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| MOTs for taxi drivers in East Durham http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8363 |
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| Author: | JD [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | MOTs for taxi drivers in East Durham |
The Sunderland Echo March 25, 2008 MOTs for taxi drivers Taxi drivers in East Durham will have to undergo a full-body MOT to prove that they are fit to get behind the wheel. Drivers as well as their vehicles will be given the once-over under new legislation approved by District of Easington Council. The changes come after fears that Hackney carriage and private hire drivers, who are on the roads for long periods, could be suffering from on-going disabilities or even heart conditions. And the Government has been putting pressure on local authorities across the country to demand a doctor's go-ahead before they take to the roads. Previously, cabbies have not been obliged to complete any health checks, but soon they will have to produce medical certificates on first application for a licence and every five years between the ages of 45 and 65. Then after 65 they will have to be checked-off every year. Keith Parkinson, environmental health and licensing manager, said: "It might come a shock for some. "There is a system that can ask for medical certificates when they feel that something is wrong and we have done that in the past but this is prescribing the level of check. "Probably some people may not be happy about the extra burden but the benefits are there to protect people against somebody being ill and not fit enough to drive." He said that unlike lorry drivers, there is no control over the length of time that a taxi driver can spend behind the wheel. For this reason he said that physical fitness is very important. Mr Parkinson said that the tests, that come in from June, will be looking for things like on-going disabilities and heart conditions. At the same time the council approved an application for vehicles to be licensed up to the age of seven-years-old whereas the previous limit was six years-old as long as it is still in "exceptional condition." _____________________________ |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: MOTs for taxi drivers in East Durham |
JD wrote: Previously, cabbies have not been obliged to complete any health checks, but soon they will have to produce medical certificates on first application for a licence and every five years between the ages of 45 and 65.
I can't believe this council hasn't insisted on all new drivers doing a medical. 
I think the 'fit' as in 'fit and proper' should have given them a clue. 
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| Author: | jimbo [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: MOTs for taxi drivers in East Durham |
Sussex wrote: JD wrote: Previously, cabbies have not been obliged to complete any health checks, but soon they will have to produce medical certificates on first application for a licence and every five years between the ages of 45 and 65. I can't believe this council hasn't insisted on all new drivers doing a medical. I think the 'fit' as in 'fit and proper' should have given them a clue. "on first application?" |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: MOTs for taxi drivers in East Durham |
jimbo wrote: "on first application?"
Wot you on about? 
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