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Background

Background. The Institute of Licensing is conducting a nationwide consultation to find out how the existing law is working for different users including drivers, operators, customers and regulators. Why Licence Taxis?.

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Background

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Background • The Institute of Licensing is conducting a nationwide consultation to find out how the existing law is working for different users including drivers, operators, customers and regulators.

  2. Why Licence Taxis? • “The aim of local authority licensing of the taxi and PHV trades is to protect the public.” DfT “Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing: Best Practice Guidance”

  3. Public Protection • Unlicensed drivers (and therefore unvetted) • Unlicensed vehicles (and therefore untested) • Vulnerable Users • “Who is taking you home tonight?” • Too many examples of assaults etc in unlicensed vehicles

  4. Trade protection • Licensed drivers, proprietors & operators need protection against the unlicensed cowboys • Certain standards for drivers, proprietors & operators create public confidence in the use of licensed vehicles • Too many examples of attacks on and robberies of drivers

  5. Why consult? • Taxi law is archaic - dates back to 1847 • Different local authorities have different requirements • Two types of taxi – hackney carriage and private hire, but the public don’t really know or care • Law is anomalous and uncertain in many areas

  6. The story so far? • Scoping 1st stage consultation undertaken to find out views within the IoL membership and selected stakeholders.

  7. Overall findings • A general consensus that: • the existing law is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. • Complete reform is necessary to bring the law up to date, to counteract ambiguity, provide clarity and accountability and to maintain and improve public safety.

  8. General findings from Stage 1 • Strong view that there should be one category of licensed vehicle • Concern that current complicated system leaves door open for unlicensed operators putting the public at risk • Support for Local Councils to remain as licensing authority but scope for national regulator • Need for greater consistency and standards across the country

  9. General findings from Stage 1 • Operators • Role of operator supported but more important is the need for clear record keeping by drivers/operators or vehicle owners

  10. General findings from Stage 1 • Drivers • Standards of checks and training should be consistent • Taxis could be incorporated as a category on DVLA driving licences in the same way as HGVs. • Working Time Directive should apply • Potential for national taxi driver licences (or local licences which are valid across the country)

  11. General findings from Stage 1 • Vehicles/1 • Standards of checks should be consistent • Should be clear division between taxi and PSV licensing • Should be clearer licensing provision and guidance relating to specialist vehicles such as limos etc. • Clarity and consistency needed for volunteer drivers, childminders etc which now fall within the law but the requirements are applied inconsistently

  12. General findings from Stage 1 • Vehicles/2 • Support for maximum fares to be retained together with taxi ranks, disabled access vehicles and other measures to assist in the transport provision by taxis (eg use of bus lanes) • fares should continue to be set locally but using a common formulae to determine a level appropriate taking into account local issues. • Consensus that there should be no limitations on the number of taxis – this should be determined by market forces.

  13. Conclusions from Stage 1/2 • Stage 2 consultation is necessary and should be aimed at everyone with any interest in taxis • The public and user groups such as disability groups are particularly important

  14. Issues: • What is the practical understanding by the public of licensed vehicles and the law? • Is a lack of understanding coupled with a lack of clarity potentially undermining public safety and leaving the door open for bogus operators? • Could new laws benefit the trade, users and regulators by introducing clearer requirements and national standards while retaining a local element to maintain local accountability?

  15. The Consultation • An online survey: http://tiny.cc/taxisurvey • Consultation will run until 31st March 2010

  16. Contact Us For further information please contact: Sue Towler, Executive Officer Tel: 01726 75456 Email: sue.towler@instituteoflicensing.org.uk Website: www.instituteoflicensing.org

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