ROUND THE COUNCILS CHELTENHAM:
COUNCIL COMMITS TO REVIEWING ITS WAV POLICY
On Tuesday, 21 September, the council announced that the implementation date of 31 December 2021 of its WAV policy for taxis will be removed and has committed to quickly reviewing and implementing an updated WAV policy to bring this into line with its 2030 climate ambition, aiming for Cheltenham taxis to be both WAV and carbon zero. As part of the council’s commitment, the licensing team invited the LEVC to Cheltenham to demonstrate alternative, greener WAVs for Cheltenham taxi drivers to test drive. Cllr Martin Horwood, member for customer and regulatory services, said: “My ambition is to develop a policy where we have a 100% zero carbon and wheelchair accessible taxis. The climate emergency motion passed by Council in 2019 commits to Cheltenham being zero carbon by 2030 and accessibility remains a priority for the council. ‘’The revised policy will be developed through extensive engagement with representatives of the licensed trade and disability groups, with advice from our climate change team. ‘’We need a comprehensive plan covering charging infras- tructure implementation, affordability and finance for drivers,
likely government disability legislation and air quality considerations. In the meantime, I also want to deliver an immediate increase in the availability of taxis for wheelchair users in Cheltenham. To make this happen we are in discussions with an app developer to make it much easier to hail one of the 70 WAV taxis we already have.’’ The council recognises the investment made by drivers who have already converted to WAVs, and will ensure that the further move to zero carbon will be phased in for those with existing WAVs. New applicants will still be required to license a WAV taxi, so the WAV numbers will continue to increase. Andrew Pyrka spokesperson for Cheltenham Taxi Associa- tion added: “We are delighted that the council has decided to lift the deadline on the WAV policy, in light of the difficult times drivers have had over the last 18 months. We look forward to working with the council on a policy that serves the needs of the disabled and protects the environment.’’ Further information can be found here:
https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/11/licensing_and_ permits
CLIENT TRANSPORT SERVICES OPPORTUNITIES IN KENT
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL IS SEEKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM LICENSED HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS/DRIVERS TO PROVIDE HOME TO SCHOOL AND SIMILAR CLIENT TRANSPORT SERVICES
The County Council currently engages with around 400 transport providers but is keen to attract additional suppliers to meet the current and future demand for transport services for our residents.
Please contact the Public Transport Compliance Team to discuss our requirements and the on-boarding process. Call 03000 419929 or email
compliance.publictransport@
kent.gov.uk
New suppliers are also invited to register on the Kent Business Portal which provides
comprehensive information and is where you can view the tender opportunity - search for SS15 124
https://www.kent.gov.uk/business/doing-business-with-kent-county-council/supply-goods-and-services/kent-business-portal
NOVEMBER 2021 23
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