PROTEST: New Taxi and Private Hire policy condemned by ADCU in West Northamptonshire
Controversy surrounding a proposed new taxi and private hire policy which was set to be voted upon by the West Northamptonshire Council yesterday, has forced the vote to be delayed.
The policy has drawn criticism from the Association of Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) who vehemently oppose its implementation. On the eve of the Council meeting, a mass demonstration was staged by licensed drivers at Guildhall in Northampton.
Despite the extended period of consultation and numerous face-to-face meetings, the ADCU argues that the Council has failed to consider the valid feedback provided by union members and other driver organisations. The union highlights a range of concerns regarding the proposed policy, referring to several key points.
Firstly, the Council's demand for licensed drivers to obtain a "certificate of good conduct" from every country they have resided in for more than 90 days since turning 18 has raised objections. The union argues that this measure is unnecessary and discriminatory, given that such requirements are not mandated by the Home Office for private hire drivers.
Another issue highlighted by the ADCU is the introduction of an arbitrary penalty points system, which the union claims does not effectively improve industry standards. The Council's decision to penalise drivers for factors such as personal hygiene, dress style, or failure to offer luggage assistance is viewed as overstepping regulatory boundaries. The union asserts that this approach allows employers to evade their obligations under employment law, while overlooking the importance of public safety as the primary goal of regulations.
Furthermore, the ADCU criticises the Council for maintaining a harsh convictions policy. Drivers can now have their private hire licences revoked for five years even for offenses as minor as holding a mobile phone, a mere 6-point DVLA offense. The Council's failure to crack down on rogue employers and protect the rights of drivers, despite recent court rulings, has also triggered scrutiny.
The Council's plan to monitor licensed drivers' social media activity during their private time is considered a violation of Article 8 human rights, as licensees are entitled to a private life.
Finally, the ADCU asserts that the Council has failed to conduct a proper equalities impact assessment, as legally required.
Shafqat Shah, Chair of ADCU Northampton, said: “I am bitterly disappointed that the Council has chosen to disregard the considered feedback of our union’s members working in the Northampton area trade.
“The Council seem determined to miss a golden opportunity to introduce regulations that could raise service standards, improve safety and raise the living standards of local licensees long exploited in the trade. Instead, the Council has indulged in populism to dream up an elaborately punitive and racist policy that will ultimately fail to deliver on its objectives for the public while rewarding big business.”
After much debate during the council meeting it was decided that the vote could not go ahead at this stage due to the number of concerns still being shown.
