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Tough new test planned for ‘risk’ cabbies
A TOUGH new driving test is planned for South Tyneside taxi drivers considered a potential risk to the public.
The advanced test would only be used in extreme cases – where Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers are known to have extensive traffic convictions.
The changes are considered necessary to strengthen the policy for applicants with a history of offences.
It follows a recent appeal case when South Tyneside Council refused an applicant with three convictions for driving a motor vehicle with excess alcohol.
The applicant had wanted to return to the trade after the restoration of his driving licence.
The new framework, which members of the council’s regulatory committee will be recommended to endorse this week, also outlines measures to deal with drivers convicted of drug abuse, violence and sex-related crime.
Under the guidelines, applicants guilty of serious traffic offences will have to demonstrate a period of five years free from conviction before they would be considered.
The council is also planning the use of a facility provided by Tait Walker Chartered Accountants, a company offering a driving assessment conducted by an ex-police officer.
The officer assesses the driver’s standard at the cost of £150 – a fee paid by the applicant.
Gateshead Council has used the advanced test for the past two years and it has been deemed a success.
A report to the committee says: “It is considered necessary to update the current policy in order to introduce further amendments due to changes in legislation, updates in Local Government regulations and the experience of officers following appeals through the courts.
“Hackney Carriage or private hire drivers are not legally required to undergo any advanced driver training before being granted with a licence.
“But the council can consider driving ability to deem whether a person is ‘fit and proper’ along with complaints, convictions or any other information received which is of concern.
“The proposed introduction of the driving assessment process is a major revision to the current policy.
“Rather than their licence being suspended or revoked or upon application. refused, provided the applicant passes the assessment the council will take no further action other than to grant the application.”
South Shields Hackney Carriage driver Ernest Fearon welcomed the new advanced test.
He said: “It’s not something we could possibly object to.
“As responsible drivers we’d welcome any move to ensure there are no irresponsible cabbies on the borough’s roads.”
Members of the council’s regulatory committee are to meet in the council chamber at South Shields Town Hall on Friday from 10am.
Members of the public can attend.
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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
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