Radical changes are mooted for taxi trade
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burtonmail-news/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=393845
PROPOSALS to modernise the taxi trade in and around Burton look set to take a massive step forward.
A meeting to be held at Burton Town Hall early next month is likely to see planned new Hackney carriage and private hire policy and procedures approved.
East Staffordshire Borough Council has put forward 18 recommendations to ensure the trade is 'fit for transporting the public in the 21st century'.
Among the recommendations are that applicants should take the Driving Standards Agency test, abide by a formal dress code - which could mean wearing full-length trousers and not wearing headgear which covers the driver's face - and display in the cab an identification plate expected to cost £8.
Plans are also in the pipeline to introduce standard door panels and for all Hackney carriages to be wheelchair accessible from 2012.
A report compiled by Andrew Bird, the borough council's director of health, environment and leisure, said: "The review has resulted in a single, comprehensive policy document being produced, the content of which shall help ensure the vehicles and drivers licensed by the council are 'fit' for transporting the public in the 21st century."
The report goes on to say recent changes in legislation, the advance in technology and the choice of vehicles have prompted the need for policy amendment.
It is seen as an 'opportunity to overhaul the rather piecemeal, and in some instances, fairly dated policy documents already used'.
Mr Bird believes the policy will lead to a 'consistency and transparency' in the taxi trade which will be regularly reviewed.
The recommendations were put first forward in January, 2008, and consultation with taxi drivers and stakeholders then followed.
Elements of the original proposals caused a furore among drivers, prompting them to form the East Staffordshire Private Hire and Taxi Association.
Council bosses had originally proposed that drivers undergo a costly new medical examination, and undertake a BTEC course to learn about subjects like customer service, equal opportunities and health and safety.
However, taxi drivers say they are pleased that the course has now been made optional in the new guidelines, and that an enhanced standard medical has been put forward rather than the more expensive alternative.
Burton taxi driver and association chairman Mohammed Ikhlaq said: "We are working with the council to get the best results for trade and for the council.
"The biggest issue with the council is safety. As for what matters to us, we are happy the BTEC course is optional and that an enhanced standard medical is being proposed, rather than the Grade II medical, which we had concerns about.
"We are willing to do anything which revolves around public safety."
The recommendations look set to be approved at the council's licensing committee at Burton Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3.
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