Gareth,
On behalf of the Isle of Wight Taxi Proprietors Association, I
wish to confirm that it is the association’s intention to submit an alternative
report to the Regulatory Committee at the same time as the officers present the
report on the proposed new conditions. This report will contain the trades
views on the officers conditions and where appropriate the trades own
conditions. This the Trade believe is
necessary for the following reasons:-
v
The
short consultation period the Trade believe they received on such an important
issue which will affect people’s livelihoods’.
v
At
least 5 days were during the busy Easter Holiday period for the Trade. Unlike
some other occupations the trade delivers a service within the Islands
integrated Transport service providing a 24hr. transport service on the Island.
v
Insufficient
time for the Trade Association to consult its members and collate their views.
v
Not
all Proprietors and Drivers are on the internet (some of those who are on the
internet could not find some or all of the conditions).
v
Some
proprietors could not download the Questionnaire to answer same.
v
Lack
of consultation by officers with the trade, some attempt should have been made
by officers’ to reach a compromise, prior to any report being submitted to
committee.
v
Other
proprietors and drivers did not know about the consultation.
Trade do not wish officers to review all the comments and decide
which are appropriate. This is one of the reasons for a separate report.
The trade are willing to have further consultation meetings with
officers prior to any report being submitted. Once again the Trade ask why the
rush? When up to 350 people’s livelihoods are at risk if the wrong decisions
are made at this time.
John Murphy.
On behalf of the Isle of Wight Taxi Proprietors Association.