‘UNAFFORDABLE’: York taxi drivers face major challenges under new vehicle licensing proposals if approved
York’s taxi drivers are raising concerns over a new licensing policy that could impose significant financial burdens on their already-struggling industry.
The York City Taxi Association (YCTA) has warned that the proposed changes, currently being reviewed by the council, would make it difficult for many drivers to continue operating.
The new policy, which is scheduled for a final decision on 22 November 2024, would require all hackney carriages to meet strict standards on vehicle emissions, safety, and appearance. These changes are designed to bring York in line with the Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest guidelines, which aim to improve environmental sustainability and safety, particularly for children and vulnerable adults.
At the heart of the proposal is a requirement for all hackney carriages to be black and meet Euro VI emissions standards. This has sparked concern among many of York’s taxi drivers, who argue that such rules are financially prohibitive.
According to YCTA Chairman Arshad Mahmood, the cost of replacing or modifying vehicles to meet these new requirements is out of reach for many drivers, especially those who already own cars of different colours that do not meet the emissions criteria.
“The new taxi licencing policy will put further financial burden on york taxi drivers,” said Mahmood.
Further concerns were raised by YCTA Vice Chairman Nazif Erimhan, who described the changes as ‘unreasonable’ and ‘unaffordable’ for many drivers. He emphasised that the financial pressure would be especially hard for those who have recently invested in vehicles that don’t meet the proposed standards but are still in good condition.
Under the draft policy, petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles producing more than 75g/km CO2 will only be licensed for a maximum of ten years, with exceptions made for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these vehicles will need to meet Euro VI emissions standards and be black in colour.
Another major concern is the new rule on window tinting. The policy stipulates that rear windows must allow at least 30% light transmission. This measure is aimed at ensuring passenger safety, but many drivers are concerned about the additional costs associated with compliance.
While the council has positioned these changes as a way to improve safety and environmental performance in York’s taxi industry, drivers argue that the new standards are too strict and could lead to many being forced out of business. Mahmood has called for a more flexible approach, suggesting that vehicles should be allowed to remain in service as long as they are well-maintained and meet current emissions standards.
“As long as the car meets the Euro emissions standards and is well maintained, it should still be relicensed to drive,” Mahmood said.
The council is set to decide on whether to adopt the new policy in November. If approved, the changes will be introduced gradually over the next three years. However, the debate over how to balance safety, environmental goals, and the economic realities facing taxi drivers is likely to continue, with many calling for a more balanced approach to the city’s licensing rules.
