The Charter
A definition of 'plying for hire' in statute. The definition should :
• Distinguish between the working practices of taxis and ph vehicles.
• Recognise the working practices of responding to a hail and ranking.
• Confirm that ph vehicles are not be permitted to wait outside venues in advance of bookings.
• Recognise the separate offences of plying for hire and touting for hire.
• Accept 'solicitation' as the defining action between touting and plying for hire.
Legislation to be simplified so that taxi & ph law can be effectively enforced.
Regulations should :
• Ensure the boundary between primary legislation and local licensing policy is clearly defined.
• Confirm the source of funding for enforcement.
• Ensure that pre-booking remains the only way to engage a ph vehicle.
• Ensure that all ph journeys have proof of pre-booking
• Ensure fines for illegally plying for hire & touting reflect the danger they pose to the public.
• Ensure the terms 'licensed taxi', 'ph vehicle' and 'unlicensed vehicle' are used appropriately.
• Prevent misleading use of the word 'taxi' on the internet
• Ensure fines for illegally plying for hire & touting are set at a level that will act as a deterrent.
• Ensure crime and licensing statistics are held separately for taxis, ph and unlicensed vehicles.
• Allow vehicles that are illegally plying/touting for hire to be impounded.
Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are clearly distinct.
• All newly licensed taxis to be the same colour.
• All newly licensed private hire vehicles to be the same colour, but different from taxis.
Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are easily identifiable.
• PH vehicles should always be a ph vehicle and should only be driven by a ph driver.
• Rear licence plates and permanent “pre-booked only” door vinyls to be mandatory for ph vehicles.
• Roof lights restricted for use by licensed taxis only.
A uniform disciplinary procedure for all licensed taxi drivers. The new procedure should:
• Define 'fit and proper'.
• Define who has the authority to sanction licence suspensions and revocations.
• Ensure that taxi drivers are allowed legal representation at all stages of a complaints procedure.
• Ensure that taxi drivers have the right of appeal to the Crown Court.
• Allow drivers to continue working until any appeal is complete.
• Remove the requirement, outside London, for interviews regarding complaints to be conducted under PACE.
Taxis are given more consideration as part of an integrated transport system.
• Licensing authorities to provide taxi ranks where there is demand.
• Licensing authorities to maintain taxi ranks so that they are fit for purpose.
Taxi drivers to be treated fairly at airports.
• Allow licensed taxis to perform the duties laid out in statute by providing free waiting facilities.
• Prevent ph vehicles acting as if they are taxis.
Local authorities to manage the number of licences for both taxis and private hire to ensure:
• Taxi drivers are able to earn a reasonable living.
• Taxi drivers are involved in decisions that would impact on their livelihoods.
• Local Authorities must justify the number of PH licences where sufficient taxi provision
exists.
Legislation to prohibit Cross Border Hiring
The RMT supports the integrity of licensed taxis in any given area to the exclusion of taxis/private hire accepting hirings out of their areas.
Pedicabs to be banned from operating on the public highway
Thinking about Joining?
Join online at www.rmt.org.uk
or via the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706
No comments:
Post a Comment