The points system used to keep Sedgemoor taxi and private hire drivers in check revealed
Hackney carriage cabbies and private hire drivers up and down the UK are expected to maintain a level of standards to uphold the title of 'a fit and proper person' to hold a licence.
The way many local licensing authorities, those given the task of maintaining standards within the industry, usually work is from a points based system.
In a public consultation on taxi and private hire licensing policies, Sedgemoor District Council has published the chart used to determine what licensing offences receive points.
Among the offences to receive the highest amount of points, 9-12, are; carrying more passengers than the vehicle licence permits (9-12 points), refusing to carry guide/assistance dogs without a medical certificate (9 points) and smoking or using e-cigarettes in a licensed vehicle.
Among the offences to receive the lowest amount of points, 3-4, are; failure to notify changes, e.g. address, within 5 working days (3 points), and failure to notify of a vehicle transfer.
Licences are issued on condition that holders fully accept the preceding conditions and the penalty points scheme.
When 12 or more points are reached by a licence holder within any rolling period of 12 months, a report is submitted to the licensing panel with a view to the suspension, revocation or refusal to renew such a licence.
