Taxi Driver Online

...but with a 10-year on rule


Hyndburn: Older taxis could be allowed on borough's roads

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/n ... ghs-roads/

The upper age limit of 15 years old for taxis and private hire cars in a borough could be lifted.

Senior councillors in Hyndburn have been recommended to scrap the restriction for older vehicles in good condition in response to concern from drivers about the cost of replacements.

The change would only apply to already registered cabs and would be accompanied by regular testing of hackney carriages and private hire cars.

In a report to Hyndburn Council's cabinet meeting on Wednesday, licensing manager Wendy Redfern recommend: "The upper age limit to which a vehicle can remain licensed should be removed to enable those members of the trade who maintain their vehicles to a high standard to continue to be issued with a licence.

"Vehicles must be under the age of 10 years when first licensed.

"If a vehicle over the age of 15 fails to be properly maintained and fails a test on three consecutive occasions it will be deemed no longer suitable to be licensed.

"The amendments should initially be made for a trial period of three years."

Her report says: "A consultation has recently been carried out with the taxi trade and public to consider whether the upper age limit to which a vehicle can be remain licensed should be removed.

"This is based on drivers' complaints about the financial difficulties of having to buy newer vehicles.

"If the age limit was removed the testing regime should help to ensure that only vehicles that are safe and suitable and in good condition are licensed.

"The council should ensure that a robust testing system remains in place especially if the age limit is removed.

"There were 52 responses to the consultation. Of those 10 are against the removal of the age limit and 42 in favour.

"An analysis of vehicle spot checks does show that the older the vehicle that is checked the more likely it is to have faults.

"Whilst it may be perfectly reasonable for a proprietor who has maintained his vehicle to a high standard to wish to continue to license it beyond the age of 15, a change would open the floodgates for people to buy old unsuitable vehicles and try to get them licensed.

"If members are minded to remove the upper age limit, they may wish a condition that the maximum age that a vehicle can be when first submitted for licensing is 10 years old."

They must have a shi*t fleet of taxis in that locality.