Taxi Policy consultation
In July 2020 the Department for Transport (DfT) brought out updated guidance for local councils on their approach to their taxi licensing function. The Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards guidance is available below. The updated publication has required a revision of the taxi policy to incorporate the changes outlined by the DfT. A list of the proposed changes is detailed below.
The draft policy was subject to consultation for a 12 week period, which ended on Monday 25 January 2021.
Electronic versions of the policy can be emailed on request, alternatively hard copies can be made available subject to COVID restrictions.
List of proposed changes
| 2020 DfT guidance paragraph | BDBC policy paragraph | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 6.2 | 6.4 | Change to 6 monthly check of DBS status using multiple status check facility |
| 4.12 | 6.11 | Licensee self-reporting time frames |
| 5.14 | 4.3 | Further detail on decision making for issuing a licence |
| 4.35 | 6.16 | Clarification on what is needed for overseas criminal checks |
| 7.2 | 21.2 | Basic disclosure from DBS for vehicle proprietor |
| 8.2 | 35.2 and 36.8 | Operator DBS checks, and staff DBS checks |
| 8.9 | Appendix L | New condition for PHO about register of DBS checked staff |
| 8.13 | Appendix L, para 14 | Additional requirements for PHO to take further details when booking customers |
| 4.30, 9.3 | 37.5 – 37.6
Appendix O |
Introduction of a penalty points system |
| 4.10 | 2.7 | Details of police common law police disclosure |
| 4.29-4.31 | 37.7 | Clarification on the investigation of complaints |
| 22.9 | Further details on signage required on vehicles, payment types and complaint method | |
| 29.1 | Further details on council requirement to maintain a list of wheelchair accessible vehicles and the business contact details of the driver | |
| 22.19 | Further details on CCTV and BWV requirements |
Comments received during the consultation period will be considered and presented to the Council’s Licensing Committee, on Monday 22 February 2021, who are required to approve the draft policy with relevant revisions made following consultation.
Documents
Statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards(PDF) [442 kb]