IN THE
NEWS...IN THE NEWS..
MP IMRAN HUSSAIN SPEAKS OUT ABOUT TREATMENT OF OUR TRADE IN BRADFORD
Bradford East MP Imran Hussain has written to the Leader of Bradford Council asking a number of questions regarding the council's treatment of HC and PH drivers. In his letter Mr Hussain stated that numerous taxi drivers have approached him regarding their treatment by Bradford Council’s Hack- ney Carriage and Private Hire Service, with many deeply worried about the way in which the service has been operating. Many of the concerns related to “excessive delays” in renewing drivers’ licences, with the delays leaving drivers unable to work and facing further financial difficulties caused by the Coronavirus crisis. Mr Hussain also highlighted delays and obstacles in plating new, eco-friendly vehi- cles, despite the council’s push to improve air quality and implement a Clean Air Zone in the city centre. He pointed out that this is again preventing drivers from working and is putting their livelihoods at risk. Bradford Council’s lack of communication with drivers has also been singled out for criticism, with many experiencing long delays between raising issues and receiving
a response. Mr Hussain said: “Bradford’s
taxi
drivers are an impor- tant and much valued peg in our local econ- omy, but over the last few months, they have been hit hard by the Coronavirus crisis with decreased trade
because of lockdown and many spending their own money in ensuring that their vehi- cles are safe. “Yet despite the challenges they have faced and continue to face, the support they have received from Bradford Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Service has been woefully insufficient, and their treatment in many cases has simply been deeply unac- ceptable. “Bradford Council’s leadership now need to take an urgent look at the work of the Hack- ney Carriage and Private Hire Service and how it can be improved to meet the needs of our taxi drivers and to address the chal-
lenges that they face, not put even more in their path.” A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We empathise with all of the difficulties facing the trade and we continue to process appli- cations as they are received. There was a drop in the number of applications during the full lockdown period because of the uncertainty caused by a decline in trade. Due to this, we offered a ‘licensing holiday’ so that they could suspend their operating costs and re-apply for a licence when they were ready. "Once the situation began to improve, we received around three times the number submitted with the required documentation to be processed without delay. “The service is also expanding to accommo- date additional vehicle testing which will facilitate the introduction of all new vehicles without any detriment to the processing of currently licensed vehicles. We thank the licensing trade for their patience during this difficult time. "We are happy to meet with the MP to hear any continuing concerns he may have.”
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16 OCTOBER 2020
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