Taxi licensing in Hyndburn set for major reviewA MAJOR review of taxi licensing is expected to change approaches to Criminal Record Bureau checks, badge applicat-tions and driver conduct.
Proposals for an overhaul in licensing the trade in Hyndburn will be set before councillors for app-roval next week.
Main changes include a code of conduct for cab drivers and an option reducing the present ann-ual drivers’ licence applications to just once every three years.
The council said it hopes to cut down on bureaucracy within the trade with fewer applications. However licensed drivers would now need more regular CRB checks – every three years instead of the present five.
The deputy leader Clare Pritcard said: “Also increased will be DVLA driver endorsement checks.
The proposals call for annual checks instead of the present rule of every five years.And A code of conduct would be introduced, along with disciplinary and enforcement measures.
The code calls for a ‘civil and orderly manner’ and alert to their respon-sibility for the safety of passengers.
Drivers should not eat, drink or smoke or play the radio without a passenger’s permission. No dress code has been introduced but drivers are expected to be ‘clean and respectable in dress’.
If approved, it will be the first time Hyndburn has had a comprehensive policy on how vehicles, and drivers, are licensed, and what checks are made on their safety and suitability.
Andrew Baxter, from Hyndburn taxi firm Max Cabs said they were look-ing forward to seeing the completed document.
He said: “We will definitely be going through it in intimate detail because past changes from Hyn-dburn Council have cost taxi drivers quite a lot of money.
“We’re not clear at the moment which proposals will actually go in, but we are going to pay very close attention.”
Further consultations are exepected to address frequency of vehicle testing in relation to age of vehicles. The draft proposals go before councillors on Wednesday, July 31.
Coun Clare Pritchard said: “It’s a good robust policy which I think helps both drivers and public be more clear on what our rules are.
“It’s been a long time in the making and we have been speaking with both Hackney and private hire drivers throughout”
source:
http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/ ... or_review/
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FAQ
but, are they going to be taking the drivers trousers down with regards to prices or are the prices going to make it beneficial to get a 3 year badge? 
