Taxi Driver Online

Blackburn taxi drivers want fare deal on points system

BLACKBURN taxi drivers are objecting a new ‘too rigid’ points penalty system for mechanical vehicle safety – claiming it will put many out of business.

The association representing more than 60 hackney cab drivers is currently in talks with council officials to amend the proposals.

Last month Blackburn with Darwen Council licensing committee approved a draft plan which is now out for consultation with cabbies until August 26.

Cab drivers who totalled 20 points in 12 months could be banned from taking fares.

Mohammed Younis, chairman of the Blackburn Taxi Association, said: “This proposed penalty points system is far too rigid.

“It will be very strict and cost cab drivers too much to meet its requirements and some will give up.

“We have had no cases recently of unsafe cabs on Blackburn streets and this is too much.

“It seems to mean two offences and you lose your licence.

“We will be telling the council, this is too strict and not needed.

“You can get 10 points for not wearing your badge.

“That is ridiculously strict and a step too far.”

Borough environment boss Jim Smith said the proposed changes were all about passenger safety.

He said: “ It’s not simply a question of taking taxis or private hire vehicles off the road without warning.

“We would offer drivers retraining and help with their vehicles. It would enable us to deal with those drivers whose vehicles are not safe.

“This is all about the safety of the public.”

The council document approved by the committee said the system would not replace existing disciplinary or prosecution procedures for serious offences.   

It said the proposed penalty points system would be more effective against drivers and owners who “repeatedly ignore their responsibilities and potentially put public safety at risk”.

The new system would ‘create clarity for all concerned’ and allow the licensing committee to consider a drivers ‘fit and proper status’ by looking at a pattern of behaviour over time.

source: http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/NEWS/ ... ts_system/

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