Taxi Driver Online

February 28, 2008 Thursday

Drivers to fight taxi age rule

Western Telegraph

Concerned that their livelihoods are in peril over a County Council decision to ban taxis over five years old, taximen in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Tenby have formed a Federation of Independent Taxi Drivers to challenge the move.

"We feel this was pushed through too quickly, "said the self-elected chairman of the Federation, independent owner Tony Jones of Milford Haven.

"We are taking legal advice with the intention of challenging this decision through the Magistrates Court, because there is no question it could put some people out of business."

Mr Jones claimed the County Licensing committee made the decision without proper consultation at the request of three taxi operators who have relatively new cars.

"We already have to have our cars MOT'd three times a year, so there is no question that they are safe to drive. I haven't heard of any being taken off the road." said Mr Jones. "The age of the vehicle is not important so long as it is properly maintained and tested.

"We want this undemocratic decision vetoed before it puts the smaller operators out of business. It could make all the difference to an owner's livelihood if, after September 1st, he has to spend £4,000 instead of £1,000 to change his car."

He said the minority pushing for the change stood to enhance their own business at the expense of other operators, leading to a massive hike in taxi fares.

"We don't want to see people being charged £25 for a trip from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven instead of £15 because a few have got rid of the competition," he added.

A council spokesman said: "Consultations have been held with the taxi trade over the past 12 months over vehicle colour and age policy.

"A number of proprietors responded to the consultation and their views were considered when the Licensing Committee made its decision.

"It was felt that a number of safety measures - such as air bags and advanced braking systems - were incorporated in newer vehicles which were not available in older ones and that it was therefore prudent to set age limits on taxis."
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If you have three tests a year then do you really need an age limit?

Methinks not.

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IDFIMH

Three tests a year is OTT two would be the norm but only when the vehicle has reached five years.
I don think this council has heard of best practice.
If they want to do something constructive, they could have a policy whereby they dont issue a licence to any vehicles over three years when they apply for there first licence but after that owners can keep them on the road until they change them

A reply received from MR Williams to questions raised in the paper article.
I still cannot see the need to have 3 mots when all the licencing officer has to do is write to the companies and request they bring them round for a visual inspection or meet them at a location close to there base
2 mots is all thats really required

I'm glad you took the time to contact the LO Skippy otherwise we would have been none the wiser as to what has actually been passed.

So the question left in the balance, is this.

Is there an upper age limit restriction and if so what is it?

Well a quick telephone call revealed that there is no upper age limit restriction and vehicles can remain licensed as long as they pass the inspection.

The new rules are as follows.

First licence five years or less. I forgot to ask the number of tests for vehicles up to five years but over five years vehicles will have two tests per year up until eight years, over eight years vehicles will be subject to three tests per year and as previously pointed out there is no upper age limit.

I hope that puts the full perspective on the matter.

Regards

JD

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Its a good job they where not going to do as the papers says
It just goes to show never belive what they write and its always better to get it from the horses mouth instead

I don't think the sexy voice on the other end of the phone line resembled a horse but one never knows?

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

When did Alex start the TDO chat lines

They were activated some time ago but you need a telephone with a turning circle of 28 feet to access them, its a condition of license. Besides the chat lines are for those persons who only get turned on by listening to monologues of outdated Taxi legislation from the 19th century.

I don't think you fit that bill do you?

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

Typical bl**dy taxi drivers, Umm where is Haverfordwest - Answer, Pembrokeshire West Wales.

Gwent is in East Wales, no wonder the punters complain about getting ripped off

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.