The latest taxi news in Greater Manchester is that they are considering implementing new standards that will affect all black cab and private hire drivers across its 10 boroughs. Councillors have also confirmed earlier this month that they will proceed with implementing a Clean Air Zone after securing funding from the UK government. This would, unfortunately, see taxi drivers hit with penalties for driving older and heavier polluting taxis.
New Rules for Taxi & Private Hire Drivers
A public consultation has been arranged by the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) proposing a new list of standards covering drivers, operators and taxis. The new rules for taxi drivers include a new dress code, more training including in the English language and better background checks. The public largely endorsed these proposals and around 57% of taxi drivers agreed that the changes were about protecting their passengers.
Changes for taxis included standard vehicle colours, age limits, emissions and the introduction of CCTV. Again this was supported by the 88 % of the public who responded but by less than 25% of taxi drivers. The proposed timetable was far from popular with the trade and was due to come into play in April this year. With COVID restrictions and the introduction of the new clean air zone the timing isn’t great for many who are trying to get back on their feet. Council officers have suggested that the plans are delayed until January 2022.
The UK’s Largest Clean Air Zone
Meanwhile, the council has confirmed they’re proceeding with introducing the UK’s largest clean air zone in Greater Manchester. Air pollution in the area is said to contribute to around 1,200 deaths a year and Mayor Any Burham is fully committed to making improvements. He said, “Coming out of the pandemic I think we’ve got to get a lot more serious about people’s health and health inequalities that we have in this city-region and across the country.”
From May 2022 any vehicles that fail to meet the emission standards will be affected. Costs for taxi and private hire vehicles will be £7.50 a day with a fine of £120 for those who don’t pay the charge. Those who meet Euro 6 standards will be able to continue to drive in the zone and will not have to upgrade to electric taxis. The funding of £120m is there to help upgrade older vehicles, pay for new vehicles and improve road infrastructure. Taxi drivers will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to retrofit their cabs and grants will be available for those who cannot retrofit their existing cars.
Mercedes Benz Vito Taxi
We’re delighted to bring back the Vito Taxi at a new lower price to taxi drivers and operators of £34,995. Vito Taxi is Euro 6 compliant and approved in Greater Manchester. We also have a great range of electric taxis if you want to go greener. Please contact us to find out more, read our latest taxi news or enquire online.