Taxi Driver Online

I think the point is that if consumers cannot evaluate these things, then legislation should at least help them to do so by regulating appropriate standards for drivers, vehicles and possibly operators too.

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

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

Not quite......

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

So teach us, oh wise one

Nope.....you can work it out

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

Sorry, that's over 12 hours I've spent thinking about it now, and still none the wiser

Its the dates that bug me tbh.....as you correctly mentioned, both statements effectively say the same thing - either geniuses think alike or ones read the other - the point is - the point is completely daft - the public aint ever gonna know if the vehicle is safe and the driver has been vetted - whether the vehicle is hailed or on a rank - and that goes for pre-booked PH too - its a stupid f*cking point entirely - and completely irrelevant to the entire debate - as no system can cure it......although it does prove that the google search engine in the LC's offices is working well

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

After Biggar's statement the LC says:

Unlike the other failures we outlined above, this problem affects both the taxi and private hire markets.

Which is why they advocate safety and character tests for both HC and PH to address the problem. Of course, you're correct to the extent that it can't "cure it" entirely, but clearly no system is perfect and it's better than no safety regulation at all.

As for the American statement, that's more about quality rather than safety and criminality.

Thus if Cowboy Joe is at the front of the rank in his dirty teenage Astra then customers have no choice but to take it, normally.

But perhaps where the LC fall down is that some LAs do licence Cowboy Joe in his dirty teenage Astra as HCs.

And the LC say that if Cowboy Joe in his dirty teenage Astra is working in the PH sector then that's fine because if he is then that's because customers demand it. Of course, in reality if you're on holiday and Cowboy Joe turns up in his dirty teenage Astra when you phone for a PHV and you're hoping for something better than that's little better than the HC street hire scenario.

Are you saying there isnt any safety regulations already.....because I cannot think of a single area that doesnt do CRB checks.....or ensure vehicles are tested.

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

Precisely, which is why they're proposing to keep such checks across the board.

On the other hand, they're saying that in the street market people are basically stuck with quality matters like geographical knowledge (because they can't tell in advance) and dirty cars (because they're normally forced to take the first car) so regulation is required there.

But they're saying that as regards pre-booked work customers can choose whether they want clueless drivers and dirty cars if they want, presumably at a cheaper price.

I disagree with them, however, because of the mish mash of standards each LA has for HCs.

And also because I don't think the pre-booked market for PH works as well as they claim.

Can you tell me one area where there isnt any CRB check or vehicle test....as I said, I'm not aware of any.

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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 get your point - everyone seems to be agreeing that such checks should be retained.

In theory imo. I don't think that is necessarily how it works though. Here drivers have many years experience and gained knowledge of the area that way prior to the knowledge test, some did the area knowledge test some years ago when it was a more stringent test and some have taken the knowledge test in recent years since it has become less stringent and with regards to price they're more or less the same price fare wise whichever company you ring. If the LC continue with their proposals I believe the customer will have even less choice in cities and major towns when the 'big boys' move in and take over

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Oh, so the Wirral knowledge test was watered down, was it. Funny how that's never mentioned when earnings and HC numbers are being discussed. A bit like a certain reticence regarding the 'free market' in Sefton. Must be a Merseyside thing

Not that I'm necessarily targetting you in that regard, Toots. And in general terms I agree with the rest of what you say.

Retained? .........I didnt suggest the LC were going to do otherwise, I merely suggested there isnt actually an area in the country that hasnt a standard in place.

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