7 August 2009, 09/162
Half way road for taxi consultation
comments
Responses have been very positive so far on draft
proposals setting out new standards that licensed taxi drivers, and
their vehicles, will be expected to meet in West
Lancashire.
The consultation period on the Hackney Carriage and
Private Hire Licensing Policy has now reached the halfway mark and
some views have already been received on the document.
West Lancashire Borough Council has written to all taxi
drivers, as well as numerous individuals and
groups that will have an interest in the new proposals, to tell
them about the document and to encourage them to give their
comments.
Already many have indicated that they can see the benefits
of having set standards in place but it’s important that we get as
many views as possible from the general public too.
Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services, said: "Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles play
an important role in the Borough’s transport system. They provide
services in situations where public transport is either not
available, for example in rural areas or outside ‘normal’ hours of
operation, or for those with mobility difficulties. Therefore, it
is crucial that guidelines are set to ensure that licensed
vehicles, and their drivers, meet the required standards, which is
why we have put together this new policy. I’m delighted that the
trade are taking the time to comment and I hope that the general
public also take this opportunity to have their say over the next
six weeks."
The reason the new policy is needed is because the Borough
Council (who is responsible for licensing Hackney Carriage and
Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators) wants to bring all
the different policies and procedures, it currently has, together
in a concise way.
As a result, the Borough Council has put together a draft
policy that will provide guidance to both the taxi trade and the
travelling public in a single document, rather than several. This
will make it easier for everyone to understand what standards are
expected.
Some key proposals in the document include:
- Introduce a new dress code for drivers
- Clarify the medical fitness standard for licensed
drivers
- Introducing an age limit of 15 years for all licensed
vehicles
- Amend and improve the knowledge test for new
drivers
- Refuse to licence the front passenger seat of hackney
carriages on safety grounds
- Introduce policies to help promote the use of
environmentally friendly practices
- Review of all existing licence conditions
The consultation is running until 11 September. The draft policy
can be viewed at www.westlancs.gov.uk/taxilicensing where
comments can be made by filling in the online form. Alternatively,
comments can be made by emailing licensing.enquiries@westlancs.gov.uk
or by post or fax, using the contact details below:
West Lancashire Borough Council
Taxi Policy Consultation
Westec House
Derby Street, Ormskirk
Lancashire L39 2DQ
Fax: 01695 585126
Hard copies of the draft policy are available on request by
contacting the Council’s Licensing Service at the above address or
on 01695 577177.
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