ROUND THE COUNCILS WOKING:
WAV EMISSION CONSULTATION
Residents, taxi drivers, and community groups are being invited to share their views on the future of wheelchair accessible taxis in Woking borough. A public consultation has launched to gather feedback on whether the deadline for wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles to meet ultra-low emissions standards by 31 March 2026 should remain in place or be extended. There are concerns about the availability and affordability of suitable wheelchair accessible ultra- low emission vehicles (ULEVs), as well as the infrastructure needed to support them. This could result in fewer wheelchair accessible vehicles operating locally, reducing transport options for disabled residents and others who rely on accessible services. Beverley
Kuchar, Woking Borough Council’s
Strategic Director for Place, said: “Wheelchair accessible taxis are a vital part of our community, helping to make sure everyone can travel safely and independently. “We are also committed to improving air quality, so it is vitally important that we get the balance right, so no one is left behind. This consultation is a chance for residents, drivers and community groups to tell us what matters to them and help shape a policy that works for everyone in our communities. Share your views by completing the online survey:
https://shorturl.at/zpFla The 8-week consultation closes on 31 August 2025.
BOLTON: SUSPENSIONS FOR UNCOMPLETED TRAINING
Dozens of taxi drivers in Bolton face suspension for failing to complete mandatory safeguarding and disability awareness training, six years after the programme was first approved. According to a council report, 74 drivers have still not finished the course, prompting Bolton Council to take enforcement action. The training, originally commissioned in July 2019, was designed to "improve industry standards and ensure vulnerable passengers are protected." The scheme, which was delayed by the pandemic before moving online in 2022, has been a requirement
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for all of the borough’s roughly 1,800 licensed drivers. A report presented to Cllr Hamid Khurram, the executive cabinet member for transport, highways and regulatory services, on July 16, confirmed that suspensions are now being considered. The report states: "We will shortly be compiling a list of those drivers that have not completed the training" and will advise them that "a request to suspend their licence until they complete is being processed." The council is working with its training provider to expand session availability, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the remaining drivers. Although the training was once offered free of charge, that period has since expired.
NUNEATON & BEDWORTH: EXTRA CHECKS AND POINTS PROPOSED
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is set to introduce a new policy aimed at enhancing public safety and raising the standards of local taxi and private hire drivers. The proposed changes include more frequent criminal record checks and a new penalty points system. Under the new “taxi and private hire driver, vehicle licence proprietor and operator policy,” drivers will be subject to six-monthly Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. The new policy outlines a penalty points scheme and other “significant criteria” for licensing. While the full details of how points will be accrued and their impact are available on the council's website, accumulating too many points could lead to a review of a driver's licence by the licensing committee. A spokesperson for the Town Hall stated: “The aim of the policy is to create a better standard of licence holder and increase public safety.” This initiative follows guidance from the DfT's Statutory Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Standards and Best Practice Guidance, which encourages local authorities to develop their own specific licensing policies. The council has confirmed that these national guidelines were taken into consideration during the preparation of the new plan. Before the new policy is implemented, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is inviting residents to share their views through a public consultation which is currently underway and will conclude on 7 August. The full proposed policy can be accessed on the council’s website at:
https://shorturl.at/X68wF
AUGUST 2025 PHTM
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