Police commissioner’s concern over minicab plans

ROTHERHAM’S police commissioner has slammed Government plans to reform taxi and minicab laws, calling them “irresponsible and dangerous”.

 

The reforms are part of the Deregulation Bill, which will be put before MPs in parliament this week.  

They include allowing anyone to drive an “off-duty” minicab, ending the annual checks that are currently carried out on drivers’ licences as well as permitting minicab firms to subcontract bookings to operators in other areas.

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Shaun Wright, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, said: “The protection of vulnerable people is one of my top priorities, so it is therefore of great concern to me, when many vulnerable people and those with disabilities rely on the use of taxis and minicabs, not to mention women travelling alone and individuals making their way home after a night out.  

“It is crucial that measures are kept in place to adequately protect passengers and to make it more difficult for rogue drivers, or criminals who see an opportunity to prey on victims by posing as a bona fide, licenced driver.

“Passengers are currently reassured by the fact that drivers have been checked for a criminal record — there are regulations covering both them and their vehicle.  

“If the industry is deregulated by these amendments, it will mean that passengers have no way of knowing if the person driving the cab is genuine, if the cab has undergone safety checks or if it is properly licenced for use.

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“Quite simply, the safety of passengers will be put at risk if these reforms are passed.”

Criticism has also come from the taxi and private hire trade, along with the Unite and GMB unions, local authorities and charities.

Mr Wright said he had  written to the Government setting out his concerns.