Taxi Driver Online asks for your help in sending a message to those Members of parliament who have the responsibility of implementing the changes advocated by the DfT.

What is going to replace it.

The whole licensing rules are a shambles with councils having their own pet hates etc. Why not a national licence for TAXI ( the public cannot tell the difference between HC and PH). A similar licence for special events such as limo's (but not allowed to carry local fares by either mileage or time minimum). Why pick on one area when it will only drive them underground, the councils and VOSA do not have enough funds (they say) to monitor the situation.

I second that post

What is going to replace it.

The whole licensing rules are a shambles with councils having their own pet hates etc. Why not a national licence for TAXI ( the public cannot tell the difference between HC and PH). A similar licence for special events such as limo's (but not allowed to carry local fares by either mileage or time minimum). Why pick on one area when it will only drive them underground, the councils and VOSA do not have enough funds (they say) to monitor the situation.

If the public cannot tell the difference between taxis and private hire it is simply because private hire drivers firstly make their vehicles look like a taxi and secondly break the law by picking up illegally.

Either of these would give cause to believe that the private hire drivers in question are neither fit or proper to hold such a position of trust.

I'll also tell you that a National policy for taxis will not work, as in this country rural areas have different demands than urban areas, you are assuming that every area is the same demographically as your own

......... that fact is that areas differ and the councils remain best placed to manage the taxi and private hire services in such a way that delivers best service to the users in their area.

Well I've heard this rhetoric often enough, but when an explanation is sought none is forthcoming.

So, what are these 'different demands' which preclude a national policy for trade regulation?

Well I've heard this rhetoric often enough, but when an explanation is sought none is forthcoming.

So, what are these 'different demands' which preclude a national policy for trade regulation?

But if PH drivers are dressing up their cars to look like taxis then surely that's because council policies accomodate this, so why cast doubt on the fitness of drivers in this regard?




Well I've heard this rhetoric often enough, but when an explanation is sought none is forthcoming.

So, what are these 'different demands' which preclude a national policy for trade regulation?




But if, as you comlain above, councils are allowing PH cars to look like taxis, are allowing PH drivers to ply for hire and won't raise sufficient funds through licensing fees to properly manage the service, then doesn't that somewhat contradict your argument?

As was pointed out to you recently, your years of complaint about Gateshead Council fundamentally undermined your 'councils know best' argument, but still you plough on regardless

As was pointed out to you recently, your years of complaint about Gateshead Council fundamentally undermined your 'councils know best' argument, but still you plough on regardless

You cannot sy thats its my "council's know best" argument when the government stipulate that that is there current position.

When you start negotiating with local government, instead of playing at it, you will discover that they seek advice from their own political party, in our case that party are in government.

Therefore greater progress will be made quicker if you understand the basis on which they operate.

My argument has always been "the government state that local councils are best placed to decide local issues, so why are you (gateshead council)then stating that you can't make that decision based on governmental advice".

In Gateshead we have a small urban area with most of our demographic area being rural (although not as rural as some).

The HC licensed within our area seek work from the urban area with PH operations taking care of the rural demand.

In most rural areas the only form of dependable public transport is the PH operations.

Now I know you will argue that someone could offer a PH service and use a taxi HOWEVER in 2010 Gateshead Council will need to adopt the DDA meaning all taxis will need to be accessible by 2020.

Accessible vehicles cost significantly more than a saloon and so a higher number of jobs need to be completed in order to make their purchase viable, this would not be achieved in a rural area.

Retaining PH operations in rural area will provide greater opportunities for drivers to make the money they need locally, therefore providing public transport services to communities who rely on them most.

Its clear to see that even the most rural areas of Gateshead are certainly more populated than other areas in the UK, so it follows that the difficulties people who live outside our town and city centres encounter greater difficulties availing themselves to public transport, a service which would become less available if your proposed legislation were to be introduced.

why cast doubt on the fitness of drivers in this regard