Further calls are being made to strengthen licensing legislation
"Our industry is being pulled through the mud."
That's the concern of taxi drivers on the Isle of Man, who are renewing calls for changes to be made to the licensing legislation here.
Currently, the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) can only suspend a driver's licence if there is sufficient evidence and the person in question is 'afforded proper procedural fairness'.
Barry Murphy is a taxi driver here and believes the RTLC needs more power to protect both drivers and passengers:
Mike Birchall is also a taxi driver on the Island.
He shares Barry's concerns:
We asked the RTLC to explain what powers it currently has.
In a statement, it says that in a situation where a public passenger vehicle (“PPV”) driver is under a criminal investigation for an alleged crime, the Road Transport Act 2001 (“the 2001 Act”) does grant the RTLC the powers to take certain actions but these powers must be considered in concert with the RTLC’s own policies as well as natural “rights” such as “innocent until proven guilty”.
"The 2001 Act does allow the RTLC to suspend a PPV driver licence where there are serious public protection concerns about the driver provided that there is evidence that is sufficiently serious to warrant regulatory intervention. The RTLC can only do this if the driver is afforded proper procedural fairness including following the RTLC’s own procedures related to such situations.
Trusts unite to promote heritage and bus route
Lots of positivity for Peel Beach stage from local community says commissioners
'Heartstopper' feature film lands on Netflix bringing Manx actor's breakout series to a close
The Haven asks the public to help keep the community pub going