sign of any licence.[/quote]

_________________
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

It's a mess, and IMO the only answer is to stop small PSVs (less than 9 passengers) from being licensed as small PSVs.

The biggest problem we have is getting an answer to the question is an un disced/un plated 8-seater minibus an illegal PSV, or an illegal taxi/PH?

IMO it should be down to the local council to investigate, and if the operator tells them they license as PSV then, and only then, VOSA should get involved.

But that brings us to the normal p*** poor enforcement we get from many licensing officers. Maybe that should be on the next MoM agenda.

_________________
IDFIMH

That reminds me!!

I have started writing a Meeting of Minds Hymn; it's to the tune of '(The bells are ringing,) For me and my gal'

So watch this space!

_________________
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.