Unions say existing recommendations by the House of Commons Transport Committee would secure local taxi licensing schemes and enforce tough criminal background checks. Critics warn that plans being considered by Coalition are "a systematic attempt to water down standards".
Taxi drivers from across the country have lobbied MPs, warning that deregulation could hit safety standards for passengers and lead to chaos on the roads.
The drivers – from RMT, GMB and Untie – say Law Commission proposals could see poorly-regulated private hire vehicles ply for hire at set times, nights and weekends and allow members of the public to wave them down like Hackney cabs.
The Law Commission recommendations are part of a package of plans designed to merge rules covering taxis and private hire vehicles and replacing local with national licensing arrangements.
The unions fear the plans could make it easier for criminals to pose as ‘rogue’ drivers and increase the risk to passengers.
Speaking ahead of the lobby, Unite assistant general secretary, Diana Holland said: “The Law Commission’s plans could hit standards and destroy the UK taxi trade.
“The deregulation of the taxi industry could lead to passengers being ripped off and chaos on our streets with people unsure about whether the taxi they have flagged is legitimate or not.”
MPs on the House of Commons Transport Committee had previously advised ministers against referring changes to taxi regulation to the Law Commission.
RMT general secretary, Bob Crow said: “The licensed taxi industry is under unprecedented attack through deregulation and a systematic attempt to water down standards and rules that have served the public so well down the years.
“The total contempt that has been shown to the taxi industry through the law commission proposals is a scandal and this lobby will give politicians a chance to hear directly from the taxi drivers themselves.”
Mick Rix, GMB national officer for the transport sector, said: “The proposals by the Law Commission on the taxi industry will damage and destroy the taxi industry.
“The Law Commission proposals will destroy the tremendous passenger safety culture, established over many years in the industry.
“The proposals will also potentially lead to more women being put at risk to assault and attack who have to travel late at night, by unlicensed and unregulated drivers.”
Unions have called on Coalition ministers to follow alternative proposals put forward by the Transport Select Committee in 2011, which included maintaining local control over taxi licensing.
They say the MPs recommendations have support from many in the industry as well as the licensing authorities.
Source: http://union-news.co.uk
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