ALL THINGS LICENSING
approach to driving, such as recognising the impact of speeding, or driving while distracted or fatigued, particularly where there have been passenger complaints.
against drivers who discriminate against people with disabilities and guide dog owners, issuing fines and suspending licences where required. PHV operators, meanwhile, are encouraged to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs before they take a booking to ensure an appropriate vehicle is provided.
In addition, councils should incentivise the uptake of wheelchair accessible vehicles and ensure they can be used easily and safely by a range of passengers. Some wheelchair accessible vehicles may not be suitable for other disabled passengers and, when issuing licences, licensing authorities should ensure their area has the right mix of vehicles to suit their community.
In addition to the best practice guidance, the Department for Transport has also published:
• private hire vehicle licensing guidance note • taxi byelaws: guidance and the byelaw making process
• updated model byelaws for taxis • model driver vehicle checklist • sample notices between taxi or private hire vehicle driver and passenger
Upon publication of the Guidance, the new Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “Disabled people rely on taxi and private hire vehicles services and it’s unacceptable for people to be unlawfully discrim- inated against when travelling.
“It’s vital these services cater for disabled peoples’ needs, and local authorities should take action now to ensure drivers and operators understand their duties so everyone can travel with confidence.”
Other recommendations include training and assessing drivers with a focus on taking a defensive
PHTM DECEMBER 2023
The guidance also seeks to support the industry by removing undue burdens. For instance, given the reliability and ease of satnav systems, PHV drivers should not be required to undertake navigational skills tests for pre-booked journeys, while licensing fees should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are appropriate.
Alongside the guidance, the Department for Transport also intends to launch a further call for evidence specifically about passengers’ accessibility needs in taxis and private hire vehicles to inform future policy decisions.
The updated Best Practice Guidance is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/taxi- and-private-hire-vehicle-licensing-best-practice- guidance.
The Government has also published a summary of the responses received during the consultation period and the Government’s consideration of these which is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/taxi-and- private-hire-vehicle-best-practice-guidance.
Unfortunately due to editorial deadlines a full review of the updated Guidance and subsequent licensing implications is not possible in December’s PHTM, but I promise to follow this important subject in the New Year. However, clearly this is likely to herald a series of policy reviews from many local authorities to recommendations set out.
take account of the
Of particular note, considering the time of year where passengers in the night time economy are out to enjoy themselves, the Guidance does outline a Passenger Notice setting expectations of passenger conduct.
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