LDC Taxi Policy Consultation 

Statement from Cllr Paul Ray re LDC Taxi Policy Consultation 

“I have long been promoting the importance of the taxi service in our area and campaigning for changes to improve the council’s policy for the benefit of users and drivers.

A good taxi service is crucial for a local community and LDC has an important role to do what it can to ensure that we have a good and reliable service. Also as the licensing authority LDC can use and adapt its taxi policy to make a positive environmental impact.

There is now an ongoing consultation by the council on a new taxi policy.        https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/custom/consultations/view/70

I am glad to see proposed changes and encourage responses to the consultation.

A main change relates to the age of taxis permitted by LDC’s policy. At present this is 7 years for new taxis. This is to be extended to 10 years - and then once licensed there is no age limit for EV/hybrid vehicles if they continue to pass a compliance test. This is positive and a real step forward and gives drivers longer to recoup their investment. The longer period will also hopefully encourage more drivers to go EV/hybrid and this will have a positive environmental impact as reduced carbon emissions will lead to improved air quality.

Also I continue to raise enforcement of Uber and other app drivers plying for trade off our taxi ranks. Only Hackney drivers who pay a specific licence fee to the council can pick up off the ranks. I have asked LDC to increase the amount and visibility of enforcement and I was pleased to see that the LDC enforcement team was out over the Bank Holiday weekend.”

Paul Ray.   Chadsmead ward councillor (Lib Dem)

Lib Dem leader, Lichfield District Council