Alec Samuels discusses the benefits of a universal taxi service
The consumer wants a reliable readily accessible taxi service. The distinction between taxi and car hire has become obsolescent and inconvenient and unsatisfactory. So “taxi” is used here for all the services, ie taxis, minicabs, Uber, which should come under one legal regime. The consumer wants the best service. The trade must be protected from unfair competition. The overall public interest must be considered, including safety and security for passengers and driver, fair charges and appropriate control of vehicles on the public highway. In essence, the issue comes down to the nature and extent of the regulation properly required, in a free but regulated market.
Fit & proper
Every driver should be a “fit and proper person”, of good character, subject to all the normal checks and to a strict professional discipline in the event of non-compliance. Consumers should be able to feel safe with the taxi driver.
Knowledge
A minimum working knowledge of English should be required, on a non-discriminatory basis. In these days of GPS and Satnav an intimate “knowledge” of the area is
