PUBLIC CARRIAGE OFFICE COULD BE REFORMED
The Public Carriage Office (PCO), which controls and regulates London’s licensed taxi industry on behalf of Transport for London, could be reformed following an investigation by the London Assembly’s Transport Committee.
Although the PCO only has jurisdiction in London where their Conditions of Fitness regulations cover the design, construction and use of the famous London black cab, these regulations are widely adopted by local licensing authorities nationwide.
The PCO are currently reviewing the Conditions of Fitness regulations following a legal challenge to them by a manufacturer of conversion type taxis who want their vehicles to be eligible for use in London.
This week the London Assembly called for the reformers to be reformed themselves to ensure the long-term future of the licensed taxi trade.
The recent investigation by the Assembly’s Transport Committee said that reorganisation of the PCO would provide drivers with a better service from their regulator.
The investigation report advised that operational roles, such as ‘Knowledge’ testing for drivers wishing to become cabbies and taxi inspections, were functions which could become outsourced.
Peter Hulme Cross, who conducted the investigation on behalf of the Transport Committee said, “The PCO sets the standards as well as enforcing them, giving the appearance of a closed shop. Outsourcing various functions will introduce transparency to the system.”
The report called for Transport for London (TfL) and the PCO to conduct a comprehensive review of the Knowledge examination. Members were told that drop out rates of candidates were high - up to 80 percent - bringing fears that the future of the licensed taxi trade was under threat. The average time to complete the examination has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. Nowadays it takes around three years to complete, during which time candidates have to find an alternative source of income.
Peter Hulme Cross said: "These are worrying trends and the future of the trade could be at risk. It is vital to ensure that people are not dropping out for any other reason than failing to meet the required standard.
"We have heard the arguments that changes to the Knowledge will lead to declining standards, but the PCO and licensed taxi trade need to face this issue head on."
Members of the Committee will call for the PCO to take a more proactive role in establishing best practice and rolling out further initiatives, for example marshalled taxi ranks which are good for passengers and drivers. They also called on the Mayor to appoint a representative from the taxi trade to the TfL board.
"London's licensed taxis are an important part of our heritage. We must do everything we can to improve the way they are currently managed to protect their future and to ensure Londoners get the taxi service they deserve," Peter Hulme Cross said.
Chris Kelsey, Government Affairs Director of LTI Vehicles, manufacturers of the London Taxi said, “On the whole the PCO do a difficult job well. Their robust approach in enforcing very high standards has led to London, and other towns and cities in the UK that adopt London’s regulations, having the best taxi service in the world.”
“Of course like any organisation the PCO needs to review its systems and practises to keep them up to date and to maintain the enviable reputation the unique London Taxi and the London Taxi Service has throughout the world.”
Ends
24 November 2005
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