MANCHESTER CLEAN AIR PLAN AND MINIMUM
On the 8th October 2020 Transport for Greater Manchester launched an eight-week series of consultations encompassing the ten-borough Clean Air Plan, as well as the proposed Minimum Licensing Standards to be brought in across the region for all taxis and private hire vehicles.
The consultation period finishes on 3 December, so we wanted to make sure that any PHTM readers within the region whose livelihood will be affected by the proposals are made aware of these consultations, and given the opportunity to respond to them.
GM CLEAN AIR PLAN: THE BASICS
Government has directed Greater Manchester to introduce a Category C Clean Air Zone across the region in spring 2022 (this was postponed from 2021 due to the pandemic). Under the plans, non-compliant taxis and PHVs would pay a daily charge of £7.50 to drive in GM.
The ultimate goal is that all taxis and PHVs in the region would be zero-emissions capable (ZEC) by 2029.
The consultation document sets out the series of funding pack- ages that are proposed for both taxis and PHVs, along with the aim to provide 30 electric charge points across the region for the exclusive use of licensed vehicles.
It is crucial that as many licence holders as possible respond to this consultation. So far the word is that more members of the public – whose vehicles will not be affected by the CAZ charg- ing – have responded to the consultation than have taxi/PHV licence holders. That will have to change, if the trade in Manch- ester wants to make an impact in all this.
To see the full details behind the GM Clean Air Plan, and to respond to this consultation, go to
cleanairgm.com
GREATER MANCHESTER MINIMUM LICENSING STANDARDS
At the same time GM is proposing to implement minimum licensing standards across all the ten boroughs: Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Salford, Trafford, Stockport and Wigan.
The object of bringing in these minimum standards at the same time as the Clean Air Plan is “to give customers the confidence to choose GM-licensed services over out-of-town services, and help secure the long-term future of the trade”. It is up to you to tell GM whether these measures will do that, or just the opposite.
FOUR AREAS ARE FOCUSED ON WITH THE NEW STANDARDS:
Drivers: Common standards on criminal record checks, medicals, knowledge test, English language, driver training and dress code.
Vehicles: Emission level minimums, vehicle age restriction (not on after five years, off after ten years); standard colour – black for taxis,
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white for all PHVs; all taxis to be wheelchair accessible; other parameters for vehicle testing, CCTV, executive hire, vehicle design and licensing requirements.
Operators: PH operator staff will require basic DBS, more stringent require- ments in relation to booking records; operators to take more responsibility for the behaviour of their drivers.
Local authorities: Timing of licence applications to be agreed; develop common enforcement approach and framework to which licensing fees are set; training for councillors reviewing licence applications.
For all the details surrounding these proposed Minimum Licens- ing Standards, and to respond to this consultation, go to:
gmtaxistandards.com
SO WHAT DOES THE TRADE MAKE OF IT ALL?
As you might imagine, the controversy surrounding these two consultations is rife, in particular because Greater Manchester is pressing forward with the two plans during the worst time the industry has ever known.
PHTM spoke with several licence holders both before and after the consultations were released; their views are diverse and very much of interest.
Karl Warburton, Unite (Manchester Hackney Carriage), Greater Manchester Taxi Trade Coalition: “We feel the consultations are not appropriate given the current situation regarding the Covid- 19 pandemic. However, the GM authorities have pushed them out into the public domain so we would encourage drivers to take some time to fill them in as best they can.
“If you do not wish or feel able to fill them in fully there are tick boxes which allow you to skip questions. This is our opportunity to have a say about our trade and its future. If you feel that the required modernisation is not affordable then say so. If you feel that the current proposals will damage your business then say so.
“It’s time for the GM taxi trade to stand up to the potential conse- quences of the CAP and MLS. You do it through the consultation whilst we engage with them in meetings, and together we will get the results we all need to secure a future for all.”
Abdul Khayal, NPHTA Board member, chair – Oldham Taxi Association: “In Oldham this consultation was started in 2018 and several lectures were given, and an online survey was car- ried out. Over 2,800 individuals responded but the result was not very encouraging.
“This time the trade is reading and discussing amongst them- selves and different groups, but unfortunately not very clear aims have been given by GM authorities because most grants are allocated to TfGM or bus associates. Government has given instructions with an empty-handed guarantee so far.
“We are in a most critical time through this unpredictable Covid situation. The Manchester mayor is protecting or working for
NOVEMBER 2020
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