ROUND THE COUNCILS BRADFORD:
NEW TAXI DRIVER KNOWLEDGE AXED
Bradford Metropolitan District Council has voted to eliminate the “knowledge test” for new taxi drivers, citing the prevalence of satellite navigation systems. However, the decision made amidst a packed Bradford City Hall meeting on Thursday 10 Apri, has sparked a heated debate, particularly regarding mandatory vehicle markings and driver safety. The council assures that drivers will still receive training on key city landmarks. But a contentious point remains: the requirement for taxis to display licensing stickers and company names. Raja Khan, a private hire driver, voiced serious concerns, stating: “We’re seeing an increase in private hire vehicles being targeted and vandalised, with windows being smashed. It is unsafe because vehicles are easily identified.” He also highlighted the abuse drivers face due to these markings. Khan argued that modern technology, such as apps and text messages, provides passengers with vehicle and driver details, negating the need for visible decals. “Other drivers are subject to abuse because we have stickers on our cars,” he added. However, Councillor Shakeela Lal expressed safety concerns from a passenger’s perspective. “I wouldn’t feel safe getting into a taxi without any markings on,” she stated. “I’d wonder how official they were.” Lal also acknowledged the existence of “no-go areas for Asian taxi drivers,” further highlighting the complex safety issues involved. council’s hackney carriage and private hire licensing manager countered that not all operators possess the technology to provide passenger details electronically, and that public feedback indicated a preference for visible decals. “When we speak to the public, they tell us they want to see decals,” they said.
HART: COMPLIANCE TESTING INTRODUCED
From 7 April all vehicles licensed by Hart DC are subject to compliance testing. Until now, Hart DC licensed vehicles have been MOT and tick tested. Compliance testing at council approved garages includes all elements of a standard MOT and internal
PHTM MAY 2025
and external cosmetic checks. It is therefore imperative that vehicles are presented for testing in a clean and safe condition. Should a vehicle fail, it can be retested after the reason for failure has been remedied within three working days without a further test fee. If a vehicle fails and is not presented in a satisfactory condition in this time, or if the vehicle has been driven more than 200 miles since the initial test, a full test fee will be payable. However local drivers are unhappy, as they say there are only a limited number of approved garages in the area, for example only two in Fleet, to test over 350 vehicles licensed by the council. So although tests can be booked up to a month in advance, drivers believe there is going to be a backlog.
DUDLEY: ENFORCEMENT ACTION WARNING
Drivers in Stourbridge are being warned that Dudley Council and West Midlands Police (WMP) are planning to take enforcement action along the High Street. Under a nighttime Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), vehicle access to the High Street is restricted between midnight and 4am. During the restricted hours, only licenced hackey carriages are permitted on the High Street, but private hire vehicles have been spotted flouting the rules there with some illegally parking and utilising taxi rank points. Working with WMP, Dudley Council is reviewing signage and markings in the area to make it clear what parking restrictions are in place. Drivers found contravening the order or illegally parking could face a fine of £70. PH drivers risk a review of their licence. Cllr Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “Unfortunately, we have had several reports of drivers ignoring the rules and this could place people at risk, especially youngsters who are out having fun. “WMP will now be undertaking enforcement operations in the area to ensure the TRO is not being breached. We will also take enforcement measures around the use of parking and taxi rank bays.” Hackney Carriage drivers will be able to continue to use the taxi ranks on High Street. Drivers of private hire vehicles and other privately owned vehicles should relocate their meet point away from the High Street and could consider nearby locations such as Lower High Street or Crown Lane.
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