Taxi Driver Online

Well this seems to overegg things a bit - 'scrapping' ageing vehicles seems to be simply an age rule for replacements, and presumably there are 'mandatory' criminal record checks already? Presumably they're just proposing enhanced checks, or whatever


Cars over four years old will be refused taxi licenses in North Tyneside emissions crack down

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/no ... d-17087121

Wannabe taxi drivers could also face enhanced criminal record checks

Would-be taxi drivers could have to scrap ageing vehicles and face up to mandatory criminal record checks if a proposed licensing shake-up is given the green-light.

North Tyneside Council will launch a public consultation at the end of the month over proposed changes to the way the borough’s taxis and private hire cars are licensed.

Cabinet members agreed on Monday to seek the views of local drivers, residents, and businesses on a revised policy which aims to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, encourage environmental sustainability, and ensure efficient taxi and private hire services in the borough.

Under the draft proposals, no new licences would be granted for vehicles more than four years old. Other key amendments would see the introduction of online applications and mandatory criminal checks.

Coun Carl Johnson, who is responsible for environment and transport, said the proposals were would make sure residents got a good service from local firms.

He said: “This is very important when you consider our fleet is very old, this is important to make sure residents get the best possible service from taxis as well as reducing emissions.”

Coun Gary Bell added: “Historically North Tyneside residents use taxis more than other boroughs around the country.”

A range of stakeholders will be asked for their views on the introduction of a new vehicle age requirement, as part of a plan to improve air quality as outlined in the council’s transport strategy.

This comes after the council’s declaration of a climate emergency in July, when councillors pledged to fast-track the authority’s Low Carbon Plan 2016- 2027 to achieve a 50% carbon reduction four years ahead of schedule.

The public will also be asked their views on things like tinted windows, in- car digital advertisements, and changes to the knowledge test.

The authority licenses around 183 taxis, 1030 private hire vehicles and there is 1097 drivers and 23 operators in the borough. The consultation period will start on October 28 and last for eight weeks.

Stakeholders will be able to provide feedback online as well as in writing. The draft policy will then come back to Cabinet on February 24 2020 and, it is anticipated, the revised policy would be implemented on April 1 2020.

The draft policy can be viewed in the ‘decision making’ section of the council’s website.

TAXIS do not get a fair crack of the whip from this Council regarding TAXI ranks,how do they expect proprietors to be able to pay for vehicle upgrades.Councillors and Officers think everyone works out of a office(private hire) but they do not.
Council claim they are a listening,transparent body but they are anything but in practice.
The worst Council in the land for implementing suggestions from the TAXI trade.