Modern, safe and customer-focused taxi services for Nottingham are the aim of a new strategy being launched by the City Council.
Hackney taxis and private hire vehicles are recognised to be an essential part of the transport mix but it is clear that they need to make big improvements in how they operate, from the quality of vehicles to the level of customer services provide.
The new taxi strategy will see the Council working with the taxi trade in Nottingham to help it improve the customer experience through:
New modern electric taxis
Upgrading the drivers’ code of conduct
Introducing a new booking app
Ensuring that driver identification is made easy
Introducing a customer feedback service to be advertised in all taxis
Councillor Nick McDonald, Portfolio Holder for Business, Growth and Transport, said: “This is a plan to modernise the taxi services in the city and to make sure that they play their part in delivering a modern and effective transport option. As the Licensing Authority we will make sure that Nottingham’s taxis become among the best in the UK – just like our public transport options. This means getting on board with cleaner, low carbon vehicles, better customer service and ensuring that the taxis and their drivers adhere to strictly controlled standards.
“We will not issue licenses for diesel vehicles older than 5 years and by 2025 all Hackney carriages will have to comply with clean, low carbon standards. This is really important to improve Nottingham’s air quality. At present none of the Hackney cabs meet the Euro 6 emission standard and 82% of the private hire cars are either petrol or diesel powered.”
A Driver Improvement Penalty Points Scheme is to be introduced in April to make sure that all drivers of City Council licensed vehicles adhere to expected standards and drivers will also undertake a fit and proper person test to allow them to gain a taxi licence.
The ten-point scheme, for both Hackney carriage and private hire vehicle licence holders, will set out the standards for driver behaviour, customer service and passenger safety and apply penalty points for vehicles operated in an unroadworthy condition, failing to transport passengers safely, not observing parking restrictions and failing to use a taxi meter for journeys within the city.
An improvement or creating council employment and pushing trade into hardship ?
lets hope so this is a great opportunity 