ROUND THE COUNCILS BURY:
KNOWLEDGE TEST TO BE SCRAPPED
The geographical “knowledge” test for taxi drivers in Bury is to be scrapped. To gain a taxi licence, drivers currently have to take a geographical test correctly identifying locations and the most direct routes in the borough. Revised taxi standards agreed by the council will see the geographical element of the test thrown out due to “changes to modern practices and increased use of GPS equipment”. The current knowledge test for cabbies in Bury sees them asked to pinpoint three locations using a map, face 15 questions on road names of where premises are located and recount two journeys by the shortest route between two specific locations from memory. The new knowledge test would not have any geographical element but would be revised to cover other topics in greater depth which are relevant to public safety such as licence conditions, safeguarding and road signs. The council said the changes were “aimed at modernising and reflecting changes in current operating practices”. It said the new standards would “maintain passenger and driver safety and support the licensed trade”. The decision followed a period of consultation with the public and the industry, and will cover drivers of both hackney carriages and PHVs. The new standards also include changes to signs on vehicles. New standards include the requirement for a rear passenger door sticker on each door, issued by the council, stating “private hire vehicle not insured unless pre-booked with operator”. Signs will need to be stuck permanently to all passenger windows and must contain the plate number, registration number, expiry date and the number of passengers the vehicle is licensed to carry. Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills at the council, said: “We’ve worked closely with the licensed taxi trade and appreciate their co-operation in drawing up these changes, which reinforce our shared commitment to ensure that the service they provide meets the highest standards of safety for drivers and passengers alike.” A spokesman for Bury Private Hire Drivers’ Association said: “The council’s dedication to reviewing policies demonstrates their understanding of the ever- evolving landscape of the taxi trade and their
60 IPSWICH: MARSHAL SCHEME CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
The taxi marshal scheme in Ipswich town centre which helps more than 3,500 people every month during nights out is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It was launched to prevent disorder and violence and help queues flow as quickly as possible. Taxi marshals coordinate taxi queues at the Old Cattle Market bus station every Friday and Saturday from 11.30pm until 4.30am. The scheme is jointly funded by Ipswich Central, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, and Ipswich Borough Council. Mr Passmore said: “It is extremely important that Ipswich has a reputation as a safe and welcoming town where everyone can come to enjoy a drink, a meal or a trip to the cinema and theatre. “Making our town centres safe and prosperous encourages people to visit and spend time and money enjoying what Suffolk has to offer. I am happy to financially support this Taxi Marshal initiative. I can see tangible benefits for the constabulary and for the people in Ipswich on weekend evenings. “People will get home quicker and more safely, and fewer people hanging around when the pubs and clubs close will reduce potential disorder, which in turn will reduce the pressure on the police. Everyone wins.” Terry Baxter, chairman of Ipswich Central, added: “It is of paramount importance that people feel safe whilst out in the evening. Enabling people to find a taxi easily and safely at the end of their evening out is as important as the evening itself. We are delighted to continue to play a role in the Taxi Marshal scheme.” Borough councillor John Cook added: “The marshals are a great example of a successful partnership working between Ipswich Central, Suffolk Police and Ipswich Borough Council. Huge thanks to Stage Security for ensuring that residents and visitors are marshalled safely from the town into taxis at the end of the evening to get home safely.”
JANUARY 2024 PHTM
commitment to meeting the needs of both drivers and passengers. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the licensing service to create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and the highest standard of service within the taxi industry.” The new standards will come into effect for all new applications from January 1.
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