A proposed change to licensing policy, which would mean vehicles entering the taxi trade could be no more than four years old, will be considered by the council’s cabinet next week.
They will be asked to give the go ahead to begin consultation about the introduction of an age restriction policy which would help cut emissions and promote a cleaner fleet.
The policy comes as part of a drive towards a regional emissions standard for taxis and private hire vehicles, which the 12 North East local authorities agreed should be pursued in 2018.
If adopted, the ‘Euro 6’ standard would apply from July 1, 2020 – meaning that any new vehicle wanting to enter the taxi trade could be no more than four years old and from July 1, 2023, existing vehicles could be a maximum of eight years old.
Fully electric and zero emission vehicles would be exempt.
Last year South Tyneside council declared a climate emergency and pledged to take all necessary steps to become carbon neutral by 2030, including producing a climate change strategy, supported by a five-year action plan, by March 31, 2020.
Coun Mark Walsh, lead member for housing and transport, said: “The introduction of these changes would help us move towards our goal of a carbon neutral future as well as having a significant impact on air quality and improving public health.
“Taxis are an important part of the transport mix in the borough and it’s important that we get the trade’s views on this. No decisions have been made and we’re keen for them to engage in the consultation and tell us what they think.
“This is about looking to the future and as a council, we are committed to creating a transport network that allows us to travel in a healthy, efficient and sustainable way.”
If given the go ahead, changes to the council’s existing tint policy, which specifies the minimum amount of light transmittance permitted through windows of taxis, will also be considered.
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WALSALL
A taxi driver says he fears for his family's safety, after his car was set on fire outside his home in Walsall.
CCTV captured the moment a man poured petrol over the vehicle before setting it alight.
Mohammed Basharat was at home with his family when the arson attack took place.
The taxi driver, who uses the vehicle for work, says he has no idea why he was targeted and is even considering moving house to protect his family.
The attack, which happened in the early hours of Friday (7 February), also damaged a nearby home which caused the front door to melt.
West Midlands Police is investigating the incident and appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2020-02-12/taxi-driver-s-car-set-on-fire-in-walsall/
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CHESHIRE WEST
A TAXI driver broke the law by accepting an immediate booking in his private hire vehicle.
Mohamed Darda, 44, of Cromwell Road, Ellesmere Port, attended Chester Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to all charges.
He was fined £261 and received six penalty points for invalidating his insurance, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £32.
In a private hire vehicle, the driver cannot pick-up passengers without a prior booking (called plying for hire); this is illegal and also invalidates any insurance in place.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Licensing Team launched an investigation following a report that on the evening of Saturday, July 27, 2019 on Egerton Street, Chester, Mr Darda had picked up two members of the public off the street in his Toyota Avensis and had then transported them to Daresbury.
It was later found that there was no prior booking in place when checks were made with his private hire operator.
The court heard how Mr Darda initially lied when being interviewed.
https://tinyurl.com/uw4zgxa
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