Taxi Driver Online

Taxi licensing fees and charges to remain reduced for next year

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/n ... next-year/

Taxi licensing fees and charges are to remain reduced for the next year in one Lancashire borough.

Following Blackpool Council’s decision last year to reduce taxi licensing fees and charges to support businesses in the taxi trade it has been agreed not to increase costs for operators and also reduce licence fees for their drivers for 2022/23.

The impact of the pandemic on taxi businesses has been difficult with a downturn in the number of licensed taxi drivers and challenges faced in recruiting new drivers.

The shortage of taxi drivers has had consequences in particular on the night time economy, where many people including those who are vulnerable have not been able to obtain a taxi home after a night out, which has caused anxiety for many people and health and safety concerns.

The recently approved council decision will see a 22 per cent reduction in a three year driver licence and its renewal, which will make accessing the industry more attractive to both new and existing drivers.

To provide additional support, the council has also decided to continue with the success of the temporary one year driver licence in place until March 31 by introducing a one year option from April 1 to new and existing drivers.

The cost of a new one year licence is set at £75 and the one year renewal set at £65.

Blackpool Council cabinet member for enforcement, public safety, highways and transport, Councillor Neal Brookes, said: “We have committed to keep fees and charges reduced for another year.

“Having seen the positive impact that this has had last year on recruiting within the licensed taxi trade, it will help bolster the economy as well as provide a better and safer licensed taxi service to residents and visitors to the area.”

Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association have been in dialogue with the council over a period of time in relation to concerns in the reduced number of drivers and requests to consider fees and charges.

Bill Lewtas, Secretary of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association said, “We are very pleased to learn about this reduction in taxi driver license fees.

"We raised concerns with the council about the difficulties recruiting drivers and they listened.

"By reducing taxi driver license fees to a figure which is one of the lowest in the country, it is hoped to attract people into driving a Blackpool Taxi.”