Taxi Driver Online

Nothing particularly interesting here, except to note that obviously CCTV is one area that the councils think should be decided locally rather than as a common standard.

CCTV isn't included in the Glocs consulation at this stage either, but whether the intention is to leave that to the individual Glocs councils or for a combined policy in future isn't clear


CCTV cameras could be mandatory in Coventry taxis

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/ ... y-20384320

Stricter new rules are being considered to drive up standards

CCTV cameras could be made mandatory in Coventry taxis and private hire vehicles.

Stricter new rules are being considered by Coventry City Council with councillors told CCTV cameras could “provide a safer environment” for drivers and passengers.

It is one of a string of changes under consideration for the council’s Statement of Licensing Policy to reflect updated standards published by the government last July.

Other changes include: more routine DBS checks for drivers, the faster notification of offences, an arrest or charge, and new cross-boundary enforcement action.

Plans were outlined at a council meeting where a 12-week consultation was agreed.

Sarah Elliott, head of fleet and waste management, said all councils within the West Midlands Combined Authority have agreed to most of the changes in principle.

“The board have agreed in principle to adopt the standards proposed in the Department for Transport report as a minimum in their taxi and licensing processes to ensure that maximum consistency across our region,” she told the meeting on Wednesday, April 14.

“The only exception to this is the mandatory requirement for CCTV which will be decided locally following the individual consultation.”

Cabinet member for city services, Cllr Pat Hetherton, added: “At all times it is about the safety of everyone involved, the taxi drivers and their personal safety, but also passengers in the vehicles.”

Currently drivers undergo a DBS check with their first application and then every three years, costing £54, however DBS checks could be made every six months which would cost £270 over three years based on current prices.

Drivers could alternatively pay £13 per year to subscribe to a ‘Disclosure and Barring Service Update’ which would give councils the ability to check a driver’s certificate online at any time.

Hadn't heard of this one. Of course, the higher profile ones like Greater Manchester are based roughly on the metropolitan counties, as this one seems to be. The Gloucestershire combined approach based on the county council, obviously. But, of course, I doubt if all the county councils are getting together to agree standards.

Then of course there's an element of councils merging, like BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Dorset), while others seem to be sharing licensing functions like Eastbourne and Lewes?

Messy.