Dear Sir/Madam

As you may be aware, I have been a dedicated member of the taxi trade for over 40 years, working in various capacities including as an Operator, Director, driver, and manager until my retirement. I still, on behalf of the TPHA and its members endeavour to uphold and administer the reputation and qualities of private hire trade not only in the Thanet District but also Nationally.

I respectfully submit my views on a matter that, in my opinion, and that of our members is of paramount importance to the public’s safety and security: the reinstatement of operator names on private hire driver badges.

The Safety Imperative:

The call for clarity in identifying the operator to whom a driver is affiliated is not merely a matter of administrative procedure; it is a critical safeguarding measure.

With incidents of public concern escalating—from reports of missing children to vulnerable individuals feeling unsafe in various transportation scenarios—it is absolutely essential that we have a system in place that provides immediate clarity and accountability.

When parents or guardians are faced with the uncertainty of a child who is late, the last thing they should have to grapple with is ambiguity about which operator’s vehicle their child may be in.

The current lack of visible operator identification on private hire driver badges places an unreasonable burden on families and schools.

They are left asking essential questions:

• Who is this driver?

• Are they working for the correct, licensed operator?

• Is this journey being completed by an authorised, insured driver responsible for the safety of their passenger?

A Matter of Public Trust and Accountability:

The absence of a mandated display of operator names implies that accountability is diluted. In recent months, operators across my network have encountered increasingly alarming situations that raise concerns about safety and compliance.

Operators are often faced with queries from distraught parents who receive statements like, "Another driver is doing it today," or "We don’t have their full details."

This absence of clarity directly undermines the trust that is essential for the safe transport of vulnerable populations, and it complicates law enforcement efforts.

Without the operator’s name displayed visibly on a driver's badge, authorities and enforcement officers are left with an impractical challenge; they cannot immediately ascertain whether the driver is indeed affiliated with an authorized operator. This gap results in delayed responses during critical situations, making enforcement cumbersome and potentially jeopardizing passenger safety.

 Immediate Benefits of Operator Name Display:

Reinstating operator names on private hire driver badges offers a straightforward yet impactful solution to these pressing concerns. Here are several key benefits expected from this change:

1. Enhanced Safeguarding for Children:

Having the operator's name visibly attached to the driver badge will allow schools and parents to confirm that drivers are affiliated with the contracted provider. This fosters better communication and trust in school transport arrangements, especially for children.

2. Protection for Vulnerable Passengers:

Vulnerable passengers, including young women and those requiring special assistance, can quickly verify the legitimacy of the person behind the wheel. When passengers can see clear identification linked to a reputable operator, their sense of safety is immediately bolstered.

3. Strengthening Compliance and Enforcement:

With the operator name displayed, enforcement officers will be empowered to swiftly identify accountability. This transparency not only assists in day-to-day operations but also lays the groundwork for more effective oversight and compliance checks.

4. Mitigation of “Operator-Hopping”:

The visual presence of a company name on badges serves as a significant deterrent against the careless swapping of operators by drivers who do not inform the council of their changes. This visibility creates an environment of accountability and clarity.

5. Restoring Public Confidence:

Trust is the foundation of public transport services. With an operator’s name boldly displayed, the community will feel more in control and knowledgeable about who is providing transportation services, fostering an environment where residents can confidently utilize private hire services.

A Simple Fix with Lasting Impact:

It is critical to reiterate that this adjustment is neither cost-prohibitive nor complex to implement; rather, it is a common-sense safeguard that has existed in many places for decades. The reinstatement of operator/company names on driver badges is a basic mechanism designed to close glaring safety gaps, uphold the moral and legal responsibilities of local councils, and restore confidence among the communities we serve.

Closing Statement:

In conclusion, I urge each of you to reflect upon the shared objective we have as custodians of public safety: safeguarding the most vulnerable in our society, especially our children. A badge that clearly shows the company a driver represents is not merely procedural; it is a vital tool for protecting lives.

For the safety of our children, the peace of mind of our community, and the integrity of our licensing system, I respectfully request that the committee advocate for the reinstatement of the requirement for operator names to be displayed on all private hire driver badges.

Thank you for your attention, and I appreciate your consideration of this urgent public safety matter.

Sincerely,

Andrew Doody

Thanet Private Hire Association

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