ROUND THE COUNCILS BRADFORD:
KNOWLEDGE TEST COULD BE SCRAPPED
Bradford MDC is exploring the possibility of scrapping its traditional knowledge test for taxi and private hire drivers, raising questions about the continued relevance of this long-standing requirement in the age of GPS technology. The council is currently reviewing its licensing regulations, with the potential elimination of the knowledge test – which assesses drivers’ familiarity with local landmarks, routes, and areas – being a key consideration. While some drivers, like Talib Hussain, argue that a strong understanding of Bradford’s road network is crucial for providing efficient and reliable service, others, such as Taj Mohammed, believe the test has become outdated. “You can’t rely on GPS all the time,” Mr Hussain said. “It can sometimes mislead you, and I believe my driving has significantly improved due to my in-depth knowledge of the city.” Conversely, Mr Mohammed, a veteran driver with nearly 50 years of experience, stated: “I think it’s an unnecessary obstacle now. Even for newer drivers, I don’t see any disadvantage. The more they utilise GPS, the better they’ll learn the city through practical experience.” Nadeem Ahmed, chair of the Bradford Private Hire Operators’ Association, echoes this sentiment, describing the current test as “a bit of an irrelevance” in the modern era of highly reliable GPS systems. The council’s review also encompasses potential modifications to livery and branding regulations, as well as a reassessment of the rules surrounding statutory declarations of previous criminal convictions.
CAMBRIDGE: MANDATORY WHEELCHAIR USER TRAINING
Cambridge City Council is set to introduce mandatory training for cabbies on safely loading and transporting wheelchair users to improve accessibility and boost passenger confidence. The training will address concerns raised by councillors such as Gerri Bird, who recounted instances of her wheelchair being improperly secured. Cllr Bird emphasised the importance of recognising the diverse needs of wheelchair users, and suggested involving them in the training process.
PHTM FEBRUARY 2025
“Every disability is different, and all wheelchair users are different as well,” Cllr Bird stated at a recent licensing committee meeting. While the council supports this initiative, officers are still working out the implementation details, including the cost of training for drivers. Other policy changes discussed at the meeting include mandatory daily safety checks for taxis, the continued display of operator signs on private hire vehicles, and the requirement for people to need a full driving licence for more than two years before applying to be a licensed taxi driver. Cllr Tim Bick raised concerns about the practicality of daily safety checks and suggested a tiered approach with a more comprehensive weekly or monthly checklist for less frequent checks, such as tyre treads. Council officers agreed to consider these suggestions and refine the proposed safety check procedures.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: HUGE SURGE IN LICENCE REJECTIONS
A significant increase in the number of rejected taxi licence applications in Buckinghamshire has raised concerns among local councillors. Between October 2023 and September 2024, the council denied 53 applications, a massive 165% jump compared to the 20 refusals during the same period in the previous year. This data was revealed at a licensing committee meeting in January, where Cllr Nick Southworth said the sharp rise in refusals was ‘staggeringly high’. He questioned whether the surge was due to stricter licensing procedures or just unsuitable candidates. Simon Gallacher, the council’s principal licensing officer, acknowledged that the reason remains unclear, but pointed to a concurrent rise in com-plaints against cabbies, suggesting a possible correlation. “We have made some improvements to our reporting procedures, making it easier for people to report online,” Mr. Gallacher explained. “That might be one contributing factor.” Lindsay Vallis, the service director for integrated transport, emphasised the council’s commitment to rigorous investigative and enforcement activities within the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. The council has also approved a licence fee increase to align with the council’s draft budget. The new fee schedule will see a three-year licence rise from £368 to £387, while a five-year licence for a single-vehicle operator will increase from £593 to £623.
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