Taxi Driver Online

Skull commented that we were not in a position, nor did we have the right to pass judgement on this case.

But we can offer an opinion on it, and in my opinion he should have disclosed, or been asked to disclose, the refusal of a licence by another authority.

Giving people a second chance is one thing, and should certainly be supported ................... but when the recorded offence involves theft or violence the councils should be extremely cautious and use the Reabilitation of Offenders Act as a guideline.

It seems that some people are not bothered enough in their own professional reputation to not request higher standards which would exclude people who could tarnish that reputation and have an effect on their own businesses.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Yes JD. And, unlike the courts there is no precedent established, no benchmarks, and no formal training or guidance for councillors, apart from a blether over tea from the corporate services boys to ensure the status quo, and their little empire, continues unchallenged.


This isn't justice and fairness. This is simply designed to slap down those who have the temerity to challenge the system.

Take the case of suspension for some misdemeanour, which has probably already been dealt with by the courts.

How can a driver be suspended as not being a fit and proper person for a month, then miraculously after that time be deemed fit and proper again?

Of course, he can't. It's just a convenient way to slap down a driver with a loss of earnings which amounts to little more than another fine. Problem is that the clearly controlled justice system hands down a fine of £150, yet the uncontrolled and ill-trained councillor led disciplinary system, through suspension, hands down a "fine" which can amount to a months earnings - say 2 grand.

This is our alleged democracy in the 21st century. You couldn't make this up. Precisely what a Sheriff in Dumfriesss thought was illogical. It also needs to be taken into court and tested. Of course, this is where the council can continue unchallenged because no one can afford to do it, and the taxi trade is notorious for its division and lack of joint action.

Disciplinary matters should be:

Removed from the political licensing system and placed in the hands of a separate truly accountable tribunal.

It should be properly funded with the equivalent of legal aid to ensure that justice is available to all.

Proceedings should be properly structured, recorded and take full account of benchmarks and precedent.

It should have a clearly defined penalty tariff to ensure fairness.

Any complainant's details should be a matter of public record and it should be incumbent for them to lay their complaint publicly in the appropriate public forum so that it can be properly tested and defended by the individual against whom the complaint was made, through his legal counsel if necessary.

I just can't believe that we, who can endure considerable hardship dealing with a difficult public - often drunk, violent or just plain stupid - allow ourselves to be pilloried and denigrated by incompetent and self-centred councillors cushioned from the harsh realities of dealing with the public.

Jasbar so you want a QUANGO?????????????
The trade is notoriously divided you say, exactly WE want to see it united.
No-one can afford the legal challenge, we can and WOULD, given the membership!!!!!!!!!!!!
UNITED YOU STAND DIVIDED YOU FALL!

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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.

Are you saying our Justice system is a quango? Or industrial tribunals?

If they are, then yes I do want one. Because I want fairness. And the members of this "quango" can partially be made up of experienced cabbies, who know what the job is about.

As for membership of the GMB?

I remain to be convinced that membership of a "workers" organisation has any relevance to the self employed.

And your position on road pricing doesn't convince me either.

Finally, and I know you don't like this, but until there is a level playing field between hackneys and PH - I would prefer a single licensing system - I wouldn't ally myself with PH to argue anything. It would be like going into the ring with one hand tied behind my back.

You want the industry divided YOU will suffer, you can only lead a horse to water you cant make it drink, i believe we should investigate ways of co-operating.
THE WORKERS UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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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.

British Leyland.
The Miners.
The Printers
The Mersyside FBU last year.

Where did I say that I wanted division?

What part of a single licensing system did you not understand?

However, the reality is that our industry is a troubled one. I reckon because it is a mix of worker and employer interests.

I simply can't see that you know where this division lies. Surely you don't doubt that the interests of the two sections are diametrically opposed.

I tried to establish a group to represent the trade. I found it not a practicable proposition.

The owners have scant regard for drivers, indeed they consider they're doing drivers a favour by allowing them to drive their taxis. This despite that it is their vested interests taht has pushed licence plates here to a prohibitive 50 grand and rentals up to £350 per week. Owners don't care that drivers are having to work prohibitively long hours just to make ends meet. meanwhile the council doesn't care that the situation they are allowing to exist has such a high risk aspect for public safety.

Meanwhile, while drivers should be hacked off with all of this, bringing the two together is further hampered by the entirely submissive position adopted by the drivers, who appear to relish touching their forelocks in total subserviance to the system, which robs them of their rights, but which they will stoically seek to defend.

Terry, division exists. I can't see how, without some considerable education and strife, the two sides can be brought together and galvanised to seek their rights in the face of the democratic deficit that is council regulation.

This is why I applied for a licence. I am working to de-restrict the trade here and bring about the level playing field on which all sides can play the game together with the council on the sidelines, the spectator charged with ensuring public safety as their only remit.

How on earth can a discussion on the councils granting licenses be resolved by a one tier system.

It doesn't matter what type of licence is applied for in this arguement.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Jasbar and GA i wish i had just 100 members like you 2, Jasbar you rightly identify the forlock tuggers, i camt explain it can you? Why not contact GMB locally, youve identified the need for organisation, just maybe we could be of assistance?
I keep asking how is it done elswhere, does the rest of europe have a 2 tier system? i think we should try to concentrate on our agreements.
I wish you luck with your battle with your POXY council. If we could help wed love too.
GA there we have it 2 hacks in total disagreement, throw in PH in different parts of the country, what a mess, the only ones who argue against reform or debate, i believe are the exploiters
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.

Because we're both doing essentially the same job. Why the need for two licecnes.

In fact, I wouldn't even be against some form of restriction in a single licensing system. But not one which was controlled by the very interests which benefit from that restriction. It would have to be entirely independent.

Our council has shown that not to be possible, because those regulating the hackney trade are known to be in bed with private hire. Result - hackneys remain restricted while PH increase exponentially.

That GA, is quite simply corruption.

We have to acknowledge that our system is corrupt. I'm less concerned about pointing the fingers at individuals than sorting the mess out. However, if people have to be put into the frame to achieve this, because they're too stupid to see where we're going and engage meaningfully, then it is entirely their own fault what befalls them.

However, there should be no doubt, our campaign will only end when Edinburgh is de-restricted. Good advice would be for the council to recognise this now, before the damage needs to be inflicted.

It's kinda like Deal or no Deal. Deal now while there is a sensible offer on the table, or hang it out till when the banker demands political careers end and corporate services are held to account.

To me its simple. Deal now and keep control, or gamble on a no-brainer.

Yes Jimbob join the GMB and Tezzer - look what your membership of a trade union did for the print industry - you could have a similar beneficial effect of the illiterate mentalist and his merry band of PH pirates

Terry - Jimbob didn't like it when decisions were taken at a meeting of HIS organisation and he was flung out and sidelined, so you've nae chance of getting support from him

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Keyboards and Cretins : Facts - not opinions - are the only truths

Damascus Moments - easy excuses for a sociopath

TDO the website of double standards and changing identities

What your really saying is that what you know would work best for you in your area should be forced upon other areas where it may not suit as well.

Please point out where the single tier system would provide services for those of us who don't live in town or city centres and rely on the local private hire offices to allow us access to on demand transport services.

The need for private hire services is essential, regardless of the number of Hackney Carriages.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Errm I'm guessing here, but where PH and Taxis fit in

CC

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

GA


GA, your constant attempts to point the finger only goes to show your inadequacies- the moral high ground is an advantage you will never have.

You are no different than the man you judge, and the fact that you need a victim betrays your intent.

Your statement has nothing to do with professional reputation or standards but all to do with you.

If you don't want to be a victim, stop looking for one.

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

What on earth are you going on about Skull, of course I am different. I have never assaulted anyone or even been convicted of any sort of criminal offence.

The simple fact that he was found guilty of a criminal offence may not make a great difference but the fact that he was violent and the fact that he was driving around the time of the offence raises questions about how in control of his temper he is.

Why do you insist on claiming that people need a victim .............. you make that statement in every argument you offer ............. please explain the relevance because it is not apparent.

You also suggest that other peoples actions have no effect on the industry I work in ......................... WTF do you think negative publicity does to the trade .......................... "taxi driver rapes passenger" headlines I suppose encourage people to use taxis, especially lone females.

The ability of this man to control his temper is what the councils made their decision on, but I suppose it would take him to kick the $hit out of a member of your family to get you to question why he had a badge.

I suppose the do-gooders within our society, of which I believe you to be one, would allow people to take their "locality test" in prison and then make sure their licensed vehicle was outside the prison on their release.

My aim is clear ................ get the right people driving the right amount of vehicles and to prioritise public service.

Your aims are all about you.

B. Lucky

_________________
"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.