:sad:Changes to the approach to taxis in Reading could see petrol and diesel cars used by drivers phased out in the next five years.
Taxis in Reading are divided into hackney carriages, more commonly known as black cabs, and private hire vehicles which have to be pre-booked.
Changes to how taxis operate could be coming as Reading Borough Council is devising a strategy for how they could be used for 2023-28.
A main aim of the council is to phase out the use of petrol and diesel only cars and vehicles in an effort to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
A key action for the council for taxis and private hire vehicles is to require all vehicles used to be either electric or hybrid by 2028.
This would mean that the 225 taxis, 392 private hire vehicles and 118 executive private hire vehicles would all have to be electric or diesel by that year.
Changes to taxi operations moving forward could see more app-based taxi services introduced in the future.
The strategy states: “The adoption of new technology by the sector and most significantly by the public, has resulted in a much-changed sector. The biggest change is the ease with which passengers can engage services using an app on a mobile phone.
“The council is supportive of technological developments which both improve the customer experience and ensure safety measures are adhered to. App-based companies are licensed in the Borough and are subject to the same conditions and requirements as other operators.
“The council will consider new applications which are in line with this strategy and comply with legal requirements.”
While an attempt by Uber to get a licence to operate in Reading was rejected in 2016, a similar company Ola Cabs won permission to operate in 2019.
The strategy also addresses private hire driver hopes to get access to bus lanes.
Currently, bus lanes can be used for buses, black cabs licensed in Reading and cabs licensed elsewhere that are wheelchair accessible.
Last year, the Reading Private Hire Association was set up to advocate for these drivers and also push for access to bus lanes, such as the outbound lane in Kings Road.
The outbound bus lane in Kings Road, Reading. Private taxi drivers had proposed to be allowed to use the bus lane for a six month trial period. Credit: Google Maps
The strategy states: “The council will continue to monitor the use of bus lanes and consider if any further traffic orders could be trialled or introduced.
“The council considers that any changes to access must not undermine bus services and reliability and, if made, should primarily support Reading licensed vehicles.”
It was added that the council may consider restricting taxi access to bus lanes for less polluting vehicles only.
The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Strategy 2023-28 is currently under consultation.
You can take part in the consultation by emailing
licensing@reading.gov.uk.
The deadline for responses closes on Monday, September 18.
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