Ministers have been urged to ‘act without delay’ to prevent a ‘damaging’ legal loophole from putting young people in Rotherham at risk in taxis.
Since the child sexual exploitation scandal in Rotherham was revealed in 2014, all taxi drivers in the town now have strict rules to adhere to, including having CCTV installed in their vehicles.
But the Communities and Local Government Committee said it is concerned that taxis licensed by other local authorities may still operate in Rotherham, even if the drivers have had their application for a Rotherham licence rejected.
Read on… http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/taxi-legal-loophole-could-put-children-at-risk-in-rotherham-1-8077793
MPs’ warning after abuse scandal over Rotherham taxi driver licensing loophole
MINISTERS should act without delay to prevent a “damaging” legal loophole from putting young and vulnerable people in Rotherham at risk, according to MPs.
Taxi loophole puts children at risk of abuse
Young people have been put at risk by a loophole allowing taxi drivers to work in Rotherham even if they have been rejected by the council, MPs have said.
Drivers licensed by other local authorities can work in the south Yorkshire town at the centre of a child sex abuse scandal exposed by The Times even if their application for a Rotherham licence is turned down.
MPs on the communities and local government committee urged Whitehall to prepare guidance in law over taxi licensing, which has been promised by ministers, “without delay”.
Read on… http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/taxi-loophole-puts-children-at-risk-of-abuse-nm3t67pjr
See also: CSE – the Taxi connection
Rotherham Politics 
Quire right. The government has known this all along. It’s now time to act.
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Read the full report here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmcomloc/42/42.pdf?utm_source=42&utm_medium=module&utm_campaign=modulereports
Licensing managers wouldn’t pass the “fit and proper” test?
Jannet this law change came into effect for taxis in 2015.
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When I get into a taxi that hasn’t got a camera installed,
I wonder what other rules they have broken.
No MOT?
No Tyre tread?
Dodgy breaks?
Dodgy meter?
Dodgy driver?
Dodgy price?
Taxi Cameras have to go Nationwide
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Those drivers that won’t accept Rotherham’s taxi rules have done us all a big favour? By registering with Rossendale Council, they have self identified, as those who are ‘dodgy’!
Made it simple for the police to spot as well, I should imagine?
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Let’s hope SYP take note of that point.
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Get there badge numbers and report them to Rossendale they are ment to work 4 days at least in Rossendale the more people that report them can prove they aren’t working in Rossendale and will have there licenses revoked
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I was in the council building earlier there were around 8 drivers waiting to be seen they were quite angry that firms can now only employ drivers registered in Rotherham I think this is a massive step for Rotherham to show its this way or the high way. one of the drivers words were they can f**k I’m not putting CCTV in my cab he did say sorry for swearing in front of me. But if they don’t want CCTV in there cabs and they are driving 2 hours to Rossendale there is a reason for this and it speaks volumes. This is for there own safety also how many innocent people have been attacked since the Jay report. However I feel a strike coming on but please keep reporting these drivers that have hackey cab on the door to Rossendale they loose there licence if it proves they aren’t working in Rossendale .
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working with these drivers are helping them avoid cctv you cant campaign agaisnt some thing them work with them they are hiding some thing like we have seen give them a inch a they will take a mile a go register in other boroughs what a joke.still putting people safety at risk JOKE
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It’s nice talking about concerns and brilliant responses.
Let’s look at some facts:
Our LA made it a condition of operators licence to stop them using taxis from outa town. Brilliant plan, it was an excellent idea until Uber came to town, our LA hasn’t the balls to contend it’s own rule in the courts.
CCTV brilliant idea, drivers own protection as well, I’ve had a gander at the LA’s CCTV policy, it’s as useful as a chocolate fire gaurd, I’ve done a comparison test between ICO regulations and the CCTV policy and it fails on at least 23 recommendations in law.
The short story is, even on individual points the CCTV policy can’t neither protect the driver or the travelling public, as any evidence recorded would be inadmissible in court. What shocks me even more, it was created by the same incompetent fool, that the commissioners have addressed as “managers with a wealth of knowledge” SC meeting.
In short the taxi loophole has not been created by Rotherham drivers but big business, and would you believe it Uber, no mention of Uber or dodgy CCTV policy at the select meetings!
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Some news just in! Goldstar, Venture and Phoenix are reportedly employing Rossendale registered drivers in ever increasing numbers. This ‘dodge’ is working so well, Sajid Bostan is reported to be considering applying to Rossendale for a taxi licence as well?
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LMAO
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