‘EASILY RECOGNISED’: Rochdale councillor questions whether taxi driver should have dress code as emissions policy approved
- Perry Richardson
- 55 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A new taxi emissions policy has been signed off by the council’s cabinet, pushing back the deadline for vehicle compliance to 2030 in line with Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan.
The policy requires all licensed hackneys and private hire vehicles to meet Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards by 31 August 2030, replacing the original 2025 date.
The move follows a shortfall in government funding. While Greater Manchester authorities had sought £30.5m to support upgrades across both taxi and private hire fleets, ministers granted just £8m, limited to hackney carriage upgrades. As a result, the cabinet agreed the later deadline would give the trade additional time to make the transition without severe financial strain.
In Rochdale, 18% of the licensed fleet remains non-compliant with the new standards. This figure has already fallen from 26% when the previous policy was agreed in 2024, suggesting some progress as vehicles are naturally replaced. Council officers confirmed that adopting the regional timetable will ensure Rochdale’s drivers remain eligible for available funding and avoid being disadvantaged compared to neighbouring areas.
Alongside the environmental policy, a separate issue of professional standards was raised. Councillor Shah Wazir asked whether the council could explore introducing a uniform or dress code for taxi drivers. He argued that taxi drivers are often the first point of contact for visitors arriving in the borough and that smart attire could improve the area’s image while making licensed drivers more recognisable.
No decision has been made on the suggestion, but it is expected to form part of broader discussions about raising standards in the local taxi trade. Consultations are already underway across Greater Manchester on how best to distribute emissions funding, support private hire drivers, and address concerns over out-of-area licensing. The combination of environmental, regulatory and image-related changes shows that the trade is facing both new expectations and new opportunities.
Coun Wazir said: “When people visiting the borough arrive at the train station for example, usually taxi drivers are their first point of contact. First impressions count.
“Is it possible for us to have a dress code for taxi drivers so they can be easily recognised?”
