Taxis and Private Hire
Salford City Council has during the course of the year consulted with members of the public and the business community as regards the provision of taxi services in the city. We have also consulted with members of the taxi and private hire trade on draft proposals to update the current council policies and conditions.
The feedback we have received from the initial stage of consultation has helped us to formulate a new and comprehensive draft taxi and private hire licensing policy.
The main changes proposed in the new policy may be summarised as follows:
* Removing the current restriction on the number of hackney carriage licences issued by the council
* Increasing the types of vehicle that may be licensed as a hackney carriage
* Introducing emission standards for all vehicles rather than an age restriction
* A requirement for drivers to undertake additional training to improve the standards of customer care offered to the public and enhance the knowledge, skills and professionalism of drivers
* A requirement for enhanced CRB checks for drivers
* Publication of the examination and testing requirements for taxi and private hire vehicles undertaken by Vehicle management Services.
Hard copies of the policy are also available, to be viewed at Turnpike House Reception, Civic Centre Reception and libraries throughout the city. Additionally, copies can be obtained by contacting the Licensing Section of the council, whose details are below.
The council welcomes responses to this draft policy. You may respond by emailing to
licensing@salford.gov.uk or in writing to the address below. It would be helpful if you would indicate whether you are a member of the public or connected in some way with the taxi trade, and if so how.
Responses must be received by 31 January 2009.
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Regards
JD