Hi all,
 
In relation to the review of the Hackney Carriage Licence Condition 2.2 which states:

 

The proprietor shall ensure that the Hackney Carriage shall only be of the type approved for public hire used by the Commissioner of Police of the London Metropolitan area, namely a purpose built vehicle designed to carry up to seven passengers …

 

Proposal for licensing to change condition to:

The proprietor shall ensure that the Hackney Carriage vehicle shall only be of the type approved for Hackney Carriage use by the Council, namely a multi-purpose vehicle built to carry up to eight passengers with factory fitted seatbelts and an engine capacity not less than 1600cc. subject to the following:

 

By way of a list that will specify as many different types of vehicle as possible which allow the trade to put forward vehicles of choice that meet the criteria. Will provide greater flexibility for new vehicle types.

 

 

Whilst we agree with the above I would however disagree with the condition 2.10 being read in conjunction and therefore remaining the same whereby the vehicle has to be Black.  What difference does it make what colour the vehicle is so long as it bears the sign stating TAXI.  Furthermore it is interesting that the council would want to distinguish between hackney carriages and private hire by having such a condition perhaps for the public benefit.  However when questioning customers, drivers and desk operator applicants (the public) about the difference between Hackney Carriage and Private Hire it is worth noting that they neither know or care!  It is also worth noting that surrounding councils have various different coloured vehicles as Taxis (Shropshire) and Staffordshire white vehicles are Taxis.  Consequently why make rules which to the public dont make any difference to most and for some even confuse further? 

We agree with the change to allow basically 8 seater passenger vehicles with wheelchair access as this provides more variety/choice for the Hackney Carriage Trade but strongly disagree with stating a particular colour.  Yes most of our vehicles (Ultimate) are white but this is our choice as they are somewhat cheaper to purchase in this colour and identify the companies vehicles against that of the owner drivers and have no other advantage.

 

Its more unnecessary red tape which just costs the trade more money and doesn't benefit the public.   Lets see some common sense instead of introducing and or keeping rules which are no benefit to anyone!  After all whatever it is thought of as far as trying to achieve it, it simply isn't.  Why burden those in the trade with costs which are of no help to anyone?

 

If you don't believe it put it to the test.  Get 100 council staff at T&W (not licensing or on the same floor) and ask them the question about the difference between Hackney Carriage Vehicles and Private Hire Vehicles and most will give stupid answers and or look at you dumb struck!  You really will be amazed as to how much other than those in the trade or licensing actually know about it or even care.

 

On a final note why is it that Private Hire vehicles licensed with 8 seats have to be wheelchair accessible?  I know this is another matter but it seems that a restriction is in place for no apparent reasoning especially as the percentage of wheelchair work in the Telford & Wrekin area is only a very small percentage (guessing I would say less than 1%).  It doesn't make sense.  Can this be looked at please.

 

 

Regards

 

Terence Spooner

Managing Director

Ultimate Taxis Limited