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Official notices and consultation

01903 221432

taxi.licensing@worthing.gov.uk

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Office of Fair Trading Notice to Private Hire Operators.

Official Notice to Private Hire Operators

The Office of Fair Trading has issued a Notice to Private Hire Operators, reminding them of the law relating to unlawful price fixing.

The OFT has expressed its concern that there is a particular lack of awareness among private hire operators regarding the stringent civil and criminal laws against 'price fixing'. This follows the receipt of multiple complaints nationally reporting operators entering into agreements with their competitors to set prices.

In several cases competitors appear to have agreed prices in local areas on a 'per mile' or 'minimum journey cost' basis.

Private Hire Operators are being warned that individuals involved in such practices may face criminal liability for price fixing, including fines and even the possibility of imprisonment. In addition businesses can be fined up to 10% of their total turnover.

Trading Standards Services and Local Authority Licensing Teams are being encouraged to pass any relevant information directly to the OFT if they have any suspicions of this practice taking place in their area.

This directive is obviously not directed at Taxis as their maximum fares are set by the local Licensing Authority.

For further information please check the Office of Fair Trading's website.

Office of Fair Trading
Web Page Link

Consultation on Improving Access to Taxis

May 2009

The Department for Transport issued its long awaited consultation document on Disabled access for taxis a few weeks ago. The policies adopted by the government as a result of this consultation will have far reaching concequences to the transport system, the industry, the public and Worthing Borough Council's Licensing Policies.

Taxis have a vital role to play in the transport system and help many people to travel to jobs, services, education and social networks. The Department of Transport has issued this consultation document to explore ways in which it can improve access to taxis for disabled people, ensuring that they, in turn, might be able to have greater access and equal opportunity.

Taxi accessibility has been under consideration for some time and it has proven difficult so far to deliver the changes that are needed whilst, at the same time, ensuring that the taxi industry remains viable. However, the government is committed to finding the positive solutions to the issues that need to be addressed, that will provide a fleet which meets the needs of all users and that will affirm the role of taxis as an integral part of the transport system.

This consultation document is designed to stimulate a constructive discussion of the issues that will enable the Department and authorities to develop and implement a strategy that will result in real improvements. Following this consultation, the Department for Transport will publish a policy strategy sometime in 2009 that will set out in detail the conclusions of the consultation and the way forward.

Consultation closed on 24 April 2009 but if you would like to read through the full consultation document please click below.

Consultation on Improving Access to Taxis
PDF - Download Size: 493 KB

Department for Transport
Web Page Link

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