Taxi Driver Online

You where there when the LC was harping on about there being no need for a knowledge test and the excuses they used to support this, provided by the operator companies that they had met. Drivers kept pointing out that it was necessary for a knowledge test because at busy periods passenger would use any company that would get them home regardless of the fact that poor service was provided previously. There is little or no evidence to support the theory that if a customer is ripped off they won't use that company again.

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

I'm entitled to my view that PH as pre booked should allow a driver time to make a route

If they're going to have a knowledge, just make them taxis ffs

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

Easier said then done with restrictions and the need for purpose built vehicles. Anyway it matters not apparently because if a driver gets lost the customer won't use them again anyway. With that theory Uber have about 6 months before customers get fed up and never use them again

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

or their work is stolen by drivers handing out cards

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

Cards for what company, ph drivers handing out ph operator cards, does it make a difference to them

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

so sweet, so innocent

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

Yeah and then there's the customer pressing like crazy on a card when they're pi$$ed and wondering why the cab ain't turned up

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

No difference at all. We did protest over Berwick at the time and even drove to Berwick to demonstrate. Since Berwick have now changed the ruling and it's now Northumberland things have calmed down quite a bit.

yeah, they have Northumberland plates

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

My point is the council is now in control of those without the knowledge, whereas before they where powerless.

I don't agree with binning off the knowledge, it makes no sense despite what people say about the qualities of Sat Navs, but this was coming.

_________________
IDFIMH

delicious

and was driven by greedy PH operators who are the most likely to be f*cked!

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

Any neighbouring areas that have no knowledge test? If so Uber have probably told Newcastle that they'll get a licence there too and use those drivers in Newcastle, it would seem to be illegal and they are doing it here in Manchester

This video https://vimeo.com/125179315 shows a Bolton licensed PHV picking up a job in Manchester on the Uber platform and taking a rather circuitous route to the destination, as directed by his sat-nav, see his route here; http://acnedriver.blogspot.co.uk/ https://vimeo.com/125179315

So far we have had Uber's from Stockport, Bolton, Salford, Bury and Leeds working in Manchester. You should inform your licensing that Uber will do this in Newcastle too

Just had reply from council.
-------------------------------


Thank you for the e-mail. Can I initially state that the decision to remove the locality testing in the form of pass/fail alone paper has nothing to do with the licensing of any Private hire Operator.

I have seen some of the comments on this petition and heard other comments from drivers who appear to be under the impression that there will be no DBS checks or medical carried out for the application of private hire drivers. There are also a lot of comments that clearly relate to hackney carriage drivers rather than private hire. The knowledge test has not been removed for hackney carriage drivers.

All applicants for private hire shall still be subject to DBS checks, driver licence entitlement checks and group 2 medical requirements. In place of the locality test all new applicants shall be required to have a 1 – 1 interview with an officer to complete a statement of knowledge and understanding. This comprises Officers explaining the requirements of a licensed driver including vehicle maintenance, transport of vulnerable person, disability awareness issues, legal issues and prolongation of journeys. The applicant must have a good understanding and show that understanding to the Officer. Where an Officer is concerned as to the level of understanding of the applicant then the usual process for further determination, ie refusal or Committee is and will be available. We feel this information and interview is more enhancing and prepares an applicant for private hire work rather than a topographical test alone.

I understand some of your concerns and hope the above goes some way to clarify the position of the Council. If you wish to discuss the matter further please contact me on ....................

The taxi trade can object - there was a case in Swansea a few years ago - I think the point that it has changed without any form of consultation stinks.

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

Cheers for that. I thought we could too, but getting the drivers together is like talking to a brick wall - they can't be arsed most of them. This has got to be nipped in the bud as soon as.

I've emailed Gerard Smith from Newcastle with this.....

Thank you for your reply.

Having read most of the comments on the petition website I would say there are just as many concerns from Private Hire drivers and the public in general as there are Hackney drivers.

It is assuring that Newcastle Council are going to continue with DBS checks but as someone has stated this will not include information or crimes committed from outside the UK.

Uber:

Having downloaded the Uber application to see how it works I was astonished to see what the application actually reads from my smartphone.

You may or may not be aware that once someone downloads or installs Uber they have agreed to:

Uber reading the phones identity.

Can take pictures and video at anytime. (without the consent of the owner)

Reads your phones contact address book.

Modifies the content on an SD card and reads the information on that card.

Can add or remove accounts.

Views all network connections in its area.

Prevents the phone from sleep mode.

Modifies system settings.

Does the public know that an application which has been approved by Newcastle City Council can take or view the above information from their phones without that person knowing? Especially taking photos and video? They should be aware that the Uber application does more than “book a taxi”. I also tested the app with a possibly booking from Gateshead when there was an Uber vehicle in the area. It would have accepted this booking with no problems. ie taking a booking outside the boundary of Newcastle Upon Tyne. So Uber is not just for Newcastle public – as long as a vehicle is in your area it will accept the ride.

I have read taxi driver forums from the Uk and many drivers (Hackney & Private hire) have stated the Uber drivers consistently follow the GPS on their phones – I believe this is exactly what will happen in Newcastle with badges handed to someone who has not completed a topographical test. A friend once tried to pass his Hackney Knowledge test just a few years ago and failed when he was informed the pass rate had increased to 100%. I understand he got to around 95% and was told that he needed to improve his knowledge of the area (!). When I informed him he can now get a Private Hire badge without a knowledge test he found it incredible that someone with little area knowledge can now be a Newcastle Private Hire driver – he has decided not to become a taxi driver.