PROTEST PLIGHT
THANET CABBIES OUTRAGED BY COUNCIL’S PROPOSED PENALTY POINT SYSTEM
Thanet District Council (TDC) is facing a furious backlash from cabbies over a controversial draft policy proposing a penalty points system. The new rules, intended to “keep drivers in check,” have sparked widespread outrage, with many warning of job losses and unfair enforcement. Proposed infringements include infractions such as not adhering to a strict dress code, lacking a fire extinguisher or first aid kit, or even honking a horn to announce arrival. The policy also targets taxis deemed “too old or not green enough” and penalises drivers for
leaving vehicles “unattended.” Dozens of drivers recently gathered outside TDC’s offices to protest the plans. Muhammet Yesiloz, a local cabbie argued that the policy would “create jobless people rather than
BRADFORD PROTEST SEES UNITY OF OVER 250 LICENSED DRIVERS
Over 250 drivers gathered outside Bradford
Council’s Sherbridge
offices on 28 July, to express their growing frustration with ongoing issues affecting their trade. The protest was conducted respectfully and concluded before council vehicles were scheduled to depart for adult services, ensuring there were no disruptions. Key concerns raised by the drivers were taken directly to the council. Cllr Kamran Hussain, has shown continued support for the trade, and engaged in dialogue with council reps to relay driver concerns. Following discussions, Cllr Hussain confirmed several issues have been addressed: 1. No unnecessary off-roading: as of 11 August, drivers who have submitted renewal applications will no longer be taken off the road while awaiting processing.
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2. Restored testing slots: the 30- minute test slots have been reinstated to
their original
format, with services returning to the previous standard.
3. On-site minor fixes allowed: minor issues e.g. bulbs/stickers can be resolved on-site, and plates can be collected without a retest or additional fees. The organisers thanked all the drivers and especially Cllr Hussain for his support and commitment to addressing the trade’s concerns.
improving society,” adding: “this greener world, implementing it in this sudden manner, will create darker lives for Thanet drivers.” Yesiloz also questioned the fairness of the proposed system, high- lighting fears of abuse. “Anyone can report anyone – if someone hates the way a driver looks, or his background, or just for the sake of fun, anyone can be reported,” he warned. Concerns were also raised about the financial burden on drivers, particularly the mandate for cars younger than five years old, which Yesiloz noted “costs minimum of £15,000.” While acknowledging the need to improve safety, many drivers believe the council is attempting “too much change in one go.” Andrew McMillan agreed with the council’s intent to improve stand- ards but criticised the sudden and extensive changes, which he thinks are “bringing to the surface lots of frustration and anxieties just in the day-to-day job.” Under the proposed system, penalty points would remain on a driver’s licence for two years. Accumulating 12 or more points within this period would lead to a review by the council. TDC’s papers state that the points system “will be used to deal with minor infringe- ments of policy or unacceptable behaviour by licence holders,” and “supports a risk-based approach to enforcement as the points threshold for considering further sanctions will be triggered by repeated or serious breaches.” However, the council has yet to clarify precisely how these rules will be enforced.
AUGUST 2025 PHTM
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