Taxi Driver Online

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 9 out of 21 *drivers* suspended is 42.8 per cent, so the 'almost 50 per cent' reported here seems a tad exaggerated.

And it's not the *drivers* who have been suspended, presumably...


Bid to boost taxi standards steps up

https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/artic ... s-steps-up

ALMOST 50 per cent of town centre taxi drivers whose vehicles were stopped and checked for defects by licensing officers were suspended during a daytime operation, a shocking new report has revealed.

Firms and their drivers have subsequently been warned to adhere to rules about vehicle requirements - or risk enforcement action - in a bid to drive up standards in Barnsley.

It comes after Barnsley Council’s licensing officers carried out an unannounced day of action of January 24 and suspended nine out of 21 drivers.

Reasons given for the suspensions predominantly related to incorrect signage but action was also taken due to faulty lights and some drivers’ failure to carry out daily inspection checks.

Daily routines have previously been insisted on by licensing teams, with defective lights and tyres both being brought up in the past as areas where taxis could improve - however the recent result has caused alarm with the council.

Reasons given for the suspensions predominantly related to incorrect signage but action was also taken due to faulty lights and some drivers’ failure to carry out daily inspection checks.

Daily routines have previously been insisted on by licensing teams, with defective lights and tyres both being brought up in the past as areas where taxis could improve - however the recent result has caused alarm with the council.

“Vehicle failures are always unacceptable, and our operations must convey the message that operators, vehicle proprietors and drivers must accept responsibility for their failures and make a change.

“We have clear standards that must be adhered to as failure to do so may put the safety of the public at risk.”

At a previous operation - carried out in the town centre at night-time on November 11 last year - just four were found to have fault.

Regular liaison meetings between Hackney carriage and private hire representatives now take place.

“Feedback has been given that these meetings were working well as a mechanism to cascade information to licensees and that positive feedback had been received from participants,” the report added.

“Members of the board are asked to support officers and encourage private hire and Hackney carriage drivers and operators to comply with the conditions of their licence and continue to keep their vehicles as safe as possible for both drivers and customers at all times.

“Proactive enforcement operations will continue to take place.”

So apart from the odd bulb out, there were no direct safety faults found?

The council were desperate to get out a 'we are fab' article, and the press was desperate enough to print it.

Things people do to get ad revenue.

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