NEW CHARGE … Taxi drivers will, in future, undergo more stringent checks

A PLAN to make taxi drivers in Filey undergo more stringent checks into their motoring records has been approved.
The move follows a report by a senior Scarborough Council official which pointed out that while Criminal Record Bureau checks would reveal any criminal convictions, they did not show up those who had penalty points or traffic related convictions.

Andy Skelton, the head of environmental services, said the only way they could check these details was by going through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

He said: “The safety of the travelling public is paramount when considering applications and therefore we consider it is important to check an applicant’s DVLA licence before issuing a dual badge driver’s licence.”

He pointed out that instances had arisen where drivers had multiple DVLA licences.

It was therefore possible for a driver to apply for a dual driver’s badge using a previously issued “clean” licence which was clear of penalty points.

“However if they had produced their most recently issued licence it may reveal convictions for motoring offences,” said Mr Skelton.

Without the DVLA check there was no way the council could know if the licence produced was current and up to date.

The cost for each check will be £8.25 and this will be passed onto the drivers and be brought within the licence fee.

The new plan was agreed by Scarborough Council’s licensing committee.

New applicants will not be granted a licence until the DVLA check has been carried out.

Taxi operator Phil McDonald, who is also a councillor, said: “I reckon drivers will be happy to do that to show that we are all clean and that no-one is trying to run on an invalid licence.

“Although any additional increase to our costs is unwelcome we will have to pay it so that we can show we are within the law.”

The full article contains 320 words and appears in Filey & Hunmanby Mercury newspaper.

http://www.fileymercury.co.uk/news/Taxi-operators-face-new-bill.4204879.jp