New rules on way for taxis in Shropshire
Better safeguarding, more wheelchair friendly vehicles and an end to cross border hiring of drivers are among several changes being made for taxi and private hire cars across Shropshire.
Shropshire Council’s cabinet, which meets next Wednesday, is being asked to accept a new licensing policy for hackney carriage and private hire vehicles when the current policy ends on March 21.
In his report to cabinet, responsible officer, director of public health, Rod Thomson, says the new policy reflects the council’s current and future priorities, in particular in relation to protecting people from harm, promoting health and managing the environment.
The proposed policy increases the criteria that must be satisfied before a person will be deemed a fit and proper person to be a licensed private hire operation or hold a licence as a vehicle owner.
“Drivers will continue to be required to meet the robust criteria that was introduced in 2015,” he says.
The report says the proposals take into account the findings of the Independent Enquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham and the wider implications of exploitation generally, including modern slavery and human trafficking.
Banning crossborder hiring, where a driver refused a licence by Shropshire Council can get a licence from another council then operate across the county, will also help safeguarding the report says.
Mr Thomson said that the policy brought in new emission standards, further reducing those introduced in 2015.
He said: “It is acknowledged that motor vehicle emissions are the primary cause of poor air quality and this impacts on human health and the environment.”
However, after consultation with drivers and operators it had been agreed to incorporate an age-restriction requirement for vehicles to meet emission requirements.
Similarly the policy requiring hackney carriage vehicles to become wheelchair accessible will also include a transitional period.
Councillor Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council portfolio holder, said there had been consultation across the county with drivers and operators.
He said: “We want to ensure we have the best taxi service in the country and the best drivers.”
