Taxi Driver Online

From my time in the Smoke, er, a long time ago I'd have guessed these stations were on the Central tube line, and thus in the TfL area.

And, indeed, the photo caption indicates that the rank is outside a tube station

However, according to Wiki this council is just outside the Greater London area. So to that extent it's your average borough or district council in licensing terms.

Anyway, not a lot to see here, and it's more about PR/comms stuff than anything more interesting for us anorak...er, I mean, trade licensing geeks. So no list of faults, suspensions or offences, or whatever

But good to see that they're using the word 'touting' in its technical sense, as opposed to when it's often used in terms of simply plying for hire.

And, rather than use Sussex's preferred method for finding the bullet point, er, bullets, I just went back to his Fareham article and copied them from there


Night-time taxi compliance operation across district stations

https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/night ... -stations/



A night-time compliance check on taxis operating at Epping, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill train stations was carried out in a joint operation between Epping Forest District Council Environmental Enforcement and Licensing Officers.

Deterring unlawful activity

The operation focused on ensuring licensed taxi drivers and vehicles were complying with all licence conditions and regulations, while also identifying and deterring any unlawful taxi activity, including taxi touting.

Officers visited locations throughout the evening, checking drivers, vehicles and licences to ensure that those operating were doing so legally and in accordance with their licensing requirements.

Protecting public safety

The joint operation forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to protecting public safety and maintaining high standards within the licensed trade.

Taxi compliance operations help to:

• Protect public safety by ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, insured and properly licensed
• Verify driver credentials, ensuring that licensed drivers meet the standards required by the Council
• Prevent taxi touting, where unlicensed individuals approach passengers and offer journeys illegally
• Safeguard vulnerable passengers, particularly those travelling late at night
• Support legitimate taxi drivers who comply with licensing requirements and regulations
• Maintain public confidence in the local taxi and private hire industry.
• Detect licensing breaches and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

Stamp out taxi touting

"Keeping residents and visitors to our district safe alongside stamping out Taxi Touting is key to our operations and I am grateful to our Licensing and Environmental Enforcement officers for working outside their daily hours to carry out these important checks.”

Cllr Darshan Sunger, Cabinet Member for Licensing

For more information about taxi licensing requirements, residents and drivers are encouraged to visit the Council’s website page:

eppingforestdc.gov.uk/licensing/taxi-licensing/

That said, neither HC nor PHV drivers can tout either. So to that extent, the above definition is inadequate

Anyway, not clear why the emphasis in the press release is on touting - maybe it is a problem there, or maybe it's just more of a PR thing for the council.