Taxi Driver Online

Liverpool's taxi drought and what is being done about it

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/li ... g-22898769

What is the city council doing to make more cabs available as the city gets back on its feet

The covid pandemic has had a big impact on many aspects of our lives - and ordering or flagging down a cab is just one of them.

Like many other cities, Liverpool has been experiencing something of a 'taxi drought' over the past year after large numbers of drivers moved on to different roles during the lockdowns.

As a result, people have reported facing huge waits while trying to get cabs in the city for some months now.

But with restrictions now lifted and more people returning to doing the things they love in Liverpool - what efforts are being made to ensure there are taxis and private hire vehicles to help them get around?

Ahead of this week's full Liverpool Council meeting, Liberal Democrat Councillor Alan Tormey asked what steps are being taken to increase the number of Hackney and private hire drivers working in the city - and to ensure there are enough vehicles available at peak times on Friday and Saturday nights in the city centre.

In its response, the council said demand for licenses was low during the pandemic as a 'direct result of three national lockdowns.'

But it said that prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant, there were signs this demand was picking up with more new driver vehicle applications received.

A statement said: "The council have worked closely with Unite the Union, our approved training provider, putting on extra courses for new drivers by increasing the number of drivers who have successfully passed our street knowledge test from 15 a week to over 30 per week.

"All these drivers have then gone on to take out either a private hire or hackney carriage licence with Liverpool City Council."

It added: "The council Taxi Licensing team have taken advantage of social media promoting the benefits of being a licensed driver with Liverpool. In a further attempt to advertise and promote the role of a private hire or hackney carriage driver and encourage applicants, we have had staff carry out leaflet dropping in certain areas of Liverpool."

The council said that throughout the lockdowns it continued to provide its full taxi licensing service and supported drivers who couldn't renew their licences by allowing them to renew their licence plate.

The statement added: "Liverpool currently has the one of the largest numbers of licensed hackney carriage fleets in the country (1426). Significantly more than many of our similar cities.

"Every three years the council undertakes a survey of the hackney carriage provision in order to identify any unmet demand. This survey is currently underway and being carried out by an independent company.

"When published, the council will thoroughly digest the information contained within the final report, taking cognisance of all recommendations and action all that are deemed necessary and appropriate."

Is that the job of the council ?

Should ratepayers money be spent in that way ?

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

FFS.

_________________
IDFIMH

The truth is Liverpool Sefton and Knowsley and a few more licensing authorities around here Have not been able to keep up with normal licensing duties, some vehicles are still waiting
For the licenses and the plates for the back of the vehicle from four months ago and I know one driver who is still waiting for his drivers license from February last year, they're all trying to make themselves look good in front of the counsellors, And it's the drivers that Are going to end up getting a kicking by what these officers come out with , Sefton seem to be happy with drivers from Sefton licensing in Wolverhampton as they are looking in to Sefton enforcement team being authorised to inspect Wolverhampton plated vehicles,
Personally I think that the Merseyside licensing authorities will end up being taken to court Not yet but when this is finished, you can't quantify your losses until you get to the end

_________________
Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!