Taxi Driver Online

A wee birdie tells me it was brought to light at the City Cabs AGM tonight by one of the owners that he had been stopped by the traffic cops and was told that if he was caught using his XDA/PDU or whatever you like to call it(mobile phone)whilst the engine was running,he would be done by law. The secretary(LES MCVEY) answered by saying "he(the policeman) must have been a jobs worth" The chairman then butted in saying that there are quite a few taxi firms up and down the country who use the same system and they have never reported any problems. Bottom line is, these jokers have brought in a system that is most probably illegal to use. Should they not have got some sort of clarification on this matter before introducing this system in the first place ? Are these guys going to be liable for any fine or points given to a driver if caught? Or even worse, imagine you knock someone over while using it, what would the consequences be then i wonder? What makes it worse is that i'll wager the sheep(members) vote all the same clowns back in again tonight!

The Cab Inspector and the council are fully aware of this system and how it is used.

Their tacit approval would suggest that the system conforms, by virtue of the fact that they agreed to its use.

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Skull, "You are a police inspector, aren't you?"
Cab Inspector Smith, "Yes."
Skull, "So, are you going to tell Mr Taylor what his rights are?"
Smith, "And ... What rights?"

If they're anything like ours, who licenced an TW200 on a private hire plate with numerous TAXI signs (the generic ones that come with the vehicle) on it, I wouldn't be so sure.

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

it's a mobile phone, it's against the law to operate a mobile phone unless handsfree whilst driving, this included reading a text. So if the policeman decides he wants to be a barsteward he will legally be able to ticket every single taxi driver using a PDA/XDA system, as I am sure the details on the screen are text based.

It's understandable that they can do it, but why is it any different to me pressing buttons on my Auriga CT3000 using a radio instead of a sim card?!?!?!?

the drylaw bawbag ! indeed!!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3eImPKSaOI

I did mention this about a year ago on all sites but no body would listen, perhaps you may now.
The only forms of communication are by hands free or 2 way radio

From what I understand a pda does not produce verbal communication.

This would be the same as a SatNav (ok.. you receive verbal directions, but it is not two way).

Therefore, surely a pda is the same as a SatNav.

I would like to see a specific case of successful prosecution and until then it is the interpretation of the police office.

But didn't I say that all PDAs are hands free? Or are drivers holding them in their hands?

I'm pretty sure they can be set up to shut off out of the cradle.

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IDFIMH

You have to read the dam things its like receiving a text on your mobile, so taking your eyes off the road

But that's no different than a fixed data head.

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IDFIMH

the pdas are also a mobile phone are they not?? the one in use here are

I agree, but if they aren't not in ones hands when driving what offence is committed?

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IDFIMH

If it goes to court everyone thats got one may have to get rid of them

Now I have 6 CB radio's and 2 2 way ones for sale

The law is quite simple: A mobile phone type device may be used by a driver. However, it must be hands free requiring no more than one button push at a time. PDAs are perfectly OK to use if thy conform to this.

Of course, other statutes will then come into play like, eg, driving without due care and attention, if the police feel the standard of driving fell below what is reasonable. The same criteria will apply to using a radio datahead, eating a doughnut or putting on make-up.