Members of the public are being invited to a ‘sit-in’ event to test new vehicles which may be used as taxis in Manchester.
The demonstration event comes as part of a consultation exercise following Manchester City Council’s decision to review its hackney cab licensing policy. The vehicles will be available at Albert Square, in central Manchester, from 10.30am – 2.30pm on Wednesday, 20th February.
Council officials say the aim of the event is to encourage taxi users, including disabled people, to give their views on the city’s licensing policy.
Conditions of Fitness
In the past, the Council’s policy has been to license only those vehicles that would be licensed by Transport for London – almost all ‘London style’ black cabs made in China by Geely, for LTC.
However, at the end of last year the Licensing and Appeals Committee agreed that a 12-week consultation should take place with all relevant parties to find out people’s views on the vehicle specifications contained in the city’s conditions of fitness.
Interim Policy
The review comes on the back of Cab Direct’s successful application to license the Peugeot E7™ in Manchester.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment, commented: “Hackney cabs are an important means of getting around Manchester, transporting thousands of residents and visitors around the city. It’s important we get this right and make sure our high standards, particularly regarding disabled access to these vehicles, are maintained.
“We’re holding this event to enable members of the public to see different vehicles for themselves and give us their views about hackney carriages in Manchester.”