Author Topic: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private  (Read 1511 times)

celeste

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-45914601

Taxi licences are being issued behind closed doors to drivers convicted of offences including child sex crimes and reckless driving, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed.

The findings follow a government report that claims current taxi and private hire laws are "not fit for the modern world".

According to the report, rules need tightening on everything from CCTV use in taxis to criminal record checks.

Some existing laws date back to 1847.

In most areas licences for taxis and private hire vehicles - or minicabs - are issued by unitary, borough or district councils. In London the system is managed by Transport for London.




In recent weeks, Local Democracy Reporters have reported that:
◾A taxi driver in Sandwell was allowed to keep working, despite a criminal conviction for sexually assaulting a child. The case was heard in private
◾A Cornwall driver was granted a licence behind closed doors even though he had been convicted of causing death by reckless driving in 1986 and common assault in 2011
◾ Birmingham City Council revoked a private hire licence in February, more than two years after the unnamed driver had been convicted of human trafficking offences in Belgium. Licensing staff found out through a criminal records check when his licence was up for renewal - but it had gone unnoticed when the licence was renewed in 2016
◾In Scotland, burglars, arsonists, domestic abusers, thieves and reckless drivers were all successful in acquiring taxi and private hire licences from Borders Council

Continued.....
All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing

Parky

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #1 on: 17:15:47, 27/10/18 »
If I need to order a taxi I go d the road to my local have a quick drink and order one from there

celeste

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #2 on: 17:30:02, 27/10/18 »
Local Democracy Reporters - not heard of them, I wonder who pays them?

Where's Adsum (forum member) when you need him
All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing

St Chads Lad

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #3 on: 17:50:35, 27/10/18 »
According to Google these reporters are based in regional newsrooms to report on local Government news, apparently funded by the Brussels Broadcasting Companys' "Local democracy reporters scheme"

celeste

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #4 on: 18:32:26, 27/10/18 »
Thanks for that St Chads :)
All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing

ExileSteve

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #5 on: 22:13:08, 27/10/18 »
Cab licenses for nonces. What could possibly go wrong?

celeste

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #6 on: 19:42:40, 12/02/19 »
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47205790

Taxi and private hire drivers could have to pass enhanced criminal record checks before being granted a licence.

Under the proposals, every council in England would be told to carry out checks on all applicants.

Current guidelines allow councils to set their own driver standards, including whether to make the checks.

The plans also include introducing national minimum standards and a database to stop applicants applying to councils after being refused elsewhere.
All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing

Parky

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Re: Taxi licences issued to convicted criminals in private
« Reply #7 on: 19:54:43, 12/02/19 »
Never get a taxi from your house get one from your local  if you can or from a nearby friends house if they are staying in