New Year’s Eve taxi strike avoided as Herefordshire Council agrees to work with industry

The serious threat of a New Year’s Eve taxi strike in Herefordshire has been avoided as councillors agree to work with the taxi trade on a new licensing policy.

The elected members of Herefordshire Council voted on 9 December that further work was required on the new Taxi and Private Hire Policy 2022-2027.

The planned policy set out the Council’s expectations in relation to matters connected to the taxi and private hire trade. The council say the review is required to ensure the policy remains consistent with Government statutory guidance issued in July 2020.

The Cabinet member and Council officers will now liaise with the trade to ensure that all outstanding matters are considered and worked through, and the updated draft policy will be reported back to full Council in the New Year.

Cllr Ange Tyler, Cabinet Member housing, regulatory services and community, said: “We recognise that it continues to be a challenging time for the taxi and private hire vehicle industry, which is a key part of our transport infrastructure and one we want to help flourish. Public safety is our top priority, which is why it has been so important to update our policy in line with the latest best practice guidance.

“We have been pleased with the feedback that we have received from the trade, and welcomed today’s debate at the meeting of full Council. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the members of the trade who continue to work with us, and I look forward to further discussions on how we can address the existing issues and produce a policy that we are all happy with.”