Easter Monday (9/4)
FBC Newsletter #25 included the following article on "Vehicle Transfers":
"Please remember that we will not be transferring vehicles during March and April except in exceptional circumstances. Transfers are currently half the normal price, so if you think your vehicle may not get through the inspections or want to transfer in the near future now is the time to do it".
Naturally we were upset with this ruling as it meant we could no longer change vehicles at the time of inspection, and would be obliged to pay two lots of Inspection Fees, albeit one at half-price. The FHCA challenged this ruling but was told no change would be made at the moment, but the ruling might be reviewed later in 2011.
This extension is on the understanding that as of now we only accept them from Gosport residents, Fareham residents having been told they can now only use FBC tokens.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31st., 2010 is officially the last date on which we can accept payment by existing Travel Tokens viz. the 50p. sized silver-coloured National
tokens AND the 10p. sized green FBC tokens
MONDAY, MAY 31st., 2010 is the last date by which we can encash them
at the FBC payment counter, silver or green ...
THURSDAY, APRIL 1st., and thereafter we will only be able to accept /
encash the next issue of FBC tokens (due to be sent out towards the end
of March) which will be a bronze/pewter
colour.
We are continuing dialogue with FBC on all fronts concerning Travel
Tokens, particularly as to ways of encashing National Tokens after the
May 31st. The future concern here is when we will be asked to accept
National tokens by residents of neighboring areas just beyond Fareham
boundaries e.g. Bridgemary, Lee, Whiteley, etc.
It has been brought to our attention that one of our members was recently stopped by the police (near Botley) whilst driving his taxi (no passengers but roof-boxed and plated) and issued with a Fixed Penalty Ticket for not wearing his seat belt.
See the "legal" page for details of the law on this subject.
Just to confirm, following this year's tariff review by Fareham FBC, no changes were made to current meter rates or other charges. This is in line with all of our neighbours (Eastleigh, Southampton, Winchester, Havant, Portsmouth, and Gosport) none of whom increased their rates since we did in October 2008.
Bank Holiday Settings. Having checked with Bob Minter, we're currently OK for all meters he services for us until:
Aquila and Sheriff - 31 08 10;
Epsilon - 01 01 11:
Cygnus and Digitax - 03 01 11.
Sheriff meters-Reminder. Sheriff no longer exists having been bought by Paytons (who own Cygnus). The grey Ultima is no longer repairable, and spares are running short for the black Wayfarer. For both, tariff adjustements will be a nightmare and are likely to cost a lot more to be made in future. At the moment, Paytons are offering £30 scrappage against a new meter - seems a good deal if your Sheriff plays up. For more information you are welcome to call or email Bob direct (see "Info" page).
July 2011 - Problems with the E-Rank In the meantime, if members have any views they wish to express they're welcome to send an email to Admin with a view to inclusion in the next Newsletter. June 2011 - Gosport Rates to increase One of the options was for an increase of 4.6%, but the majority were for no increase this year. The rise has come about by an adjustment to the pull-off charge from £2.80 covering the first 706 metres, down to £2.20 to cover the first 199 metres. Fare-dodger fined The final cost of avoiding the £20 fare? A total bill of £280 plus a criminal record! |
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Plate renewals/transfers
National debate of our current issues with FBC over their refusal to allow transfer of plates in March/April 2011.
Taxi Licensing fees
Throughout the country, questions are being asked as to what happens to excess funds raised by LAs from taxi licensing fees and charges.
TSC to investigate Cross Border Trading
Details of this Government enquiry - what it's about, the input from the Trade that's being sought.
Points made to the Goverment SC
Thus far, these are returns from taxi companies and driver assocaitions for the Select Committee to consider.