Points don't make prizes as Carlisle cabbies rack up over 20 offences after introduction of new

It's been revealed that a new enforcement policy brought in to further protect the public safety of taxi passengers in Carlisle has resulted in more than 20 offences being reported about taxi drivers.

Carlisle City Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Licence Enforcement Policy was brought in by the council in April this year. Within the policy the issuing of penalty points was introduced and so far, 24 minor offences have been reported and are held on record. 

Offences include: Unsatisfactory behaviour or conduct of a driver, which includes speeding offences and not renewing a licence in time, as well as failure to produce relevant documents within timescales when requested by an Authorised Officer.

Other offences include: Failure to notify the Council in writing of any motoring or criminal convictions within 21 days, refusal to accept hiring without reasonable cause and providing false or misleading information on licence application form. Cllr Jo Ellis-Williams, Chair of Carlisle City Council’s Licensing Committee and Regulatory Panel, said: “The majority of Carlisle’s taxi drivers carry out their duties to a high standard but unfortunately there are some who do not meet the standard we expect of our licensed drivers and are repeat offenders. “The aim of the penalty point scheme is to provide a fast and efficient way of dealing with lesser breaches of legislation or licence conditions. It records the misdemeanours and helps determine whether the driver is a fit and proper person. “Since the points scheme was introduced, our licensing team had received more than 20 reports of offences and we encourage anyone with concerns regarding the behaviour of any taxi driver to contact us. “The safety of the public is paramount, and we want to ensure all the city’s licensed taxi drivers follow the best standards.” Image Source: Geograph Image Author: Thomas Nugent