This in from the Local Government Association, in their own words. Ed
Plans to relax rules on who is able to drive licensed minicabs will endanger lives, council leaders warn today.
As the Deregulation Bill reaches its second day of Report Stage in Parliament, the Local Government Association, which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, is warning against plans that will loosen the law to allow anyone to get behind the wheel of a licensed vehicle.
Rigorous council vetting process
Currently minicab users can travel safely in the knowledge that their driver will have been through a rigorous council vetting process including criminal records and medical history checks.
Under new government proposals, licensed drivers will be able to allow other drivers to use their vehicle when off duty without any checks being carried out.
Lack of public safety
This means that anyone with a criminal background such as alleged sexual assaults, rapes, terrorist activity drug dealing and organised crime, could exploit the system and pick up passengers and the council isn’t able to uphold public safety.
The LGA is also warning that dangerous minicab drivers could more easily challenge reviews of their licences following traffic offences. This is because they could more easily claim another driver was responsible.
“Irresponsible plans” threaten to undermine progress
Cllr Tony Page, LGA licensing spokesman, said:
“Taxi and private hire vehicles are an essential means of transport for many, especially older or disabled people. Anyone using one should be able to do so safe in the knowledge that its driver has had their background fully checked and meets certain safety standards.
“Councils fought hard for the reinstatement of enhanced criminal records checks for taxi and private hire drivers and these irresponsible plans threaten to undermine that progress and remove this vital protection for passengers.
“The consequences for someone entering a vehicle marked for hire where the driver has not been properly licensed and vetted by the council can be devastating – we should not increase the chances of that happening. Under the proposals, councils will also find it more difficult to revoke licences from reckless drivers who repeatedly put passengers at risk by driving dangerously.
“Keeping residents safe is a priority for councils and it is imperative the Government withdraws these plans so that we can continue ensuring passengers are safe when taking taxis and private hire vehicles.”
