It doesn't actually say here, but I'm guessing the vehicles in question may not be just standard saloons, since they're apparently used for SEND contracts. But who knows?
But, whichever they are, you'd guess they'd be replaceable for under the claimed £45k for one under ten-years-old, whatever type of vehicle it is
Reading - Taxi firms upset over 'damaging' policy change
https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news ... cy-change/
The director of a private hire firm in Reading has slammed the council over proposed changes which could damage their business.
Sikander Hayat, 56, who runs Prompt Cars Limited, has said new rule changes, which reduce maximum age of licensed vehicles from 12 to 10 years, will 'ruin the whole trade'.
The rules, which have come into force in the town, are being phased in over the next couple of years.
Firms in the town said the measures may force them into strike action, or lead them to register their vehicles with other councils including West Berkshire or Wokingham.
Mr Hayat said the difficulties they face mean some drivers will struggle to put food on the table for their families.
He currently operates some vehicles within the company which are 12 years' old and three or four of those are above that limit.
He said: "This is very difficult for the whole trade.
"We feel very frustrated. There is no reason for this policy.
"To replace one of these vehicles, it could cost £45,000 and we just do not have the money.
"We're a deprived community."
Mr Hayat's company provides transport for pupils with special educational needs to and from their respective schools, which will now have to be reduced.
He said: "SEND children will be affected because we help a lot of schools in Reading.
"The market is very slow [as it is] and we do not get as many customers as we used to so we're struggling to cope.
"We will have to shift to neighbouring councils. We are looking at all the options to deal with this."
Naz Akfram, a manager at Ace Cars said taxi firms are 'struggling as it is' and that these new measures exacerbate their financial struggles even further.
He said: "I feel sorry for the people who are working [in this business].
"A lot of the drivers have said once these vehicles finish, they will not buy another vehicle because they cannot afford it.
"We have seven or eight drivers who cannot afford to buy another vehicle."
A spokesman from Reading Borough Council said their main priority is to ensure the 'best possible protection' of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, while being 'fair to drivers and operators'.
The council said: "The new licensing policy brings together a number of separate policies which relate to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators.
"The Hackney Carriage trade has been subject to rules on vehicle emissions and vehicle age for many years and we took this opportunity to update regulations and ensure they met our main objectives of keeping all passengers safe, and vehicles to a high standard.
"The policy also contributes to the council aims of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in the town.
"A consultation on the new policy was held last summer and meetings were held with Hackney Carriage and Private Hire representatives, resulting in several changes to the original proposals."
Mr Hayat said he has spoken to councillors in hopes they will consider suspending the new policy.