IN THE NEWS WINDSOR AND MAIDENHEAD COAT OF ARMS LIVERY CONSULTATION
The Royal Borough coat of arms could soon no longer be required on taxis in a bid to encourage a move to hybrid and EVs. At a meeting on 16 October, RBWM licensing panel considered pro- posals to consult with hackney carriage drivers about removing existing mandates on colour and decoration for hybrid and EV taxis. All new taxis in the borough have been required to be white and feature a purple bonnet and boot plus the coat of arms since 2012. However, a council officers’ report notes this has long been unpopular with drivers due to costs. The report reads: “The livery gives RBWM hackney carriages a unique appearance in comparison with
traditional black taxis, makes them readily identifiable to residents and visitors who may not be familiar with the differences between HCs and PHVs, and provides a smart, uniform appearance. “The livery has been unpopular with drivers mainly due to costs of having it applied and because it reduces the amount of private work they can get as potential clients might be put off by it.” Officers noted the need to move taxis and PHVs away from fossil fuels and towards electric and hybrid for “environmental and reputational purposes” as well as the looming 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The Licensing Panel noted the
report and: i) Agreed that research should be conducted into the availability and cost of electric, hybrid HCs and all other vehicles, and whether the models available complied with requirements for wheelchair accessibility,
ii) Agreed that consultation should be conducted with users, HC drivers and all other interested parties as to possible changes to the livery on any licensed vehicles, and
iii) Agreed that the results of the research, the consultation and options for changes to the livery on licensed vehicles, be brought to the next Licensing Panel meeting on 13 February 2024.
PLANS TO TURN PLYMOUTH’S TAXIS GREEN COULD BE SCRAPPED
Plans to turn Plymouth’s taxis green could be scrapped along with the famous “knowledge” test and a ban on cabbies wearing jeans. Plymouth City Council has laun- ched a consultation on contro- versial changes it brought in last year and is now considering a U- turn. The council is asking drivers, cab firms and passengers for their thoughts on major changes to the Licensing Policy which was form- ally implemented in May 2022. The council is considering altering it: “to take into account the current economic conditions and the cost of living”. A report was signed on 17 October, giving the go-ahead for the four-week consultation on October 23.
PHTM NOVEMBER 2023
Key changes include: • Review and or revoke the livery policy which requires new hackney cabs to be green and white by 2027 - although the council will still require them to display door signage.
• To remove the Knowledge Test for PH drivers to encourage more applicants to enter the trade.
• To allow drivers to wear black jeans as part of the dress code.
A year ago Plymouth taxi drivers complained after being offered £200 by the council towards the cost of turning their black cabs green and white. The cabbies called the payment an “insult” saying it will only cover about 10% of the cost. The Plymouth Licensed
Taxi Association penned a strongly worded letter claiming there had not been a proper consultation on the taxi licensing policy. Cllr Sally Haydon said: “While the aim of the green and white livery was to make Plymouth cabs distinctive and drivers feel proud of where they are from, we are aware that it is currently very difficult to source the white vehicles needed to create the green and white look. “They are expensive and the second-hand market is non- existent. Plymouth cabs will still be recognisable by the council brand on doors with their licence details.” To take part in the consultation until Thursday 23 November visit:
https://tinyurl.com/ywuj6hf5
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