Taxi Driver Online

I was just wondering with all the activity taking place in many restricted authorities regarding plate issues if anyone had any views on who should get a free plate and who shouldn't?

For instance, should existing owners get one or not?

Should those who have one but have transfered the license to their spouse, get one?

Should you have to be a cab driver to get one?

Should criteira exclude anyone who isn't a cab driver, from getting one?

Is it legal to consider only those persons who hold a taxi or private hire badge?

Should a person who has already had a free plate be excluded from getting another?

Should a person who already has an interest in several cabs be eligible for a free plate?

There are many ponderables and it would be interesting to hear the forums views on the matter?

Regards

JD

1. No.
2. No.
3. Or a PH version yes.
4. Yes, only issue via a list, and only full-time drivers allowed on such list.
5. With a proper waiting list system in place maybe, without one I doubt it.
6. Yes.
7. No.

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IDFIMH

How about a sealed bid auction, with the proceeds going to Charity?

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Former taxi driver

that smacks of common sense, it'll never happen

I largely agree with Sussex, and in any case in view of the way you've phrased the questions the answers should be obvious as regards any system based on fairness.

Perhaps a points system based on your criteria would be fairest, with those with the most points given priority.

Of course, legality and fairness might prove difficult bedfellows in this regard.

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

But then it wouldn't be free

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

Plates only go to those who own/operate the vehicle, and are prepared to drive it (at least one shift)

Plates should be surrendered if no longer wish to be in the business, selling to new holder should be against law, this would stop speculators, and greedy folk, and would insure drivers have a vested interest.

But it would stop Carpetbaggers.

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Former taxi driver

What do you specifically mean by carpetbagger?

JD

I'm surprised at you JD. Surely if you remove numerical restriction then all other controls remain the same. The ONLY criteria would then be the " fit and proper person" bit as per existing restrictions. There would be no need for allocating them any other way than first come, first served.

After all that's what you and others here are fighting for, is it not?

Alan G

Specifically, I mean people who have their names on waiting list in the hope of getting a plate for nothing, and selling it on at a profit, with no intention of ever presenting a vehicle for test, or working as a taxi (owner)driver. A term used in recent years for people who buy into mutual insurance companies with the intention of forcing a demutualisation. Originally used in the nineteenth century, to describe polititians who sought office in an area where they had no previous connection, usually in the deep south of the USA, where a "Carpet bag" was the usual form of luggage.

I hope that is specific enough for you. I dislike the optimistic types who speculate, in the hope of a quick profit, at the expense of a genuine applicant.

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Former taxi driver

So when does a carpetbagger not become a carpetbagger?

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

Now I could be a tad rude, but that would be beneath me.



Captain Cab

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

Try as I might, I really do not understand this question. I do not see how anyone could not become something. Excepting the fact that I did not become an astronaut, because I did not apply to become an astronaut. So, I suppose it could be a carpetbagger who does not apply for a plate is no longer a carpetbagger, but that does not mean that they were not once a carpetbagger.

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Former taxi driver

For example, if someone's on the waiting list intending to run (but not drive) a vehicle but just to milk working drivers?

Or if such a person runs a vehicle and sells the plate after 5 years?

And what about a driver getting a free plate then selling it after 5 years; presumably carpetbagger isn't the right term, but you'd agree that he was profiteering?

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