Hastings council to consult on taxi age limitshttps://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/busines ... ts-7992393Hastings residents will be asked to share their views on extending the lifespan of some taxi vehicles.
On April 27, Hastings Borough Council’s regulatory committee agreed to a public consultation on extending the age limits for eight-seater and purpose-built wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
Currently, they can be no more than 10-years-old to be licensed as a taxi. The consultation will ask residents about extending the age limit to 15 years.
The council will also consult on completely removing the age limit for electric and hydrogen vehicles.
Councillors heard how the changes had been requested by some in the taxi trade, but was considered to be an acceptable proposal by council officers. They said this because of the ‘rising costs and highly-durable nature’ of WAVs and people-carriers and the low emissions of electric and hydrogen vehicles.
In a report to the committee, a council licensing spokesman said: “The financial barrier to entry for modern, purpose-built Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) has reached an unprecedented high.
“As noted [in this report], a Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer now commands a price tag exceeding £63,000. These vehicles are not standard passenger cars; they are engineered for high-mileage, commercial durability.
“Unlike older generations of vehicles, modern chassis and engines are designed to maintain peak performance well into their second decade if properly maintained.
“Forcing the decommissioning of a £60,000 asset at year 10 — regardless of its mechanical condition — imposes a disproportionate ‘depreciation tax’ on operators. This often results in higher fares for the public or a reduction in the number of accessible vehicles available for those with mobility needs.”
For electric and hydrogen vehicles officers said an age-limit could be “inappropriate, counterproductive and result in higher costs to the trade and ultimately passengers.”
The report says low or zero-tailpipe emission vehicles typically have “different maintenance profiles, longer usable lifespans, and higher upfront costs compared to conventional vehicles.”
Councillors also heard how any taxi vehicles over five years in age, even with the proposed extension, would be required to pass two MOTs each year. Vehicles would also need to undergo an annual local authority inspection.
The council would also look at introducing a report from an approved independent garage, covering a vehicle’s: structural integrity; mechanical performance; corrosion and bodywork; safety systems; and (where relevant) wheelchair-access equipment.
The consultation, expected to be launched after the local elections, will last for six weeks.
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