ROUND THE COUNCILS
BRACKNELL FOREST: REFUSAL TO CHANGE CERTIFICATE AGE
Bracknell Forest Council has refused to amend its age requirement to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct for licensed drivers from 10 to 18. Bracknell Taxi Drivers Association (BTDA) proposed this amendment to the policy, which currently requires drivers to provide the certificate if they’ve lived outside the UK for more than three months or from the age of 10. However, Bracknell Council Licensing and Safety Committee firmly opposed the proposed policy amendment and it was rejected. Although Bracknell licensed drivers fully support background checks, a significant number of them come from ethnic minority backgrounds and although born in other countries they have been living in the UK for many years. Manoj Laximicanta, Chair of BTDA told PHTM: “For many of these drivers, especially for those who were born elsewhere but have been living in the UK for an extended period, obtaining the necessary documentation is challenging, as not all countries maintain comprehensive records. “I have had a problem with getting the paperwork needed. I’ve been living in the UK for over 30 years. I left a war torn country when I was child and in my case, the authorities were unable to provide proof or evidence from when I was 10 years old.” Given these difficulties, for drivers unable to obtain the required certificate from their home country, the association also suggested that the council consider an alternative verification method such as a character reference covering the period from a UK resident. However this suggestion was also rejected.
WEST SUFFOLK: 15-YEAR TAXI AGE LIMIT SCRAPPED
West Suffolk Council has scrapped a controversial policy designed to phase out older, higher-polluting taxis. The 2022 policy, which set a 15-year age limit for all taxis and PHVs (excluding electric and zero- emission models), was intended to create a “cleaner, more environmentally friendly fleet.” However, the council’s plan, scheduled to take effect last month, was derailed following a driver’s intervention at a council-organised forum. The driver pointed to recently introduced government guidance
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stating that “the setting of an arbitrary age limit may be inappropriate,” advocating instead for emissions management through vehicle testing. Cllr Kelly, addressing the policy reversal, stated: “I’m delighted the driver raised this at the forum, that we listened and we
are delivering change.” He
emphasised the forum’s purpose: “for drivers and operators to voice any issues or concerns, to have a discussion and work together to find a solution.” Looking ahead, Cllr Kelly acknowledged the challenges posed by “national changes including the eventual phasing out of new petrol and diesel cars,” and called for a “more open dialogue with the trade.” He expressed hope that the policy reversal would “encourage more drivers and operators to come along to the forum.”
NORTH YORKSHIRE: TAXI POLICY SPARKS CONTROVERSY
North Yorkshire Council’s proposal to mandate WAVs, electric, or potentially hybrid vehicles for new taxi registrations has ignited a debate, with taxi drivers calling for more research and warning of potential trade damage. The council aims to increase the number of WAV taxis, currently standing at c.70, or one for every 9,000 residents, a ratio significantly lower than other rural authorities. The goal is to reach a ratio of one WAV for every 2,000 to 3,000 residents, necessitating around 200 additional WAVs. However, Richard Fieldman, representing the North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers group, argues that the policy could lead to a decline in taxi availability, saying: “By forcing this onto drivers you’re just creating a bigger problem because a lot of drivers like me who are in their 60s won’t make that kind of investment needed to buy a WAV. They’ll just retire early or go find another job.” Fieldman is calling for an “unmet demand survey” to accurately assess taxi demand across the region. He also advocates for allowing Euro 6 petrol and diesel vehicles, which meet EU emissions standards. Cllr Greg White, the council’s executive member for licensing said: “We recognise that taxis should be accessible to all, and we need to strike a balance that supports users and is feasible for the trade to adopt. “We know that we can do better.” The consultation runs until 30 April. Details can be found at:
www.northyorks.gov.uk/taxi-consultation.
APRIL 2025 PHTM
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