ROUND THE COUNCILS ABERDEEN:
KNOWLEDGE TEST BRIBERY SCANDAL
A would-be Aberdeen taxi driver’s attempt to bribe test officials has ignited a fresh wave of controversy surrounding the city’s stringent taxi licensing process. After failing the 80-question Street Knowledge Test a staggering 12 times, Kashif Iftikhar offered invigilators between £700-£800 to pass, according to reports. This incident has reignited long-standing concerns about the test’s efficacy and fairness. It covers streets, landmarks, routes and the Highway Code and has been a point of contention for years. Critics argue it’s an outdated barrier to entry, exacerbating the city’s taxi driver shortage, particularly during peak hours. Iftikhar’s bribery attempts occurred during two separate tests in September and November 2022. Both offers were rejected, and his tests were invalidated after he was caught using his mobile phone to cheat. The bribery incident has amplified calls for reform. With a dismal 18.5% pass rate, the test’s effectiveness and fairness are under scrutiny. The arrival of Uber in 2024 further complicates the situation, with such companies advocating for the test’s complete removal.
BLACKBURN: LICENCES SUSPENDED FOR FAILED MOTS
Blackburn with Darwen Council is taking a hard line on unsafe taxis, announcing that starting in March, any vehicle found with major faults during an MOT test will have its licence suspended immediately until the vehicle is repaired and retested. Currently, drivers whose vehicles fail the MOT at a council-authorised testing station can continue working if they promise to fix the identified issues. However, council officials state that too many drivers have abused this trust, continuing to drive unsafe vehicles and putting the public at risk. The council’s update to drivers explained: “This change is necessary because an increasing number of drivers whose vehicles have these faults are leaving the testing centre and carrying on working instead of taking their vehicles straight to a garage to have the repairs done.” The new policy applies to vehicles tested at the Motor Vehicle Service Station on Davyfield Road. A taxi test costs £62, with retests costing £46 or £32, depending
PHTM MARCH 2025
on the duration. The council’s communication to drivers is clear: “Any vehicle found on test to have a dangerous or major fault (as categorised by the DVSA), will have its licence suspended and plate removed, and it must not be used for private hire or hackney work until the suspension has been lifted on a re-test or a new licence has been issued.” Martin Eden, strategic director for environment and operations, emphasised the council’s commitment to passenger safety. “From Saturday, March 1, any vehicle that fails its MOT test and is categorised as ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ will have its licence suspended and number plate removed,” he said. “We have seen an increasing number of drivers put passengers at risk as they carry on working with defects, rather than getting their vehicle repaired.” Mr Eden added: “Drivers should keep their vehicle in good order to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers, and to avoid failing an MOT.”
ISLE OF MAN: ELECTRIC FLEET FEASIBILITY EXPLORED
The Isle of Man Government is exploring the feasibility of transitioning its entire taxi fleet to electric vehicles, launching a survey targeting taxi drivers specifically. The Climate Transformation Team is spearheading the initiative, seeking input from those who would be most affected by such a change. However, the proposal faces significant hurdles, with taxi drivers expressing scepticism. Mike Birchall, Secretary of the IOM Unite taxi branch and part of the Manx Taxi Federation, believes the idea is impractical. In contrast, Liam Joyce, director of The Executive’s Choice, an all-electric taxi company, is enthusiastic and believes a fully electric taxi fleet would be a positive development for the island. The survey was initiated by the Department for Enterprise following an inquiry from a taxi operator considering purchasing an EV. The operator sought information about the advantages and disadvantages of EVs, as well as the island’s EV infrastructure. While the taxi operator raised concerns about financial assistance, the government made it clear that no such support is currently available, nor are there any plans to introduce it. The survey aims to understand the needs of taxi operators and inform the island’s broader EV charging strategy, currently being developed through workshops.
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