Taxi Legal - Taxi Defence Barristers Blog
Taxi Legal articles and topics relating to taxi licence refusal and revocation.
COVID19 – Common Issues Affecting the Trade
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the licensed trade, we look at some legal considerations of the most common issues facing the trade.
Taxi Equality duty and Covid19
In this article we will look at the equality duties that are placed on taxi & PHV drivers and whether social distancing measures can be a reasonable excuse.
Refusing fares – is a mask enough?
The Government’s additional public health measures has been much debate about masks in taxis & PHVs. Is this a reasonable grounds for refusing a fare?
Air Quality Strategy and taxis – Recent Report
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Pollution has published its Strategy which contains provisions relevant to taxis.
Post-Covid19 Transport Revolution – threat or opportunity?
In this article, I will look at the regulatory and legislative future for the taxi and private hire sector in this new” public transport revolution”.
Updated DfT Covid-19 guidance for taxi & PH trade
Yesterday (13/05/20) the DfT issued the follow frequently asked questions relating to the taxi and PH trade.
Taxi Defence Barristers partner up with NPHTA
Taxi Defence Barristers is partnering with the National Private Hire & Taxi Association to provide legal advice and assistance to the association’s members.
Taxi and Private Hire decision making during coronavirus (Covid-19)
In this article, we look at remote hearing regulations, how the courts deal with licensing appeals & what all of this means in practice for licence holders.
Bill to introduce licensing of pedicabs in London
MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, Nickie Aiken, is to introduce a 10-minute rule bill in an attempt to introduce the regulation of pedicabs in London.
Taxi and Private Hire decision making during coronavirus (Covid-19)
Face to face licensing committees are cancelled in favour of remote hearings and officer decisions. Practical considerations for engaging with remote hearings.
DfT issue Covid-19 advice for taxi/PH trade
The Department for Transport has written to licensing authorities with advice and information for the licensed taxi and private hire trade.
Ride-hailing linked to more accidents – study finds
Researchers have found that ride-hailing trips increase the number of crashes at pick-up and drop-off locations.
Clean Air Zones delayed to 2021
LinkedIn Twitter DEFRA has decided to review the timetable for implementing Clean Air Zones (CAZs) amidst the current Covid-19 outbreak. DEFRA’s Joint Air Quality Unit is reported to have written to all stating: We are writing to all of our stakeholders to update...
Future of Transport Regulatory Review – Call for Evidence
The DfT has issued a call for evidence to support its Future of Transport Regulatory Review. Are there opportunities for the taxi or private hire trade?
Covid-19 and the licensed trade – your questions answered
In this article we will provide some guidance and answers to the most common questions asked by the trade during this time.
Self-employment Income Support Scheme
The Government has announced support for self-employment people, particularly relevant to licensed taxi and private hire drivers and vehicle proprietors.
Taxis can continue to work – DfT
Government confirms taxi and private hire drivers can continue to work.
Refusing fares – what is the law?
With fears over the spread of the coronavirus, a reminder of the law on refusing fares.
Decisions without discretion – lawful?
In this article we will look at the use of conviction policies and penalty point schemes and consider the lawfulness of these particularly where these polices are framed in absolute terms.
Taxi or cab – what can PHVs display?
“Uber drivers in South Gloucestershire will not be allowed to display ‘taxi’ on their cars”. What does the law say on PHV signage?
Driver’s licences – how long is too long?
In Barrow, the trade have been told three year driver’s licences are the norm even close to retirement. What is the law on this and does special circumstances make a difference?
Statutory duties on licence holders and sanctions
In this article we will look at the more common statutory duties placed in hackney carriage and private hire drivers, the sanctions and penalties attached to these and any rights of appeals.
TfL removes ‘Relevant Vocational Qualification’ Concessions
LinkedIn Twitter Transport for London (TfL) will remove the ‘relevant vocational qualification’ concession for topographical skills. At the moment, there is a statutory requirement for private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to satisfy TfL that they have an appropriate...
Taximeters
Whilst the power to set fares is discretionary, most licensing authorities do. If you are licensed by a licensing authority that does regulate fares, there are a number of statutory rules that you must comply with.
Seatbelts in licensed vehicles – do you know the law?
Do you know the specific rules and laws that apply to wearing seatbelts in licensed vehicles and who is responsible?
Taxi and Private Hire Fees
It is the time of the year when licensing authorities are setting their fees for the next financial year and it is important that taxi and private hire licence holders understand the law.
Rehman v Wakefield – A brief overview
R (on the application of Abdul Rehman on behalf of the Wakefield District Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Association) v Wakefield District Council and the Local Government Association (intervener) [2019] EWCA Civ 2166
TfL blanket PH revocation – Proportionate and lawful?
We have had a number of enquiries from TfL private hire drivers whose licences have been revoked following the qualifications scam exposed by the BBC. Is TfL’s decision proportionate and lawful?
Convictions and cautions – what to report?
In this article, I will consider what information regarding a licence holder’s criminal history must be declared to a licensing authority.
Hearsay evidence and fit and proper
Can a committee or court decide on whether a taxi or private hire driver is fit and proper based on hearsay evidence?
Taxi legal services when you need them
Taxi Defence Barristers are taxi legal team who specialise in helping drivers who have had their licences refused or revoked. Our barristers have challenged the decisions of TfL and the PCO for many clients. We don’t underestimate importance of guiding clients through the complexities of hackney carriage and private hire laws. We ensure our clients understand at each stage what is going on.
Please contact us to discuss your taxi license refusal or revocation.