ROUND THE COUNCILS KIRKLEES:
SUV GREENLIGHT / COMPLIANCE DATA
Kirklees Council’s Licensing and Safety Committee has unanimously approved a policy change allowing SUVs to be used as taxis within the borough, citing improved accessibility for passengers. The decision, made last month, also came with a report detailing recent compliance test failures among licensed vehicles. The new policy updates the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Specification Policy, which governs vehicle types and standards. Cllr Eric Firth, chair of the meeting, supported the move, stating: “I think it makes sense for the SUVs to be licensed. They are higher, and actually easier to get into and out of for somebody with a disability.” The change was prompted by the rise of smaller SUVs, which, according to Fiona Goldsmith, the council’s Public Protection Group Leader for Licensing, make up “nine out of 10 vehicles on the road.” Public opinion on the matter was divided. A consultation with 372 respondents found that 57% disagreed with licensing MPVs and SUVs. One respondent commented: “MPVs are impractical...and SUVs shouldn’t be licensed as we don’t need more SUVs in our town centres or near schools.” However, others supported the change, with one person noting that a higher vehicle “might just be an advantage round here in winter” and is easier to enter with a disability. A separate report provided an update on the council’s licensing services, including compliance testing for all licensed vehicles. These tests, described by Goldsmith as an MOT with additional checks, can be administered up to three times a year. The report’s findings from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, showed: l 2,445 tests were conducted. l 653 vehicles, or 26.71%, failed the test. l The highest failure rate was in April 2024, with 42% of 185 tested vehicles failing. The most common reasons for failure were: l Lighting: 308 vehicles l Steering/suspension: 171 vehicles l Wheels/tyres: 152 vehicles l Brakes: 119 vehicles Councillor Charles Greaves expressed concern that drivers were not conducting their own regular checks, noting that “dangerous vehicles” could be on the road for extended periods between annual tests.
44 BURNLEY: CABBIE’S ENGLISH PROFICIENCY WORRIES
A former Conservative group leader on Burnley Council, now sitting as an Independent, Cllr Alan Hosker, has voiced strong concerns regarding the English language proficiency of some taxi and PHV drivers in the borough, calling for new regulations. Cllr Hosker, himself a former taxi driver, brought the issue before the authority’s executive last month, stating: “It was brought to my attention through concerns raised by members of the public on some taxi drivers not being able to speak English.” He emphasised that “members of the public need to be able to travel in safety, knowing that the driver can speak English,” particularly in emergencies. Highlighting past experiences, Cllr Hosker recounted his time on the licensing committee where “some drivers who were brought before the committee had to bring an interpreter.” He stressed that this is “a matter of public safety and communication,” asking: “How can Joe Public communicate with the driver in an emergency if he cannot speak English?” Cllr Hosker expressed frustration, noting: “I have tried to raise this several times with the licensing committee and have been ignored. I want this addressed here.” However, Cllr Howard Baker, the council’s community and environment boss, stated that the matter fell under the remit of the licensing committee, not the executive. He advised Cllr Hosker to provide specific examples of public complaints and instances where a driver’s poor English was an issue in emergencies to ensure the matter is properly examined. Following the meeting, Cllr Hosker remained resolute, commenting: “They have fobbed me off again. I shall continue to raise this issue, including at full council.” He recalled that Burnley Council “used to have a knowledge test, including that drivers must speak good English,” and reiterated his desire for the public to “have confidence to be able to travel safely and understand the driver.”
AUGUST 2025 PHTM
Goldsmith clarified that while the onus is on drivers to perform their own checks, the council can require a vehicle to undergo an additional test if it “doesn’t look quite right,” for up to three tests per year. Councillor Firth added that it is a “minority” of drivers and vehicles that are not keeping up with maintenance.
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