Taxi Driver Online

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Grandad,

Well so far One full grown adult has been in touch, he has the application and associated letters to and from the LA for the exemption.

I will be in front of the Taxi Committee on 16th April to fight my corner. I will put up on here the result.

A Solicitor in my Cab suggested it may have "Human Rights" implications in that to deny me enough space (for me) by Conditions would be restricting my right to work and could have an impact on my health. I do not intend reading the whole of the 1988 Act, but if anyone has a view on this I would be interested. I don't think it will make up part of my application, but you never know.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

I will ask the obvious question here. Why do they have a length policy?

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Grandad,

Their reason is, and it is quite sensible, so that Taxis can fit on Ranks.

Seven cabs, all of 5.4m, would reduce rank space by 2.8m. They do have a point.

Conditions are there to be changed in necessity. Rules are fixed.

Through necessity I need the LWB. Others can plead their own case on a case by case basis. A condtion is "Right Hand Drive" vehicles, somebody with a need to use their right hand to change gear could challenge that condition for example.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

2.8m wont let another car in though will it

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Correct, 2.8m is over half a cab length so everyone having a 5m+ would be a problem.

Two points require attention. Firstly, most cabs are under the maximum 5m limit, some by 0.5m many by about 0.3m so the under length of many is making up for the odd over length vehicle. Secondly I am asking for a single case exemption only, that is not to say others will not ask for the same, but they would need a reason.

I can put ticks in all the boxes that the LA want, except the overall length. It must have room for me so to use a SWB vehicle would tick the overall length, but I would be putting crosses in many of the other boxes. For example, would I actually be a WAV owner if I can't turn a wheelchair to face forward or backward and secure properly? The wheelchair turning space would be drastically reduced.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

No it won't but if there is 3 meters left when the rank is full, this extra 2.8meters would leave room for another vehicle.

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Grandad,

But if the Rank is signed for 7 Cabs and you actually squeeze on 8, the 8th cab is actually "Over-Ranking" even if it fits in the yellow box.

As far as I know, there is no WAV less than 4.5m long, excluding rear loading which I have not investigated as they are rightly precluded.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

So, one week to go.

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/modgov?modgo ... %3BVer%3D4

The Report from the LA is at Agenda item 6. The annexes make up part of it as well.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

I see that the licensing officer is recommending refusal. No surprise there then.

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Grandad,

I have to disagree, the recommendations are (and there are two):

Recommendations and Reasons for recommended action:
1. Confirm in principle the departure from the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licencing Policy and to delegate authority to officers the ability to grant a licence to a vehicle of the length, make and modifications detailed in this report provided the vehicle also complies with all other vehicle specification and testing addendum qualifying criteria when formal application is made
Reason:
A hackney carriage vehicle licence cannot be granted until an actual vehicle is presented for licencing so an indication of whether a longer vehicle will be acceptable is requested prior to sourcing the vehicle

2. Refuse permission and await the outcome of the licensing policy public consultation;
Reason:
This would maintain the present position with the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.


I also have to say that the report is fairly unbiased overall and I will get the chance to put my case to refute what I disagree with, stress what I do, and, introduce more.

I have high hopes.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

Quick line to say:

Exception Granted. I can have my vehicle of choice.

More info will follow.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

The hearing was this morning.

The report was covered (you can view it here http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/mgInternet/d ... mended.pdf and the other parts here http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/mgInternet/d ... mended.pdf and here http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/mgInternet/d ... mended.pdf ).

I opened the batting by highlighting my position on needing a vehicle that provided me with the facility to be healthy and safe in the short, medium and long term. To this end I had to have the facility to source a vehicle which would have the Bandit Screen moved back to accommodate my large stature.

I did continue that the option of removing one seat would disadvantage me (if most licence for 6, why should I be limited to 5), also I wished to continue to deal with wheelchair users, particularly those in the larger wheelchairs. I could, and did, demonstrate my reputation for dealing with the disabled.

I outlined my vision of the finished vehicle. It was deliberately (and honestly) meant to provide the best facilities for all passengers, of all disabilities and of none.

I faced questioning, I like to think I dealt with all enquiries confidently. I was scrupulously honest.

The Licensing Staff and I left the room whilst all was discussed and decided.

I will put up the final draft with which I will be provided when I get it, but to paraphrase:

The Council would grant my outline request, whilst they appreciated that my height required more space in the Drivers compartment, my history of assistance to the less able in society was the deciding factor.

So I left the building and ordered the vehicle, construction will start shortly.


Those who want are welcome to my notes etc. in preparing and presenting my request.

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

Good result Chris, Well done.

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Grandad,

As promised, at minute 129.

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/modgov?modgo ... %3BVer%3D4

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related