Proposed policy to force Crawley taxi drivers to replace cars over 10 years old "could force people out of work" A PROPOSED new policy for taxis which could see older vehicles having to be ditched even if they are still in good condition is causing friction between drivers and the council.
Crawley Borough Council's licensing committee has drafted a new policy outlining the requirements for vehicles and drivers to ensure public safety.
But one particular aspect has rubbed some drivers up the wrong way as it would force them to buy a new car when it reaches ten years of age.
While the logic behind the move is sound in that it would lower the risk of vehicles in a poor condition being used as licensed taxis, some drivers feel it could force them out of the profession.
The rule would apply to private hire vehicles and Hackney Carriage vehicles – those which pick people up from taxi ranks in the town.
Shahzad Malik, a Hackney Carriage driver who lives in Latimer Close, Langley Green, said: "The system which is already in place has been working well.
"When you first get your licence your car shouldn't be more than four years old.
"Then you have a compliance test every six months to check the vehicle.
"Now, once they reach ten years old they can't be driven as a taxi. Age shouldn't be a criteria.
"There are taxis on the rank which are 14 years old and which have done 180,000 miles.
"But there are taxis which are on a 2009 plate, which have done 350,000 miles. In the current economic situation when there is not much work, drivers are struggling already. Some drivers would be forced out of work."
Michael Jones, chair of the licensing committee, said any concerns could be raised during a 90-day public consultation, which began last Monday (November 3).
Other requirements for drivers will include taking disability awareness training, having very specific signs to let people know the vehicle is a taxi and driving cars which meet certain specifications.
Many of these requirements were already in place but the policy, if adopted, aims to set requirements out more clearly.
Mr Malik is also concerned that Government legislation around taxi licensing, which is currently going through Parliament, could supersede local policy.
The 36-year-old said: "Due to the timing there is a high risk that the whole process (of drawing up the policy and carrying out a consultation) could end up being a waste of time because the national law would surely take precedent.
"So there is a high risk of public funds being wasted."
Cllr Jones, however, said the council will still have the ability to impose its own set of rules locally, regardless of national policy.
He added: "The condition and safety of the taxi fleet in Crawley is one of the council's duties.
"The policy proposes standards which reflect that older cars will need to be replaced over time. At some point, that will inevitably mean setting some sort of age limit."
Read more:
http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/Proposed-p ... z3JFn2sUTS
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