Taxi Driver Online

city of Lincoln council decided in 1989 on a 100% wav only Hackney carriage fleet as of 1994. And so it was, for a number of years. Then, one driver managed to convince the council that he was disabled, and was entitled to an exemption certificate so that he was therefore not compelled to carry passengers in wheelchairs.

So far, so good. Exemptions should be granted to those who are physically unable to carry out the task.

However, the driver went on to claim that, as he had an exemption, there was no reason for him to operate a wav.

The council agreed, and let him licence a saloon car, breaking their own terms and conditions, which state that all Hackney carriage vehicles shall be wheelchair accessible.

Does this happen anywhere else in the country?

You couldn't make it up.

Why should it happen in Lincoln?

The licensing of drivers, and the licensing of vehicles are two entirely separate matters.

So, not surprisingly, other drivers are now finding they are disabled, are applying for, and receiving exemptions, and are then applying to put on non accessible, cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, vehicles. The council are now trying to resist the tide of drivers applying for an exemption, because of the financial advantage involved.

When all they had to do was grant an exemption from carrying passengers in a wheelchair, but make no change in the vehicle licensing rules.

Their stupidity knows no bounds, from this matter to issuing licences to foreign drivers without a background check.

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Former taxi driver

Welcome to 2016 and the year of the mongs.

I doubt it.

The law allows for an exemption for drivers, not vehicles.

This will be the start of a mad rush for saloons.

If someone goes to the doctor saying his back is a bit bad and he doesn't want to risk making it worse, then most doctors will sign the exemption.

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IDFIMH

They don't need to change the motor, and exemption certificate from the doctor is enough.

I think the point is that they are getting the exemption certificate so that they can change the motor.

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Grandad,

Yes it is.

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Former taxi driver

Then the Council have to stop it.

Wasn't there a case in Scotland regarding this?

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

Why not suggest to the council that it should be a condition of holding a hackney license that you are deemed fit enough to load a wheelchair otherwise they should amend their badge to PH ?

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Because they can't discriminate against the disabled ? You would in effect be saying the disabled can't drive hackneys but able bodied people can.

Conditions of license are by their nature "discrimantory" as they are a means of weeding out unsuitable drivers after all you couldn't put a disabled person onto an oil platform or in a police uniform etc.etc. It is not discriminating if the disability prevents them from being able to do the job properly and safely i.e. be able to load wheelchairs, shopping trolleys etc

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I believe Aberdeen.

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IDFIMH

But that's the difference between a condition, and a restriction.

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IDFIMH

what a cracking idea, need a appointment at the quacks A.S.A.P, even typing this has my back aching like fook , i was going to try for a exemption cert for transporting dogs, but the missus pointed out one tiny flaw in my plan , we have owned dogs for 30 years & have 2 in the house now, one 11 & a half & the other 8 months

the thing is if too many do it and the numbers of WAVS decline rapidly are the councils going to look at this again and say right all Hackney saloon cars must re license PH on renewal ?

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector