Issues relating to the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles

Written evidence from Cambridge City Licensed Taxis Ltd (TPH 18)

1) A Brief History

In 2002, Cambridge City Council Taxi Licensing Authority granted permission for Panther Taxis, the biggest taxi hire fleet in their licensed district, to move their company to premises outside the city.

Panther Taxis moved to the South Cambs District Council area where they applied for and were granted an Operators Licence for that district, in addition to the existing Cambridge City Operators Licence.

From there they began to lease radio equipment to dispatch bookings to South Cambs Private Hire cars, as well as Cambridge City Licensed Private Hire cars and Cambridge City Licensed Hackney Carriages, in violation of the 1976 Miscellaneous Provisions Act (Controlled Districts).

Shortly afterwards, the other taxi companies based in Cambridge with Cambridge City Operators Licences, applied for and were granted South Cambs Operators Licences.

CCLT Ltd tried to consult with both the City and South Cambs Authorities regarding the legality of operating under two different Licensing Authorities, but they have constantly refused to discuss the matter with CCLT Ltd and the other independent Hackney Carriage Drivers in Cambridge. Both the Licensing Authorities deny that they have acted illegally.

2)

At present there are in excess of 300 South Cambs vehicles accepting work from their operators outside their Licensed Controlled Area (South Cambs).

The City Council says it is the responsibility of the South Cambs District Enforcement Officers to take action on any illegal plying for hire in the city, but South Cambs say if an offence is committed in the city, it is for the City Council to enforce the law.

Illegal plying for hire is rife in the city, and is witnessed and reported to the Enforcement Officers of both authorities, neither of whom will accept responsibility. The illegal activity continues and is growing as drivers know there are no penalties being imposed.

3)

As a result of this neglect of duty by both Cambridge City Council and South Cambs Licensing Authorities, CCLT Ltd and other taxi drivers in Cambridge have for the last 8 years, been concerned about the lack of safety and security of, and the abuse leveled at the travelling public by rogue taxi drivers, i.e. overcharging, insulting behaviour and unprofessional practices.

4)

CCLT Ltd believes the two tier system being operated in Cambridge is unfair to the public. South Cambs drivers have a less vigorous knowledge test than City drivers, and the age restrictions on their vehicles are reduced, resulting in much older taxis being used, but the passengers are paying the same fare for an inferior service.

5)

Illegal plying for hire is not only illegal but is dangerous for the travelling public, who are unaware that should an accident occur while they are on board, the driver is not insured, and they are unprotected.

The erosion of taxi licensing borders is providing an increasing number of opportunities for criminal

and dangerous practices in the trade, and is leaving members of the public more vulnerable.

In an age where Health & Safety for everyone is controlled by legislation, it is unbelievable that the taxi trade is left in such a chaotic state of affairs, which must be addressed as a matter of priority.

December 2010