Pendle proposes new taxi safety rules after trade talks
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Pendle Council are to consult on revised taxi licensing rules aimed at improving vehicle safety following years of discussion with the local trade.
The proposed changes come after concerns were raised over mechanical standards in licensed vehicles. The council initially decided to introduce a mandatory daily vehicle check via an app. That move was paused in December 2024 to allow further talks with operators. A working group, made up of councillors and trade representatives, was then set up to help shape the way forward.
Among the key proposals is a new approach to vehicle age limits. Vehicles already licensed can continue operating up to 12 years of age. However, new vehicles must meet Euro 6 emissions standards, be hybrid or electric, or be wheelchair accessible. There will be no age limit for these lower-emission or accessible vehicles.
Vehicle testing rules are also set to change. An annual MOT will still be required and can be carried out at any garage. In addition, a six-month taxi test must be completed at a council-approved testing station.
Drivers could face licence suspensions if their vehicles fail spot checks for major or dangerous defects. A stepped penalty system will apply, starting with a two-week suspension for a first offence, increasing to four weeks for a second, and referral to the committee on a third occasion within two years.
Daily vehicle checks, either using an app or a paper form, will be mandatory. Any failure to carry out the checks properly, or dishonesty in recording them, will result in the same tiered penalty process used for spot check failures.
A further change sees the removal of the 50% vehicle failure rule previously applied to private hire operators. The local knowledge element of the driver knowledge test is also being dropped.
The council is now seeking to put the revised policy out for a six-week consultation period. Feedback from that process will be used to finalise the policy, which will then be submitted to the full council for adoption.
