Taxi Driver Online

Yes captain, but the Dundee experience shows the results - it seems that most plateholders have nothing to do with the trade other than the money they make out of it - as Andy says, they have no obligation to hand the plate back until they retire.

However, you did say 'retire', but that seems the kind of rule that some would drive a coach and horses through. How do you define retired? For example, I know quite a few who keep a badge in the drawer in case of 'emergencies'. Assuming they had to work to keep the badge, how much hours do they have to work, and if you specify a figure, what's to stop them from mis-stating it?

The bottom line is that for as long as plates are limited, they will be misused.

The only way to stop that woul be to specify one driver per vehicle, but this would amount to limiting the number of badges - what a good idea!!!

All that's required are a few reasonable standards for cars and drivers - London shows the principles in action - no quotas or plate values there!!

Dusty

[quote="Anonymous
you sound very right wing, forbid 2 drivers driving a taxi? barmy how do you control that?

just typical talk of the freedom of the individual then you take it away.

its spitefull

Wharfie

If you have another read you'll see that I didn't actually advocate that Wharfy.

Anyway, in many areas there is almost only one driver per car, and many manage it, including myself. Look at London for example.

Hardly spiteful.

Dusty

if I can get near the computer through this barrage of drivers

it seems to me Dusty you are strongly advocating it I have read it again with this rabble here, and that opinion is a consensus here.


Wharfie

So we now seem to have a number of alternatives as to limit/regulate entry into the Hackney Carriage trade.

1, Through vehicle cost
2, Through the number of vehicle licenses issued
3, Through more enhanced driver testing and training
4, Through the compulsary slaughter of OAP plate holders

all good options!

Now the solution to private hire numbers.. all of the above? plus making it legal for HC drivers to have an open season on PH not too disimilar to August 12 grouse shooting?

Now the solution to private hire numbers.. all of the above? plus making it legal for HC drivers to have an open season on PH not too disimilar to August 12 grouse shooting?

I think your right sussex, the solution to the growth of private hire is well and truly dependant upon the hackney trade eventually having to grasp the nettle of increased numbers.

I take it that the NTA are correct then!

As for the solution to PH numbers, well a free and open HC market will do nicely.

I think it all depends on what one accepts as a increase in numbers.

If you go by the survey method, then it takes too long, and the whole process is flawed. In other words by the time any new licenses are up and running, they are either no longer required or more are needed.

But other than this flawed way of assessing demand, the only way of increasing is de-limitation. But if standards are kept high, then the shock to some could be diluted.

What ever anyone says about the PH trade, outside of London, they adapt to customer needs far better than the HC trade.