DISGRUNTLED CABBIE
LETTER SENT TO PHTM FROM CONCERNED OLDHAM DRIVER OVER LACK OF COUNCIL SERVICE
Dear PHTM
I am writing to express our concerns and deep dis- appointment in the level of service being provided by Oldham Licensing team and leadership, particularly with regards to their opening hours and support for drivers.
The current opening hours, which total only 15 hours per week, are insufficient to service nearly 2,700 drivers, including both hackney and private hire.
As a trade, we have felt the significant impact of the two-day plate collection policy, which causes unnecessary loss of income. For drivers who have their vehicle tested on a Friday, the earliest opportunity to collect their plates is Tuesday. This results in nearly four days off the road, and more importantly, during the prime earning period.
For self-employed individuals, this policy is not only unfair but also adds mental health stress due to the uncertainty of providing for our families during this period. Additionally, we continue to incur costs such as insurance and radio rent with no means of generating income. The strain this places on drivers is overwhelming and unacceptable in any work environment.
The promises made to address these issues have gone unfulfilled, and it is disheartening that the leaders responsible seem unaffected by the impact their decisions have on the livelihoods of drivers. This situation is unfair, unjust, and cannot continue.
We strongly urge Oldham Council to take immediate action to introduce same-day service for vehicle plate collection for any vehicle that has passed its MOT. This would provide much-needed relief and fairness to drivers like myself who are struggling under these circumstances.
Another issue we drivers face is the limited
communication channels available with the Licensing team. Currently, we can only communicate via email, and in return, we receive an automated response
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stating that they will try to respond within five working days.
In today’s world, where communication is faster and more accessible than ever, this level of service is simply unacceptable. It feels as though Oldham Council has regressed to outdated practices, leaving us frustrated and unsupported.
It’s disheartening that drivers are receiving more assistance from the Oldham Private Hire Drivers Association (OPHDA), a volunteer-led organisation, which offers 24-hour WhatsApp message support, phone support, and office accessibility within 24 hours.
In contrast, the council, which collects substantial fees, seems indifferent to providing even a basic level of service. We often hear about Greater Manchester (GM) standards, yet other councils within GM deliver a much higher standard of service compared to Oldham.
As a representative of the community, I urge you to address these concerns and ensure that drivers like myself receive the level of service we deserve. We should not have to rely on volunteer organisations when we are paying for council services.
Oldham PHD Association OCTOBER 2024 PHTM
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