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Topic ID 3862

14/10/2008 by night owl

Taxi drivers driving habits

On Monday evening I was coming back from London just after 9.00pm and as I came up the slip road off the A10 there was a large Mecedes people carrier with the taxi sign on the roof in the left lane driving slow so I went up the right lane but had to stop for the lights and on the round about he just cut straight across in front of me to Gallows Hill and I have noted that some of these taxis do have some bad habits but clearly not all of them but one thing that did puzzle me for a bit was when I used the web cam from this site on a Friday or Saturday night after midnight I saw a number of vehicles coming into Paliament square the wrong way through the no entry and found out that most of them were taxis[?]


0 replies

Archived Replies

Reply ID 55910

15/10/2008 by spitfire

Traffic rules dont apply to them, same as with parking all over the pavement around Birchley Green.


Reply ID 55913

15/10/2008 by buzz

If I understand you correctly,it would appear you wanted to turn left onto the dual carriageway, yet you were in the right hand lane. Whilst I would be amongst the first to critcise taxi drivers, in this case it would appear, that unless there are arrows or road markings indicating that the left hand lane is for left turn traffic only, he was perfectly entitled go straight ahead from the left hand lane.


Reply ID 55917

15/10/2008 by Frenchie

I drive this route back from Broxbourne every day. I always stay in the left hand lane of the slip road due to most cars using this lane to go to either of the 2 left hand turnings off the roundabout( to Gallows Hill or onto A414 to Hertford), which i believe is perfectly justified. I would be in the right hand lane if I was going straight over or to the garage..or if i was speedy out of the blocks !


Reply ID 55918

15/10/2008 by steven

quote:
Originally posted by buzz
If I understand you correctly,it would appear you wanted to turn left onto the dual carriageway, yet you were in the right hand lane.
Which is a perfectly valid lane to be in, since the first turn off is for the B1502.


Reply ID 55919

15/10/2008 by Frenchie

quote:
Originally posted by steven
quote:
Originally posted by buzz
If I understand you correctly,it would appear you wanted to turn left onto the dual carriageway, yet you were in the right hand lane.
Which is a perfectly valid lane to be in, since the first turn off is for the B1502.
I dont think lanes are designated to any specific turning. This junction, due to the amount of left hand turnings, is going to cause some difference of opinions i feel...


Reply ID 55920

15/10/2008 by steven

quote:
Originally posted by Frenchie This junction, due to the amount of left hand turnings, is going to cause some difference of opinions i feel...
Only if one is especially anal ... [;)]


Reply ID 55925

15/10/2008 by night owl

Thanks for your answer but when you vome around the roundabout I think you will find the the right hand lane is a designated lane for the A414 to Hertford and this taxi driver should have known that it would have been safer for him to be in the right hand lane instead of cutting motorists up but I am also asking has anyone else been subjected to poor driving by these taxi drivers?

quote:
Originally posted by buzz
If I understand you correctly,it would appear you wanted to turn left onto the dual carriageway, yet you were in the right hand lane. Whilst I would be amongst the first to critcise taxi drivers, in this case it would appear, that unless there are arrows or road markings indicating that the left hand lane is for left turn traffic only, he was perfectly entitled go straight ahead from the left hand lane.


Reply ID 55930

15/10/2008 by Brockman

quote:
Originally posted by spitfire
Traffic rules dont apply to them, same as with parking all over the pavement around Birchley Green.
If the council removed the one way system around that area it would kill off every single taxi trying to queue at that rank. They only do it because any journeys leaving town going towards west Hertford means they have to 'negotiate' the one way system which adds on £2-£3 to a journey. Remove that incentive and you'll see people using the ranks on Fore Street and outside the Woolpack far more.


Reply ID 55931

15/10/2008 by Leo Densian

LH lane on roundabout is designated A414. The RH lane is marked for the A414 and Gallows Hill. Its not just taxi drivers though night owl - wish I had a pound for every time some knob heads off down Gallows Hill after going around the roundabout in the LH lane, nearly getting the front of another vehicle through their drivers door in the process.


Reply ID 55939

15/10/2008 by Brockman

quote:
Originally posted by Leo Densian
LH lane on roundabout is designated A414. The RH lane is marked for the A414 and Gallows Hill. Its not just taxi drivers though night owl - wish I had a pound for every time some knob heads off down Gallows Hill after going around the roundabout in the LH lane, nearly getting the front of another vehicle through their drivers door in the process.
The same can be said for the roundabout at the junction of the A414 and Cross Lane (near the hospital). Lots of people cutting across the roundabout to jump the queues


Reply ID 55942

15/10/2008 by James007

Does Deputy Dawg actually drive?


Reply ID 55946

16/10/2008 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by James007
Does Deputy Dawg actually drive?
Do you mean a certain taxi driver?


Reply ID 55947

16/10/2008 by night owl

Thanks L D I thought I was right but how about a blog on here about poor driving around Hertford saying what happened and what type of vehicle was involved?

quote:
Originally posted by Leo Densian
LH lane on roundabout is designated A414. The RH lane is marked for the A414 and Gallows Hill. Its not just taxi drivers though night owl - wish I had a pound for every time some knob heads off down Gallows Hill after going around the roundabout in the LH lane, nearly getting the front of another vehicle through their drivers door in the process.


Reply ID 55954

16/10/2008 by thefair1973

quote:
Originally posted by Brockman
The same can be said for the roundabout at the junction of the A414 and Cross Lane (near the hospital). Lots of people cutting across the roundabout to jump the queues
I don't know why they bother, it's just as easy to turn left and go all the way round the mini roundabout then turn back on to the A414. You still beat the queue that way [:D]


Reply ID 56487

29/10/2008 by Dude

quote:
Originally posted by Leo Densian
LH lane on roundabout is designated A414. The RH lane is marked for the A414 and Gallows Hill.
Where does it say this on the slip road!?!


Reply ID 56635

02/11/2008 by Dude

quote:
Originally posted by night owl
I think you will find that the right hand lane is a designated lane for the A414 to Hertford and this taxi driver should have known that it would have been safer for him to be in the right hand lane instead of cutting motorists up but I am also asking has anyone else been subjected to poor driving by these taxi drivers?[quote]Originally posted by buzz

I think you will find that you started a thread attacking other drivers, only to find it is your own driving at fault. If you go by the lane markings, then the right hand lane of the rush green roundabout is always for the A414, whatever direction you take. The markings are there for those already on the roundabout, not those approaching it. Newcomers on the sliproad could not possibly read them on approach. Legally, it is the road signs, not the road arrows that define direction, as the signs advise the driver before they approach the situation. The law has to allow for people that have never been there before, rather than local drivers who pick up bad habits. Coming on to the Rush Green roundabout from the A10 northbound, the law breakers are those who use the right lane to go left on the first exit or the second exit (A414). So I think you'll find the good driver was the taxi, and the bad driver was you.


Reply ID 56660

03/11/2008 by night owl

Hi Dude I think you will find that the right hand lane on any duel carriage way is for over taking and because we drive on the left in this country you are suppose to give way to your right and not try raming the vehicle on your right and there is the little matter of a white line which tells you that you are not suppose to cross it unless it is clear to do so, this taxi people carrier was fluffing around on the slip road which was the reason I went around him but we both stopped for the lights and then he put his foot down and came across my lane and not his lane, he was in the wrong lane for his turn off and he must have known that, perhaps he had been tired or down the pub either way he was driving in a dangerous manner and this is not the first time I have encountered a taxi on the wrong part of the road as it seems to be common place for drivers to stray over the white line for no reason into oncoming traffic and I think this is just plain rude driving!


Reply ID 56697

03/11/2008 by Moz

Did this taxi have any passengers? When a passenger fails to give clear instructions, this can cause a cabbie to drive erratically! Have you ever tried getting a drunk to give you directions?


Reply ID 56705

03/11/2008 by buzz

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Did this taxi have any passengers? When a passenger fails to give clear instructions, this can cause a cabbie to drive erratically! Have you ever tried getting a drunk to give you directions?
Are you suggesting,then, that it is OK for a cab driver to drive erratically? If so, perhaps you should have, in addition to the illuminated "Taxi" sign on your roof, another saying "Liable to Drive Erratically" In the situation you describe, I would suggest that the proper course of action would be to stop when safe to do so then attempt to obtain the required directions. It is NEVER excusable to drive erratically.......and yes before you ask, I have driven a cab in the past.


Reply ID 56756

04/11/2008 by night owl

Hi no this was a large blue mecedes van/people carrier/taxi with no passengers just a driver who looked like he was past his sell by date for working and did not know what he was doing? The reason for that remains unknown but clearly he was not capable of driving in a safe manner.

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Did this taxi have any passengers? When a passenger fails to give clear instructions, this can cause a cabbie to drive erratically! Have you ever tried getting a drunk to give you directions?


Reply ID 56758

04/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Did this taxi have any passengers? When a passenger fails to give clear instructions, this can cause a cabbie to drive erratically! Have you ever tried getting a drunk to give you directions?
Are you suggesting,then, that it is OK for a cab driver to drive erratically? If so, perhaps you should have, in addition to the illuminated "Taxi" sign on your roof, another saying "Liable to Drive Erratically" In the situation you describe, I would suggest that the proper course of action would be to stop when safe to do so then attempt to obtain the required directions. It is NEVER excusable to drive erratically.......and yes before you ask, I have driven a cab in the past.
No I am not. Say one night I agree to take four lads to Turnford via the A10. On the way one lad suddenly insists on being dropped in Hoddesdon, but doesn't tell me until I am at the Hoddesdon turn-off. Do I turn off suddenly, or risk abuse/violence for not doing so, as going to Hoddesdon now will increase the fare, which they are already complaining about? This kind of dilemma happens all the time. There are many occasions when I just want to get the people out of my car as quickly as possible without incident.


Reply ID 56761

04/11/2008 by buzz

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Did this taxi have any passengers? When a passenger fails to give clear instructions, this can cause a cabbie to drive erratically! Have you ever tried getting a drunk to give you directions?
Are you suggesting,then, that it is OK for a cab driver to drive erratically? If so, perhaps you should have, in addition to the illuminated "Taxi" sign on your roof, another saying "Liable to Drive Erratically" In the situation you describe, I would suggest that the proper course of action would be to stop when safe to do so then attempt to obtain the required directions. It is NEVER excusable to drive erratically.......and yes before you ask, I have driven a cab in the past.
No I am not. Say one night I agree to take four lads to Turnford via the A10. On the way one lad suddenly insists on being dropped in Hoddesdon, but doesn't tell me until I am at the Hoddesdon turn-off. Do I turn off suddenly, or risk abuse/violence for not doing so, as going to Hoddesdon now will increase the fare, which they are already complaining about? This kind of dilemma happens all the time. There are many occasions when I just want to get the people out of my car as quickly as possible without incident.
I appreciate the position you can find yourself in and that there is not always an easy answer. In the circumstances you describe, it might well depend on the traffic conditions. If it was unsafe to make the turn, how about suggesting that you would drop the other three in Turnford, and would drop the 4th in Hoddesdon on your way back at no extra fare. (You would presumably be returning to Hertford anyway)


Reply ID 56791

05/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Did this taxi have any passengers? When a passenger fails to give clear instructions, this can cause a cabbie to drive erratically! Have you ever tried getting a drunk to give you directions?
Are you suggesting,then, that it is OK for a cab driver to drive erratically? If so, perhaps you should have, in addition to the illuminated "Taxi" sign on your roof, another saying "Liable to Drive Erratically" In the situation you describe, I would suggest that the proper course of action would be to stop when safe to do so then attempt to obtain the required directions. It is NEVER excusable to drive erratically.......and yes before you ask, I have driven a cab in the past.
No I am not. Say one night I agree to take four lads to Turnford via the A10. On the way one lad suddenly insists on being dropped in Hoddesdon, but doesn't tell me until I am at the Hoddesdon turn-off. Do I turn off suddenly, or risk abuse/violence for not doing so, as going to Hoddesdon now will increase the fare, which they are already complaining about? This kind of dilemma happens all the time. There are many occasions when I just want to get the people out of my car as quickly as possible without incident.
I appreciate the position you can find yourself in and that there is not always an easy answer. In the circumstances you describe, it might well depend on the traffic conditions. If it was unsafe to make the turn, how about suggesting that you would drop the other three in Turnford, and would drop the 4th in Hoddesdon on your way back at no extra fare. (You would presumably be returning to Hertford anyway)
Maybe, I couldn't really say what I'd do as each situation is different. If the passengers are 'being difficult', and it's a busy night, I might not be inclined to waste my time. There are only maybe four hours a week when we can earn good money, I simply can't afford waste that time.


Reply ID 56861

06/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by Brockman
quote:
Originally posted by spitfire
Traffic rules dont apply to them, same as with parking all over the pavement around Birchley Green.
If the council removed the one way system around that area it would kill off every single taxi trying to queue at that rank. They only do it because any journeys leaving town going towards west Hertford means they have to 'negotiate' the one way system which adds on £2-£3 to a journey. Remove that incentive and you'll see people using the ranks on Fore Street and outside the Woolpack far more.
Hertford taxi driver representatives have regular meetings with EHDC/Highways and we have asked at each meeting, over the last two years, for more rank space in various locations around the town that would benefit both us and the public. We have also asked for the end of Fore street to be made 'Access for buses and taxis only'. Each time we are told neither is possible at the moment. If anyone wants to talk to our reps about the true situation they would be glad to help.


Reply ID 56863

06/11/2008 by Steve

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Hertford taxi driver representatives have regular meetings with EHDC/Highways and we have asked at each meeting, over the last two years, for more rank space in various locations around the town that would benefit both us and the public. We have also asked for the end of Fore street to be made 'Access for buses and taxis only'. Each time we are told neither is possible at the moment. If anyone wants to talk to our reps about the true situation they would be glad to help.
I have tried speaking to taxi drivers before on some of these issues but unfortunately not all of them are as polite and articulate as you are! Can you explain why there is a need for more rank space? Does a lack of rank space entitled taxi drivers to park illegally?


Reply ID 56864

06/11/2008 by shunt

There seems to be an enormous amount of rank space for such a small town, spread over five different areas that I can think of. As for "Buses and taxis only", surely they fall into different catagories of transport.


Reply ID 56869

06/11/2008 by Moulder

Are taxi drivers right in assuming that they are exempt from wearing a seat belt?


Reply ID 56876

06/11/2008 by buzz

quote:
Originally posted by Moulder
Are taxi drivers right in assuming that they are exempt from wearing a seat belt?
Yes, licenced taxi drivers are exempt from wearing a seat belt, but only when plying for hire or carrying fare paying passengers. I know that in the past several taxi drivers returning home from work in London have been stopped on motorways for not wearing seat belts.


Reply ID 56881

06/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Hertford taxi driver representatives have regular meetings with EHDC/Highways and we have asked at each meeting, over the last two years, for more rank space in various locations around the town that would benefit both us and the public. We have also asked for the end of Fore street to be made 'Access for buses and taxis only'. Each time we are told neither is possible at the moment. If anyone wants to talk to our reps about the true situation they would be glad to help.
I have tried speaking to taxi drivers before on some of these issues but unfortunately not all of them are as polite and articulate as you are! Can you explain why there is a need for more rank space? Does a lack of rank space entitled taxi drivers to park illegally?
If you were sworn at on a regular basis, by people who don't really know the facts and make wild accusations, you might become a little jaded by the experience! None of us want to park illegally, but we need to be somewhere that we know we can earn some money. At present Halfords is our only option during the daytime, so we have to try and get on it. We have asked for space in Parliament Square, the bus station, Tescos, and outside Subway. All of these ideas have been rejected. The Millbridge rank doesn't generate enough business during the day to justify parking there - I know because I've tried using it. A more visible rank outside Subway might be a better option.


Reply ID 56882

06/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
There seems to be an enormous amount of rank space for such a small town, spread over five different areas that I can think of. As for "Buses and taxis only", surely they fall into different catagories of transport.
We have approximately 12 spaces during the day and 27 at night. Buses and taxis are both forms of public transport, taxis are allowed to use most bus lanes in London.


Reply ID 56943

08/11/2008 by Brockman

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by Brockman
quote:
Originally posted by spitfire
Traffic rules dont apply to them, same as with parking all over the pavement around Birchley Green.
If the council removed the one way system around that area it would kill off every single taxi trying to queue at that rank. They only do it because any journeys leaving town going towards west Hertford means they have to 'negotiate' the one way system which adds on £2-£3 to a journey. Remove that incentive and you'll see people using the ranks on Fore Street and outside the Woolpack far more.
Hertford taxi driver representatives have regular meetings with EHDC/Highways and we have asked at each meeting, over the last two years, for more rank space in various locations around the town that would benefit both us and the public. We have also asked for the end of Fore street to be made 'Access for buses and taxis only'. Each time we are told neither is possible at the moment. If anyone wants to talk to our reps about the true situation they would be glad to help.
Fair enough, if there is any way the taxi users in the town can help, I'm sure they'll help.


Reply ID 56955

09/11/2008 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by shunt
There seems to be an enormous amount of rank space for such a small town, spread over five different areas that I can think of. As for "Buses and taxis only", surely they fall into different catagories of transport.
We have approximately 12 spaces during the day and 27 at night. Buses and taxis are both forms of public transport, taxis are allowed to use most bus lanes in London.
Though both considered public transport, they are different, since one is bulk, the other private hire. In large cities, taxis reduce the strain on parking facilities. In a town like Hertford their role is useful as a means to discouraging drink/driving. They do not play a part in reducing congestion, CO2 etc. Overcrowded ranks indicate lack of business and therefore lack of need. There are ranks displacing short term parking in Fore St, Railway St, The Wash and both stations. Surely there must be a limit to how much encouragement is given to a trade which is already exceeding demand.


Reply ID 56959

09/11/2008 by James007

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Hertford taxi driver representatives have regular meetings with EHDC/Highways and we have asked at each meeting, over the last two years, for more rank space in various locations around the town that would benefit both us and the public. We have also asked for the end of Fore street to be made 'Access for buses and taxis only'. Each time we are told neither is possible at the moment. If anyone wants to talk to our reps about the true situation they would be glad to help.
I have tried speaking to taxi drivers before on some of these issues but unfortunately not all of them are as polite and articulate as you are! Can you explain why there is a need for more rank space? Does a lack of rank space entitled taxi drivers to park illegally?
If you were sworn at on a regular basis, by people who don't really know the facts and make wild accusations, you might become a little jaded by the experience! None of us want to park illegally, but we need to be somewhere that we know we can earn some money. At present Halfords is our only option during the daytime, so we have to try and get on it. We have asked for space in Parliament Square, the bus station, Tescos, and outside Subway. All of these ideas have been rejected. The Millbridge rank doesn't generate enough business during the day to justify parking there - I know because I've tried using it. A more visible rank outside Subway might be a better option.
What do you mean Moz? Move it 20 yards?


Reply ID 56962

09/11/2008 by Brockman

quote:
Originally posted by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
Hertford taxi driver representatives have regular meetings with EHDC/Highways and we have asked at each meeting, over the last two years, for more rank space in various locations around the town that would benefit both us and the public. We have also asked for the end of Fore street to be made 'Access for buses and taxis only'. Each time we are told neither is possible at the moment. If anyone wants to talk to our reps about the true situation they would be glad to help.
I have tried speaking to taxi drivers before on some of these issues but unfortunately not all of them are as polite and articulate as you are! Can you explain why there is a need for more rank space? Does a lack of rank space entitled taxi drivers to park illegally?
If you were sworn at on a regular basis, by people who don't really know the facts and make wild accusations, you might become a little jaded by the experience! None of us want to park illegally, but we need to be somewhere that we know we can earn some money. At present Halfords is our only option during the daytime, so we have to try and get on it. We have asked for space in Parliament Square, the bus station, Tescos, and outside Subway. All of these ideas have been rejected. The Millbridge rank doesn't generate enough business during the day to justify parking there - I know because I've tried using it. A more visible rank outside Subway might be a better option.
What do you mean Moz? Move it 20 yards?
I understand we're you're coming from Night Owl, but I'm inclined to agree with Moz on this one. If it was moved to the current position of the bus stop, it would have an enormous impact. It's all to do with line of sight and the laziness of shoppers. Perhaps if the rank was moved to the layby outside Wetherspoons/Castle Hall that might help.


Reply ID 57038

12/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by shunt
There seems to be an enormous amount of rank space for such a small town, spread over five different areas that I can think of. As for "Buses and taxis only", surely they fall into different catagories of transport.
We have approximately 12 spaces during the day and 27 at night. Buses and taxis are both forms of public transport, taxis are allowed to use most bus lanes in London.
Though both considered public transport, they are different, since one is bulk, the other private hire. In large cities, taxis reduce the strain on parking facilities. In a town like Hertford their role is useful as a means to discouraging drink/driving. They do not play a part in reducing congestion, CO2 etc. Overcrowded ranks indicate lack of business and therefore lack of need. There are ranks displacing short term parking in Fore St, Railway St, The Wash and both stations. Surely there must be a limit to how much encouragement is given to a trade which is already exceeding demand.
There is a demand to justify the amount of taxis for several hours each week. However the costs running a cab dictate that we need to work for more than just these few hours. We have to compete for space on the rank during the less busy times in the hope that we might get lucky with the odd good job, and earn a more worthwhile living.


Reply ID 57172

14/11/2008 by 2929paul

quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moulder
Are taxi drivers right in assuming that they are exempt from wearing a seat belt?
Yes, licenced taxi drivers are exempt from wearing a seat belt, but only when plying for hire or carrying fare paying passengers. I know that in the past several taxi drivers returning home from work in London have been stopped on motorways for not wearing seat belts.
Why are taxi drivers exempt from wearing a seat belt at any time? Are taxi drivers immune from death and serious injury when driving fare paying passengers? That's just a stupid law.


Reply ID 57174

14/11/2008 by codek2

I believe it's for security reasons - to prevent the pasengers from restraining the driver. However most do seem to use them


Reply ID 57182

14/11/2008 by night owl

Hi it is to do with the highway code for delivery drivers as they are exempted because they are getting in and out of the drivers cab every 5 mins and if you times that by a 10 hour work day thats a lot of clunk clicks every day.


Reply ID 57183

14/11/2008 by Brockman

quote:
Originally posted by 2929paul
quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moulder
Are taxi drivers right in assuming that they are exempt from wearing a seat belt?
Yes, licenced taxi drivers are exempt from wearing a seat belt, but only when plying for hire or carrying fare paying passengers. I know that in the past several taxi drivers returning home from work in London have been stopped on motorways for not wearing seat belts.
Why are taxi drivers exempt from wearing a seat belt at any time? Are taxi drivers immune from death and serious injury when driving fare paying passengers? That's just a stupid law.
Not it's not. It has saved at the life of 15 drivers in the company my Dad owns in the past five years. In the same period, there has been a total of zero serious crashes. Why? Because, taxi drivers often ferry very, very drunk people and they can get very aggressive when told how much they have to pay; that and you can get a lot of attempted assaults and muggings because of the perceived isolation of a driver carrying several hundreds of pounds, and being alone. So no, it's not a stupid law.


Reply ID 57290

18/11/2008 by Moz

quote:
Originally posted by Brockman
quote:
Originally posted by 2929paul
quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moulder
Are taxi drivers right in assuming that they are exempt from wearing a seat belt?
Yes, licenced taxi drivers are exempt from wearing a seat belt, but only when plying for hire or carrying fare paying passengers. I know that in the past several taxi drivers returning home from work in London have been stopped on motorways for not wearing seat belts.
Why are taxi drivers exempt from wearing a seat belt at any time? Are taxi drivers immune from death and serious injury when driving fare paying passengers? That's just a stupid law.
Not it's not. It has saved at the life of 15 drivers in the company my Dad owns in the past five years. In the same period, there has been a total of zero serious crashes. Why? Because, taxi drivers often ferry very, very drunk people and they can get very aggressive when told how much they have to pay; that and you can get a lot of attempted assaults and muggings because of the perceived isolation of a driver carrying several hundreds of pounds, and being alone. So no, it's not a stupid law.
Well said Brockman. I usually wear my belt, however many passengers refuse to do so. In the event of an accident, an unrestrained rear seat passenger would probably kill me anyway, whether I had my belt on or not.


Reply ID 57326

18/11/2008 by Brockman

quote:
Originally posted by Moz
quote:
Originally posted by Brockman
quote:
Originally posted by 2929paul
quote:
Originally posted by buzz
quote:
Originally posted by Moulder
Are taxi drivers right in assuming that they are exempt from wearing a seat belt?
Yes, licenced taxi drivers are exempt from wearing a seat belt, but only when plying for hire or carrying fare paying passengers. I know that in the past several taxi drivers returning home from work in London have been stopped on motorways for not wearing seat belts.
Why are taxi drivers exempt from wearing a seat belt at any time? Are taxi drivers immune from death and serious injury when driving fare paying passengers? That's just a stupid law.
Not it's not. It has saved at the life of 15 drivers in the company my Dad owns in the past five years. In the same period, there has been a total of zero serious crashes. Why? Because, taxi drivers often ferry very, very drunk people and they can get very aggressive when told how much they have to pay; that and you can get a lot of attempted assaults and muggings because of the perceived isolation of a driver carrying several hundreds of pounds, and being alone. So no, it's not a stupid law.
Well said Brockman. I usually wear my belt, however many passengers refuse to do so. In the event of an accident, an unrestrained rear seat passenger would probably kill me anyway, whether I had my belt on or not.
Unfortunately that's not an isolated problem; hence some of the drivers nicknaming the passenger partition in Hackney cabs 'Splat Windows'... I've lost count how many times I've heard stories from drivers of passengers who've had an intimate encounter with the partition when they've had to brake heavily because they weren't wearing a seat belt. Also, I should add; if you've ever seen the result of a black cab hitting a car, then you'll know why drivers are unlikely to come off worst if not wearing a seat belt.


Reply ID 57342

19/11/2008 by thefair1973

why's that then? are they built like tanks?


42 replies