Taxi Driver Online

Taxi driver's ageism protest

A NEWQUAY taxi driver claims he is a victim of age discrimination after being charged more than double to get his taxi licence – because he's over 65.

Roger Hobkinson, aged 68, grudgingly paid £207 for his licence, which is valid for three years.

But for taxi drivers under 65 it costs only £102 for the same licence.

Roger said: "It's unfair and is surely a prime example of ageism.

"I can't be the only person in Cornwall who thinks this is wrong and is not the way anyone should be treated."

Drivers older than 65 also have to pay £60 annually for a medical to prove they are still suitable to drive a vehicle carrying members of the public, whereas those under 65 have a medical every three years.

"The medical isn't a problem. I don't mind having to pay every year for it as it is peace of mind that you are still fit to drive and not a hazard to the public or other drivers," said Roger.

"It is in everyone's best interest for taxi drivers aged over 65 to have these tests.

"But paying more than double to do the same job as others around the county is just wrong."

Roger, who moved to Newquay five years ago, has been driving a taxi for four years, after working in the police for a few years before moving to Australia and New Zealand.

He claims even the council's officers think the difference in charges is wrong and discriminatory towards the over 65s.

"I spoke to the council's taxi licensing department in St Austell and they agreed being charged double is wrong," he said.

"The person I spoke to said it may change once the unitary authority began.

"For the council's sake, and for every other taxi driver in Cornwall over the age of 65, I hope it does change.

"I moved to Newquay as I love the area and, rather than sitting around watching TV and getting old, I wanted to keep working.

"I'm thinking of taking this situation further and seeking legal advice.

"This is age discrimination and is surely an example of the council breaking the law."

A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: "At the moment, people aged 65 or over can only apply for a one-year licence.

"But the licensing of taxis and private hire is under review and application fees across the zones will be re-evaluated as part of this review."

Its not the license fee then....its the medical that costs?

CC

No it's not cos that doesn't tally

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

Licences can be issued for a period of up to three years. A completed medical form must be produced on each 3 yearly renewal in respect of persons aged up to 65. From the age of 65, licences are issued for one year and each renewal must be accompanied by a completed medical form.


APPLICATION FEE

£ 136.00 for a three year licence, or

£ 105.00 for a two year licence, or

£ 81.00 for a one year licence

£ 81.00 for a one year licence if aged 65 or over, and

£ 36.00 fee for the CRB Disclosure

And ..... what ..... so????

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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.

Dont be so pedantic and read the article

I'll point you in the right direction;

Roger Hobkinson, aged 68, grudgingly paid £207 for his licence, which is valid for three years.

From the Cornwall council website;

From the age of 65, licences are issued for one year and each renewal must be accompanied by a completed medical form.

CC

How can the processing costs of a driver's license be more expensive for three years over a one year cost?

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IDFIMH

And how did they arrive at the figures considering cornwall council didnt exist until April

CC

Ever had one of those moments when you wish you'd kept it shut

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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 yes, "I DO".

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IDFIMH

Pmsl......... you don't mean it

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