Hyndburn Council taxi age limit requirements could be eased as new review begins

Hyndburn Council are looking to ease taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) age limit requirements as part of its latest licensing review.

Currently, licensed vehicles over ten years of age must undergo testing three times a year and are issued a licence for a four-month period, except for hybrids. However, as an incentive to encourage owners to properly maintain older vehicles, a six-month licence is granted on the third consecutive occasion when the vehicle passes its test.

The proposed change under consideration would allow all vehicles between the ages of two and fifteen years to be granted a six-month licence, regardless of whether they are hybrid or not. Once a vehicle reaches fifteen years of age, it would revert to the current system of three tests per year and be issued a four-month licence.

The council is also considering removing the requirement for vehicles to carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. A spokesperson for the council stated that these requirements may no longer be necessary due to certain factors, leading to a proposal for a consultation on the matter.

One of the reasons cited by the spokesperson is the advice given by the fire authority, which states that in the event of a vehicle fire, individuals should promptly leave the vehicle and move away from it. Additionally, the spokesperson highlighted that only trained first aiders are permitted to administer first aid.

The consultation process will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to express their opinions and offer feedback on the proposed amendments. The council will then carefully assess all responses before making a final decision on whether to implement the changes.

A Hyndburn Council spokesperson said: “Currently all vehicles should carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. We are considering removing this requirement for the following reasons.

“If a vehicle is on fire the advice given by the fire authority is to leave the vehicle and move away from it. The fire extinguisher in the vehicle would not be sufficient to put out and engine fire etc.

“Only a trained first aider is permitted to administer first aid so a condition which requires the driver to carry a first aid kit would appear to be unreasonable.

“Currently all vehicles over the age of 10 years have to be tested 3 times a year and are only issued with a licence for 4 months excluding Hybrids. However if a vehicle over the age of 10 years passes its test the first time on 3 consecutive occasions it will be issued with a 6 month licence on the third occasion. This was introduced as an incentive to encourage owners to maintain older vehicles to a high standard.

“The licensing manager has now been asked to commence a consultation relating to the above requirements. The proposal to be consulted upon would amend the conditions to allow all vehicles between the age of 2 years and 15 years to be granted with a 6 months licence regardless of whether they are Hybrid or not. Once a vehicle reaches the age of 15 years it will revert to 3 tests a year and be issued with a 4 months licence.”