‘NEW YORK CABS’ PLAN FOR CITY
TOWN HALL BOSSES EYE YELLOW TAXIS
TAXIS across the region could be in line for a radical shake-up as the mayor looks to make them safer, greener, more consistent – and distinctively Manc.
A common livery could be created and rolled out across the conurbation, with bosses looking to New York’s yellow cabs for inspiration.
They want taxis in every borough to be recognisable as from the region – and become part of Greater Manchester’s identity, as in the Big Apple.
Mayor Andy Burnham is preparing to consult with the public and the trade about bringing in a uniform ‘minimum standard’ for both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
It is understood that would look at standardised rules for drivers, as well as operators, vehicles and enforcement practices across each of the ten councils.
That could include tougher thresholds around driver qualifications and prior convictions, as well as on the age and emissions levels of individual cabs.
Shared practice among the ten council panels who decide on the region’s licenses could also be introduced.
The process is expected to be rolled out slowly over several years, due to the ongoing issue of drivers from other local authorities crossing the border and undermining standards.
The problem has long been a major bugbear of many councils – and local firms – that require new legislation to solve.
Town hall bosses have been discussing the plans in private for several months and are said to be broadly in agreement that a common approach should be considered.
Senior figures at several town halls across Greater Manchester told the M.E.N. they were in favour of the move in principle.
A ‘high level’ paper on the issue is expected to go before the region’s combined authority at the end of the month, followed by discussions with the trade and a public consultation.
One senior town hall figure said there was ‘an aspiration’ that at some point every borough in the region would operate to standardised minimum rules, but added that could take five to ten years to roll out.
“Drivers, vehicles, operators and licensing authorities would eventually have minimum standards,” they said of the plans.
“But because primary legislation from parliament would also be needed to deal with the drivers coming in from other areas, it’s a bit up in the air whether you could do it before that or not.
“You could start it off, though, perhaps with the livery first.”
It is understood Mr Burnham wants to step up lobbying of both Whitehall and the Local Government Association over the issue of de-regulation, which currently means drivers are free to come in from authorities elsewhere that have less stringent licensing rules.
One experienced Manchester operator told the M.E.N. that a common standard across Greater Manchester could be good news for firms – and may in itself help stem the tide of drivers from other areas. Tom Rook, chair of the Greater Manchester Private Hire Association, said a minimum standard was a good idea in principle.
“It’s a good idea within reason,” he said. “You can only say that once we know what the policy is going to be,” he added.
It is understood the mayor’s office is keen to get going on the plan, hoping that licensing committees across Greater Manchester will take a decision on the issue this financial year.
A common livery could be an early win, insiders suggested.
“In New York, you arrive and you instantly see a yellow cab,” said one council figure.
“It’s part of the city’s identity. Visitors to Greater Manchester need to have the same experience.”
A spokesperson at the combined authority said: “The ten licensing authorities across Greater Manchester are working together to develop a common set of minimum standards that will give passengers the confidence that drivers and operators meet high safety standards, and ensure vehicles used are safe.”