The Board of Selectmen, pursuant to the provisions of MGL c.
40, § 22, may make such rules, orders, and regulations for
the licensing and operation of hackney carriages, taxicabs and vehicles
for hire operated within the Town of Westwood and relative to the
licensing of the operators thereof, including the imposition of penalties
for violations therefor, as the Selectmen deem necessary and advisable
from time to time. Such rules, orders and regulations shall be printed
in a form made available to applicants for such licenses. Notice thereof
and of said regulations and any changes thereon shall be duly published
in a newspaper, all as prescribed by MGL c. 40, § 22.
[Added 5-4-2015 ATM by
Art. 18]
Whoever violates any of the rules and regulations promulgated under §
380-20 shall be punished as follows:
A. Violations related to the licensing of taxis or the conduct of taxi
operators as required by the regulations shall be punished by a fine
of $300. Violations shall include, but are not limited to: operating
a taxi company without a proper license, operating a taxi without
a proper license, allowing an improperly licensed taxi driver to operate
a taxi and refusing to accept a passenger.
B. Any other violations as required by the regulations related to the
lawful operation of a taxi and/or a taxi company shall be punished
by a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense
and $300 for each subsequent offense.
C. Notwithstanding any violation or fine referenced in the previous
paragraphs, the license of a duly licensed taxi company, taxi operator
or both may have said licenses suspended or revoked for a period of
time determined appropriate by the Chief of Police based on conduct
that he/she deems to be in violation of this bylaw, the regulations
cited above or that is necessary to ensure the health, safety and/or
welfare of the Town.
D. Any violations of this bylaw shall be issued using a civil violation
notice as approved by the Town.
E. Appeals will need to be filed with the Town Administrator's
Office, 580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 within 21 days after the
date of the violation. The Town Administrator will set up a hearing
on said appeal in or within 30 days of the appeal; otherwise payment
must be received within that time or be subject to interest and demand
notice charge to be set by the Board of Selectmen. Failure to pay
a fine that has been imposed within 30 days of the date of issuance
or the date of a decision of an appeal may result in revocation of
license.