Taxi Legal - Taxi Defence Barristers Blog
Taxi Legal articles and topics relating to taxi licence refusal and revocation.
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We have had a number of enquiries from TfL private hire drivers whose licences have been revoked following the qualifications scam exposed by the BBC.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?
Medically fit and proper
Taxi and private hire licence holder must be fit and proper people in order to hold a licence. Assessing the fitness of a licence holder or applicant involves a number of assessments including those relating to the medical fitness of a licence holder.
Police cautions – do I need to declare a caution?
Taxi and private hire drivers are expected to declare police cautions. However, there is often uncertainty over cautions, what they are and whether they should be declared.
No legislation to reform taxi & PH licensing – Secretary of State confirms
There will be no primary legislation to reform taxi and private hire licensing law Secretary of State for Transport confirms.
Is the Government about to announce taxi reform legislation?
The Minister of State for Department for Transport, George Freeman MP has suggested that the Queen’s speech may include taxi law reform provisions.
Continued growth in the private hire sector – reflecting on reasons for this
The latest DfT figures show the private hire sector continues to enjoy significant growth. What are the factors contributing to this and at whose expense?
Offences, can I get a licence?
Practical considerations for taxi and private hire licence holders with a criminal record with some practical advice and specific case examples.
Uber London granted 2 month operating licence
TfL statement released on Uber’s application for renewal of their operating licence in London.
Green badge cab driver back on the road after representation from Taxi Defence Barristers
Taxi Defence Barristers’ Lead Counsel Stephen McCaffrey represented Mr AH who, after being licensed for over 12 years, had his licence revoked following convictions.
Taxi Defence Barristers secures TfL victory and costs awarded
“The Court quashed the revocation, ordered TfL to pay a significant proportion of Mr NS’ legal fees and pay Mr NS a fixed amount of money to compensate him.”
Taxi Defence Barristers secure victory in TfL case
Taxi Defence Barristers represented an applicant (Mr MA) who was refused a private hire licence by TfL based on a DBS entry conviction.
TfL drop case following submission by Taxi Defence Barristers
“Weeks before the appeal date, TfL considered the evidence served by Taxi Defence Barristers and decided they no longer wished to contest our appeal.”
Licensing Committees – your rights and what you need to know
If you are referred to a licensing committee, it is important you understand your rights, understand what is likely to happen and what to expect.
Inaugural Parliamentary Taxi and Private hire driver awards
Taxi and private hire drivers who deserve recognition will be celebrated during the inaugural ‘Parliamentary Taxi and Private hire driver awards’.
Non-conviction information – its relevance to taxi and private hire licensing
We are often asked about non-conviction information and whether licensing authorities an rely on this type of information to make decisions about the fitness of an applicant or licence holder.
Unmet demand surveys and capping taxi numbers
What the case against Halton Borough Council demonstrates is the need for councils to properly comply with its statutory responsibilities and duties.
Taxi/PH emissions national database – good for the trade?
DEFRA has finally issued its statutory guidance on plans to setup a national taxi/PH emissions database to enforce Clean Air Zones.
Update on Welsh taxi law reform proposals: Expect delays
The Welsh Government’s response to its improving public transport consultation shows a resounding no for its proposal to consolidate taxi licensing under a single authority.
Court demands unmet demand survey in Halton council taxi appeal case
LinkedIn Twitter The Crown Court has overturned a decision by Halton Borough Council to refuse 13 hackney carriage (taxi) licences and remitted the matter back to the council with “strong” recommendation to undertake unmet demand survey. The owner of Frodsham &...
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.