Taxi Driver Online

New three-year licence for taxi drivers

Taxi drivers in Preston may only have to renew their licences every three years in a bid to cut red tape and save cash.

Preston Council licensing chiefs are considering extending the current one-year period for renewing licences.

It means drivers will only be asked to declare any motoring or criminal convictions every three years, instead of every 12 months.

Criminal Record Bureau checks are carried out every three years and that policy will remain.

But there was concern today that the move could mean drivers with convictions would continue driving undetected for longer.

In the majority of cases, a driver admitting a criminal conviction will face a council committee hearing to decide whether they are a "fit and proper" person.

Labour group leader John Collins said: "I would have thought it would be prudent to retain it every year. We have had odd cases that have slipped through."

Danny Gallagher, leader of the Lib Dem group on Preston Council, said: "I would like it to stay at a year because you have got an in-built safety factor there.

"I would hope that if something major happened in those three years it would come to the attention of the council through the police or the courts."

Last year a driver who had an allegation of sexual assault made against him was refused a taxi licence, although the case never came to court.

In 2006 another driver pleaded guilty to performing an indecent act near Preston College.

Taxi driver Mick Rooney, boss of private hire firm Ribbleton Taxis, welcomed the move. He said: "At the moment, if someone falls foul of the licensing policy they can keep on driving while they appeal, but once the 12 months comes to an end they have to stop.

"Surely the courts must inform the licensing authority if a taxi driver is up before them?"

A spokesman for Preston Council said: "Following a recent consultation on the council's taxi licensing policy, there have been a number of suggested amendments from the trade and other stakeholders.These suggestions will be considered by councillors at a meeting of the taxi and miscellaneous sub committee in March."

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

IN Dundee we get our badges for three years .we are also going through a disclosure Scotland process.It seems to work OK, the council are quick to act if anyone goes before the courts.

Perhaps they should make it a condition of licence that all convictions are declared to the council as soon as they occur.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Byelaw

CC

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

I think the new ISA test will do that automatically.

http://www.crb.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=5025

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IDFIMH

Perhaps, if it is not already in place, they could consult with the police and the courts so that they will automatically notify the LA if a driver has committed a driving offence or is due to appear before the court for any related issues.

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