Taxi Driver Online

A scenario was put to me earlier that I had trouble answering fully. It went something like this......

An ex taxi driver, supposedly retired, appeared at the airport pick up point with (what appeared to be) a private car.
He attached magnetic signs to the doors of a well established airport transfer company.
He then picked up (pre-booked) passengers and departed.
The question was should his car be licenced (as a PHV), even if he had "hire and reward" insurance?
(I reckon it would have to be, and even with H&R in place, a bump would be deemed uninsured due to vehicle status).
Is the company in question breaking any laws by passing work to him, without an authorised vehicle?
(The company runs mini buses, not PHVs or taxis).
Who should be informed if any transgressions are occuring?
All help/thoughts appreciated.

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

Could the vehicle be being run as a PCV? It is possible, however it is also unlikely. If it is being run as a PCV it would need either a blue or orange disc in the front window and also some signage regarding the operator on the nearside. As I say though, this is unlikely. If you think he is running unlicensed then you should report the matter to the local authority where he comes from and also to the police. the matter could also be taken up with the airport. It is quite likely that the airport will have loads of CCTV cameras that will be able to show if the vehicle working against the law.

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Grandad,

I agree with what granddad says. It is legal to operate a private car under a PCV licence, I do, but have a letter from the Traffic Commissioner authorising its use. It may be that this PCV operator has conditions attached to his licence which prevents the use of "novelty vehicles and vehicles under 8 seats", a condition which is being applied to almost all new and recent licence applications.

I'd suggest you do VOSA operator check online for the PCV licence holder.

Vehicle insurance is seldom void, as everything has to have 3rd party insurance. The passengers and the car may not be covered though.

Ring the well established airport transfer company.and ask , if they are aware of what is happening,and what are there comments on the matter. Then go from there.

The firm has an O licence for D1 and up, they can run cars and 8 seaters with no plate needed....

a loophole if you like, i think it takes up a "slot" on the o licence but not sure

ask VOSA

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

He should be licensed.

Nuff said.

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IDFIMH

When i had the Tourneo 8 seater i used to "feed" a local coach owner (1 man band) and his missus did too, in the family car

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

That's illegal too. Rout-v-Swallow hotel and the St.Albans case would cover that scenario.

VOSA operator search linky here: https://www.gov.uk/lorry-bus-operator-search

well Bowen travel (Tamworth) use cars and a small bus with no plates, whats the difference?

the family car could be registered to the guys coach company

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

Do chauffeurs have to have a visible plate on their vehicles in Scotland?

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

they take them off when they get into England

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

twistyface

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

FO I'm confused as to your reference to England?

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