ROUND THE COUNCILS SOUTH GLOS:
HACKNEYS MUST BE WAVs BY 2025
A controversial new rule requiring all hackney carriage taxis to be wheelchair accessible is set to come into effect in July 2025, sparking concerns among taxi drivers that it could lead to a mass exodus from the industry.
The South Gloucestershire Council's regulatory committee approved the measure on 14 November, despite ongoing concerns about the impact on local taxi services. Many drivers have already switched to private hire in recent years, and the new regulation could further deplete the number of hackney carriage drivers available. Disability rights advocate David Redgewell supports the move, arguing that wheelchair accessibility is crucial for individuals who have
mobility
impairments. “Without accessibility, a driver would have to literally take my wheelchair to pieces and put it back together,” he said. “It’s not acceptable.” However, taxi drivers are worried about the financial burden of purchasing or leasing a WAV. Shashikumar Bhurton, director of Bristol Parkway Taxis, questioned the need for a blanket requirement. "Has there been any data to support that we have to all have WAVs?" he asked. A promised survey to assess the demand for WAVs in South Gloucestershire has yet to be conducted, raising further concerns about the decision-making process. Conservative Councillor Keith Cranney
initially
opposed the immediate implementation of the rule, calling for a thorough assessment of the need. He said: "We owe it to the trade to be clear and transparent, and not just make that decision gung-ho until a survey is done. “Until that’s we’re burnished with all the proper facts about how much disability use is needed I think we have no option but to defer. “We’re dealing with people’s livelihoods here. Let’s be fair to all sides.” However, after a closed-door meeting, he abruptly changed his stance and supported the measure. He said: “Having had the opportunity to discuss our concerns, and having taken further advice from officers, I would like to withdraw my earlier motion [to defer the decision].
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"Instead, I would like to propose that, if that committee is minded, we
support the
recommendation to update the council’s policy, so that all hackney carriages are wheelchair accessible from July 1, 2025.” A review of the impact of the new rule is scheduled for six months after its implementation. After the meeting, Cllr Cranney was asked what happened during the recess to lead to his change of mind. He did not provide an answer.
PETERBOROUGH: COUNCILLORS REJECT MANDATORY CCTV
Peterborough City Council councillors have voted against a proposal to make CCTV mandatory in all taxis and private hire vehicles licensed with the council.
The decision, made in a 37-8 vote with nine absten- tions, came after significant opposition from local taxi drivers. The proposed measure, which had been approved by the city's licensing committee in September, would have required drivers to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles at their own expense. These cameras would have needed to be operational at all times during paid fares and while waiting at hackney carriage ranks, capturing both the driver and passengers. Taxi drivers in Peterborough expressed concerns about the additional costs associated with the CCTV systems, particularly given the current economic climate. They also questioned the necessity of such measures, citing low crime rates in the city. Several councillors who voted against the proposal highlighted potential drawbacks, including the risk of drivers registering their vehicles in neighbouring authorities which have less stringent regulations than Peterborough council. They argued that this could lead to a two-tier system, undermining the purpose of the CCTV initiative. While some councillors supported the CCTV proposal, citing potential safety benefits for both passengers and drivers, the majority ultimately voted against it. The council did, however, agree to lobby the government for stricter national regulations on taxi licensing, aiming to prevent cross-border operations and ensure consistent standards across the country.
JANUARY 2025 PHTM
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