Taxi Driver Online

Another Review For Taxi Drivers

3 September 2009

Taxi drivers across Weston will witness another review of an unpopular system.

Last year North Somerset Council revealed it was going to revamp the way cabbies across the district operate but drivers were fuming about the changes the unitary authority wanted to make.

Officers brought in a set of measures including a new taxing system and vehicle specifications.

Not all of the ideas were introduced, but drivers said the increased costs involved with the changes could spell financial disaster for them.

Now, after a year of trying the new legislation, the council is reviewing some of its policies again.

Last year the authority decided against knowledge tests, but is once again considering it and officers are also looking at reintroducing an annual licence, rather than just three year one and changing vehicle pre-licensing procedures.

A report, due to be presented to the council's planning and regulatory committee yesterday (Wed) said: "The policy has been broadly effective and well received.

"Concerns have been raised by licensees to certain aspects.

"North Somerset is unique in the Greater Bristol area in not adopting a knowledge based test for new private hire drive licence applications.

"As a result the authority has experienced an influx of out of district applicants."

The report added that cabbies have raised concerns over having to buy three-year licenses even if they are approaching retirement age or do not know how long they will continue driving.

Applicants also expressed concerns that many post offices are not familiar with the new taxing process.

Rob Rowe, who has owned Apple Central Taxis in The Centre for 20 years, said: "A private hire knowledge test is not really necessary as all companies train their drivers to a reasonable standard very quickly.

"There is no mention of capping the number of applications for private hire or hackney licences.

"I suppose it may be illegal to implement this but the town has reached saturation point and if there is an influx of driver applications from outside the district it will only compound the problem."

The report due to be presented yesterday asked for authority for officers to carry out consultations with licensees and interested parties prior to any further policy changes.

Source; Weston & Somerset Mercury - WestonMercury.co.uk

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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IMO that's bollox all they are interested in is getting drivers on the road asap to bring in settle. If you put a knowledge in place for PH it may put some people off becoming PH or at best will slow things a little and that's why PH prop. such as this chap don't think it's necessary. I think it's just as important for PH as HC to know the area in which they work

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

Well written Ms Toots .....



Except that ..... The New Oxford Dictionary of English has the spelling as .....cks & not .....x.

_________________
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.

Unfortunately, so does the site's 'naughty word' filter!