Wakefield Council is bringing in legislation which would stop drivers from using taxis manufactured before September 2016. The proposed move has been negatively received by drivers who say around 90 per cent of their fleet would be forced off the road.
Wakefield District Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Association say the new rules will prevent drivers from providing an essential transport service to wheelchair users.
Petition in Progress
A petition was immediately set up and has already been signed by 200 drivers, which the association say will be submitted to the council.
Wajid Ali, Wakefield District Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Association Chairman, said: “Our customers are upset we can’t provide them with the service they deserve, but it’s out of our hands.
“Under the Disability Discrimination Act it’s up to local authorities to help drivers be disabled-friendly.
“The NHS used to provide transport for patients to and from hospital, but they’ve cut back so much and we’ve picked up a lot of that work. That’s one area where taxis have a vital role to play in our society.”
Concerns Over Council
Councillors will discuss the plans to bring in more legislation in the coming weeks. Mr Ali expressed his concerns, claiming that the system in Wakefield is already “over-regulated” and says the council are not being “business-friendly.”
He said: “Our vehicles are already subject to tests every six months, while every other local authority checks are carried out once a year over five years, and then periodically after that. It costs us £160, and we’re paying that twice a year for no reason.
“There’s no chance that will change with this new legislation. If we get so much as a parking ticket, we must inform the council within seven days. We can’t do anything without the council knowing about it, so this will make no difference.”
Consultation Backing
Wakefield Council Interim City Solicitor, Liz Ogden, backed the consultation. She said: “Following extensive consultation, we have updated our hackney carriage and private hire vehicle standards as part of our commitment to ensure that passengers and drivers are safe when travelling and that vehicles meet emissions standards.
“Those drivers whose vehicles do not meet the new standards have been given a two-year period to comply with the new legislation, meaning that they would not need to change their vehicles until 2020, by which time Euro 6 diesels would potentially be five years old and cost less.”
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