Private Hire To Remove Roof Signs

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Private Hire firms in Gloucester have hit out at new Government legislation to remove roof lights from private hire vehicles.

They believe the measure could put potential customers in danger of being picked up by unmarked, unlicensed drivers.

John Dancey, owner of John’s Private Hire, feels the new legislation could have a devastating impact.

“It is ludicrous,” he said.

“There is a massive safety issue here. Anyone could pose up as a private hire driver in a bogus car.

“Within three months someone will get picked up and they will be raped or assaulted.”

He claims he was given 48 hours notice by council officials on Friday last week to remove the lights from the private hire vehicles.

Meanwhile, he said members of the public will not be able to identify a private hire vehicle if the legislation is passed.

“If someone comes out of a club or bar at 1am, they’re not going to be able to tell if the car is the one they booked or not,” he said.

“People will just be getting into anything that is parked up and that is where the danger lies.

“This really is absolutely crazy. We are trying to run a professional business here and this is a backwards step.”

Les Hawkins, co-owner of Andy Cars, which is based in Eastgate Street and has a mixed fleet including taxis and 45 private hire vehicles, thinks the council is in the wrong.

He said: “This is totally out of order.

“The customers are up in arms as well. They are not going to know what is a taxi and what isn’t.”

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said: “Following Government guidance and consultation in October and November with private hire and taxi drivers in the city, the licensing committee is looking at updating the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licence conditions.

“This involves considering the removal of roof signage from private hire vehicles and the introduction of numeracy and literacy tests for all drivers and this was agreed in principle at the November meeting.

“The safety of members of the public is of paramount concern and to ensure this, the proposals would see the introduction of mandatory door signage for private hire vehicles in the city. This would be as well as the identification plate on the rear of the vehicle and the photographic driver identification cards.

“Private hire vehicles should only be picking up pre-booked customers and should have a name, location and time, which was pre-specified by the customer. They must not ply for hire.”

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