IN THE NEWS
THE PRIVATE SECTOR VERSUS THE PUBLIC SECTOR
For many weeks even months PHTM and the NPHTA have been com- menting
about
screens and PPE (Personal Protec- tive Equipment) for drivers. Also behind the scenes they have been try- ing to inform government dep- artments of the need to recognise the type of work that private hire and hackney car- riage drivers do; the customers we carry in our vehi- cles
and to
recognise the fact that we are an important and inte-
gral part of trans- port provision for the public! But there is anoth- er very important point
that we
might have missed in all this confusion of COVID-19 and that is quite simply this: we are regard- ed as the private sector whichhas been hit
really
hard, whereas the public sector has had very little dis- turbance. If we are lucky enough be able to find work, we are eternally grateful. The public sector, teachers and the like have been on
full pay, but the casualties from this pandemic
will
effect the private sector in untold numbers. Although the gov- ernment has over- whelmingly provid- ed financial sup- port on a massive
scale, many indi- viduals
and
companies within our industry will unfortunately fail. Too much debt, lack of customers, the ever increasing costs of electric/ hybrid vehicles to satisfy government
clean air policies - it will all be incred- ibly challenging. Of course, the pri- vate sector not only includes us. Let us not forget plasterers, electri- cians, bricklayers, publicans, restau- rateurs, and so many
more.
COVID- 19 has had a cumulative effect on somany people. Public sector work- ers have had their own worries and in most cases have been very helpful, whereas we from the private sector have been strug- gling to put food on the table.
We can now ex- pect a deep re- cession,
most
probably the worst in our lifetime.
Hopefully, the gov- ernment will help us in our hour of need?
Regards, Ian Hall
Chairman Southampton Hackney and Private Hire Association (SHPHA)
www.southampton hackneyassociation.
co.uk
IPSWICH DRIVER TOLD HIS 28-YEAR-OLD VOLVO CAN NO LONGER BE USED AS A TAXI
A taxi that has been a “good and reli- able”
runner for
nearly 30 years can now no longer be used because it is too old. John Winlow has been told by Ipswich Borough Council that his application to renew his taxi licence, when it expires on 30 June, will be refused due to environmental grounds. Mr Winlow has kept hold of the J-regis- tered Volvo 940 GL for the last 18 years of his 44-year career. In that time, he could have changed his vehicle for some-
80
thing more modern but he chose to keep the car on the road because it’s comfortable to drive and continues to be reliable and requires low maintenance. However,
current
council rules state that taxi drivers’ vehicles must be no more than 15 years old, before the limit reduces to ten years in 2025. It is all part of a bid to help improve air quality in the town, due to high levels of Nitro- gen Dioxide (NO2). Mr Winlow hopes to appeal the decision, arguing the car should be exempt from the
rules
been reliable and I feel just as comfort- able sitting in the driver’s seat today as when I
bought it. “Customers
first are
John Winlow with his 28-year-old Volvo
because it is histori- cally significant - an argument support- ed by
Ipswich
Transport Museum. The 64-year-old said: “People
these are good and reliable cars so they
realised
became a popular choice among taxi drivers. “I’d say at one point maybe 75% of taxis and PHVs were Volvos – they are part of the town’s history. It has always
always giving me positive comments about the car too.” In a committee meeting on June 17, councillors recog- nised the vehicle remains in good condition – except for a small amount of rust which is due to be repaired – but remained concerned over emissions. Cllr Stephen Con- nolly, said: “I’m sure that the owner of this vehicle consid- ers it special, but I
do not. “It is an old Volvo and therefore its emissions would be substantially greater than a newer vehi- cle.” Mr Winlow added: “Themain point they made is about emis- sions – but Volvos were well known to be ahead of their time. It has a catalyt- ic converter and emissions have al- ways been low when tested. “I don’t want to go down the new vehi- cle route but I could also go into pre- booked private hire and keep the car. It is such a difficult time to be a taxi driver.”
JULY 2020
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