Taxi Legal - Taxi Defence Barristers Blog
Taxi Legal articles and topics relating to taxi licence refusal and revocation.
Victory against TfL in the Central Criminal Court
Taxi Defence Barristers have obtained a Crown Court Order quashing decisions by Transport for London (TfL) and the Magistrates Court in a licence refusal case.
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Taxi Defence Barristers secures victory against TfL
Taxi Defence Barristers have successfully appealed a decision by Transport for London (TfL) in a private hire licence refusal case.
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Fit and proper redefined
In this article I will look at the current position with regards to fit and proper and then how this will change in the near future once the statutory guidance is adopted.
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What is your view of cross-border hiring?
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a number of taxi and PHV reform workshops in June and July to hear your views.
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Google to track taxi journeys and warn passengers – good idea?
It has been reported that Google is testing a new Google Maps safety feature that will warn passengers when a taxi/PH driver deviates from its route.
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Statutory Licensing Guidance – Expect and prepare for change
It is clear that the draft statutory will have an impact on the licensed trade and in this article I want to focus on those specific measures and proposal.
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Fit and proper – Why getting a licence will become harder
In this article, I will consider what impact the forthcoming statutory guidance will have on decision making by licensing authorities in similar circumstances.
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Rosy and Pink Cars – Facts & Statement
Glasgow City Council’s refusal of my client’s (Rosy and Pink Cars Ltd) application for a new booking office licence has been widely reported in the Scottish media.
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Surveillance Camera Commissioner warns against blanket taxi CCTV policies
“Blanket licensing may be disproportionate and should only be used where there is a strong justification” the Commissioner said in its response to the DfT consultation.
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Offences – What are the odds of getting a licence?
Taxi and private hire licensing exists to ensure that only those judged to be fit and proper are licensed. Taxi and private hire applicants and drivers are subject to a range of assessments to test whether they are fit and proper.
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Taxi and PHV national database for low emission zones
The legislation that will require licensing authorities to submit certain taxi and private hire vehicle licensing information to a central database will come into force on 1 May 2019.
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How to survive a licensing committee hearing
I understand that a review of your taxi or private hire licence before a licensing committee/panel can be very upsetting and stressful. It is important not to panic.
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London cab drivers pre-booked work outside London
Sadiq Khan has reportedly told London cab drivers that they must seek their own legal advice on the ability for them to take pre-booked app jobs outside of London. I have provided some preliminary thoughts on the issue.
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Equality Act 2010 & additional taxi charges
An in-depth look at McNutt v Transport for London [2019] EWHC 365 (Admin) and what the case’s ruling means for designated taxis and private hire vehicles carrying wheelchairs.
read moreCreative solutions needed in London to avoid race to the bottom” in taxi & PH sector
Due to the lack of Government action, TfL must find its own “creative” solutions to up taxi & private hire standards in the capital to avoid “a race to the bottom”.
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Refusing fares – what is the law?
There have recently been a number of news reports about taxi passengers being left stranded by licensed drivers who refused to take them on short journeys.
When does the law permit a taxi driver to refuse a fare?
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Minimum standards for taxi & private hire drivers
It seems certain that the Government will introduce minimum standards for taxi and private hire drivers. Will this be the answer to drivers seeking licences in areas where they have no intention of working?
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No deal Brexit – Taxi Licensing Implications for EU nationals
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, there may be implications for EU and EEA nationals working as taxi and private hire drivers in the UK.
read moreUber “invitation to book” – High Court says no
Following the recent High Court ruling that Uber vehicles are not guilty of illegally plying for hire when they work where they are not licensed, but is this the end of the ride hailing issues?
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High Court ruling in Equality Act case and meaning of “charging”
The High Court has confirmed that switching your taximeter on before you assist a disabled person – even if you do not actually charge them – is an office under the Equality Act 2010.
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Government postpone taxi tax checks
The Government has postponed plans to introduce mandatory tax registration checks for taxi and private hire drivers.
read moreDfT response lacks understanding of trade’s plight
The recently published Government response to the taxi and private hire task and finish group report lacks a real understanding of the trade’s day to day struggle.
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Taxi & PH vehicle database confirmed by Government
The Government has confirmed that from May, taxi and private hire national database will be mandatory.
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DfT task group response and consultation
The DfT response and consultation following the taxi Task & Finish Group report including, mandatory CCTV requirement, cross border enforcement, national standards, mandatory training etc.
read moreUber win Reading Appeal
The High Court has today held that use of the Uber app does not amount to plying for hire.
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Calls for more “digital taxi firms” in London
The London Night Time Commission has called on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to promote the use and growth of “digital taxi firms” in capital.
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Taxi & private hire fees
It is the time to the year when licensing authorities are setting their fees for the next financial year. It is important that taxi and private hire licence holders understand the law relating to fee setting.
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Is the Government about to change DBS checks for taxi & private hire drivers?
The Government has recently lost a Supreme Court ruling which may result in a change to the way they process criminal records checks for, amongst others, taxi and private hire drivers.
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Taxi and private hire licensing reform. We’re already behind…again.
Whilst Government is still wondering how to regulate the use of smartphone apps and ride hailing services, innovation has moved on to autonomous taxis.
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10 things you may not know about your taxi licence appeal and defence
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.