Cabbies are asked to keep their shirts on as licensing rules are reviewed in West Lancashire
TAXI drivers who motor around bare chested and wearing flip flops could risk their licence under new rules. Licensing chiefs have put together a whole raft of recommendations as part of a shake-up of the service.
Bosses said they are not expecting drivers to wear shirt and ties but they do want them to dress “respectfully”. Complaints about some drivers driving around bare chested in hot weather and others wearing flip flops have prompted the move.
The dress code is part of a series of measures being put forward by West Lancashire council, which covers Ormskirk and Skelmersdale. There will also be improvements required for their knowledge of the road, area and licensing rules and standard of vehicles
Licensing manager Paul Charlson said: “This is about appropriateness. We’re not asking for a shirt and tie but a reasonable standard of dress, but the key issue is safety, for example flip flops. Loose or trapped footwear on a vehicle also causes safety concerns.
“It’s not a criticism of drivers – a lot of what’s in the document is common sense.”
The recommendations include:
A new dress code for drivers.
Clarification of the medical fitness standard drivers must pass.
15-year age limit for all licensed vehicles.
An amended and improved knowledge test for new drivers.
Hackney Carriages not being licensed to carry front seat passengers on safety grounds.
Introduction of policies to help promote the use of environmentally friendly practices .
A review of all existing licence conditions.
Cllr Andrew Fowler, portfolio holder for community services and health, said: “We hope this will provide clarity for the trade, as well as the travelling public, by establishing clear and comprehensive standards.”
The draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for comment and can be viewed on
www.westlancs.gov.uk/taxi licensing, where comments can also be left.
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