New licensing proposals in Ipswich could signal change to taxi age limit

By 2020 taxis will need to be less than four years old when first presented for licensing

A new taxi and private hire policy is set to be approved by Ipswich Borough Council as they look to tackle issues surrounding harmful emissions.

The new policy would see a maximum age limit set on taxis in the area, meaning that by 2020 taxis will need to be less than four years old and wheelchair accessible when first presented for licensing.

All private hire vehicles will have to be less than 15 years old when their licence is up for renewal, while the policy says that by 2025, the maximum age for private hire vehicles will be further reduced to 10 years. 

The proposed policy, which has been recommended for approval will run between 2019 and 2022. 

Alasdair Ross, the borough council's portfolio holder for community protection, said: "This policy seeks to set a standard that is amongst the highest in the country with the intention of both protecting the public and retaining confidence in the licensed trade.

"It is designed to promote improved professional behaviour amongst licence holders, to increase their awareness of safeguarding issues, and to allow those that share the Council’s commitment to a high standard of service to thrive.The policy will make it extremely difficult for disreputable individuals to operate within the licensed trade."

The policy will also see a number of other guidelines set out for the industry, including the implementation of a dress code, changes to how drivers are assessed, and a new code of conduct when working, along with an uprating of various safeguarding procedures.

Ipswich Borough Councillors will be discussing the proposal when they attend a meeting at the town hall this evening, 18 September. 

Image Source: Geograph 

Image Author: N Chadwick