Taxi Driver Online

Guildford taxi drivers 'alarmed' at council's new proposals


Drivers have 'objected to' the plans, which will require them to pass an exam and turn their cabs turquoise

Taxi drivers will meet to discuss what action to take after ‘alarming’ proposals, including a new livery and the requirement to sit an exam, were agreed by the council.

Councillors approved the new policy which will see taxis branded with a Guildford logo and bearing a turquoise colour scheme, and all drivers obliged to pass a BTEC Level 2 Certificate in ‘introduction to the role of the professional taxi and private hire driver’.

The reason given for the colour scheme is to distinguish the taxis from mini-cabs or private hire cars, and for safety and security.

Mark Rostron, secretary of the Guildford Hackney Association, said: “We are taking it step by step.

“We have got a meeting of taxi drivers scheduled and so we are all going to get together and decide what is best to do.

“I think there is widespread alarm that the council has gone ahead with these things, which have been objected to by a majority of taxi driver trade, the principal things being the BTEC and full vehicle livery.”

Drivers have objected to the price they will face for both the exams and the new livery, with the council saying it would pay 25% of the turquoise wrap costs.

According to the council’s consultation survey on the proposals, yellow was the preferred colour for the Guildford taxis.

Out of 263 respondents, 73% felt there should be a requirement for new drivers to complete a qualification prior to becoming a driver, and 55% of 261 people thought it should be extended to existing drivers.

source: http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey- ... s-10638077

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