Taxi Driver Online

When in a whole climb out........ but if you like being in the whole them move it to somewhere where the sun shines..... this country is about to implode

Yes that's how I see it. The application form states "OPERATOR’S APPLICATION FORM". It then goes on to list various details such as company address etc and the number of vehicles operated by the company but it doesn't mention drivers.

The form then says,

I ON BEHALF OF THE ABOVE COMPANY, WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL PRIVATE HIRE ASSOCIATION

When it comes to consultations with the DfT or anyone else for that matter it would appear Private hire drivers have never given Mr Rolands a mandate to act on their behalf or have they? Have you given Mr Roland a mandate to act on your behalf? How was that mandate given and what was the process?

I think we can safely assume as you rightly say that the NPHA is a business and it has nothing whatsoever to do with being mandated by private hire drivers to act on their behalf.

No one is suggesting that Mr Rolands is not a competent fellow but a name is only a name and no way does it legitimise the non representation of those private hire drivers who one might perceive it represents.

I'm glad you joined this debate Tom because I know you subscribe to the NPHA but how does your membership affect your drivers, for instance they obviously have no input into the NPHA but what happens when their interests as drivers conflict with your own interest as an operator? Or don't you have any conflicts of interest?



So it has a board that is immune to the democratic process of election? In other words people are appointed to the board rather than elected?



That's excellent news, what proposals did your council have in mind?



In order to speak for anyone you must first have a mandate and second you must have a democratic process that elects you as the spokesperson. I don't believe Mr Roland has been elected by anyone has he? However if I am wrong then perhaps someone will correct my observation?



Best for who? Private hire operators, Private hire drivers, private hire proprietors, Hackney carriage proprietors, hackney carriage drivers, hackney carriage radio circuit operators or licensing officers?

Each section of the trade has a different opinion in many areas of the workings of the taxi trade, that is why there is this great divide between hackney carriage and private hire. I think we should shine a brighter light on the NPHA and determine exactly who and what it actually represents? If indeed it represents anyone at all?

Regards

JD

The LPHCA seems immune from the debate. They have the same set up exactly.

I also think that private hire drivers should be made aware that the only thing that is going to help them achieve their aims is themselves.

Problem is you will soon find yourself going mad while listening to some loud idiots ramble on about something they can only see from their perspective.

Could you suggest what can be done to reconsile the two positions?

You make a valid point that those who have been driving taxis for many years should perhaps be exempt from this.