22 June 2009, 09/124
Give us your comments on new plans for
taxis
The Council is seeking views on new measures that will set the
standards that licensed taxi drivers, and their vehicles, will be
expected to meet.
Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles play an important
role in the borough’s transport system. They provide services in
situations where public transport is either not available, for
example in rural areas or outside ‘normal’ hours of operation, or
for those with mobility difficulties. Therefore, it is crucial that
guidelines are set to ensure that licensed vehicles, and their
drivers, meet the required standards.
West Lancashire Borough Council is responsible for licensing
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators
throughout the borough. Traditionally this has been done through a
number of different policies and procedures that had been developed
over a number of years.
Whilst these policies were adequate, they had not been
previously brought together in a concise way. As a result, the
Borough Council has put together a draft policy that will provide
guidance to both the taxi trade and the travelling public in a
single document. This will make it easier for everyone to
understand what standards are expected.
Some key proposals in the document include:
Councillor Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services and Health, said: "We recognise the important transport
service that the taxi trade provide to our community. Therefore, we
hope that this document will provide clarity for the trade, as well
as the travelling public, by establishing clear and comprehensive
standards. Your comments are very important in ensuring that we
produce a document that reflects a contemporary, vibrant and
forward-looking licensing service that meets the needs of all."
This draft document - called the Hackney Carriage and Private
Hire Licensing Policy - is now available for anyone to provide
their comments. The consultation will last for 12 weeks starting
today (Monday 22 June) and will run until 11 September.
The draft policy can be viewed at our taxi licensing page,
where comments can be made by filling in the online form.
Alternatively, comments can be made by emailing licensing.enquiries@westlancs.gov.uk
by post or fax to West Lancashire Borough Council, Taxi Policy
Consultation, Westec House, Derby Street, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39
2DQ. Fax: 01695 585126
Hard copies of the draft policy are available on request by
contacting the Council’s Licensing Service at the above address or
on 01695 577177.
Related information