Date issued: 13 May 2019
Licensed drivers in Colchester who fail to display a company sign on their vehicles are being warned they could face enforcement action.
Under the terms of the council’s hackney carriage and private hire licensing conditions, licensed drivers are required to display on the doors of their vehicles the details of the company they work for, as well as additional wording to indicate whether it is a private hire vehicle that can only be pre-booked. The regulations aim to protect public safety and reassure customers they are getting into the vehicle they booked.
Last year, 34 licensed drivers were caught without door signs. So far this year 29 have fallen foul of the rules – 46% of all recorded offences – with some drivers receiving six points on their licence for a second offence. Second offences usually follow a written warning and can result in a 28-day suspension for any driver attracting 12 points on their licence in a 12-month period.
Licensed drivers are also being reminded that breaching the same regulations could affect their insurance cover.
Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Public Safety & Licencing, said: “Public safety should be of paramount concern to everyone. These rules exist for a very good reason, to reassure and protect passengers, but unfortunately some licensed taxi drivers seem determined to flout them.
“The majority of private hire companies and their drivers carry out their trade lawfully and condemn the few that bring the trade into disrepute. We hope that all legitimately licensed private hire vehicle drivers will heed our advice, follow the rules, and continue to display the appropriate signs on the doors of their vehicles.”
ENDS
Page last reviewed: 13 May 2019