Red tape cut for best-run taxis?

OLDHAM Council is to consider removing taxi and private hire licensing regulations — but only for the best-run companies.

The Cabinet will decide today whether to approve the proposed star ratings for firms — from no stars to four stars — and with it, sweep away layers of regulations for the three and four-star firms.

Proposals include a 14 per cent cut in the cost of licensing vehicles, a 47 per cent cut in the cost of an operators’ licence and removal of reporting requirements to the local authority.

The ability to place advertisements inside vehicles and on the outside for purpose-built Hackney carriages, plus removal of rules on the condition of waiting rooms is also recommended.

If agreed, Oldham will be the first authority in the country to adopt a staggered approach to taxi and private hire licensing depending upon the quality of the firm.

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said: “Our taxi and private hire regulation has to be fit for purpose. It has to support our objective of ensuring safe passenger journeys, in safe vehicles with safe drivers.”

The move has been welcomed by the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO), which works with councils to cut red tape on businesses.

LBRO chief executive Graham Russell said: “Tackling rogue traders and supporting law-abiding businesses is something that regulators in every local authority should be doing.

“This is an innovative proposal and we will be watching developments with interest.”

The proposals follow a 12-month study into the market which found there are roughly the right number of taxis for demand in Oldham but more can be done to improve the service.

Farooq Yousaf, of Oldham’s four-star rated Cartax, said: “We as a company are always open to suggestions to improve the image of the trade and the service we give to the public.

“The onus is now on the private hire companies to get their house in order and operate in a professional manner. The benefits awarded to companies with the highest rating has helped greatly in encouraging drivers to seek training and become better at their job.”

If adopted, the proposals would come into force before Christmas.