Taxi Legal - Taxi Defence Barristers Blog
Taxi Legal articles and topics relating to taxi licence refusal and revocation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Creative 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”.
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?
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?
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.
Uber “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?
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.
Government postpone taxi tax checks
The Government has postponed plans to introduce mandatory tax registration checks for taxi and private hire drivers.
DfT 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.
Taxi & PH vehicle database confirmed by Government
The Government has confirmed that from May, taxi and private hire national database will be mandatory.
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.
Uber win Reading Appeal
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.
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.
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.
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.
10 things you may not know about your taxi licence appeal and defence
Mandatory taxi & PH emissions reporting set to go ahead
The Government has laid Regulations in Parliament that will make it mandatory for council’s to regularly upload certain taxi & PH data to a national emissions database.
Hackney Carriage Fares: When you can charge what
Regulating fares locally places a number of statutory duties on drivers of hackney carriage vehicles. Here is a brief overview of what is permitted and what is not.
Taxi Defence Barristers comment on Times “lifts” article
Licensing barrister and head of Taxi Defence Barristers, Stephen McCaffrey, was asked to comment on a Times article on the growing “doing lifts” industry.
Return to base or right or roam?
In recent months, the debate on the legalities of cross-border hiring has seen no abating. There have been several judicial decisions on the matter and of course the taxi finish and task group has made recommendations to Government to legislate in order to address concerns and close the “loop”.
Uber, Brighton and cross-border hiring – Overview of case and findings
The District Judge in the Uber v Brighton appeal has made a number of important statements on the legal status of cross-border hiring.
Taxi Defence Barristers success in Crown Court taxi licence appeal
“This case clearly proved the importance of the right and expert taxi legal advice and representation and the importance of evidence to substantiate complaints in taxi and private hire cases.” – Stephen McCaffrey, Barrister.
Uber win Brighton refusal appeal
Uber has been successful in appealing Brighton City Council’s decision to refuse to renew its operating licence.
A single national licensing authority for taxis in Wales
The Welsh Government has set out plans to take taxi and private hire licensing away from local licensing authorities and hand it over to a single national licensing authority.
Cross-border hiring: Is enforcement mandatory?
There are a variety of arguments put forward on what is, and is not, lawful in respect of cross-border hiring practices. The complication for the licensed trade is that these are only legal options. Ultimately what is needed is the judgement of at least the High Court.
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.