Back to this one, which as per several times before I suspect is portraying something completely different to what it is
So it's about various things, which no doubt have some substance.
But it majors on the new knoweldge test, and makes it sound like existing badge holders are having to pass that to retain their badge. I smell utter BS.
It's very probably about fleet owners and proprietors worried about the supply of new rental serfs.
And I wouldn't be surprised if the real 'issue' isn't in fact the new tax checks as opposed to the knowledge tests
Corby taxi drivers raise knowledge test issues among concerns at 'constructive' meeting with leading councillor
https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/ne ... or-9019427
Members of North Northamptonshire’s licensed taxi trade say that experienced local drivers are struggling to pass a new knowledge test that requires them to know routes across the whole unitary area.
As part of harmonisation across North Northamptonshire, cabbies now need to learn routes that cover the entire unitary area including Corby, Wellingborough, Kettering and Rushden – despite many of them spending most days driving specifically around their local town.
But because they’ve only rarely driven these wider routes over preceding decades, it’s difficult for some of them to pass the test.
The issue was raised among several others when members of the Corby’s licensed trade met with Cllr Kirk Harrison, the council’s executive member for regulatory services.
North Northamptonshire’s Hackney Carriage Trade Alliance was in attendance at the meeting along with Cllr Mark Pengelly and Cllr Willie Colquhoun at the Corby Cube.
The meeting covered concerns about the knowledge test and the promised licensing panel safeguard after three failed attempts, including an experienced driver who has been unable to work while his renewal remains unresolved. Vehicle requirements, fees, policy inconsistencies and regular trade engagement were also discussed.
Cllr Harrison agreed to take forward the disputed three-failure safeguard and was asked to revisit the requirement for Hackney carriages to be black. An urgent response on the affected driver’s case was requested within 10 working days, with responses on the remaining matters requested within 20 working days.
Trade representative Neil Rielly said: “We want licensing that protects passengers while also being fair, practical and sustainable for drivers. The meeting was constructive, but the important test will be whether the concerns raised now lead to clear answers and meaningful action.”
Taxi owner Ian Robb said: “Because it is so difficult to pass a street test that covers all of North Northants, there are less drivers and less taxis on the road which is affecting the public. The meeting was positive and we trust Cllr Harrison will take our concerns on board.”
Cllr Kirk Harrison said: “I was pleased to meet representatives of the Corby taxi trade to discuss the concerns they have about the council's Hackney carriage licensing policy. It was a constructive and positive meeting and I appreciate the time they took to explain the practical impact that some aspects of the policy are having on drivers and operators.
“Last year the council introduced a single, harmonised licensing policy for North Northamptonshire, replacing four separate policies inherited from the former Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire councils. As part of that process, the council also committed to reviewing the policy after it had been in operation, to ensure it is working as intended.
“The issues raised by the Corby trade, including their views on the knowledge test, will therefore form part of that wider review. In the coming weeks we will also be meeting with trade representatives from across North Northamptonshire to discuss a range of matters, including grandfather rights, vehicle emissions standards, exceptional age criteria, vehicle colours and wheelchair accessible vehicles, before any recommendations are considered.
“My priority is to ensure we have a licensing policy that is fair and consistent across North Northamptonshire and works for both the trade and the travelling public, while maintaining the high standards of public safety that residents rightly expect. I welcome constructive engagement from the trade as part of that process.”
