Pink Ladies loses taxi licence appeal (From Warrington Guardian)

Pink Ladies loses taxi licence appeal

8:43am Wednesday 24th February 2010 in News

PINK Ladies have likened the company’s battle for women’s rights to the work of suffragette Emily Pankurst.

Andrea Winders, co-director of the non-profit making business, said the staff feel a little like the woman’s activist after fighting for the rights of women in an ‘archaic legal framework’.

The comments follow Pink Ladies’ showdown against Warrington Borough Council on Friday when they fought to overturn convictions handed by District Judge Ross in July.

But Judge David Hale upheld the district judge’s decision that Mrs Winders and Tina Dutton, co-director, were operating an unlicensed private hire company and threw out claims that Pink Ladies was a members club.

Mrs Winders said: “Since its inception Pink Ladies has insisted that it is not a taxi firm and are pleased to have found legislation that fits the operation. It is unfortunate that this form of licence has only come into play since April 2009, as it would have made things much simpler. "

Following last year’s court case, the organisation secured licensing under Vehicle and Operator Services Agency standards (VOSA) – a Government agency – rather than the local authority.

Mrs Winders said requests to meet with Warrington Borough Council to work with them have been declined for the past six months. She said if the council could work with Pink Ladies it could have saved a lot of money during cash strapped times.

She added: “The judge’s decision does not affect the operation of Pink Ladies, it is more of a personal nature, which is the only reason why we issued this challenge – we would like to clear our names.”

David Boyer, head of sustainable transport at the council, said: "We're pleased that our case has been upheld. It is important that the council is seen to uphold the law at it relates to taxi and private hire operations.“ Legislation requires those operating and driving taxis and private hire vehicles to undergo regular police and medical checks, maintain and service vehicles at least twice a year to a standard higher that the normal MOT test.

The council said it welcomes the fact that Pink Ladies is regulated by VOSA.

Mrs Winders and Mrs Dutton were ordered to each pay £3,000 legal costs.