ROUND THE COUNCLS MID SUFFOLK: POLICY PUSHING CABBIES TO THE EDGE
A councillor has called for action after taxi firms across mid-Suffolk say a controversial new policy is pushing them towards “breaking point”. Last month Mid Suffolk District Council introduced a requirement for taxi drivers who first apply to have a vehicle less than eight years old. However, operators claim they cannot afford to purchase newer vehicles and have warned a number of firms will have no choice but to close. Earlier this year, around 60 industry representatives attended a council meeting to discuss the policy. “I’m in favour of repealing this decision,” said Cllr Jessica Fleming. “At the meeting, I told those in attendance that we would look to permanently revoke the ban in the future. Unfortunately it’s not easy to do so and we hit some problems. “However, I’m still determined to repeal the policy because I have seen no evidence that an older car, providing it is properly inspected, poses any safety problems to the public. It’s very important for me to resolve this because the taxi trade is so important. “It’s still under negotiation and I won’t give up easily.” The council says the policy has been implemented in an effort to “protect the public and environment”. Cllr Andy Mellen, leader of the Green Party, said: “I do not think that Mid-Suffolk’s licensing policy, which is gently steering taxi firms away from older, polluting vehicles, is a significant factor, and in fact a more modern taxi fleet which included hybrid and electric vehicles would be significantly cheaper to run. “What hard-pressed taxi operators need however, is a support package of grants or loans to enable them to transition towards cleaner, more efficient vehicles.” However, a number of firms argue there are better ways to gradually achieve this and that vehicles younger than eight years old are not necessarily more eco-friendly. Despite the policy impacting what vehicles firms can purchase, existing cars that are older than eight years can remain in use. However, companies argue this is a problem for those who are looking to expand or see current cars written off. “Because of this policy, we can’t hire new drivers,” said a Stowmarket taxi firm. “If a vehicle goes off the road, we can’t replace it because we can’t afford it. So many drivers are giving up and leaving. Some companies are using the vehicles they’ve got until they can’t be used
PHTM OCTOBER 2022
anymore and then they’re knocking it on the head. “We’re having to deal with this and a rise in fuel prices. “There’s danger of some taxi operators going under.” A council spokesman said: “We recognise the role that our taxi trade plays and the challenges that the industry faces. Ultimately, however, we
are
responsible for ensuring our policies meet the DfT standards and also protect the taxi-travelling public and environment. “We believe the requirements for drivers who first apply to have a safe vehicle less than eight years old, and for existing drivers with fossil-fuelled taxis that are over ten years old to have their vehicles checked more frequently, is a reasonable balance between protecting the public and the needs of the trade. “We are aware, however, that there has been some confusion since the introduction of this new policy earlier this year, and we will be writing to all local operators shortly to clarify the situation and offer further support if required.”
SWALE: LONG WAITS TO TAKE KNOWLEDGE TEST
Long waits for Swale Borough Council knowledge test appointments is killing the trade. One operator told PHTM: “Swale Borough Council has a waiting list for knowledge tests and no one can get an appointment now until 1st December. They moan about drivers licensing in Wolverhampton but are doing nothing to prevent this by holding up drivers. In fact they are encouraging people to go down this route by being inflexible and not providing more tests which are needed as we are all short of drivers. “Then when they lose their licence fees they will put up our licences to cover the loss in revenue. “Our council sets a knowledge test even though we all run computer dispatch with sat nav in built and have enhanced DBS checks. “The reason they give for setting a knowledge test is to ensure the general public is getting decent drivers. This wasn’t the answer I expected as I thought that was what the DBS was for. “The council is taking on average three to six months from start of application to gaining a badge. It is such a long process that people give up. They are killing us. “I’ve put pressure on them stressing they are failing to encourage people who want to work from doing so and causing companies and the public shortages in cabs. It’s disgraceful!”
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