Rotherham set for taxi and PHV consultation looking at ‘out of town’ drivers and sub-contracting

The Rotherham Council Cabinet has approved plans to hold a public consultation on proposed changes to the Hackney Carriage (taxi) and Private Hire Licensing Policy. The consultation aims to ensure that licensed drivers, vehicles and operators working in the borough continue to be of the highest standard.

The proposed changes include focusing on "out of town" vehicles and sub-contracting of fares, vehicle age and emissions, offences added to the list of convictions that exclude drivers, vehicle testing, driver application process, and vehicle signs.

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was introduced by the Council in 2015 and is regarded by some as the benchmark for other local authorities.

Public drop-in sessions will be held across the borough where people can get more information and talk about the proposed changes. A survey will also be posted to the Council website when the consultation goes live.

The consultation is set to open in July and will run for 12 weeks. Responses will be used to create changes to the policy, which will then go back to Cabinet for approval.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “Rotherham taxis and private hire cars are strongly regulated, but we’re always striving to improve vehicle and customer safety. For us to be able to do this, we need to listen to your views and make any necessary changes that will further strengthen taxi licensing for customers, drivers and operators.”

Chair of the Licensing Board, Cllr Sue Ellis, said: “I’d encourage all residents to take a look at our proposed changes and let us have their thoughts on them. It’s only by working together that we can further improve and protect our communities.”

“The Council is a beacon for good practice nationally and it’s essential that we continue to lead the way when it comes to taxi safety.”