LATEST NPHTA ACTIVITIES
Article by Dave Lawrie, Director NPHTA 0161 280 2800
info@nphta.co.uk ALL THINGS EV
We recently attended an electric vehicle event in Fort William where they were discussing charging options and battery ranges.
There were discussions about the average vehicle being parked up for 90% of its life, and the average mileage of a vehicle being around 100 miles per week.
Naturally I chirped up about our industry, stating clearly that whilst those figures may be correct for the private market, they do not reflect on our members and the way in which our industry works.
It was interesting to make new connections, and to hear of improvements within the charging infrastructure, which I have no doubt we will hear more about at the PHTM EXPO; things are vastly improving as we can see from many of the advertisements within this magazine.
LOCAL AUTHORITY INVOLVEMENT
As always, there are events, issues, consultations and problems throughout our membership which quite often need our support, without naming councils individually since you know who you are, the issues we have come across lately are:
1. IT issues resulting in applications not being received or processed
Some local authorities have had technical issues with their departments; some may be due to having migrated onto new systems, some due to merging of licensing authorities, others are more operator error (you are welcome to all those in IT). But the truth of the matter is that it is the licensed trade who are made to pay the price.
Where there are such issues, then a “without prejudice” exemption should be issued to ensure that licensees are not rendered into forced unemployment.
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2. Licensing officers failing to follow up on calls with any updates
This is simply a case of failure to respond and resolve matters at hand. Worse than that, in one case, the applicant was blamed for having failed to remind the officer that they had an issue, so not only had the officer in question failed to follow up directly, but they had also failed to put any notes or alerts on file.
3. Drivers being rendered unemployed due to licensing delays
This simply cannot happen - not only since the applicant is not at fault, but in this economic climate, every day where a driver cannot work could mean the difference between feeding the family or paying the mortgage. You simply must put protective measures in place, issue temporary licences if you need more time, or improve on your efficiency levels.
4. Removal of door and window signage
This has been welcomed by many within the trade and frowned upon by many others within the trade, not just operators but drivers too.
Whilst we recognise that “some” app companies and indeed some larger operators send a text message with details to those who book the trip, this does not apply to all operators or indeed all passengers.
Having said that, having permanent signage on vehicles does impose restrictions or difficulties in the ability to work for more than one operator.
5. Making card payment machines mandatory
This has been a long time coming and is welcomed by most drivers and passengers alike, but there is a concern, more so regarding the terminology used within the conditions, and of course the misunderstanding of many.
6. Removal of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
For a long time now, we have been aware of the risks attached to the use of such items. Administering first aid could result in legal action against drivers, for example if the aid provided caused an allergic reaction. Additionally there is a pair of “sheers” included in the kit which could be used as a weapon
OCTOBER 2023 PHTM
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