Revised taxi policy to help maintain high standards

Comments are invited on the council’s revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (Taxi) Licensing Policy.

The draft document – last amended in 2012 – sets out the procedures in place to ensure well-run and responsible operators provide a professional and safe driving service in the Folkestone & Hythe district.

While the policy is a comprehensive guide to prospective applicants, licence holders and decision makers, some of its main points include:

• The introduction of a ‘penalty points’ scheme for breaches of licence conditions to help promote compliance and safety, as well as act as an ‘early warning’ to licence holders
• A requirement for all new licence holders to pass a driving standards assessment and approved safeguarding training course. They must also be on the DBS Update scheme
• Increase the age vehicles can be first licenced from three to four years – this will make it more affordable for drivers to purchase cars, including wheelchair-friendly and hybrid vehicles, while maintaining high standards.

Cllr Stuart Peall – F&HDC Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Regulatory Services, Waste & Building Control – said: “This policy will help ensure licenced vehicles are not only safe, comfortable and insured but also driven by professional and competent drivers.

“It sets out the standards we expect for what is an important aspect of the district’s integrated transport system, especially when public transport is not available or not practical.”

The full document can be found online by visiting folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/licensing/taxi-licensing-policy-consultation

The consultation closes on Friday 9 October 2020, and comments can be sent via email to [email protected] or by writing to Environmental Health & Licensing Team, Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY.

The draft policy will then be considered for adoption, alongside submitted comments, by councillors.

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