MORE CHANGES TO
Article by Dave Lawrie, Director NPHTA 0161 280 2800
info@nphta.co.uk
We have seen several changes in 2023 including the release of the Department for Transport Best Practice Guidance, which we reported on and provided our views on it, as well as many local authorities combining to create unitary authorities, and so much more - but there is more to come.
We are expecting the release of a new consultation on “levelling up” from the Department for Transport, which will look at the idea of reducing the current number of licensing authorities, from the current number of over three hundred, right down to around eighty regional combined authorities, overseen by regional Mayors.
This brings its own challenges and questions, so it is vital to keep in the loop and keep an eye out for articles where we will post links to the consultation when it is released.
Where it has already happened, the problems or benefits?
Some regions, such as North Yorkshire, have already combined. Zones were dropped but regional conditions remained, which is a contradiction in terms if we ever saw one. Conditions were combined which in many cases failed miserably to simplify things, in fact it created a mess with no clear answers when questions were asked. It also created a situation where hackney carriages from any of the former regions could abandon their areas to flood busier towns, leaving those in need of service provision with little to nothing available, and overcrowding of ranks in busier areas.
Issues regionally and nationally
As always, Karen is taking a multitude of calls daily, your board members are supporting and advising locally, and Steven Toy and I have been busier than ever dealing with enquiries ranging from help with consultations; assistance with policies and con- ditions; support for fare increase proposals; the
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removal of fire extinguishers which are the bane of my life - including the silly suggestion of under- taking office or commercially focused fire extinguisher training, which has zero relevance to the taxi and private hire industry with potential vehicle fires; driver suspensions and revocations; and everything else that we hear about on a daily basis.
Attending events – supporting our industry
This week (week commencing 26 February) we will be attending a forum to discuss the nighttime economy, with a view to expressing the vital importance of our drivers in providing a safe and reliable service to the public going to and from any and all venues, ensuring that all passengers can get home safely, and providing a service that others simply cannot reach.
In March we will be taking part in an Institute of Licensing event in Leicester. There we will be joined by other trade representatives and members of licensing teams to discuss issues affecting the industry, explaining how and why the trade can be helped and supported to create a more streamlined approach which works for everyone.
We will also be on the IoL’s national taxi and private hire working group panel, where we will collaborate with colleagues from Scottish Government, Welsh Government, DfT, DBS, Police, licensing officials, HMRC and a whole host of others.
We will also be having further discussions with the Joint Air Quality Unit, to discuss clean air zones, gain insight and express opinions on your behalf.
Then, of course in May, we will be attending the PHTM EXPO where NPHTA board member, Steven Toy, and myself, will chair the headline Legislation Seminar with speakers and panel representatives from the DfT, Welsh Government, IoL, Bristol Taxi Cop and others, putting the questions that you want answered to the people making the decisions that affect us all.
Make sure you register now for the PHTM EXPO:
www.phtm.co.uk/register Come along and get involved!
MARCH 2024 PHTM
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