Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) form an essential part of the transport network, particularly for older or disabled people who rely on taxis and PHVs as their main form of transport. It is therefore vital that regulation of taxis and PHVs continues to ensure that the drivers and vehicles to deliver this service are thoroughly checked to provide the best possible protection and care for passengers.
The Government used the Deregulation Bill Committee Stage to bring forward new clauses on taxi and PHV regulation in advance of the publication of the Law Commission’s in-depth review of Taxi and PHV legislation. Doing so pre-empts the outcome of this more detailed review of all related legislation. As set out in our recent Rewiring Licensing1 proposals, the LGA believes that changes to regulations should be considered in the context of the legislation as a whole, rather than in piecemeal fashion.
We are disappointed that the LGA was not made aware of these proposed clauses until they were brought before the Deregulation Bill Committee.
The failure to discuss these proposals with councils in advance of the Parliamentary process significantly reduces the opportunity for councils to provide constructive input on the feasibility of the proposals and their potential impact.
Read complete LGA briefing here:
http://taxicaselaw.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/local-government-association-briefing.html
Latest from Unite, Leeds Taxi Branch.
Announcement:
Transport Minister totally ignores safety of travelling public by dismissing the argument against allowing unlicensed members of families or friends to drive private hire vehicles when allegedly " off duty ".
Great opening remarks from Graeme Morris MP and supporting speakers.
The campaigning will continue irrespective. Obviously the countless numbers of females attacked in London alone by unlicensed drivers in the same context mean nothing. It's therefore more important for these families to have use of these vehicles than the safety of the public!
We hereby officially announce our utter disgust and dismay at such a flagrant and flippant disregard.