It seems there has been a slight glitch in the licensing administration department at Palestra.
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Over the weekend approximately 100 drivers were mistakenly sent forms informing them they require a medical within 28 days to remain licensed as Taxi drivers.
The affected drivers all have a September birthdate, apparently.
I received my letter on Friday, informing me I need a new medical in regards to my age.
I found this strange, as I have already had this particular medical just under a year a go with my next medical not due for a few years yet.
Surely no one should have to have two medicals in a year?
So, I called the phone number included in the letter.
After receiving a selection of recorded messages on every aspect of Taxi Licensing, then being placed in a queue and subjected to what can only be describe as an insult to music lovers. I eventually got through to David who immediately put my mind at rest saying he knew all about the problem and asked for my badge number for reference.
I was informed the letters had been sent out in error to drivers with a September birthdate.
I asked Dave how many drivers were affected and he told me approximately 100.
He said LTPH had my contact details and if they wanted to speak to me any further concerning this matter, they would call me back. I was then told to ignore the request and not to have a medical.
Be that as it may, we now have a situation where approximately 100 Taxi driver could mistakenly undergo an unnecessary medicle, incurring costs of up to £100 each. Not every driver will take the trouble to phone up and complain.
We believe it is imperative that LTPH issue statements on Twitter and their website immediately and also personally write to drivers asap, about the so called glitch, guaranteeing, they will be refunded any out of pocket expenses.
Recently on the LTDF Taxi forum, drivers reported getting renewed bills with the wrong name/details/photos. One person reported they had received multiple new style licenses. It's very worrying that sensitive correspondence to licensed Taxi drivers seems to either go astray or turn up at the wrong address, especially after the news that 1in 10 licensed Taxi Drivers are in poccession of forged documents.
LTPH must get their house in order soon, at present their reputation is at an all time low.
Below is the unsigned letter, sent out in error.
