Campaigners 'win' over council taxi plans HEAVILY-CRITICISED plans to introduce second-hand taxis to Aldershot and Farnborough have been scrapped.
Rushmoor Borough Council released a taxi licensing policy draft in February, which listed a number of proposed changes to the current policy.
The suggested changes included the introduction of second-hand cars to be used as taxis, to replace the policy of only using new vehicles or those that have been previously licensed in Rushmoor.
An ‘intense’ consultation with both the taxi trade and the public got many people hot under the bonnet, with suggestions second-hand cabs could compromise safety.
Following strong opposition, the council’s cabinet decided to stick to the original policy.
Shaun Orriss, manager of A-Line Taxis, who spoke out against the prospect of second-hand taxis, said: “We are over the moon. We are very pleased.
“It has been an intense consultation period, but I think it is going to help maintain the standards in the fleet we have at the moment.
“Ultimately, Rushmoor is a safe borough as far as taxis are concerned, we are very proud about safety in our area. It is a safe borough and I am glad we are keeping it that way.
“It is a win – although it wasn't us against the council. The council has actually listened to us.”
Rushmoor Borough Council received around 170 surveys filled out in objection to second-hand cabs, as well as a petition with 2,100 signatures on from members of the taxi trade and the public.
John McNab, licensing manager for the council, emphasised that the previous taxi policy had been in place for 20 years, and needed an MOT.
“We had been asked to review our policy,” he said. “It is right for us to look at our policy and to review it from time to time, and check it is still valid.
“As part of our feedback, a lot of people said ‘we do not want this’ [second-hand vehicles]. This was just what we wanted from our consultation.”
The decision was also made in light of an announcement from the Law Commission of a future reform to the law regulating taxis and private hire services, which is likely to change taxi licensing again.
While Rushmoor Borough Council's stance on brand new vehicle licensing has stayed the same, the council has detailed some other changes in the new taxi policy.
The frequency of vehicle inspections and testing will be based on mileage rather than age, with the view that taxis covering a large number of miles will be tested more often to ensure they are roadworthy, and to check for ‘wear and tear’.
The new policy also tightens up requirements around vehicle modifications, and safety checks such as safety recalls and repair and maintenance standards, after a taxi has been involved in an accident.
Rushmoor Borough Council will keep the requirement for all taxis to be wheelchair accessible.
Councillor Ken Muschamp, the council’s cabinet member for safety and regulation, added: “From the public’s point-of-view, our main focus was to make sure that our policies protect taxi customers and other road users, and we feel we have achieved this.
“We are confident that the new policy is both sensible and robust for all concerned.”
source:
http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/21 ... axi_plans_
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