ROUND THE COUNCILS HYNDBURN:
END TO IN-HOUSE TAXI MoTS
Hyndburn BC is poised to get rid of its controversial in-house MoT testing for taxis and PHVs, proposing a shift to external, privately-run testing sites which will stimulate competition to potentially offer better value for money services. On 26 March, the council’s cabinet agreed to recommend the move to the full council, aiming to address long-standing complaints from drivers. The current system, where council staff conduct tests at the Council Vehicle Maintenance Unit (CVMU) in Church, has drawn significant criticism. Drivers have alleged “unfair treatment,” and have even threatened strike, demanding an independent alternative. Under the proposed policy, local garages meeting council criteria will be added to an approved list, allowing taxi proprietors to book tests directly. This move aims to provide “more choice and flexibility for the taxi trade,” according to Council Leader, Cllr Munsif Dad. He also emphasised the potential to “bring additional business to local garages, creating growth within Hyndburn.” “We are committed to ensuring that all vehicles meet the highest safety standards, and this new approach will help us achieve that goal,” Cllr Dad stated. The council will cease taxi testing at CVMU, with the licensing team tasked with revising administrative procedures to accommodate the new system.
SWINDON: PROPOSED LICENSING RULE CHANGES
Swindon BC’s licensing committee has approved proposals to alter the requirement for private hire drivers to have a driving licence for three years to the statutory length of time of one year. The move aims to address a loss of potential drivers to other licensing authorities, according to licensing manager Jason Kirkwood, who stated: “Drivers not meeting the current requirement are often going elsewhere to be licensed and ultimately still working in Swindon.” The requirement to have held a licence for three years remains for hackney carriage drivers due to their “more likely” independent work. A proposal to raise the minimum driver age to 21 was dismissed by the committee’s legal advisor, citing
PHTM APRIL 2025
statutory guidance of 18 and potential discrimination. The council also plans to “beef up” testing for all licensed vehicles, with Kirkwood noting: “The current testing standard is not sufficiently robust or comprehensive. The testing stations do not have a detailed testing standard to refer to and so there is potential for a lack of consistency in carrying out the tests." Other changes include a premium/express service for issuing and renewing driver, vehicle and operator licences, and this must be used in the case of late applications for renewal. All private hire vehicles will be required to display the council’s licence plates, and the driver to wear their badge. But Mr Kirkwood said this could be relaxed on application for those drivers who drive luxury vehicles conducting executive and VIP work or working on a specific contract where security is a genuine issue - – perhaps for the government. The proposed changes will now undergo a month- long consultation, including a public meeting to get responses from the taxi trade, before final implementation.
RHONDDA CYNON TAF: MAX VEHICLE AGE EXTENDED TO 4 YEARS
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has announced a change to its taxi licensing policy, extending the maximum vehicle age from three to four years. The decision, made in response to a request from the Unite trade union, aims to alleviate financial pressures on taxi drivers due to soaring vehicle prices. The new policy, effective from April, allows private hire and hackney carriage vehicles to be licensed for up to four years from their first registration date. While vehicles under three years old require annual testing, those over three will continue to undergo six- monthly checks, ensuring safety standards are maintained. Council licensing officials, after reviewing data, concluded that the extension would not compromise vehicle safety. They retain the power to suspend or revoke licences for poorly maintained vehicles. A council report highlights that this change will enable drivers to purchase more affordable vehicles, potentially attracting new drivers to the profession who can buy their own vehicles rather than rely on operators.
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