Taxi Driver Online

New policy after South Ribble Council taxi licence row



Months after a taxi licensing scandal broke at South Ribble Council, a comprehensive regulation policy has been agreed.

Council members have voted to approve a draft document outlining the council’s policies including a ‘fit and proper person test’, qualifications needed and condition of vehicles.

Previously, the authority’s policy could be found within numerous decisions taken by the General Licensing Committee over previous years.

Councillor John Rainsbury, committee chairman, said this was the case for 80 per cent of borough councils across the country.

However, following a high-profile investigation into failings of South Ribble’s licensing department – including drivers being given licenses without correct documentation and reports of child sexual exploitation by two taxi drivers – it was “seen as best practice to have a comprehensive policy as it promotes a transparent and consistent approach towards the regulation of the trade”.

Developing a policy was also the number one recommendation made by independent solicitors who reviewed the council’s licensing functions.

Labour Councillor Matthew Tomlinson asked for two ammendments to be made to the policy, which were agreed.

The first point related to items of clothing deemed innappropriate for drivers.

He said: “It’s picking out clothing that women might wear and I think that’s casual sexism. Just take it out and say innappropriate clothing, we all know what that means.”

He also suggested adding a requirement that a driver should have a valid driving licence, as there has been a case where a driver did not have permission to drive in the UK.

Coun Warren Bennett suggested reducing the time between health checks from five years to three years, but it was decided that this should go to consultation.

source: http://www.lep.co.uk/news/new-policy-af ... -1-8031808

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

I think the LEP need a new proof reader

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

Did I read that right 80% of Councils don't have a written policy on taxis?

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Grandad,

That wouldn't surprise me considering the number of stories we read on here of LO's seemingly making it up as they go along. It is something that all councils should have as a reference point for LO's and others to work to

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

I'm frankly amazed that 20% do.

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IDFIMH

You may have picked it up in correctly,80% of councils policies are found in numerous decisions taken by committees over the years, meaning they are not reviewing their policy on a regular basis nor having formulated one policy document.

Really this is no different to the Laws we work within,they are dotted all over the place in any Act where they felt they could tag it onto,the latest is looking likely to be the Police and Crime Act currently making its way through Parliament.