Talks over taxi rules continue

THE problem of taxis operating in Oldham but carrying a license from Rossendale Council is set to continue - despite calls to stop the practice.

The licensing team at Rossendale Council has said it isn’t imposing “intended use” rules that generally require a private-hire vehicle to operate mainly in the area in which it is licenced. The clause has already been introduced in Oldham as part of a move to increase safety and security in hire cars.

Concerns were originally raised by local residents, private-hire companies and the council after several Rossendale-licensed taxis were seen operating in the town during 2012 and early 2013.

Last June Rossendale’s licensing team told Oldham Council it would bring in the intended use rule and Oldham’s principal licensing officer, John Garforth, suggested the changes would be introduced before the start of 2014. But in a statement last week, Rossendale Council confirmed it hadn’t imposed the intended use rules. Oldham council is to continue to press the issue.