Taxi Driver Online

Tuk-tuks to branch out

A seaside resort plans to become the latest place in the UK to introduce the tuk-tuk as an alternative mode of transport.

Britain's first motorised rickshaw service hit the streets of Brighton in July last year with a fleet of 12 imported from Pune in India.

Coach and taxi company Roadliner Passenger Transport now hopes to introduce two luxury six-seater tuk-tuks to Swanage in Dorset.

The firm has approached Purbeck District Council for a special licence to allow the tuktuks to operate as taxis that can be flagged down between April and September.

Purbeck District Council licensing committee will meet to discuss the plans on January 18.

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

A special license to ply for hire? Should be interesting to see what they come up with.

Regards

JD

I'm sure whatever they come up with will be given close scrutiny given the experiences in Brighton.

regards

CC

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

Well I've spoken to Purbeck and the recommendation is to approve the application and amend current policy. Its going to be interesting to see how this plays out.

Regards

JD

Bending rules to suit?

regards

CC

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

I don't know if the rules are being bent that much because purbeck license vehicles up to 10 years old and they can be either hackney or saloon with no special WAV requirement? This tuk tuk is convertable so it can run around either open top or covered?

Regards

JD

Their website isnt particularly helpful towards advising of the vehicle conditions.

However if their considering tuk tuks, then I suppose they are not particularly bothered about safety.

regards

CC

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

Well I think we can take it that its a done deal. I understand Purbeck has about 20 hackneys but whether they have a local association I don't know? If they do I doubt they are associated to the NTA?

Regards

JD

If I ask where's Purbeck? I guess that would answer your question.

regards

CC

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

I'm not sure the vehicle is the problem, even though I wouldn't ever consider using them.

The issue is whether the drivers are fully licensed to drive the things.

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IDFIMH

The Firm runs both hackney and private hire so drivers might not be a problem?

Heres whats coming to purbeck Taxi ranks.

http://www.tukshop.biz/tuk-tuk-products/650-tuk-tuk.asp

Regards

JD

I'm not too sure they will meet seat-belt requirements.

And love to see them in the wind and rain. Like the B&H version I believe they are doomed to failure.

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IDFIMH

I understand that they propose to run from April to September and they will be able to rank up, should the application be successful?

Regards

JD

THE MMW TUK-TUK 2000 COMES WITH ROLL DOWN WET WEATHER SIDES, STEREO AND WITH APPROVED SEAT BELTS ALL ROUND. THE TUK-TUK IS GOVERNMENT APPROVED AND PASSED ALL SAFETY TESTS.

I think the vehicle might have already been inspected by the council, after, all I understand it was them who leaked the story to the local press.

Regards

JD

Seems like the drivers down there should have a chat with our Brighton members!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DECISIONS ARE TAKEN BY THOSE THAT TURN UP!!!!!!!!!!

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The views expressed by this contributor do not neccesarily reflect the policys of The GMB Nationally or of the GMB London Region.