Changes to how taxis and private hire cars are licensed in North Tyneside have been approved by Cabinet.
Following an eight-week consultation where almost 100 local drivers, residents and businesses shared their views on the revised policy, the plans went before Cabinet on Monday 24 February.
The proposals aim to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, encourage environmental sustainability and ensure efficient taxi and private hire services in the borough.
Cllr Carole Burdis, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Engagement, said: “We are committed to ensuring that, here in North Tyneside, we have taxis and private hire cars that work well for our residents, businesses and our local environment.
“These plans allow us to ensure the safety and welfare of our residents who use taxis, while also supporting our commitment to maintaining a healthy environment in North Tyneside.”
The revised policy follows the council’s declaration of a climate emergency in July 2019, when councillors pledged to fast-track the authority’s Low Carbon Plan 2016-2027 to achieve a 50% carbon reduction four years ahead of schedule.
To help meet this, the policy promotes the uptake of zero and ultra-low emission vehicles and to grant licences only to vehicles that comply with specific age requirements.
No new licenses will be granted for vehicles more than four years old from 2022, with existing licences requiring a vehicle less than eight years old for any future renewals from 2024. Electric and zero-emission vehicles will be exempt from these age standards.
Other key amendments will see the introduction of online applications and mandatory sign ups to the DBS update service. The public were also asked their views on things like tinted windows, in-car digital advertisements, and changes to the knowledge test.
The authority currently licenses around 183 taxis, 1030 Private Hire Vehicles, 1097 drivers and 23 operators in the borough.
The taxi licensing service is delivered on behalf of North Tyneside Council by its partner Capita.
The full policy can be found on the council’s website here.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Capita Local Public Services, part of Capita plc, is dedicated to making processes smarter, organisations more efficient and customer experiences better across the local government, health and education sector in the UK. We unlock value for our clients by applying talent and technology. Responsible for operating all of Capita’s major local, public sector partnerships, we deliver a wide range of specialist services including IT and digital transformation, customer management, revenues, benefits, finance, infrastructure support and regulatory services, education support and back office processing.
Capita Local Public Services can also draw on specialist capabilities, such as HR, payroll and procurement from across the wider Capita group, to ensure the very best market knowledge and outcomes are achieved.
In November 2012 Capita entered into a partnership with North Tyneside Council to deliver a range of technical services: engineering; property; planning; building control and public protection.
