Views sought over taxi licensing plans


Residents have one week left to have their say on proposals by Crawley Borough Council to introduce a taxi licensing policy.

The council is responsible for licensing the town’s taxis but does not have an individual policy in place, relying instead on a number of separate documents.

A spokesman said the amalgamation of all the information into one policy would improve standards and public safety when it came to hiring a taxi.

Cllr Michael Jones, chair of the licensing committee, said: “This draft policy is not the finished product. However, it is an attempt to put in writing all the policies of the council relating to the taxi trade in one place.

“We really want to hear the views of people who use taxis and the taxi trade so I encourage everyone to participate and have their say.”

Among the requirements which will need to be met for drivers to be granted a licence will be disability awareness training and the passing of the Crawley ‘knowledge’ test.

No cars will be allowed to be more than 10 years old and drivers will be required to undergo a medical every three years, then every year once they reach the age of 60.

As part of the safety procedures, drivers will be required to inform the council of any deterioration in their health.

Taxi operators will be required to make accurate records of all bookings and to keep them on file for on year.

The proposed policy was put out to public consultation in November and the closing date for comments is Tuesday February 3.

The policy can be viewed online at http://www.crawley.gov.uk/taxi or at the town hall, The Boulevard. Comments can be made at the town hall, online at http://www.crawley.gov.uk/taxi or via email to taxis@crawley.gov.uk

http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/l ... -1-6546864

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