Taxi Driver Online

Council overhaul taxi fare consultation process to allow drivers their say

TAXI drivers will now have equal say in consultations over fare structures throughout the town. The move comes after an industry worker pleaded with West Dunbartonshire Council to include those on the front line as well as taxi operators, who have previously been the only consultants. Taxi fare structures are reviewed annually – and were only updated in Clydebank just four months ago – however, the changes will be brought into effect in time for next year’s review.

Allan MacLeod, of Clydebank Public Hire Association, told last Wednesday’s licensing committee meeting: “There’s nothing to suggest that drivers aren’t operators of taxis. The only argument put forward was drivers aren’t considered operators because no [other local authorities] do it. “But when it comes to discussing fares that are the highest in the country the council says to us that everyone else does it wrong – that may well be true but can’t be used in both cases. “Nothing compels the council not to bring drivers in to it.”

Council officers confirmed there is no legislation which requires the local authority to consult drivers as well as operators, however, Councillor Jonathan McColl determined both groups could put their views forward provided the results are submitted separately when they appear before the council. However, the move was met with opposition by an operator who claimed the change would threaten the survival of his business.

John Gallacher, a multiple taxi plate holder, said: “I do everything for my drivers. If a driver gets three points on their licence, I also get three points on my licence. “Drivers shouldn’t have a say on how the fare structure operates because a driver could have six months experience. I have seen on three or four occasions that the taxi trade has been brought to it’s knees because of increases and I have fought to stop it. Why should drivers get a say on how my business operates?” He added: “If I ask a guy with six months experience ‘do you want a fare rise?’ he’s going to say yes. It’s as simple as that.”

However, Councillor Ian Dickson disputed Mr Gallacher’s claims that drivers should not have a say in the industry, stating: “If they hire a vehicle, they’re self-employed so they’re business operators.” Cllr McColl assured Mr Gallacher not to be worried about the impact drivers’ having a say in the structure would cause to his business as councillors would consider both viewpoints equally.

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IDFIMH

Can someone please confirm that we are in 2017, not 1817?

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IDFIMH

Fare reviews have to go out to PUBLIC consultation meaning drivers have always been able to comment on any proposals.
How does Gallacher get 3 points on his license every time a driver gets 3 points on theirs or is this not referring to DVLA driving license?
Dictator who claims he does everything for my drivers,seems to forget he would not have a business if it were not for the same drivers he is trying to deny the right to comment.

at least they get that our council won't even consult with operators unless they happen to be from Grantham !!!!!

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

A reference to 19th century politics was made at the hearing.

The LO - determined not to extend the consultation process to include drivers- defended stoutly "that drivers were not operators" (of taxis,) even though Secy of State guidance is given that drivers may be prosecuted for "operating a taxi" unlawfully and 'operate' includes 'plying for hire'.

His put forward the arguement there was confusion between the verb 'to operate' and the noun 'operator' which were not the same!


It should be pointed out that the Clydebank does not have the highest 'fares' in the country but has amongst the highest fees.

It might have something to do with Drivers come and go...but owners are left to pick up the pieces when they go....

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

If a driver gets 3 points for a bad tyre...so does he...if the cab is in his name.

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

I remember going to a meeting for a fare increase when a drivers association set themselves up and wanted an alternative fare increase to the one my association suggested.

I sat quietly in the meeting which was most unlike myself.

The chairman of the committee looked at me and asked why I was unusually quiet.

I smiled and said to the chairman that the drivers association were actually proposing a fare decrease on the current tariff, they were under the impression the flagfall lasted 1 mile - as opposed to 7/10ths or whatever it was.

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