WOKINGHAM:
ROUND THE COUNCILS HYNDBURN:
CONSULTATION ON NEW TAXI RULES
Improvements to how Wokingham taxi licences are awarded have been drawn up. Wokingham Borough Council plans to tighten up and build on its existing protections, which already include a medical exam, proof of insurance and a check of applicants’ identities, criminal records and right to work. Drivers must also be trained in disability awareness and safeguarding, which includes spotting the signs of abuse and reporting them to the police. The proposed changes would be part of a new hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy applying to all applications until 2028. Although they include new tests for would-be operators, they also propose removing some requirements that are no longer necessary. They include sharing information about revoked or refused licences with other authorities and having access to the NR3 national register. This means if a driver failed to disclose previous issues elsewhere, they would still come to light. The new policy also requires English language tests. The dress code sets simple requirements for smart, appropriate clothing and footwear while vehicles wouldn’t be retired after eight years, which means some are scrapped while roadworthy. Instead, they would undergo periodic inspections and emissions checks.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “We already carry out thorough checks on driver, vehicle and operator applications and these proposed changes will add an extra layer of protection to a system that already works well. As well as tightening up our scrutiny of applicants, we're proposing to relax some outdated requirements so there’ll be fewer barriers for the majority of drivers who work within the rules. “Additionally, the periodic checks
will reduce
unnecessary scrappage and ensure that all vehicles, whatever their age, aren't having a disproportionate impact on air pollution or carbon emissions.” Anyone failing to obey licensing rules can incur penalty points from the council or have their taxi/private hire licence suspended or revoked, or a new application denied. Please respond on the Engage Wokingham Borough platform by Sunday, 5 March, here:
https://bit.ly/3ZRWbjo
PHTM FEBRUARY 2023 OLDER TAXIS COULD BE ALLOWED
The upper age limit of 15 years old for taxis and private hire vehicles in Hyndburn could be lifted. Senior councillors at the local authority have been recommended to scrap the restriction for older vehicles in good condition in response to concern from drivers about the cost of replacements. The change would only apply to already registered cabs and would be accompanied by regular testing of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. In a report to Hyndburn Council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday 18 January, licensing manager Wendy Redfern recommend: “The upper age limit to which a vehicle can remain licensed should be removed to enable those members of the trade who maintain their vehicles to a high standard to continue to be issued with a licence. “Vehicles must be under the age of ten years when first licensed. If a vehicle over the age of 15 fails to be properly maintained and fails a test on three consecutive occasions it will be deemed no longer suitable to be licensed. The amendments should initially be made for a trial period of three years.” Her report says: “A consultation has recently been carried out with the taxi trade and public to consider whether the upper age limit to which a vehicle can be remain licensed should be removed. “This is based on drivers’ complaints about the financial difficulties of having to buy newer vehicles. “If the age limit was removed the testing regime should help to ensure that only vehicles that are safe and suitable and in good condition are licensed. “The council should ensure that a robust testing system remains in place especially if the age limit is removed. There were 52 responses to the consultation. Of those ten are against the removal of the age limit and 42 in favour. An analysis of vehicle spot checks does show that the older the vehicle that is checked the more likely it is to have faults. “Whilst it may be perfectly reasonable for a proprietor who has maintained his vehicle to a high standard to wish to continue to license it beyond the age of 15, a change would open the floodgates for people to buy old unsuitable vehicles and try to get them licensed. “If members are minded to remove the upper age limit, they may wish a condition that the maximum age that a vehicle can be when first submitted for licensing is ten years old.”
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