On the Chauffeur Network UK Facebook forum, we have heard first hand accounts from group members who have witnessed applicants having their topographical tests completed for them because they simply don’t have a level of English anywhere near the standard required to complete either the examinations or the accompanying forms. We’ve heard the medical examination described as a ‘joke’ and there’s an abundance of proof that certain companies specialising in fast track PCO applications are treating the whole process as a cash cow. There should be an investigation and the culprits shut down.
The licensing of individuals responsible for the safe and secure transportation of London’s paying public has become farcical and never has the old adage ‘quantity over quality’ being more apt. The PCO does indeed require radical change and a desire to serve those doing the job properly in London.
At the time of writing, the PCO has just announced some changes to tighten up on licensing, including stricter insurance requirements and English language tests but why has it taken so long to put new rules in place that have been basic requirements for other licensing authorities outside of the capital for years? The PCO has allegedly been issuing a thousand licences per week in recent times so it’s all too little too late in many respects. Boris Johnson announced the introduction of English language tests exactly twelve months ago but still things remain the same.
Standards
This unstoppable race to licence such an inordinate number of drivers has resulted in industry standards tumbling and passenger security being compromised. The chauffeur industry, once a proud and respected profession, has been lumped into the all encompassing term private hire and it’s a sad fact the dross which used to be a by product of the minicab trade is now just as likely to be found at the wheel of a luxury executive saloon.
Chauffeuring shouldn’t be a ‘job’ that people do when they can’t get anything else but that is what it’s become in some cases. It used to be a profession people looked up to, where there was some pride in being able to tell people what you did for a living, rather than being one of thousands of ‘drivers’. Of course, there are many operators who are determined to maintain those high standards but they’re not getting any credit for doing so.
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