York’s new taxi rules aim for safer, greener rides but raise driver affordability concerns
York is set to introduce new taxi and private hire regulations that council leaders say will make the city’s services among the safest in the UK. The upcoming changes aim to not only enhance safety measures but also promote lower emissions and offer more accessible travel options for disabled passengers.
The new Taxi Licensing Policy, shaped by an extensive 12-week consultation, incorporates national guidance and has been influenced by feedback from taxi users, drivers, police, disabled residents, and York Hospital.
The policy requires vehicles to meet Euro 6 emission standards, a move aimed at improving air quality across the city. Additionally, the policy promotes more wheelchair-accessible vehicles and seeks to extend safeguarding measures for drivers and operators, ensuring a higher level of passenger confidence.
One significant change is the colour-coding of vehicles. Hackney carriages, which can be hailed on the street, will need to be black, while private hire vehicles will be restricted from using black, to clearly differentiate between the two services. This change will be phased in gradually over the coming years.
However, not everyone is on board with the new regulations. York taxi drivers, represented by the York City Taxi Association (YCTA), have voiced concerns over the financial strain these changes could impose. Drivers worry that the cost of modifying or replacing vehicles, particularly those that don’t meet the new emission standards or colour regulations, will be too much for many to bear, especially in an industry already feeling the pinch.
The Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee has been presented with a report on the proposed changes. A full discussion on the policy will take place at a Council meeting scheduled for 21 November.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “For many residents, taxis are a key form of transport and source of employment. It’s essential that they are properly and fairly regulated to ensure their safety and supply. Operators and drivers in York must be well-informed and highly qualified to deliver a great and safe service to their many, and often disabled or vulnerable, passengers.
“The new standards we’re setting put us in line with national best practice guidance and raise the safety and cleanliness of the city’s taxis even higher, plus put greater emphasis on driving standards and road safety, to help protect all road users. I look forward to seeing the full and detailed report next month.”
