NEW FOREST:
ROUND THE COUNCILS WEST FIFE:
POLICY CHANGES: CCTV CONSIDERED
New Forest District Council is currently reviewing its taxi licensing policy, with a focus on enhancing driver standards and safety. While the draft policy does not currently mandate the installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles, the issue has been raised and will be subject to
further
consideration. During a committee meeting on 10 January, Conservative Councillor Steve Clark expressed support for exploring the use of CCTV in taxis. “If you look at all forms of public transport now, buses, trains, everything, they all have CCTV,” he stated. “The cost of CCTV equipment over the years has come down quite considerably and it wouldn’t be onerous I think to have CCTV installed within taxi vehicles. “This is for the benefit of not just the public, but it is for the benefit of the drivers as well because we see a number of complaints and issues around drivers made from the public, which on occasion can be quite unfair to the drivers.” Liberal Democrat councillor David Harrison said it did not seem “very sensible” to have mandatory CCTV for vehicles licensed with neighbouring Southampton City Council and not in the New Forest. Cllr Harrison said: “If anything, the risks are greater in the New Forest. A rural type area where things can happen not within the sight of the public who might intervene or deter these things.” The draft policy, developed through extensive consultation with licence holders, neighbouring authorities, union representatives and the public, includes several key improvements: Enhanced Driver Standards: More stringent DBS checks, an updated DBS scheme, and a formal code of conduct for driver behaviour and appearance. Vehicle Standards: Updated regulations regarding the age and condition of licensed vehicles. Private Hire Vehicle Identification: Improved signage requirements for private hire vehicles. The committee has recommended the amended draft policy for approval at the full council meeting next month.
While the immediate introduction of mandatory CCTV is not included, the council has committed to further review this aspect, considering factors such as cost, data protection and the specific needs of the New Forest.
36 100% TAXI INSPECTIONS PASS RATE
Taxi firms in West Fife have been commended by Fife Council for their “first-class efforts” after all 15 vehicles inspected in November and December passed safety tests. This 100% pass rate surpasses the previous mark of 94% achieved in September 2024. Billy Ferguson, service manager of fleet operations at the council, expressed his satisfaction with the results. “I’m delighted to report the 100 per cent pass rate,” Mr. Ferguson stated. “The West area
tests were
conducted differently this year, with most vehicles inspected earlier. This resulted in a smaller sample size for the recent round of inspections. “Nevertheless, the operators should be congratulated for their first-class efforts in continuing to maintain their cars to a very high standard.”
NORWICH: CONSULTATION ON NEW STANDARDS
Norwich City Council is asking for feedback by 16 March 2025 from the public and the transport sector on new proposals to regulate the taxi and private hire vehicle industry in the city. The consultation considers how best to protect children and vulnerable adults when using taxi services, to the benefit of all members of the general public from the recommendations. It covers driver standards only, vehicle-related standards will be considered at a later date. Some of the questions up for discussion as part of the consultation include: l
Whether in-vehicle CCTV should become mandatory?
l Should a geographical knowledge test be required? l
l Introduction of mandatory card payment facilities
Councillor Matthew Packer, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: “The consultation aims to bring existing regulations up to date with latest guidance from the Department for Transport, to ensure that all passengers have a safe and comfortable journey.” To take part, visit Get Talking Norwich:
https://gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/taxi The consultation is open until 16 March 2025.
FEBRUARY 2025 PHTM
Banning of vaping in vehicles, as it is currently for tobacco products and e-cigarettes
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