As well as strict regulations, many licensing authorities have introduced schemes which see taxi drivers penalised for minor infractions ranging from dress codes to not helping passengers with their bags.
Swindon is the latest authority to go down the points route, with changes being introduced from April 1 if approved by Swindon Borough Council next month.
Penalty points
The thisiswiltshire news site reports that the council’s licensing committee has approved a new policy which would impose penalty points on drivers for a variety of infractions and offences, many of which are already covered by licensing regulations and traffic laws.
“At the lowest level, misusing the vehicle’s horn would attract three points, as would leaving a hackney carriage on the rank creating a blockage.
“Smoking in the taxi would attract six points, as would parking in a rank outside the licensing district and using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
“There are some sliding scale offences: poor driving standards, a hackney carriage driver refusing a fare at a rank without good reason, and failing to comply with conditions of the driver, vehicle or operator licence comes in at six to 12 points.
“Abusive or improper behaviour could receive three, 12, or any number of points in between.”
Totting up
The committee heard that when a driver reaches the 12-point threshold, the severity of the infractions or offences would determine what happens next.
Licensing manager Jason Kirkwood said: “When a driver has accrued 12 points, unless the matter is of such seriousness that an officer decided to suspend their licence, then the officer will consider the best way forward.
“That may be a licensing review which would go to a licensing sub-committee or panel.
“If the matter serious, then we might prosecute a driver, not worrying about penalty points. But if it doesn’t meet that threshold, it’s for an officer to decide on the best way forward.
“And if a licence is revoked after a subcommittee review, that is appealable to a magistrates court within 21 days.”
Evidence
Committee members raised concerns about the standards of proof necessary for drivers to be penalised.
Cllr Repi Begum said: “Some of this seems subjective, especially about poor or abusive behaviour. I’m concerned that people could complain out of prejudice against a driver’s background, clothing, the colour of their skin. Complaints could be made out of prejudice or discrimination.”
Licensing officers assured the committee that any investigation would need solid evidence to proceed.
Thisiswiltshire added: “Members were told that a driver accepting a call on a mobile phone in a cradle while parked would not constitute an offence and drivers with allergies to dogs could refuse to carry a passenger with assistance animals, but only if they have previously applied for an exemption.”
Points schemes
Points schemes such as this already operate in several authorities. Mr Kirkwood told Swindon’s councillors: “This sort of scheme is being implemented by many licensing authorities across the country. The list of penalties is recommended in the statutory guidance.”
In Cumbria, Cumberland Council issued detailed guidance relating to drivers’ dress code, although it has agreed to look again at proposed changes to vehicle ages.
And last year, West Northamptonshire Council introduced measures which saw drivers take to the streets in protest. This scheme also focused heavily on a dress code for drivers as well as a certificate of good conduct.
While drivers claimed the scheme was intrusive and even racist, the council insisted it improved previous regulations and allowed licensing to be more transparent.
Licensing authorities are right to try to improve standards, especially when it comes to safety and service. But it seems wrong that a driver who has totted up dress code infringements and someone who is guilty of a more serious offence both face the same severe sanctions.
