Draft plans for taxi license changes in Cumberland agreed
They'll be discussed again in January
Councillors have a agreed a number of changes to a proposed policy which regulates taxi drivers in the Cumberland Council area.
Members of the council’s regulatory committee met at Allerdale House in Workington on Monday (November 11) to consider the draft Cumberland Taxi and Private Hire Policy 2025.
It was recommended that they agree the amendments to the criteria consulted on and added by officers which included removing the upper age limit for vehicles.
During a public consultation period, which was extended, the plans proved controversial with drivers and operators due to a penalty point system which would see drivers penalised for not complying with their licence as well an extensive dress code.
Members heard that the text of the dress code have been greatly reduced and further work will be carried out on reviewing the penalty point system before the draft policy returns to the committee for final approval in January next year.
During the meeting the public gallery was packed with taxi drivers some of who had submitted questions to be asked during the public participation part of the agenda.
Speaking after the meeting Christopher Bray, the secretary of the Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Association of Carlisle, said the committee seemed uninformed and did not know the rules and regulations of taxis. He added:
“I can’t see what difference it has made today, none whatsoever.”
He said he was pleased the age limit had been removed and added:
“The age limit had to be lifted so we have got some kind of result because at the moment the white cars, or saloon type taxis, have got to be three years or under to be licenced.”
Mr Bray said that he felt the draft policy could mean the “end of the road” for some drivers in Cumberland and added:
“Without a doubt. We just can’t compete.”
Committee chairwoman councillor Jill Perry (Bothel and Wharrels, Green Party) said they were hoping to get the right policy in January.
She said:
“We’ve listened very carefully to the taxi drivers concerned . We extended the consultation period because it was felt that we were being too speedy with it.
“A number of questions were withdrawn because we had addressed the issues in the course of the meeting so I am happy that we have listened where we can and we will get a good policy in January.”