A taxi forum is to be set up in
Richmondshire as part of changes to the district’s taxi and private
hire rule book.
The forum will see members of the trade
representing the whole district.
The policies and rule book have been updated
to ensure the safety of passengers and fairness to the taxi trade –
including introducing knowledge and customer care
courses.
Officers have consulted widely before the
changes have been implemented. They include:
a reduction in the number of testing stations
to two in Richmond/east area and one each in the south and the west
of the district
- all new applicants for a drivers licence are now required to
undertake the DSA test as a pre-requisite of their driver’s
licence
- all new applicants must undertake a Knowledge Test as a
pre-requisite of obtaining a drivers licence
- all current and new drivers will be required to attend and pass
a Customer Care Course - new drivers must pass the course
within 12 months of obtaining their driving licence and current
drivers have until March 2013 to attend and pass the course
- drivers will now be required to undergo an initial medical
examination by a Doctor of their choice as a condition of obtaining
an initial licence. This is required every five years from initial
application, regardless of age, up to the age of 70 years and then
annually thereafter
- a code of conduct has been introduced as a means of encouraging
a consistent standard of service by the trade
- driver should pay particular attention to his/her personal
hygiene and also dress appropriately
- Private Hire Operators will be required to undergo a basic
criminal record disclosure every three years at their expense
unless they already hold a private hire vehicle drivers
licence.
The policy and rule book can be viewed at
http://www.richmondshire.gov.uk/
April 26, 2011
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