Issues relating to the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles

Written evidence from the Thames Valley Police (TPH 64)

I write on behalf of the Chief Constable in connection with your letter to her of 3 February 2011 regarding the use of taxis and private hire vehicles in the context of cross-border issues affecting Milton Keynes.

In formulating my reply, I have been assisted by Chief Superintendent Nichola Ross, who is the Police Commander in Milton Keynes.

As you are aware, the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles comes under the jurisdiction of Milton Keynes Council. Thames Valley Police regularly assist with joint operations, but enforcement rests with the council. There have been six convictions in 2008 for offences connected to unlawful plying for hire. Of these, five defendants were from South Northamptonshire. In 2009/10 there were thirty-three convictions of which nineteen were South Northamptonshire drivers. All of those convicted were additionally found guilty of having no insurance. Currently a further two South Northamptonshire drivers are awaiting appearances at court.

Due to rising tensions within the local taxi community, a meeting with drivers was held in December between drivers, council and police. Local drivers demanded enforcement action against private hire vehicles unlawfully plying for hire, in particular in relation to South Northamptonshire registered private hire vehicles plying for hire in the Milton Keynes area. The drivers also requested funding for CCTV in their cabs to reduce assaults and offences of making off without payment. It was explained that enforcement of licensing matters sits with the respective councils but the police would assist with collation of evidence. Unfortunately, there are no public resources available to fund the driver’s request for CCTV.

Tensions have continued and a further meeting took place between police and the council in relation to fulfilling their enforcement obligations. Local private hire and hackney drivers remain frustrated by South Northamptonshire private hire vehicles plying for trade in the city centre. This had led to altercations between drivers. Local drivers consider the consequences to be: out of town firms adding costs to quoted prices; parking and obstruction issues preventing emergency service access; blockages of taxi ranks; and concern for safety of pedestrians caused by the large numbers of taxis outside nightclubs.

The council have been asked to increase their enforcement staffing levels at weekends and evenings to reduce these problems. Thames Valley Police remain committed to assisting with joint operations but it would be inappropriate to take on the enforcement role of the council. Officers will deal with incidents as reported and are present at key times within the Night Time Economy zones to keep the peace and enhance public safety.

Recently, a joint operation has been organised between Milton Keynes Council enforcement officers, South Northamptonshire District Council, Safer MK Partnership and Thames Valley Police. The agreed joint action plan has the following objectives: to reduce tensions; to improve taxi rank infrastructure; to undertake a media campaign; to reduce crimes involving taxi drivers; and to explore taxi associations funding CCTV in their taxis.

For our part we have attempted to leave the cross border licensing issues to the two authorities but continue to support them in an effort to reduce tensions and incidents.

From Thames Valley Police crime figures there were 271 offences involving taxi drivers between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2010. It is accepted that some offences may not have been reported and others may not have been directly linked to the victim or offender’s role as a driver. Of the 271 offences, 182 were where drivers were the victims including:

· 14 robberies of drivers

· 14 unprovoked assaults

· 24 assaults due to fare disputes

· 130 making off without payment

In 89 cases out of 271, drivers were recorded as offenders:

· 1 rape

· 4 sexual assaults

· 10 ABH – following disputes over fares generally

· 12 assaults with injury

· 50 thefts

· 6 making off without payment for fuel

I trust this information addresses your requirements and will assist the Transport Committee in its valuable work.

February 2011