Star rating plan for taxis

OLDHAM Council will be asked to approve a system of star ratings for taxi companies.

Details of the scheme were outlined to the Committee yesterday, when members heard how the number of stars applicable to a firm would be placed on the door of the private-hire vehicles.

Head of Trading Standards and Licensing, Tony Allen, said the new system would give good companies more room to operate and the poorer ones would come under greater scrutiny.

The scheme would replace the previous league system for taxis, which proved useful, he said, in reminding operators of their responsibilities to maintain a good service.

Four stars would be awarded to excellent companies who met the highest standard.

No stars will be set against those companies which had serious failings.

Highest rated under the new system, if it came into force now, was Cartax Radio Cars.

Three stars would go to 5star, Borough Taxis, County Cars, Crompton and Royton, Delta, Embassy, Lady Jayne Limousines, Startax and Village Cars.

The rest would achieve two stars. They are Britannia, Broadway, Chadderton Cars, Dial A Car, Limeline, Metro Cars, Motown, Oldham Cars, Rollers/Telecars, Royton Cars, Six 0-Home James, Skyline, Street Cars and Traveltax.

Mr Allen said the standard of taxis was getting better because the faults were generally becoming less serious.

l Off-licences which persistently sold alcohol to young people were often escaping detection, Tony Allen told the meeting.

Mr Allen said they intended to get involved in in-depth discussions with the police to work out tactics to weed out the worst offenders.