ROUND THE COUNCILS READING:
ULEV PHASE-OUT POLICY OBJECTIONS
Reading Taxi Association (RTA) chairman Asif Rashid has slammed Reading Borough Council's proposed phase-out of older petrol and diesel cabs by 2028, calling it a financial burden for drivers. The plan, which aims to replace all taxis with ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), has sparked outrage amongst Reading's taxi drivers. "We feel like we've got a noose around our necks," said Rashid during a recent council meeting. "Every so often, another regulation tightens the grip." Rashid acknowledges the environmental concerns behind the phase-out but argues that the financial strain on drivers is too significant. He highlights the high cost of ULEV taxis, which can reach £72,500 according to Rashid, compared to the £3,000-£6,000 government grant available to assist with the transition. "This policy is going to destroy the trade," he warned. Councillor David Stevens (Labour) echoed Rashid's concerns,emphasising the risk of pushing drivers out of the industry entirely due to the financial burden. Rashid further claims the council has not fulfilled its promise to waive cab licence fees in conjunction with the phase-out. He threatened to leave the trade himself if the situation worsens, citing his 25 years as a cab driver and 15 years as the RTA chairman. Reading Borough Council implemented its vehicle emissions and age policy in October 2019, aiming for a net zero carbon Reading by 2030. The policy initially targeted the removal of the oldest and most polluting cabs by October 2022, with a complete phase-out originally planned for December 2020. However, this deadline was extended to October 2023 following a request by the RTA. The latest proposal seeks to require all replacement vehicles to be ULEVs, less than five years old by October 2028. Additionally, the age policy would mandate the retirement of all ULEVs after 15 years, with a potential one or two-year grace period based on individual vehicle assessments during driver licence renewals. The council's licensing applications committee unanimously agreed to begin a consultation process regarding the proposed additions to the policy. The results of this consultation are expected to be discussed in November.
PHTM AUGUST 2024
NORTH NORTHANTS: TAXI ZONE CHANGES APPROVED
North Northamptonshire Council has approved plans to merge the existing four taxi zones into a single zone after a public consultation that saw more opposition (143) than support (54) for the change. The unified zone will come into effect on 1 April 2025, replacing the separate zones previously serving Corby, Wellingborough, Kettering, and East Northants. Hackney carriage drivers, particularly those in Corby, expressed concerns about the practicality of the larger zone, arguing that learning the entirety of North Northants would be a significant challenge. At a meeting of the council’s executive on 11 July, David Brackenbury, executive member for growth and regeneration, acknowledged these concerns while emphasising that the current knowledge test requirements remain unchanged for now. He indicated future discussions might address this aspect. The potential impact on driver numbers is another concern. Neil Reilly, a Corby cabbie expressed fears that many drivers, especially those nearing retirement, might be discouraged from renewing their licences due to the perceived challenges of the new zone. Taxi driver Ian Robb, representing his colleagues, voiced frustration with the decision, highlighting the consultation results and accusing the council of ignoring driver concerns.
WORCESTER: SAFEGUARDING TRAINING CONSULTATION
Worcester City Council is seeking public opinion on a proposal to make safeguarding training mandatory for taxi and private hire drivers. It aims to equip drivers with the skills to identify and respond to passengers who might be vulnerable or experiencing abuse. The council hopes this will reduce the risk of harm to children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The plan outlines refresher training every three years, coinciding with licence renewals. The council welcomes feedback from drivers, operat- ors, community groups and night-time economy representatives. To have your say, visit
www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit. The closing date is 12 September 2024. The licensing committee will review the results in October, with a potential implementation date of January 1st, 2025.
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