LATEST NPHTA ACTIVITIES


against the driver. The contents should also be kept up to date, despite the fact that they may never be used, rendering them a little bit pointless to say the least.


Regarding fire extinguishers, we have come across some areas where the heavy object that can very quickly become a weapon, mounted in full view when the driver’s door is open! Some councils checked and confirmed that this was not actually a condition, more a habit, and they didn’t know why.


In the event of a vehicle fire, there is no extinguisher that is fit for purpose. This is now even more apparent with the rolling out of EV and hybrid high voltage battery powered vehicles. For internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the item is mounted in most cases in the luggage area, right on top of the fuel tank.


Maybe now we understand why the fire brigade advice is “GET OUT AND STAY OUT”! so for fire extinguishers, get them out and keep them out!


7. Extension of entry age limits of vehicles


This is in recognition of the impact of Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and the effects that has had not only on availability, but also the hugely over inflated prices of second-hand vehicles. These changes are very much welcomed within the industry and have seen a huge sigh of relief on the part of most.


8. Introduction of new conditions and policies


Many local authorities have already been in, are currently in or are about to launch consultations on conditions and policies that will affect you, your badges, your vehicles and your operations. Please do get involved, have your say, express your concerns or indeed agree with the suggestions made.


9. Removal of local area knowledge test parts of application processes


This change has been made in many regions in recognition of the use of satellite navigation systems (satnavs) which is fine in some aspects but not in others. One of the recommendations we have made repeatedly is quite simple; provide a one-year interim badge and then require that elements such as this be passed, having allowed time to sufficiently


PHTM OCTOBER 2023


learn the area in which you are working - in much the same way as a postal worker, or a bus driver, none of which are tested on routes prior to starting work as they all receive on the job training.


One thing we are very clear on across the board with all courses and testing is simply that there is no benefit in resitting the same tests every renewal, such a requirement does nothing but empty an applicant’s pocket, serving no actual purpose.


10. De-zoning regions and merging of licensing authorities


Merging of local authorities has created huge problems across the industry with varying issues arising, including but not limited to the lack of clarity and understanding within the new departments. In some cases, regional licensing offices remain in place with the requirement to continue as if nothing has changed, when the entire landscape has indeed changed.


Other issues include the setting of fees being disproportionately cheap in one area, whilst being pushed above affordability in a neighbouring area; the removal of zones for one purpose, but the retention of those very same zones for other purposes; the flooding of areas with taxis, whilst creating an absence of availability in the more remote areas.


11. Policies being misinterpreted and incorrectly enforced despite being fundamentally wrong


One example of this being where a policy states that a hackney carriage driver who “intends to make use of a WAV” must sit and pass the wheelchair accessibility course, for obvious reasons, and yet drivers who have no such intention or access to such vehicles and are never likely to, are being forced to ignore that section of policy and sit the test anyway.


With such a variety of issues, such a pick and mix of conditions, we


publication of the DfT Best Practice Guidance. JOIN US TODAY


STRENGTH IN NUMBERS FIGHTING FOR OUR TRADE FOR OVER 30 YEARS!!


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