The October Call Sign ran a story about Dial-a-Cab driver Anthony Mitchell’s (T88) meeting with Lee Scott where he presented the MP with a Code of Conduct for taxis and private hire. So many drivers phoned – some saying it made sense and an equal number claiming the opposite – that we are printing the complete document for DaC drivers to read...

Introduction
Reliable service that will provide for the customer a clean and safe environment for their journey with a driver that has suitably been equipped with the full understanding of the journey (as per Knowledge of London, for example).

Standards
All vehicles will be checked for their reliability by the Licensing Authority (TfL) and not permitted a licence until they come up to standard. That each vehicle will be fitted with a licence plate that clearly marks out all the necessary requirements needed for that Licensing Authority. All drivers to be vetted with a CRB check. Drivers to be suitably attired and displaying their badge.

Dress Code
A dress code is needed within the Taxi trade, for instance shirt and tie (blouse and tie for women). If a driver belongs to a radio circuit, both attires would carry that particular circuit’s logo and of course suitable trousers / skirts with appropriate footwear, ie no trainers.
   Our counterparts in the Private Hire trade already adopt this dress code and as major competitors in this industry, we need to present a higher standard of professional appearance.

Meeting needs of disabled customers
Drivers must know how to handle all sections of the public in a respectful and caring way. All taxis to be fitted with ramps, intermediary steps and fixing devices within the vehicle for wheelchair passengers.

TAXI CABS IN THE COMMUNITY
My understanding of the word "taxi" refers to the journey undertaken with a taxi on such a journey, which is regulated by a meter (as per taximeter) and cab (originating from the French word cabriolet, which was originally an open-fronted horse-drawn vehicle). There are organisations that flout the law by either corruption or misuse of the word or words, so I propose that a taxi or taxicab would mean exactly what it is supposed to and that any vehicle that carries the word "taxi", "taxicab" or "cab" is licensed to do so and has the appropriate equipment, ie a meter.

Passenger’s understanding of a taxicab
The would-be passenger will know what a taxicab looks like, either from advertising by the Licensing Authority or by the shape and displays that the Licensing Authority has approved. Once inside the vehicle, there should be a tariff chart, licence number and telephone numbers referring to the Licensing Authority.

Working from the streets
You may call this "cruising." Taxis should be allowed to apply for hire with the correct signage and, when hailed from the side of the road, be allowed to stop, help if required (disabled or luggage) without the habitual problem of getting a PCN. This happens, not just in London but up and down the country. Certain rule changes need to be applied as per bus stops, red routes etc. The job requires a taxi driver to do his job without fear of prosecution.

Driving ability (Disability Discrimination Act 1995)
All licensed drivers must hold a DVLA or EEA (European Economical Area) or a Northern Ireland licence. You may need to apply for a counterpart if a driver has an EEA licence and this must be done before applying to the Licensing Authority.

Proprietors
In all cases, any person wanting to apply to become a proprietor must meet certain criteria:
1. CRB check
2. Be responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the vehicle
3. Make the vehicle or vehicles always available for inspection; this will be done at an appointed inspection station that has been vetted by the Licensing Authority (in London we refer to this inspection as Conditions Of Fitness).
4. Emission standards will also apply to the above inspection. The vehicle will have to meet Euro 3 emissions standards.

Change of VRM
This refers to the change of ownership in a mid-licensing period and requires:
* The completion declaration on the reverse of the existing motor cab licence.
* Appropriate evidence from the DVLA that confirms that the transfer has taken place.
* Insurance certificate bearing the new registration number.
* New tax disc affixed with new registration number.
* The registration plate carrying the new number attached to the cab.
* Taximeter installed with certificate carrying the new number.
* Wheelchair ramps (if applicable) bearing the registration number.
* Any vehicle that carries advertising - said advertising must be fitted by approved fitters.

Inspection centres
These are to be approved by the Licensing Authority. Annual inspection notices should be sent to proprietors at least 30 days before expiry date. Licensing Authorities, if their budget allows, will provide qualified inspectors to carry out on-street inspection and if a vehicle is deemed unfit, the vehicle will have attached an unfit notice which will explain the apparent defect and will ask the proprietor to rectify the defect and present the vehicle to be checked.

PRIVATE HIRE ACT 1998 (Came into force 1 April 2003)
   We are now in 2010 and the 1998 Act is somewhat outdated and needs to be brought up-to-date with the London Olympics just 2 years away. If new legislation is not brought into power soon, then when July 2012 happen, we are going to show the world a bad side of London with private hire not having any structure, no recognition, no fare charts etc. The fare paying public will be ripped off by unscrupulous drivers who will dupe would-be passengers into their vehicles charging phenomenal amounts of money. We need clear markings on private hire vehicles as stated before, namely a uniform colour on the body, the bonnet to be coloured black and a plate attached to the rear of the vehicle (see example photo).

PROBLEMS WITHIN THE TAXI TRADE
Suburban drivers plying for hire within the Green Badge area
There are many drivers that do this on a daily basis. They operate because there are no real checks on who works in the GLA and very few Public Carriage Officers around to check badges and licences. These Inspectors are limited, not only by numbers but also by budget and as previously stated, there is a way that the budget could be funded ie by the collection from the trade itself of £2 a week or £100 to be added to both taxi and private hire licences. Suburban drivers need to be easily recognised. A yellow disc could be affixed to the front screen of their vehicles, but this could also be easily removed in the case of a shared taxi with a Central London driver.
   In addition, insurance companies need to change the part of the application form that applies to the difference between suburban and Central London drivers. So if a suburban driver has in any way broken the law, his insurance could be revoked.
   With the number of registration recognition cameras, indications would flag up if suburban drivers keep appearing in the Central London area. This can be followed by Cab Enforcement Officers and using the ‘one-strike and out’, I believe offenders will comply with the law and stay within their own licensed areas.