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23/03/2017
TfL Slammed For Turning A 'Blind Eye' To Licensing Rules
GMB London called on Transport for London (TfL) to address the issue of two TfL licensed drivers who have had their licenses revoked by Southend-on-Sea borough council after being found guilty of criminality in 2010.
The two drivers were jailed for a year after being caught operating a ring in which they and other drivers shared each other's penalty points for speeding, driving through red lights and other driving offences to avoid being banned.
The drivers, currently driving for Uber in and around Southend, got around the ban by applying for their Private Hire License through TfL rather than Southend council.
A third driver from Westcliff, who was charged with one offence and given a suspended sentence, also holds a TfL license.
Simon Rush, GMB's professional drivers’ president, said: "If TFL continue to turn a seemingly blind eye to their own regulatory licensing rules in ignoring cross border issues and allow licenses to convicted criminals it will encourage others in the private hire trade to act in an illicit manor knowing they have free reign.
"If this is not curtailed it will lead to further damage to the good name of hardworking professional drivers in the Hackney and Private Hire industry and further erode already low incomes.
"We know of many other TfL licensed Uber drivers working in other parts of southern England that have been seen collecting and dropping passengers off in areas such as Portsmouth, especially around the university campus.
"We believe a national Taxi and private hire database is the only way forward to properly address this activity with amendments to current licensing regulation."
The two drivers were jailed for a year after being caught operating a ring in which they and other drivers shared each other's penalty points for speeding, driving through red lights and other driving offences to avoid being banned.
The drivers, currently driving for Uber in and around Southend, got around the ban by applying for their Private Hire License through TfL rather than Southend council.
A third driver from Westcliff, who was charged with one offence and given a suspended sentence, also holds a TfL license.
Simon Rush, GMB's professional drivers’ president, said: "If TFL continue to turn a seemingly blind eye to their own regulatory licensing rules in ignoring cross border issues and allow licenses to convicted criminals it will encourage others in the private hire trade to act in an illicit manor knowing they have free reign.
"If this is not curtailed it will lead to further damage to the good name of hardworking professional drivers in the Hackney and Private Hire industry and further erode already low incomes.
"We know of many other TfL licensed Uber drivers working in other parts of southern England that have been seen collecting and dropping passengers off in areas such as Portsmouth, especially around the university campus.
"We believe a national Taxi and private hire database is the only way forward to properly address this activity with amendments to current licensing regulation."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
