Taxi Driver Online

Speech by transport minister Karen Buck to the National Taxi Association concerning best practice, disabilities, training and 'flexible taxis'.

Delivered: 25 October 2005.

Introduction

It's a pleasure to be here today. Thank you for inviting me.

It might not surprise you to learn that I've found taxi drivers are never short of an opinion - especially when they find out what it is I do!

It was George Burns who said that it was a great shame so many great comedians... politicians...and potential world leaders find themselves driving a taxi.

But joking aside, I think taxi drivers are to some extent, the unsung heroes of the transport world.

People are quick to forget you play a very vital role. And that's borne out by the number of people using taxi services.

The British public spent around £3 billion on taxis and public hire vehicles in 2003, for some 650 million journeys.

And those figures don't take into account business customers and foreign visitors.

But while it's an enormous market, taxis are essentially a local service. This is why the licensing powers rest with local authorities. Very simply, they're best placed to understand local needs.

And for this reason we rejected the Office of Fair Trading's recommendation to repeal local authority control on taxi numbers.

Best practice

But having recognised the independence of local authorities, we believe they would still benefit from Best Practice guidance.

A draft has been sent out for consultation - and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Association has responded.

We're breaking new ground because central Government has never given its views on how licensing authorities should use their powers.

We're questioning why the taxi trade should be burdened with unnecessary rules and regulations.

For example: does there need to be rigid policies that only allow one or two types of vehicles? We think not. Local authorities should consider a wider range of vehicles for licensing.

The age limits imposed on vehicles are also a burden on the trade. Are they really necessary if safety issues can be addressed?

Rather than impose age limits, surely it would be better to look at testing procedures and their frequency instead.

Another unnecessary problem for the trade is license duration.

The law allows for drivers to be licensed for a 3-year period.

So the proposed Best Practice suggests that authorities who currently renew licenses on an annual basis should consider moving to a three-year cycle.

It would be a far more sensible for all concerned.

Disabilities and taxis

The draft Best Practice will, of course, covers the issue of accessibility.

Two years ago, we announced a revised policy approach to the implementation of accessibility requirements for taxis under Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

I know progress on the accessibility regulations themselves seems very slow. This is because we're trying to take into account many different considerations.

Ultimately, it's all about striking the right balance between needs of disabled people and those of the trade.

As you may be aware, we commissioned research on the design requirements for accessible vehicles to inform the technical specification.

The outcome of that research was discussed with all the interested parties, including the NTA (National Taxi Association), at a seminar in June.

Although there's no agreed timescale for the regulations, be assured we will consult you and other interested parties on a draft before they are introduced.

Disability act and new duties

In the meantime, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that we're removing the exemption in Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act for transport services.

This will not only cover taxis, but also private hire vehicles, as well as buses, coaches and trains.

The lifting of this exemption won't affect your vehicles. But it will be unlawful to refuse a fare because the person has a disability.

It doesn't mean you'll be expected to carry someone in a wheelchair, unless you have a suitable vehicle.

But it could mean for example, carrying a pen and paper in case you have to communicate with a deaf passenger. And of course always making sure that you carry the wheelchair ramps at all times if you have an accessible vehicle.

The Disability Rights Commission is producing a code of practice for the transport sector.

Helpfully, this includes illustrations of what could be interpreted as discrimination. I'm pleased that the NTA has worked with the DRC (Disability Rights Commission) in developing the code.

Training for the trade

New training initiatives for the trade could help drivers and operators meet the regulations concerning disabled passengers.

Driver training is something that's mentioned in the draft Best Practice.

And the GoSkills initiative - the sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport - is currently engaged in a project to formulate plans for taxi training.

I hope you'll give full backing to these training initiatives, because they can only give the trade an even more professional image.

I recognise training costs money and time, but you should reap rewards in the longer term.

In the future, licensing authorities might stipulate those applying for their first licenses undergo a certain amount of training.

But I think it's important that those already in the trade think about training too - not least because the scope of the industry is changing with new and exciting opportunities.

Flexible taxi services

For example, I'm sure some of you here today have already considered offering services such as taxi sharing and taxibuses.

I think taxi sharing schemes have great potential as they benefit both passengers and the trade.

In simple terms, a driver who carries three separately-paying passengers can make more than the metered fare for an exclusive hiring - while each passenger pays less.

The driver wins. And the customers win.

And you don't have to sit and wait for your licensing authority to take the initiative.

If the holders of at least 10% of the taxi licenses in the district want to create an authorised taxi sharing scheme, then they must act.

Again, we're encouraging licensing authorities through Best Practice to play their part in promoting flexible services - and this also includes taxibuses.

Taxibuses

The legislative provisions are there for anyone who wants to capitalise on the opportunity to provide a taxibus service.

I appreciate there are some economic issues involved. Nobody is suggesting you should operate this type of service at a loss.

Any taxi owner who uses his cab to run as a local bus service is eligible for the Bus Service Operators Grant.

And as part of their Local Transport Plans, local authorities are being encouraged to improve accessibility and social inclusion.

So the climate is now right to launch demand responsive services like taxibuses.

Conclusion

I know changing working practices in any industry often presents a challenge. But please think about these new opportunities.

Taxis have a very important role to play in Britain's transport network.

That's why we want to encourage licensing authorities to ensure their policies don't involve any unnecessary burdens.

It's why we're keen to see new training initiatives.

And it's why we're encouraging taxis to operate more flexible and innovative services.

Ultimately this helps us fulfil one of our key objectives for local transport - that of greater accessibility.

And it can only help you develop more effective, more profitable businesses.

Thank you.

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IDFIMH

Sussex, have you got an audiotape of this speech, I could play it over and over.

Especially the bits about Local Authorities being best placed to make decisions.

And the bit that goes we rejected the OfT's recommendations.

Could be set to music, and played at the plate baron's ball.

Clever of ms buck . Flexible taxi service .Quote
In simple terms, a driver who carries three separately-paying passengers can make more than the metered fare for an exclusive hiring - while each passenger pays less.

The driver wins. And the customers win. end of quote . Shes the Taxi owners friend, my arse ! . You wont need to delimit, because you will only need a third of the taxis . I bet all those barons, clapped at the end of her speech. plonkers. Barons and balls ,two words that dont fit in the same sentence, as Taxi barons dont have balls . streetcar.

Flexible. But, one would need to actually re-license the taxi as a PSV if charging separate fares?

And if all these Taxis re-licensed...

They wouldn't need CRB checks...

And we would be back to the London Minicab scenario...?

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There is Significant Unmet Demand for my Opinion.

Hardly news Jimbo.

But perhaps the emphasis on that was because of the audience - don't forget what Derek Cummins of Taxi Talk said recently:

'Similarly, the NTA (National Taxi Association) is an organisation run primarily by a group of taxi multi-owners and it is hard not to come to the conclusion that their primary objective (some might argue their sole objective) is to protect their investment, and if the Government came down on the side of their agenda, the NTA would almost certainly melt away without giving the other pressing issue of the taxi trade a backward glance'

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

So why bother with the rest of the speech then?

Surely you can see the contradiction in the whole thing Jimbo?

Another recent example - smoking in pubs - surely LAs are best placed to decide that?

_________________
Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

That's a good example - why say anything about these things if they are best left to the local level?

And complaining about age rules that might mean investing a grand or two more in a motor seems a bit rich when plate premiums of £50,000 are ignored

_________________
Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

This is a Government officer. Do you REALLY expect common sense?

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There is Significant Unmet Demand for my Opinion.

You mean the way the minister follows government principals in telling every audience what thy want to hear, without actually doing anything?

They are a shambles, incapable of seeing anything through. Seven years of this bunch of t*****, (tories!) You can still hunt Foxes, still smoke in pubs that do not sell food, (are pickled eggs food?) And still buy a plate with confidence. Why exactly, (you MUST have asked,) do they not legislate to force LA's to de-limit? how hard could it be?
If they haven't done it by now, they're not going to. Are they?

Quote:
But while it's an enormous market, taxis are essentially a local service. This is why the licensing powers rest with local authorities. Very simply, they're best placed to understand local needs. end quote.
Only because the goverment whimped out . Blair was talking about europe this week , talking about free trade , deregulation . The OFT must wonder why they bother, they make a report , outlining whats in the public interest . Blairs boys dither, tring to be all things to all men . You end up with a fudge . The only people who gain are the multi plate holders . We have got one 80 plates 50,000 each. 4 million charges top rent , makes at least 24,000 per week. Employs only a hand full of people . The council have just aproved, a fare increase of 4% they say 4% but its really 7%. Our fares are far higher , than all the other surounding LA. No wonder its becoming a private hire paradise . streetcar.

I would have been more amazed if she had said otherwise.

As for council's being best placed, well I can think of 50 odd areas where the local cab trade differed with that view. And a few more to come.

As for rejecting OFT, take a little look at the recent draft best practise. OFT to a tee in all but name.

_________________
IDFIMH

Did he really say that?

_________________
IDFIMH

Burns also said, "Everything that goes up must come down. But there comes a time when not everything that's down can come up". I think he must have been thinking of plate premiums when he said that.



I just wonder how many Real cab drivers she was actually preaching to? I suspect at least half the room was filled with Fast Tan salesmen, pseudo journalists, magazine editors and multiple plate holders who were hanging on to every comforting word that came out of her mouth.



One wonders how fast tan salesmen, pseudo journalists, magazine Editors and multiple plate holders play a leading roll servicing the public? Can anyone answer that question for me? Perhaps she didn't know her audience?



That’s an average of 4.61 per job.



Well don't keep us in suspense, how many business customer and foreign visitors do we carry?



Hmm didn't anyone advise Mrs Buck that she's not supposed to mention "enormous markets" at National Taxi association conferences? The NTA and the T&G have always told us it’s a dwindling market and there is not enough work to go around? Especially in restricted areas. I bet she got a stony silence when she mentioned enormous market on the other hand perhaps the congregation she was preaching to was three sheets to the wind by then?



Lol I bet this offering eased the congregations troubled minds.



I like the way she says we? She wasn't even a party to what transpired in 2004 and she probably won't be a party to what transpires in 2006. However, It was at this point the whole congregation stood up and looked her straight in the eyes and started singing in unison, "have I told you lately that I love you". Needless to say when she looked around the room at the ageing audience she probably thought get me out of here.



This is code for, do as we say or else?



At this point Wayne Casey stood up and turned his back to the Minister, he pulled down his pants, exposed his backside and let off a mighty fart in the direction of Mrs Buck. He pulled up his pants turned to the Minister and said, how's that for an NTA response?



Code for, we are going to stick it up those licensing authorities that restrict numbers, if they don't behave?



More disguised code for we are going to make it more simple for you to remove numbers.



Meaning best practice will state no restrictions on outdated conditions such as turning circles.



Meaning best practice will be to license vehicles that are mechanically sound and not throw them on the scrap heap after a few years when they are in sound working condition.



Yes Mrs Buck we all agree. Common sense prevails.



Yes I'm sure they have but I'm afraid the vast majority of the Taxi trade has rejected those ideas. I would have thought your department would have informed you of this? After all the legislation has only been on the statute for the last 20 years.



It was at this point a distinguished gentleman with a broad west Yorkshire accent stood up and tore open his shirt to great applause and loud cheers from the audience, on his chest was a slogan saying "I am subsidised" and I can rank up anywhere I like?



The only problem you have Mrs Buck is that most licensing authorities couldn't give a chit about Taxibuses and neither can most Taxi drivers. However, it is nice to have the legislation on the statute just in case cabbies ever feel the need to utilise their taxi as a bus.

Thank you.

And thank you.

This episode reminds me of March 2004 when the T&G said we sunk the OFT. If the pro restriction lobby can take any comfort from this then they are yet again tooooooooo far removed from reality, just like they were in 2004.

My advice to all concerned is wait until the Best practice document comes out. The contents are not binding but they will no doubt be persuasive.

At present there are a great many forces at work that will no doubt see some dreams turned into nightmares before the end of 2006. if anyone has large investments tied up in multiple plates I would advise you to consider your position. I don't expect many people will heed that advice but once the chit hits the fan, plates will immediately be worthless.

Don't say you haven't been warned.

JD

I'm still taking bets.

Any multi plate holders out there ready to sell a few off? Didn't think so. no fire sale in Liverpool I guess.

Do you wan't buy a dozen Watford plates? 20k a piece?

You would have been right in the chit a few days ago if you had.

Ever wonder which council is going to be next Jimbo? You remind me of a guest on here a few years ago who said the same thing as you. His offer was as empty as yours but in the case of Mr Guest he really got it wrong because soon after he made that empty statement 49 councils decided to remove quantity controls. How many are going to remove quantity controls since your statement? We've already had one, when is the next?

JD