‘PRESSING ISSUE’: Oldham taxi driver criticises council’s licence collection delays

A veteran taxi driver from Oldham has spoken out against what he describes as a “pressing issue” which is financially impacting local drivers.

The driver, who has been in the trade for over 20 years, claims that self-employed private hire and hackney cab drivers in the borough are struggling due to a policy unique to Oldham.

The problem, he says, is compounded by the council’s licensing office, which operates on limited hours, despite serving nearly 2,700 drivers.

Speaking to the Oldham Times, the driver expressed frustration with the office being open only 15 hours a week. This restricted service, he explained, makes it difficult for drivers to get back on the road promptly after mandatory MOT tests.

A major issue is the council’s two-day plate collection policy. Taxi drivers must surrender their licence while their vehicle undergoes its MOT. However, they cannot retrieve the licence until two days later. With the office closed on Fridays and Mondays, drivers are often left without the ability to work for several days, directly impacting their income.

The driver told The Oldham Times: “For many of us, this time off the road directly impacts our income.”

Drivers are required to undergo two vehicle tests annually. The second test allows them to stay on the road, but the first, or renewal test, requires them to attend the office – a process that becomes particularly problematic if it falls on a Thursday or Friday.

This forced downtime, especially over weekends, is hitting drivers during critical earning periods. The driver stressed that for many in the trade, losing workdays results in significant financial strain.