Today's most viewed
| CYBER TOWN |  | | | PIRATE'S PAST | | | | THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT | | | | AT THE CINEMA | | |
|
|
|
101 cabbies are ordered off road
MORE than 100 Bournemouth cabbies have been ordered off the road for ignoring tough new council rules.
They will receive letters this weekend telling them their licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers.
Bournemouth council is the first in the country to insist all its taxi drivers have passed the course in a bid to improve passenger safety.
Those affected account for around 10 per cent of Bournemouth taxi drivers and the council thinks their suspension will not have a detrimental effect.
"I am very pleased that Bournemouth is leading the UK on this," said Cllr Andrew Morgan. "We need to set a high standard for an internationally known tourist town."
Council officer Keith Evans told the special licensing board: "For whatever reason, we have drivers who do not appear to wish to comply."
Members heard there are a total of 1,056 taxi drivers in the town. Nearly 700 have already passed the BTEC/ NVQ qualification with around 200 signed up and waiting to do the course or take the exam.
"Those 200 will keep their licences as long as they pass the exam by May 31 this year.
The 101 suspended drivers will have the opportunity to get their licences back if they sign up for the course. They will have to pass it by May 31 or they will have their licences revoked. All have the right of appeal to the magistrates courts.
Ashley Miller, chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi and Private Hire Joint Committee, said most taxi operators in the town insist their drivers take the test and that those affected are mainly independent operators.
"The rest of us have spent the time, effort and money to take the course so they should do the same," he added.
Mr Miller said he believed the course was improving standards in the town.
The board agreed that all drivers should have two chances to pass the test because many face difficulties.
A quarter do not have English as their first language and the incidence of dyslexia is four times the national average.
7:00pm Wednesday 19th March 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: PETE WOODLEY on 7:15pm Wed 19 Mar 08
I am sure ashley miller will agree, some should
be took off.The test is a good idea.
I am sure ashley miller will agree, some should
be took off.The test is a good idea.
Posted by: PokesdownMark, Pokesdown on 8:00pm Wed 19 Mar 08
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
Posted by: omegaman, Bournemouth on 8:10pm Wed 19 Mar 08
There are too many taxi and private hire drivers who don't know the area well enough and drive too fast as well.They charge very high prices even allowing for the cost of petrol and do not always give a good service.
There are too many taxi and private hire drivers who don't know the area well enough and drive too fast as well.They charge very high prices even allowing for the cost of petrol and do not always give a good service.
Posted by: muffin the mule, wallisdown on 8:25pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]PokesdownMark[/bold] wrote:
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
[/quote] you dont actually learn anything ,its the taxi drivers equivalent of a food safety standard certificate that people in restaurants have to have - literally anyone who takes the course and pays attention will pass ,its a common sense/awareness level exam - yes i do drive a cab and yes i have passed the b tech its a doddle and all drivers knew they had to do it and some have resisted thinking they wont have to bother - well they are wrong and if they dont get their fingers out they'll lose a lot of income. i find it annoying that some of the 'die hard' cabbies still smoke in their vehicles ,its ILLEGAL and why should the public have to suffer your filthy habit - its not on and i report and even photograph all offenders that i see doing it ,they are setting a very poor standard and example,if you dont do as you are asked you will suffer the consequencies ....... tough !!
PokesdownMark wrote:
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
you dont actually learn anything ,its the taxi drivers equivalent of a food safety standard certificate that people in restaurants have to have - literally anyone who takes the course and pays attention will pass ,its a common sense/awareness level exam - yes i do drive a cab and yes i have passed the b tech its a doddle and all drivers knew they had to do it and some have resisted thinking they wont have to bother - well they are wrong and if they dont get their fingers out they'll lose a lot of income. i find it annoying that some of the 'die hard' cabbies still smoke in their vehicles ,its ILLEGAL and why should the public have to suffer your filthy habit - its not on and i report and even photograph all offenders that i see doing it ,they are setting a very poor standard and example,if you dont do as you are asked you will suffer the consequencies ....... tough !!
Posted by: muffin the mule, wallisdown on 8:31pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]PokesdownMark[/bold] wrote:
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
[/quote] you dont actually learn anything ,its the taxi drivers equivalent of a food safety standard certificate that people in restaurants have to have - literally anyone who takes the course and pays attention will pass ,its a common sense/awareness level exam - yes i do drive a cab and yes i have passed the b tech its a doddle and all drivers knew they had to do it and some have resisted thinking they wont have to bother - well they are wrong and if they dont get their fingers out they'll lose a lot of income. i find it annoying that some of the 'die hard' cabbies still smoke in their vehicles ,its ILLEGAL and why should the public have to suffer your filthy habit - its not on and i report and even photograph all offenders that i see doing it ,they are setting a very poor standard and example,if you dont do as you are asked you will suffer the consequencies ....... tough !!
PokesdownMark wrote:
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
you dont actually learn anything ,its the taxi drivers equivalent of a food safety standard certificate that people in restaurants have to have - literally anyone who takes the course and pays attention will pass ,its a common sense/awareness level exam - yes i do drive a cab and yes i have passed the b tech its a doddle and all drivers knew they had to do it and some have resisted thinking they wont have to bother - well they are wrong and if they dont get their fingers out they'll lose a lot of income. i find it annoying that some of the 'die hard' cabbies still smoke in their vehicles ,its ILLEGAL and why should the public have to suffer your filthy habit - its not on and i report and even photograph all offenders that i see doing it ,they are setting a very poor standard and example,if you dont do as you are asked you will suffer the consequencies ....... tough !!
Posted by: muffin the mule, wallisdown on 8:31pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]PokesdownMark[/bold] wrote:
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
[/quote] you dont actually learn anything ,its the taxi drivers equivalent of a food safety standard certificate that people in restaurants have to have - literally anyone who takes the course and pays attention will pass ,its a common sense/awareness level exam - yes i do drive a cab and yes i have passed the b tech its a doddle and all drivers knew they had to do it and some have resisted thinking they wont have to bother - well they are wrong and if they dont get their fingers out they'll lose a lot of income. i find it annoying that some of the 'die hard' cabbies still smoke in their vehicles ,its ILLEGAL and why should the public have to suffer your filthy habit - its not on and i report and even photograph all offenders that i see doing it ,they are setting a very poor standard and example,if you dont do as you are asked you will suffer the consequencies ....... tough !!
PokesdownMark wrote:
So what exactly do they learn on this course?
Can the Echo dig up some examples?
you dont actually learn anything ,its the taxi drivers equivalent of a food safety standard certificate that people in restaurants have to have - literally anyone who takes the course and pays attention will pass ,its a common sense/awareness level exam - yes i do drive a cab and yes i have passed the b tech its a doddle and all drivers knew they had to do it and some have resisted thinking they wont have to bother - well they are wrong and if they dont get their fingers out they'll lose a lot of income. i find it annoying that some of the 'die hard' cabbies still smoke in their vehicles ,its ILLEGAL and why should the public have to suffer your filthy habit - its not on and i report and even photograph all offenders that i see doing it ,they are setting a very poor standard and example,if you dont do as you are asked you will suffer the consequencies ....... tough !!
Posted by: alumchineboy, Alumchine on 8:31pm Wed 19 Mar 08
I dont mean to be abusive to our drivers but.... have you ever walked out of the railway station and taken a long look at the tattoo'd, longhaired, chain-smoking scruff bags that drive the cabs...nothing personal guys but things need to sharpen up - your the first impression people get when they get here
I dont mean to be abusive to our drivers but.... have you ever walked out of the railway station and taken a long look at the tattoo'd, longhaired, chain-smoking scruff bags that drive the cabs...nothing personal guys but things need to sharpen up - your the first impression people get when they get here
Posted by: bob_bournemouth, Christchurch on 8:33pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Why make allowances for poor English?
How else are they supposed to know where you want to go?
A good command of English, is essential for the job, this course should be a means of assessing it!
Passengers being taken to the wrong place because the cabbie cant understand what they are saying is not good for the image of the business.
Why make allowances for poor English?
How else are they supposed to know where you want to go?
A good command of English, is essential for the job, this course should be a means of assessing it!
Passengers being taken to the wrong place because the cabbie cant understand what they are saying is not good for the image of the business.
Posted by: avant-provocateur, LOCAL on 8:33pm Wed 19 Mar 08
I HOPE THEY TEACH THEM ROAD MANNERS AND HOW TO DRIVE CORRECTLY!!
THEY ARE JUST BULLIES ON THE ROAD!!
I HOPE THEY TEACH THEM ROAD MANNERS AND HOW TO DRIVE CORRECTLY!!
THEY ARE JUST BULLIES ON THE ROAD!!
Posted by: muffin the mule, wallisdown on 8:54pm Wed 19 Mar 08
i would have to agree that drivers language and standards of dress are very poor generally especially with cabs on station licences ,some of them have been doing the job too long and have become complacent about their personal standards , this course does not address these issues .to answer other critisms ,the driver cannot charge you more than the metered fare which is set by the council and cannot be changed by any driver .if you are not happy with any aspect of your journey in a taxi in this or any town in the uk ,firstly you can demand and the driver MUST provide -you with his drivers licence number and taxi plate number or it should be displayed on the inside of he windscreen and a plate must be attatched to the rear of the car ,these are all references that will trace any driver of a cab and you can call the bournemouth public carriage office on 451180 to report anything relating to a taxi problem and more people should do so . i think driving standards for cabbies is generally very good,we are out to earn money in a competitive market and we wont hold YOU up let the cab go eh . frankly the driving standards of some ordinary people in this area are appalling and you need to be avoided like the plague
i would have to agree that drivers language and standards of dress are very poor generally especially with cabs on station licences ,some of them have been doing the job too long and have become complacent about their personal standards , this course does not address these issues .to answer other critisms ,the driver cannot charge you more than the metered fare which is set by the council and cannot be changed by any driver .if you are not happy with any aspect of your journey in a taxi in this or any town in the uk ,firstly you can demand and the driver MUST provide -you with his drivers licence number and taxi plate number or it should be displayed on the inside of he windscreen and a plate must be attatched to the rear of the car ,these are all references that will trace any driver of a cab and you can call the bournemouth public carriage office on 451180 to report anything relating to a taxi problem and more people should do so . i think driving standards for cabbies is generally very good,we are out to earn money in a competitive market and we wont hold YOU up let the cab go eh . frankly the driving standards of some ordinary people in this area are appalling and you need to be avoided like the plague
Posted by: muffin the mule, wallisdown on 8:57pm Wed 19 Mar 08
i would have to agree that drivers language and standards of dress are very poor generally especially with cabs on station licences ,some of them have been doing the job too long and have become complacent about their personal standards , this course does not address these issues .to answer other critisms ,the driver cannot charge you more than the metered fare which is set by the council and cannot be changed by any driver .if you are not happy with any aspect of your journey in a taxi in this or any town in the uk ,firstly you can demand and the driver MUST provide -you with his drivers licence number and taxi plate number or it should be displayed on the inside of he windscreen and a plate must be attatched to the rear of the car ,these are all references that will trace any driver of a cab and you can call the bournemouth public carriage office on 451180 to report anything relating to a taxi problem and more people should do so . i think driving standards for cabbies is generally very good,we are out to earn money in a competitive market and we wont hold YOU up let the cab go eh . frankly the driving standards of some ordinary people in this area are appalling and you need to be avoided like the plague
i would have to agree that drivers language and standards of dress are very poor generally especially with cabs on station licences ,some of them have been doing the job too long and have become complacent about their personal standards , this course does not address these issues .to answer other critisms ,the driver cannot charge you more than the metered fare which is set by the council and cannot be changed by any driver .if you are not happy with any aspect of your journey in a taxi in this or any town in the uk ,firstly you can demand and the driver MUST provide -you with his drivers licence number and taxi plate number or it should be displayed on the inside of he windscreen and a plate must be attatched to the rear of the car ,these are all references that will trace any driver of a cab and you can call the bournemouth public carriage office on 451180 to report anything relating to a taxi problem and more people should do so . i think driving standards for cabbies is generally very good,we are out to earn money in a competitive market and we wont hold YOU up let the cab go eh . frankly the driving standards of some ordinary people in this area are appalling and you need to be avoided like the plague
Posted by: Nigel Blumenthal on 9:49pm Wed 19 Mar 08
My general experiences with Bournemouth cabbies has been pretty good, until the last time. I'd ordered a cab to take me to the bus station. When he arrived, he buzzed up to my flat to tell me he was downstairs. I told him I was running a few minutes behind and to hold on please. When I got downstairs, I found that he had gone. Departed.
Why he thought that "late" meant "changed my mind and don't want the cab any more", I'll never know. The end result was that I missed my bus, which was to take me to Heathrow for a transatlantic flight, and the next bus was too late. I had to end up by asking a great friend to drive me to Heathrow.
Complain to the cab company? Well, I did, but I've not heard anything. If some sort of training/licensing teaches some drivers some elementary common sense, it'll be worth while.
My general experiences with Bournemouth cabbies has been pretty good, until the last time. I'd ordered a cab to take me to the bus station. When he arrived, he buzzed up to my flat to tell me he was downstairs. I told him I was running a few minutes behind and to hold on please. When I got downstairs, I found that he had gone. Departed.
Why he thought that "late" meant "changed my mind and don't want the cab any more", I'll never know. The end result was that I missed my bus, which was to take me to Heathrow for a transatlantic flight, and the next bus was too late. I had to end up by asking a great friend to drive me to Heathrow.
Complain to the cab company? Well, I did, but I've not heard anything. If some sort of training/licensing teaches some drivers some elementary common sense, it'll be worth while.
Posted by: kinson res, kinson on 10:10pm Wed 19 Mar 08
i use a taxi firm in winton and will always use them as they have great,friendly drivers.unlike the major firm in b'mth who seem to be recruiting from eastern europe.we got one from town one night recently and he didnt have a clue where my road was.HE became rude,so we left the taxi and got straight onto his office to report him,only to be told that we were not the first to report him.
i use a taxi firm in winton and will always use them as they have great,friendly drivers.unlike the major firm in b'mth who seem to be recruiting from eastern europe.we got one from town one night recently and he didnt have a clue where my road was.HE became rude,so we left the taxi and got straight onto his office to report him,only to be told that we were not the first to report him.
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 2:03am Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]alumchineboy[/bold] wrote:
I dont mean to be abusive to our drivers but.... have you ever walked out of the railway station and taken a long look at the tattoo'd, longhaired, chain-smoking scruff bags that drive the cabs...nothing personal guys but things need to sharpen up - your the first impression people get when they get here[/quote] I totally agree with your comments.
As Chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi & Private Hire Joint Committe (also Chairman of the Bournemouth Station Taxi Association) I am appalled at the dress sense & turn out of a certain few drivers not only at the station but on the ranks in general!
The station boys prided themselves in a dress code of trousers & a collared shirt/polo shirt at all times.
This ceased with the European rights nonsense & our disciplinery proceedure ceased because the then Licensing Officer felt that the Station Taxi Committee were TOO strict on dress uniform & conduct!
The station is at times the first point that travellers see of our town. To be met by "scruffbags" driving a cab is disgraceful.
I have strived for years to have a dress code inforced on drivers but I always get "European rights", etc from the Council.
Rubbish. Make it a fitness of licence (not condition as that can not be enforced) to smarten up the cabbies.
I am with you guys ALL the way on this issue.
alumchineboy wrote:
I dont mean to be abusive to our drivers but.... have you ever walked out of the railway station and taken a long look at the tattoo'd, longhaired, chain-smoking scruff bags that drive the cabs...nothing personal guys but things need to sharpen up - your the first impression people get when they get here
I totally agree with your comments.
As Chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi & Private Hire Joint Committe (also Chairman of the Bournemouth Station Taxi Association) I am appalled at the dress sense & turn out of a certain few drivers not only at the station but on the ranks in general!
The station boys prided themselves in a dress code of trousers & a collared shirt/polo shirt at all times.
This ceased with the European rights nonsense & our disciplinery proceedure ceased because the then Licensing Officer felt that the Station Taxi Committee were TOO strict on dress uniform & conduct!
The station is at times the first point that travellers see of our town. To be met by "scruffbags" driving a cab is disgraceful.
I have strived for years to have a dress code inforced on drivers but I always get "European rights", etc from the Council.
Rubbish. Make it a fitness of licence (not condition as that can not be enforced) to smarten up the cabbies.
I am with you guys ALL the way on this issue.
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 2:20am Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]PETE WOODLEY[/bold] wrote:
I am sure ashley miller will agree, some should be took off.The test is a good idea.[/quote] The test Pete is quite simple.
I have taken the early course (as a guinea pig along with 11 others from this town) to prove at a national level that the Btec course would be fair to everyone.
Along with Swindon, 20 of us passed at the first time of asking.
I am now into a second course which is deemed harder.
I sat the written English & Maths exam paper(two & a half hours time allowance) in roughly 10 - 12 minutes!
I have an added advantage though! English is my first language!
I have to give credit where credit is due, some of my ethnic colleagues have trounced the backside off of some of the more local lads & I'm very pleased to announce that fact.
PETE WOODLEY wrote:
I am sure ashley miller will agree, some should be took off.The test is a good idea.
The test Pete is quite simple.
I have taken the early course (as a guinea pig along with 11 others from this town) to prove at a national level that the Btec course would be fair to everyone.
Along with Swindon, 20 of us passed at the first time of asking.
I am now into a second course which is deemed harder.
I sat the written English & Maths exam paper(two & a half hours time allowance) in roughly 10 - 12 minutes!
I have an added advantage though! English is my first language!
I have to give credit where credit is due, some of my ethnic colleagues have trounced the backside off of some of the more local lads & I'm very pleased to announce that fact.
Posted by: muffin the mule, wallisdown on 6:15am Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Nigel Blumenthal[/bold] wrote:
My general experiences with Bournemouth cabbies has been pretty good, until the last time. I'd ordered a cab to take me to the bus station. When he arrived, he buzzed up to my flat to tell me he was downstairs. I told him I was running a few minutes behind and to hold on please. When I got downstairs, I found that he had gone. Departed.
Why he thought that "late" meant "changed my mind and don't want the cab any more", I'll never know. The end result was that I missed my bus, which was to take me to Heathrow for a transatlantic flight, and the next bus was too late. I had to end up by asking a great friend to drive me to Heathrow.
Complain to the cab company? Well, I did, but I've not heard anything. If some sort of training/licensing teaches some drivers some elementary common sense, it'll be worth while.[/quote] let me tell you something - when you book a taxi it is a contract between you and the operator and they must get you to where you are going if they fail due to their mistake they are obliged to provide the whole of your journey,in other words ,if you book a cab to the station and the car arrives late and you miss your train to say london - the taxi must provide that journey free of charge . dont accept excuses from them. many drivers dont know the rules but they are enforced.if you feel you have been taken the 'long' way /overcharged complain to the town hall ,its your money . too many drivers getting away with too much .i have had passengers say ,we got in a U*ITED cab and the driver didnt even know where muscliffe was !!! well how can that be - perhaps Barry Geall would like to comment ? its your drivers and those on the EXCEL fleet that come under the most critism - for all your technology you cant beat knocking on the door or showing some general consideration and politeness to the people who pay your wages !!! also if you as a customer flag down a taxi that is not either YELLOW or BLACK and the driver takes you without a booking ,he is committing a serious offence,you are uninsured in transit and you do not have to pay the driver the journey is llegal even if he calls the job in off of his mobile - passengers need to be aware of their rights its for your protection
Nigel Blumenthal wrote:
My general experiences with Bournemouth cabbies has been pretty good, until the last time. I'd ordered a cab to take me to the bus station. When he arrived, he buzzed up to my flat to tell me he was downstairs. I told him I was running a few minutes behind and to hold on please. When I got downstairs, I found that he had gone. Departed.
Why he thought that "late" meant "changed my mind and don't want the cab any more", I'll never know. The end result was that I missed my bus, which was to take me to Heathrow for a transatlantic flight, and the next bus was too late. I had to end up by asking a great friend to drive me to Heathrow.
Complain to the cab company? Well, I did, but I've not heard anything. If some sort of training/licensing teaches some drivers some elementary common sense, it'll be worth while.
let me tell you something - when you book a taxi it is a contract between you and the operator and they must get you to where you are going if they fail due to their mistake they are obliged to provide the whole of your journey,in other words ,if you book a cab to the station and the car arrives late and you miss your train to say london - the taxi must provide that journey free of charge . dont accept excuses from them. many drivers dont know the rules but they are enforced.if you feel you have been taken the 'long' way /overcharged complain to the town hall ,its your money . too many drivers getting away with too much .i have had passengers say ,we got in a U*ITED cab and the driver didnt even know where muscliffe was !!! well how can that be - perhaps Barry Geall would like to comment ? its your drivers and those on the EXCEL fleet that come under the most critism - for all your technology you cant beat knocking on the door or showing some general consideration and politeness to the people who pay your wages !!! also if you as a customer flag down a taxi that is not either YELLOW or BLACK and the driver takes you without a booking ,he is committing a serious offence,you are uninsured in transit and you do not have to pay the driver the journey is llegal even if he calls the job in off of his mobile - passengers need to be aware of their rights its for your protection
Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 7:17am Thu 20 Mar 08
The Seat advert across the above article is an irritating imposition and rather aggressive. Why does the advertiser think that an advert that annoys people is going to get them business?
The Seat advert across the above article is an irritating imposition and rather aggressive. Why does the advertiser think that an advert that annoys people is going to get them business?
Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 8:14am Thu 20 Mar 08
“licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers“
Once again, I have been [bold]moved to anger![/bold]
It might be just a suspension of licence to the comfortably placed and well padded council staff, but to the drivers (and their families) concerned it is an [bold]immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood[/bold] . Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work. [bold]They will be picking on you next.[/bold] Mums will be required to attend expensive and time wasting regular courses on having children, and those who do not comply will (to judge from the Council Baron’s past brutal behaviour such as putting pensioners unable to pay their demands for money into criminal prisons) have their children seized and placed into ‘care’ homes... or to put it another way, [bold]abducted and hidden away[/bold] .
Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time and money, like many college courses. No doubt it is extremely expensive, and other ones will be created for the oppressed drivers to do and pay for to keep both council staff and college staff in work. It should be up to the taxi drivers to decide as to whether they do it or not.
[bold]Does anyone know the names of the power crazed individuals in the Councils who are responsible[/bold] for this dictatorial behaviour?. We should know who is behind this so that they can be directly challenged and held responsible for their orders and the damage they do to ordinary people.
This is another good example of an unhealthy and dictatorial organisation that has become far too powerful, and is not using the power responsibly. Our councils, with their high wages, low retirement age, and golden pensions behave with a callous disregard for the ordinary people, especially pensioners (and others) who find the ever increasing demands for money from the Council Barons is a major part of their budget.
Never mind the Tibet situation with the ‘mugging monks’. The sooner there is a [bold]rebalancing of power between our Council Barons and us ordinary people[/bold] the better. I am very tempted to [quote][bold]write directly to the Queen[/bold] [/quote] and draw the monarchy’s attention to the [bold]growing power and irresponsibility of the Council Barons[/bold] ... before the ordinary workers start to form defensive Unions again and start thinking about the benefits of socialist states.
If all the taxi drivers got together in a Union and withdrew all services from Bournemouth for a week, and took direct action against the council staff (a life ban from taxi services perhaps) [bold][italic]the Council Barons would have to think again[/italic][/bold]
“licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers“
Once again, I have been
moved to anger!
It might be just a suspension of licence to the comfortably placed and well padded council staff, but to the drivers (and their families) concerned it is an
immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood . Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work.
They will be picking on you next. Mums will be required to attend expensive and time wasting regular courses on having children, and those who do not comply will (to judge from the Council Baron’s past brutal behaviour such as putting pensioners unable to pay their demands for money into criminal prisons) have their children seized and placed into ‘care’ homes... or to put it another way,
abducted and hidden away .
Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time and money, like many college courses. No doubt it is extremely expensive, and other ones will be created for the oppressed drivers to do and pay for to keep both council staff and college staff in work. It should be up to the taxi drivers to decide as to whether they do it or not.
Does anyone know the names of the power crazed individuals in the Councils who are responsible for this dictatorial behaviour?. We should know who is behind this so that they can be directly challenged and held responsible for their orders and the damage they do to ordinary people.
This is another good example of an unhealthy and dictatorial organisation that has become far too powerful, and is not using the power responsibly. Our councils, with their high wages, low retirement age, and golden pensions behave with a callous disregard for the ordinary people, especially pensioners (and others) who find the ever increasing demands for money from the Council Barons is a major part of their budget.
Never mind the Tibet situation with the ‘mugging monks’. The sooner there is a
rebalancing of power between our Council Barons and us ordinary people the better. I am very tempted to
write directly to the Queen
and draw the monarchy’s attention to the
growing power and irresponsibility of the Council Barons ... before the ordinary workers start to form defensive Unions again and start thinking about the benefits of socialist states.
If all the taxi drivers got together in a Union and withdrew all services from Bournemouth for a week, and took direct action against the council staff (a life ban from taxi services perhaps)
the Council Barons would have to think again Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 8:17am Thu 20 Mar 08
“licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers“
Once again, I have been moved to anger!
It might be just a suspension of licence to the comfortably placed and well padded council staff, but to the drivers (and their families) concerned it is an immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood. Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work. They will be picking on you next. Mums will be required to attend expensive and time wasting regular courses on having children, and those who do not comply will (to judge from the Council Baron’s past brutal behaviour such as putting pensioners unable to pay their demands for money into criminal prisons) have their children seized and placed into ‘care’ homes... or to put it another way, abducted and hidden away.
Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time and money, like many college courses. No doubt it is extremely expensive, and other ones will be created for the oppressed drivers to do and pay for to keep both council staff and college staff in work. It should be up to the taxi drivers to decide as to whether they do it or not.
Does anyone know the names of the power crazed individuals in the Councils who are responsible for this dictatorial behaviour?. We should know who is behind this so that they can be directly challenged and held responsible for their orders and the damage they do to ordinary people.
This is another good example of an unhealthy and dictatorial organisation that has become far too powerful, and is not using the power responsibly. Our councils, with their high wages, low retirement age, and golden pensions behave with a callous disregard for the ordinary people, especially pensioners (and others) who find the ever increasing demands for money from the Council Barons is a major part of their budget.
Never mind the Tibet situation with the ‘mugging monks’. The sooner there is a rebalancing of power between our Council Barons and us ordinary people the better. I am very tempted to write directly to the Queen and draw the monarchy’s attention to the growing power and irresponsibility of the Council Barons... before the ordinary workers start to form defensive Unions again and start thinking about the benefits of socialist states.
If all the taxi drivers got together in a Union and withdrew all services from Bournemouth for a week, and took direct action against the council staff (a life ban from taxi services perhaps) the Council Barons would have to think again
“licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers“
Once again, I have been moved to anger!
It might be just a suspension of licence to the comfortably placed and well padded council staff, but to the drivers (and their families) concerned it is an immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood. Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work. They will be picking on you next. Mums will be required to attend expensive and time wasting regular courses on having children, and those who do not comply will (to judge from the Council Baron’s past brutal behaviour such as putting pensioners unable to pay their demands for money into criminal prisons) have their children seized and placed into ‘care’ homes... or to put it another way, abducted and hidden away.
Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time and money, like many college courses. No doubt it is extremely expensive, and other ones will be created for the oppressed drivers to do and pay for to keep both council staff and college staff in work. It should be up to the taxi drivers to decide as to whether they do it or not.
Does anyone know the names of the power crazed individuals in the Councils who are responsible for this dictatorial behaviour?. We should know who is behind this so that they can be directly challenged and held responsible for their orders and the damage they do to ordinary people.
This is another good example of an unhealthy and dictatorial organisation that has become far too powerful, and is not using the power responsibly. Our councils, with their high wages, low retirement age, and golden pensions behave with a callous disregard for the ordinary people, especially pensioners (and others) who find the ever increasing demands for money from the Council Barons is a major part of their budget.
Never mind the Tibet situation with the ‘mugging monks’. The sooner there is a rebalancing of power between our Council Barons and us ordinary people the better. I am very tempted to write directly to the Queen and draw the monarchy’s attention to the growing power and irresponsibility of the Council Barons... before the ordinary workers start to form defensive Unions again and start thinking about the benefits of socialist states.
If all the taxi drivers got together in a Union and withdrew all services from Bournemouth for a week, and took direct action against the council staff (a life ban from taxi services perhaps) the Council Barons would have to think again
Posted by: Richard, Bournemouth on 8:39am Thu 20 Mar 08
Hannah
All very emotive, but you conveniently ignore the fact that these drivers have had plenty of time to take this test. If they could'nt be bothered, then tough.
Hannah
All very emotive, but you conveniently ignore the fact that these drivers have had plenty of time to take this test. If they could'nt be bothered, then tough.
Posted by: davey, bournemouth on 11:19am Thu 20 Mar 08
Driving instructors, nurses,teachers, and many other professions all have to do things like this, its about time they did, im astonished people don't agree, training is always a good thing.
Driving instructors, nurses,teachers, and many other professions all have to do things like this, its about time they did, im astonished people don't agree, training is always a good thing.
Posted by: narrowleaf, south of hurn on 11:25am Thu 20 Mar 08
I wonder if Councilor Roger West has passed the exam? I havnt seen him around in his yellow cab for ages
I wonder if Councilor Roger West has passed the exam? I havnt seen him around in his yellow cab for ages
Posted by: JLC, here on 11:49am Thu 20 Mar 08
A few points here:
1) What a surpirse that a thread about cabbies having to take exams decends into thinly veiled racsicm.
2) Why shouldn't they all have to pass a test to be competent. I have to be competent at my job, why shouldn't they.
3) The state of most taxi drivers is an embarassment. Ninety percent are fat, badly dressed and have dubious personal hygiene.
4) ow can they justify charging £10 for a two mile journey anyway?
A few points here:
1) What a surpirse that a thread about cabbies having to take exams decends into thinly veiled racsicm.
2) Why shouldn't they all have to pass a test to be competent. I have to be competent at my job, why shouldn't they.
3) The state of most taxi drivers is an embarassment. Ninety percent are fat, badly dressed and have dubious personal hygiene.
4) ow can they justify charging £10 for a two mile journey anyway?
Posted by: rayc, Poole on 12:18pm Thu 20 Mar 08
The passing of this test is not a law of the country, it is another example of giving the council powers over others.
The passing of this test is not a law of the country, it is another example of giving the council powers over others.
Posted by: Tim M, usa on 12:27pm Thu 20 Mar 08
jlc wrote: "(how) can they justify charging 10 Pounds for a 2 mile journey anyway?"
... because people have paid it before.
jlc wrote: "(how) can they justify charging 10 Pounds for a 2 mile journey anyway?"
... because people have paid it before.
Posted by: Tim M, usa on 12:35pm Thu 20 Mar 08
jlc wrote: "(how) can they justify charging 10 Pounds for a 2 mile journey anyway?"
... because people have paid it before.
jlc wrote: "(how) can they justify charging 10 Pounds for a 2 mile journey anyway?"
... because people have paid it before.
Posted by: Kerry, Scotland on 1:24pm Thu 20 Mar 08
As a retired Bournemouth cabbie with many years in the trade,i am fully behind those drivers making the stand against the test. It proves nothing and is being promoted by council staff who know very little about the trade.
If they were to concentrate on a good knowledge test to start with there would be less problems.A good command of the language is also essential. Good luck to the boys making a stand.
As a retired Bournemouth cabbie with many years in the trade,i am fully behind those drivers making the stand against the test. It proves nothing and is being promoted by council staff who know very little about the trade.
If they were to concentrate on a good knowledge test to start with there would be less problems.A good command of the language is also essential. Good luck to the boys making a stand.
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Hannah[/bold] wrote:
“licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers“ Once again, I have been [bold]moved to anger![/bold] It might be just a suspension of licence to the comfortably placed and well padded council staff, but to the drivers (and their families) concerned it is an [bold]immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood[/bold] . Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work. [bold]They will be picking on you next.[/bold] Mums will be required to attend expensive and time wasting regular courses on having children, and those who do not comply will (to judge from the Council Baron’s past brutal behaviour such as putting pensioners unable to pay their demands for money into criminal prisons) have their children seized and placed into ‘care’ homes... or to put it another way, [bold]abducted and hidden away[/bold] . Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time and money, like many college courses. No doubt it is extremely expensive, and other ones will be created for the oppressed drivers to do and pay for to keep both council staff and college staff in work. It should be up to the taxi drivers to decide as to whether they do it or not. [bold]Does anyone know the names of the power crazed individuals in the Councils who are responsible[/bold] for this dictatorial behaviour?. We should know who is behind this so that they can be directly challenged and held responsible for their orders and the damage they do to ordinary people. This is another good example of an unhealthy and dictatorial organisation that has become far too powerful, and is not using the power responsibly. Our councils, with their high wages, low retirement age, and golden pensions behave with a callous disregard for the ordinary people, especially pensioners (and others) who find the ever increasing demands for money from the Council Barons is a major part of their budget. Never mind the Tibet situation with the ‘mugging monks’. The sooner there is a [bold]rebalancing of power between our Council Barons and us ordinary people[/bold] the better. I am very tempted to [quote][bold]write directly to the Queen[/bold] [/quote] and draw the monarchy’s attention to the [bold]growing power and irresponsibility of the Council Barons[/bold] ... before the ordinary workers start to form defensive Unions again and start thinking about the benefits of socialist states. If all the taxi drivers got together in a Union and withdrew all services from Bournemouth for a week, and took direct action against the council staff (a life ban from taxi services perhaps) [bold][italic]the Council Barons would have to think again[/italic][/bold] [/quote] I have never read so much RUBBISH in my life!
Over 90% of drivers have completed or are on the course & it is for the benefit of the TRAVELLING PUBLIC that this is being done.
Do YOU want to feel safe in the knowledge that the driver has been properly trained or would YOU rather be driven around by a cowboy operator?
Wake up to the real world. This is 2008.
Regarding a Union, yes, a lot of us are in the T.G.W.U. & they are all for bettering of standards. The NVQ2 course also teaches drivers self defence (not a bad idea is it?) because of the heightened attack on drivers or would YOU sooner us cabbies get beaten up everytime we go out to work?
Your posting has really annoyed me because you have not researched your facts & want everyone to believe that this country is being run by the Chinese Communists
If you don't like this country then kindly leave. YOUR CHOICE. Put up or shut up.
Hannah wrote:
“licences have been immediately suspended because they ignored repeated requests to take a college course in transporting passengers“ Once again, I have been moved to anger! It might be just a suspension of licence to the comfortably placed and well padded council staff, but to the drivers (and their families) concerned it is an immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood . Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work. They will be picking on you next. Mums will be required to attend expensive and time wasting regular courses on having children, and those who do not comply will (to judge from the Council Baron’s past brutal behaviour such as putting pensioners unable to pay their demands for money into criminal prisons) have their children seized and placed into ‘care’ homes... or to put it another way, abducted and hidden away . Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time and money, like many college courses. No doubt it is extremely expensive, and other ones will be created for the oppressed drivers to do and pay for to keep both council staff and college staff in work. It should be up to the taxi drivers to decide as to whether they do it or not. Does anyone know the names of the power crazed individuals in the Councils who are responsible for this dictatorial behaviour?. We should know who is behind this so that they can be directly challenged and held responsible for their orders and the damage they do to ordinary people. This is another good example of an unhealthy and dictatorial organisation that has become far too powerful, and is not using the power responsibly. Our councils, with their high wages, low retirement age, and golden pensions behave with a callous disregard for the ordinary people, especially pensioners (and others) who find the ever increasing demands for money from the Council Barons is a major part of their budget. Never mind the Tibet situation with the ‘mugging monks’. The sooner there is a rebalancing of power between our Council Barons and us ordinary people the better. I am very tempted to write directly to the Queen
and draw the monarchy’s attention to the growing power and irresponsibility of the Council Barons ... before the ordinary workers start to form defensive Unions again and start thinking about the benefits of socialist states. If all the taxi drivers got together in a Union and withdrew all services from Bournemouth for a week, and took direct action against the council staff (a life ban from taxi services perhaps) the Council Barons would have to think again
I have never read so much RUBBISH in my life!
Over 90% of drivers have completed or are on the course & it is for the benefit of the TRAVELLING PUBLIC that this is being done.
Do YOU want to feel safe in the knowledge that the driver has been properly trained or would YOU rather be driven around by a cowboy operator?
Wake up to the real world. This is 2008.
Regarding a Union, yes, a lot of us are in the T.G.W.U. & they are all for bettering of standards. The NVQ2 course also teaches drivers self defence (not a bad idea is it?) because of the heightened attack on drivers or would YOU sooner us cabbies get beaten up everytime we go out to work?
Your posting has really annoyed me because you have not researched your facts & want everyone to believe that this country is being run by the Chinese Communists
If you don't like this country then kindly leave. YOUR CHOICE. Put up or shut up.
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:46pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Kerry[/bold] wrote:
As a retired Bournemouth cabbie with many years in the trade,i am fully behind those drivers making the stand against the test. It proves nothing and is being promoted by council staff who know very little about the trade. If they were to concentrate on a good knowledge test to start with there would be less problems.A good command of the language is also essential. Good luck to the boys making a stand.[/quote] Hello Kerry
My wife has been in the Bournemouth Taxi Trade since 1971 & does not recognise your name & nor do I.
I have also checked with a couple of the "old boys" who also fail to recognise your name.
As there have not been many female Hackney Carriage drivers in this town then I'm sure one of us would have recognised your name.
You mention that a good knowledge test would be a good idea (topography is taught on this course) & to be able to gain entry to the course, the written English language is essential & is the biggest stumbling block for many of the ethnics.
SO really you have contradicted yourself on both points!
To the boys making a stand . . . Have they got something to hide?
The rest of us took took up the option of FREE places which has been open to them for OVER 3 years.
Driving instructors, examiners, etc do refresher courses so why shouldn't cabbies?
At the end of the day it is FOR our passengers WE are doing this.
So you agree that to better the service we as cabbies offer is wrong?
Mmmmmmmmm open mouth to change foot springs to mind!!!!!!
Kerry wrote:
As a retired Bournemouth cabbie with many years in the trade,i am fully behind those drivers making the stand against the test. It proves nothing and is being promoted by council staff who know very little about the trade. If they were to concentrate on a good knowledge test to start with there would be less problems.A good command of the language is also essential. Good luck to the boys making a stand.
Hello Kerry
My wife has been in the Bournemouth Taxi Trade since 1971 & does not recognise your name & nor do I.
I have also checked with a couple of the "old boys" who also fail to recognise your name.
As there have not been many female Hackney Carriage drivers in this town then I'm sure one of us would have recognised your name.
You mention that a good knowledge test would be a good idea (topography is taught on this course) & to be able to gain entry to the course, the written English language is essential & is the biggest stumbling block for many of the ethnics.
SO really you have contradicted yourself on both points!
To the boys making a stand . . . Have they got something to hide?
The rest of us took took up the option of FREE places which has been open to them for OVER 3 years.
Driving instructors, examiners, etc do refresher courses so why shouldn't cabbies?
At the end of the day it is FOR our passengers WE are doing this.
So you agree that to better the service we as cabbies offer is wrong?
Mmmmmmmmm open mouth to change foot springs to mind!!!!!!
Posted by: Tim M, usa on 2:02pm Thu 20 Mar 08
It's a condition of employment much like the ones many of us have. I'd dare say that a large number of these requirements appear bone-headed in the big scheme of things, but repeatedly ignoring the demands of your employer is a sure way of guaranteeing yourself problems at work. Do what they want, get it out of the way, and once you've done that, take steps to tackle the hare-brained rules through the proper channels. This is Europe in 2008: you [bold]know[/bold]you'll find a sympathetic ear somewhere.
It's a condition of employment much like the ones many of us have. I'd dare say that a large number of these requirements appear bone-headed in the big scheme of things, but repeatedly ignoring the demands of your employer is a sure way of guaranteeing yourself problems at work. Do what they want, get it out of the way, and once you've done that, take steps to tackle the hare-brained rules through the proper channels. This is Europe in 2008: you
knowyou'll find a sympathetic ear somewhere.
Posted by: Kerry, Scotland on 3:04pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Fancy Ashley Miller still banging his drum to suit himself, as i remember he was amongst the instigators of the whole thing. You are supposed to be representing the trade not the council.
Most of the guys who are being threatened have been doing the job for years, long before you came along infact,and know the trade and the area as well if not better than you, so stop trying to treat them like school kids.
By the way i joined the trade in 1963 and retired in 2007. Next time i am in Bournemouth i will come and see you, then you will know who i am. Kerry?????
Fancy Ashley Miller still banging his drum to suit himself, as i remember he was amongst the instigators of the whole thing. You are supposed to be representing the trade not the council.
Most of the guys who are being threatened have been doing the job for years, long before you came along infact,and know the trade and the area as well if not better than you, so stop trying to treat them like school kids.
By the way i joined the trade in 1963 and retired in 2007. Next time i am in Bournemouth i will come and see you, then you will know who i am. Kerry?????
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 5:11pm Thu 20 Mar 08
By Hannah. immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood . Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work
[bold]Since the Council gave notice to all drivers to do the test. It has not cost them anything, and the vast majority have taken it with out prejudice. Probably the 101 drivers have something to hide, or think they are above the rest.[/bold]
Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time
[bold]The Council are the body who issue the Licence numbers and plates for those do qualify for the job of Taxi Driver in the town.[/bold]
Write directly to the Queen
[bold]What a stupid comment. Anyone who writes to the Queen, their letters will be seen and perused by their Private Secretaries. A letter such as yours would be binned post haste. Incidentally, a Council has directives from Government, who in turn have directives from the Monarchy, Queens Speech and all that.[/bold]
I believe in part that this course is to ensure that the drivers are capable of dealing with the passengers, and ensuring the passengers get to where they are going. Ensuring drivers have a good command of the English Language, which I agree, some drivers from Europe speak better English than those locally. Anything for a better service.
In response to Nigels comments:.
Incidentally, once I ordered a Taxi to the station to take a train to back to my Naval Base. The taxi did fail to turn up. I telephoned the company and they sent another driver out, who took me to my Naval base, yes, FREE OF CHARGE.
By Hannah. immediate stoppage of their wages and a disastrous loss of their livelihood . Since when have the Barons of the Councils had the power to order qualified and legal trades people off their work
Since the Council gave notice to all drivers to do the test. It has not cost them anything, and the vast majority have taken it with out prejudice. Probably the 101 drivers have something to hide, or think they are above the rest.
Who are the Council staff to order the taxi drivers about? Taxi drivers have already qualified for a difficult and expensive licence so this course sounds a complete waste of time
The Council are the body who issue the Licence numbers and plates for those do qualify for the job of Taxi Driver in the town.
Write directly to the Queen
What a stupid comment. Anyone who writes to the Queen, their letters will be seen and perused by their Private Secretaries. A letter such as yours would be binned post haste. Incidentally, a Council has directives from Government, who in turn have directives from the Monarchy, Queens Speech and all that.
I believe in part that this course is to ensure that the drivers are capable of dealing with the passengers, and ensuring the passengers get to where they are going. Ensuring drivers have a good command of the English Language, which I agree, some drivers from Europe speak better English than those locally. Anything for a better service.
In response to Nigels comments:.
Incidentally, once I ordered a Taxi to the station to take a train to back to my Naval Base. The taxi did fail to turn up. I telephoned the company and they sent another driver out, who took me to my Naval base, yes, FREE OF CHARGE.
Posted by: mmmmmmmmmmmm, dorset on 5:24pm Thu 20 Mar 08
So they should take a exam in manners Bournemouth taxi drivers are rude and ignorant i will never use them for this reason.The reason they dont want to take the test is because they now they have not got the people skills to past such a test.At least the 100 taken off the road things might improve a bit now.
So they should take a exam in manners Bournemouth taxi drivers are rude and ignorant i will never use them for this reason.The reason they dont want to take the test is because they now they have not got the people skills to past such a test.At least the 100 taken off the road things might improve a bit now.
Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 5:58pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 5:11pm today
"I ordered a Taxi to the station to take a train to back to my Naval Base"
You appear to be a member of the forces. Well, you might be happy to be [bold]ordered about and controlled[/bold] , but most of us civvies are not. The [bold]over-powerful and dictatorial councils[/bold] are very much resented by most people and many feel strongly it is time a modified system is put into place.
Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 5:11pm today
"I ordered a Taxi to the station to take a train to back to my Naval Base"
You appear to be a member of the forces. Well, you might be happy to be
ordered about and controlled , but most of us civvies are not. The
over-powerful and dictatorial councils are very much resented by most people and many feel strongly it is time a modified system is put into place.
Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 6:07pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm today
[bold]What a rude reply[/bold] . I suggest you read Kerry, Scotland on 1:24pm today, who, unlike you, knows something about matter.
Many people do not like the way things are at present and are leaving in droves. Does that tell you anything. Think on, rude person.
Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm today
What a rude reply . I suggest you read Kerry, Scotland on 1:24pm today, who, unlike you, knows something about matter.
Many people do not like the way things are at present and are leaving in droves. Does that tell you anything. Think on, rude person.
Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 6:15pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm today
I also refer you to 'Kerry, Scotland on 3:04pm today'
As he says, you should represent the trade and not the Council. Perhaps it is you who should put up or shut up.
Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm today
I also refer you to 'Kerry, Scotland on 3:04pm today'
As he says, you should represent the trade and not the Council. Perhaps it is you who should put up or shut up.
Posted by: DemonDiva, Kinson on 6:32pm Thu 20 Mar 08
It embarassed me to find this story in the national newpapers online.
I hope to god their readers don't find the Echo website and see the squabbling going
It embarassed me to find this story in the national newpapers online.
I hope to god their readers don't find the Echo website and see the squabbling going
Posted by: Boscombe Red, Bournemouth on 7:35pm Thu 20 Mar 08
How can anyone defend thE 101 drivers that have been suspended? If they have not signed up to undertake the course then they have very little knowledge what is included. How can anyone be so big headed that they think that a training course will not better them, whether it does or not, they will never know. I do not think they cannot be bothered, rather that they are scared that they may find out that they have been doing some things wrong in the past. Surely everyone wants to expand their learnings. Finally, at the end of the day these drivers have had 3 years to challenge the Council but have not. NO SYMPATHY FROM ME
How can anyone defend thE 101 drivers that have been suspended? If they have not signed up to undertake the course then they have very little knowledge what is included. How can anyone be so big headed that they think that a training course will not better them, whether it does or not, they will never know. I do not think they cannot be bothered, rather that they are scared that they may find out that they have been doing some things wrong in the past. Surely everyone wants to expand their learnings. Finally, at the end of the day these drivers have had 3 years to challenge the Council but have not. NO SYMPATHY FROM ME
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 7:38pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Hannah[/bold] wrote:
Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm today [bold]What a rude reply[/bold] . I suggest you read Kerry, Scotland on 1:24pm today, who, unlike you, knows something about matter. Many people do not like the way things are at present and are leaving in droves. Does that tell you anything. Think on, rude person. [/quote] Sorry if you thought it was rude but I'm just frank, honest & to the point.
Regarding Kerrys posting, I have had more arguments with Councillors & Licensing Officers over the years than most. I've had my licence threatened to be suspended & all for STANDING UP for the trade.
I do not suffer fools gladly & will not let the Taxi & Private Hire Trade be walked over by anyone.
What this course is aimed at is to educate us drivers in people skills & safety issues for those who are lacking in that department!
I do not wish to fall out with anyone but ALL the drivers I have spoken to over the past two days are backing me in my comments, their views are that if they have put themselves out for this course then so should the others.
At the end of the day it is a Council decision NOT us the drivers. We never agreed to the course in the first place for experienced drivers but Cllr Anson Westbrook (then Chair of Licensing) decided differently. This went against the Taxi Trades wishes but hey, who ever listens to us anyhow?
I hope I've put everything into perspective & apologise if I was rude. There's always two sides of an argument!
Hannah wrote:
Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 1:26pm today What a rude reply . I suggest you read Kerry, Scotland on 1:24pm today, who, unlike you, knows something about matter. Many people do not like the way things are at present and are leaving in droves. Does that tell you anything. Think on, rude person.
Sorry if you thought it was rude but I'm just frank, honest & to the point.
Regarding Kerrys posting, I have had more arguments with Councillors & Licensing Officers over the years than most. I've had my licence threatened to be suspended & all for STANDING UP for the trade.
I do not suffer fools gladly & will not let the Taxi & Private Hire Trade be walked over by anyone.
What this course is aimed at is to educate us drivers in people skills & safety issues for those who are lacking in that department!
I do not wish to fall out with anyone but ALL the drivers I have spoken to over the past two days are backing me in my comments, their views are that if they have put themselves out for this course then so should the others.
At the end of the day it is a Council decision NOT us the drivers. We never agreed to the course in the first place for experienced drivers but Cllr Anson Westbrook (then Chair of Licensing) decided differently. This went against the Taxi Trades wishes but hey, who ever listens to us anyhow?
I hope I've put everything into perspective & apologise if I was rude. There's always two sides of an argument!
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 7:44pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Kerry[/bold] wrote:
Fancy Ashley Miller still banging his drum to suit himself, as i remember he was amongst the instigators of the whole thing. You are supposed to be representing the trade not the council. Most of the guys who are being threatened have been doing the job for years, long before you came along infact,and know the trade and the area as well if not better than you, so stop trying to treat them like school kids. By the way i joined the trade in 1963 and retired in 2007. Next time i am in Bournemouth i will come and see you, then you will know who i am. Kerry????? [/quote] Don't recognise the name Kerry but those years ring a bell & would I be right in saying we are both Poole Speedway supporters Roger?
Kerry wrote:
Fancy Ashley Miller still banging his drum to suit himself, as i remember he was amongst the instigators of the whole thing. You are supposed to be representing the trade not the council. Most of the guys who are being threatened have been doing the job for years, long before you came along infact,and know the trade and the area as well if not better than you, so stop trying to treat them like school kids. By the way i joined the trade in 1963 and retired in 2007. Next time i am in Bournemouth i will come and see you, then you will know who i am. Kerry?????
Don't recognise the name Kerry but those years ring a bell & would I be right in saying we are both Poole Speedway supporters Roger?
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 10:05pm Thu 20 Mar 08
By Hannah: You appear to be a member of the forces. Well, you might be happy to be ordered about and controlled , but most of us civvies are not. The over-powerful and dictatorial councils are very much resented by most people and many feel strongly it is time a modified system is put into place.
[bold]Ex Armed Forces actually, and proud of it. However that does not mean I am one who takes orders, specially if I feel they wrong. I think sometime though that a few civvies as you put it could do with control or leadership. But thats another story.
My policy is this. The Council regardless of its faults or good, the Licencing Committee has been there forever regardless of who is in power. It is not a case of giving out orders, it is a case of enhancing a service of that which was needed. How come out of 1000 plus drivers, some 900 plus were happy to do the course, or are in the process of doing the course. What your saying is, that because 10% do not wish to do it, it is wrong to force them to do it. They are only just being forces, they were asked initially.
Perhaps a similar sort of course should be done for licencees of pubs and clubs. This might help in some of the problems in this trade also.[/bold]
By Hannah: You appear to be a member of the forces. Well, you might be happy to be ordered about and controlled , but most of us civvies are not. The over-powerful and dictatorial councils are very much resented by most people and many feel strongly it is time a modified system is put into place.
Ex Armed Forces actually, and proud of it. However that does not mean I am one who takes orders, specially if I feel they wrong. I think sometime though that a few civvies as you put it could do with control or leadership. But thats another story.
My policy is this. The Council regardless of its faults or good, the Licencing Committee has been there forever regardless of who is in power. It is not a case of giving out orders, it is a case of enhancing a service of that which was needed. How come out of 1000 plus drivers, some 900 plus were happy to do the course, or are in the process of doing the course. What your saying is, that because 10% do not wish to do it, it is wrong to force them to do it. They are only just being forces, they were asked initially.
Perhaps a similar sort of course should be done for licencees of pubs and clubs. This might help in some of the problems in this trade also.
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 12:31am Fri 21 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Christopher[/bold] wrote:
By Hannah: You appear to be a member of the forces. Well, you might be happy to be ordered about and controlled , but most of us civvies are not. The over-powerful and dictatorial councils are very much resented by most people and many feel strongly it is time a modified system is put into place. [bold]Ex Armed Forces actually, and proud of it. However that does not mean I am one who takes orders, specially if I feel they wrong. I think sometime though that a few civvies as you put it could do with control or leadership. But thats another story. My policy is this. The Council regardless of its faults or good, the Licencing Committee has been there forever regardless of who is in power. It is not a case of giving out orders, it is a case of enhancing a service of that which was needed. How come out of 1000 plus drivers, some 900 plus were happy to do the course, or are in the process of doing the course. What your saying is, that because 10% do not wish to do it, it is wrong to force them to do it. They are only just being forces, they were asked initially. Perhaps a similar sort of course should be done for licencees of pubs and clubs. This might help in some of the problems in this trade also.[/bold] [/quote] I like your posting Christopher.
Very correct in your observation that over 90% of drivers have done/in the process of doing the course.
It is not just TAXI drivers but ALL Private Hire drivers as well, including Airport, & Stretch Limo drivers as well.
As Chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi & Private Hire Joint Committee (responsible for the 1,056 Licensed Drivers in this town) it seems I am being critised by some people not in my trade that do not realise that it is for THEIR benefit that we as a trade realise that standards have to be not only maintained but increased.
The Bournemouth Taxi Trade once prided itself (outside of London) being the best in the country. As many of you agree (reading your posts) our recent standards have slipped.
Why have a go at me & over 90% of my trade for trying to improve standards for YOU the travelling public?
We have realised that there was a problem & are trying our utmost to rectify this situation but those who have nothing to do with the trade are slagging some of us off for trying to once again become the premier Taxi & Private Hire drivers in the country. What's wrong with that? We are the ones who have inwardly deemed there to be problems & have taken big steps to smarten our act up!
Some time in the near future, I hope that you all will see what we have done by going on a course will benefit not only us as drivers BUT you as our most endeared customers.
Anyhow, good or bad, this course is here to stay & ALL Taxi & Private Hire drivers WILL have to take it. It is something that will benefit ALL of us.
Watch & see the difference, then come back & tell me in 12 months time that over 90% of us were wrong to take this course!
Christopher wrote:
By Hannah: You appear to be a member of the forces. Well, you might be happy to be ordered about and controlled , but most of us civvies are not. The over-powerful and dictatorial councils are very much resented by most people and many feel strongly it is time a modified system is put into place. Ex Armed Forces actually, and proud of it. However that does not mean I am one who takes orders, specially if I feel they wrong. I think sometime though that a few civvies as you put it could do with control or leadership. But thats another story. My policy is this. The Council regardless of its faults or good, the Licencing Committee has been there forever regardless of who is in power. It is not a case of giving out orders, it is a case of enhancing a service of that which was needed. How come out of 1000 plus drivers, some 900 plus were happy to do the course, or are in the process of doing the course. What your saying is, that because 10% do not wish to do it, it is wrong to force them to do it. They are only just being forces, they were asked initially. Perhaps a similar sort of course should be done for licencees of pubs and clubs. This might help in some of the problems in this trade also.
I like your posting Christopher.
Very correct in your observation that over 90% of drivers have done/in the process of doing the course.
It is not just TAXI drivers but ALL Private Hire drivers as well, including Airport, & Stretch Limo drivers as well.
As Chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi & Private Hire Joint Committee (responsible for the 1,056 Licensed Drivers in this town) it seems I am being critised by some people not in my trade that do not realise that it is for THEIR benefit that we as a trade realise that standards have to be not only maintained but increased.
The Bournemouth Taxi Trade once prided itself (outside of London) being the best in the country. As many of you agree (reading your posts) our recent standards have slipped.
Why have a go at me & over 90% of my trade for trying to improve standards for YOU the travelling public?
We have realised that there was a problem & are trying our utmost to rectify this situation but those who have nothing to do with the trade are slagging some of us off for trying to once again become the premier Taxi & Private Hire drivers in the country. What's wrong with that? We are the ones who have inwardly deemed there to be problems & have taken big steps to smarten our act up!
Some time in the near future, I hope that you all will see what we have done by going on a course will benefit not only us as drivers BUT you as our most endeared customers.
Anyhow, good or bad, this course is here to stay & ALL Taxi & Private Hire drivers WILL have to take it. It is something that will benefit ALL of us.
Watch & see the difference, then come back & tell me in 12 months time that over 90% of us were wrong to take this course!
Posted by: Nigel Blumenthal, still waiting for a taxi, on 5:03am Fri 21 Mar 08
To the people who suggested that because my cab ride failed, I should have demanded that they take me directly to London for my flight, thank you very much for your input. I have to admit that the thought had never crossed my mind. This was entirely new to me, and I'll certainly look into the whys and wherefores of it. If I have any luck, I'll certainly let everyone know.
Thanks again.
To the people who suggested that because my cab ride failed, I should have demanded that they take me directly to London for my flight, thank you very much for your input. I have to admit that the thought had never crossed my mind. This was entirely new to me, and I'll certainly look into the whys and wherefores of it. If I have any luck, I'll certainly let everyone know.
Thanks again.
Posted by: Hannah, Bournemouth on 7:32am Fri 21 Mar 08
Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 10:05pm Thu 20 Mar 08
"How come out of 1000 plus drivers, some 900 plus were happy to do the course,"
From the recent comments above it appears that most did not want to do it and perhaps many were not happy. As Ashley says above "At the end of the day it is a Council decision NOT us the drivers. We never agreed to the course in the first place for experienced drivers but Cllr Anson Westbrook (then Chair of Licensing) decided differently"
However this is a diversion from my concern and anger that Council people, whoever they are (can anyone name them?) took the decision to [bold]deprive over 100 people of their livings[/bold] and, as they will not be able to claim DSS help and in the absences of a forces pension or other income, [bold]they, and their families, are left facing the very real possibilities of starvation, begging or crime[/bold] . Not our kindly and wise government has criminalized begging these previously hard working law abiding taxi drivers have been put in an [bold]impossible situation[/bold] because of the dictates of an over powerful Council and its dictatorial clerical staff.
[bold]The seriousness of this outrageous action does not seem to be understood by some comments above[/bold] .
Some years ago a Council clerk with an impressive title took an arrogant attitude to a group of local residences and ignored protests and appeals. Eventually a solicitor was called in but incredibly the clerk ignored all reason with the result [bold]he was arrested at the Town Hall (castle) by uniformed police officers and taken to the station and charge with a criminal offence[/bold] . This was reported in the Bournemouth Echo.
I strongly urged the taxi drivers concerned in this to [bold]unite and fight[/bold] via the law and publicity. And I appeal to all other drivers to support them. Put your side in writing and send copies to all and sundry. Christopher replied to me “Write directly to the Queen - What a stupid comment. Anyone who writes to the Queen, their letters will be seen and perused by their Private Secretaries. A letter such as yours would be binned post haste.”
Our monocracy is the last effective one in the world. Having seen the French, Russian, Chinese, and German monocracies destroyed in blood baths, all as a result of the people being left to starve - our monocracy in the past welcomed communication from ordinary people so that they were kept in touch with life at the bottom. I very much doubt if our monocracy will be very happy about the action of some petty tyrant of a council clerk in [bold]placing over 100 taxi drivers and their families in the position of facing starvation or crime[/bold] .
Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 10:05pm Thu 20 Mar 08
"How come out of 1000 plus drivers, some 900 plus were happy to do the course,"
From the recent comments above it appears that most did not want to do it and perhaps many were not happy. As Ashley says above "At the end of the day it is a Council decision NOT us the drivers. We never agreed to the course in the first place for experienced drivers but Cllr Anson Westbrook (then Chair of Licensing) decided differently"
However this is a diversion from my concern and anger that Council people, whoever they are (can anyone name them?) took the decision to
deprive over 100 people of their livings and, as they will not be able to claim DSS help and in the absences of a forces pension or other income,
they, and their families, are left facing the very real possibilities of starvation, begging or crime . Not our kindly and wise government has criminalized begging these previously hard working law abiding taxi drivers have been put in an
impossible situation because of the dictates of an over powerful Council and its dictatorial clerical staff.
The seriousness of this outrageous action does not seem to be understood by some comments above .
Some years ago a Council clerk with an impressive title took an arrogant attitude to a group of local residences and ignored protests and appeals. Eventually a solicitor was called in but incredibly the clerk ignored all reason with the result
he was arrested at the Town Hall (castle) by uniformed police officers and taken to the station and charge with a criminal offence . This was reported in the Bournemouth Echo.
I strongly urged the taxi drivers concerned in this to
unite and fight via the law and publicity. And I appeal to all other drivers to support them. Put your side in writing and send copies to all and sundry. Christopher replied to me “Write directly to the Queen - What a stupid comment. Anyone who writes to the Queen, their letters will be seen and perused by their Private Secretaries. A letter such as yours would be binned post haste.”
Our monocracy is the last effective one in the world. Having seen the French, Russian, Chinese, and German monocracies destroyed in blood baths, all as a result of the people being left to starve - our monocracy in the past welcomed communication from ordinary people so that they were kept in touch with life at the bottom. I very much doubt if our monocracy will be very happy about the action of some petty tyrant of a council clerk in
placing over 100 taxi drivers and their families in the position of facing starvation or crime .
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 9:57am Fri 21 Mar 08
Sorry but these drivers along with the rest of us knew over 3 years ago that we would have to sit this course & since then we have ALL had to re-licence & agreed to abide by the Councils decision.
Bournemouth is the nations leading holiday hot spot & so should its services be as well. Bus drivers have to train, driving instructors have to train along with lorry drivers & every other sector of the motor transport industry, so why not cabbies?
I am hoping to be able to have a meeting with insurance brokers/companies to ask if there can be a reduction in our insurances (which are astronomical) if the cars are driven by qualified Btec/NVQ level 2 drivers & you would like to jeopardize all this for us?
I know your views have not gone down well with the rest of the Taxi/Private Hire Trade (and I've had telephone calls & drivers dropping round) because you are ill informed about our business & how we go about it.
Not all driver are happy that they have had to sit this course but THEY HAVE & can now go about their business better equiped mentally & do what we do best, try to be the premier Taxi service in the country (outside of London).
Sorry but these drivers along with the rest of us knew over 3 years ago that we would have to sit this course & since then we have ALL had to re-licence & agreed to abide by the Councils decision.
Bournemouth is the nations leading holiday hot spot & so should its services be as well. Bus drivers have to train, driving instructors have to train along with lorry drivers & every other sector of the motor transport industry, so why not cabbies?
I am hoping to be able to have a meeting with insurance brokers/companies to ask if there can be a reduction in our insurances (which are astronomical) if the cars are driven by qualified Btec/NVQ level 2 drivers & you would like to jeopardize all this for us?
I know your views have not gone down well with the rest of the Taxi/Private Hire Trade (and I've had telephone calls & drivers dropping round) because you are ill informed about our business & how we go about it.
Not all driver are happy that they have had to sit this course but THEY HAVE & can now go about their business better equiped mentally & do what we do best, try to be the premier Taxi service in the country (outside of London).
Posted by: rottensp, poole on 11:03am Fri 21 Mar 08
ive been a taxi driver for just under three years. When i listen to the drivers that have been in the trade for 10 or more years they all seem to be very complacent and set in their ways.It seems they think they know it all, yet really they need updating along with their attitude.The btec exam is a must if the trade wants to improve.Theres too many in the trade aldeady that quite honestly have had enough and shouldnt be there,they give us new drivers a bad name.Standards have to rise or the trade will keep on suffering.i welcome the decision to ban all drivers who have had plenty of time to take this test but havent bothered.If they all think they are that good why dont they take the test!!
ive been a taxi driver for just under three years. When i listen to the drivers that have been in the trade for 10 or more years they all seem to be very complacent and set in their ways.It seems they think they know it all, yet really they need updating along with their attitude.The btec exam is a must if the trade wants to improve.Theres too many in the trade aldeady that quite honestly have had enough and shouldnt be there,they give us new drivers a bad name.Standards have to rise or the trade will keep on suffering.i welcome the decision to ban all drivers who have had plenty of time to take this test but havent bothered.If they all think they are that good why dont they take the test!!
Posted by: bobo, winton on 12:23pm Fri 21 Mar 08
i took the course after being threatened numerous times and what a waste of time,can anyone tell me the total cost to the taxpayer this nonsense has been,surely the money would been better spent finding how people who cannot speak english managed to pass their knowledge test[bold]bold[/bold]
i took the course after being threatened numerous times and what a waste of time,ca
