New approach to taxi licensing and checks in RushmoorTAXI drivers across Rushmoor will be given more extensive assessments and background checks after new licensing rules were approved by the borough council.
As part of the council's transformation programme, an assessment was carried out on the current licensing service, which was found to be limited and insufficient.
Under the new policy, given the green light by the council during a meeting on October 4, drivers will be subject to new background checks, including DVLA record checks, immigration and licence history checks.
Drivers will also be given extensive skills assessments, being tested on their literacy and numeracy skills.
Tighter controls will also be imposed on vehicles used as taxis, with enhanced MOT tests and regular service checks. All vehicles must meet European emission standards. They will also be subject to stronger safety checks.
The council's 'System's Thinking' report on the new licensing stated: "We believe that the service of providing a driver and vehicle to convey persons from one place to another needs to be appropriately regulated to prevent the less than honest or able persons from undertaking such work or, more appropriately, to allow only those individuals and vehicles that are safe and suitable to undertake such work.
"However, we also recognise that while licensing of the taxi and private hire trades seeks to protect the public from the unscrupulous, too restrictive an approach can work against the public interest.
"This can potentially create barriers of entry to the trade, restricting the supply of taxi services, and subsequently, having unintended safety implications.
"In summary, we want to enable good business for all concerned by providing quality, timely and value-for-money taxi licensing and regulatory services that reasonably ensures the safety and protection of both the public and other road users and provides for a suitable and efficient public transportation service for all in the community."
Speaking after the meeting, Shaun Orris, manager of A-Line Taxis, said members of the taxi trade were glad the council had listened to their concerns.
He said: "Ensuring the quality and safety of taxis in the area is not just something that's important to the council, it's very important to the trade as well.
"A lot of the report is common sense, but the council have gone through it fairly and carefully and we have licensing that will protect the trade and customers, which is what is important."
As councillors voted the new licensing through, Cllr Les Taylor said the council should take notice of what it could achieve when it put party politics to one side.
He said: "I would like to congratulate all members for the hard work that went into this process and making this report.
"It shows the great benefit when we all work together. This report has been accepted by all councillors in its entirety and it has the full support of the taxi trade.
"That's a wonderful thing and it shows that democracy works. It's disappointing to hear so many councillors attacking each other in this chamber. We are all here to benefit Rushmoor and this report proves that we can all do it."
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