Feedback wanted over taxis in borough

IF YOU live and work in West Lancashire, the borough council wants to hear your views on changes to an important document relating to taxis operating in the area.

The council licences taxis and drivers throughout the borough as a means to ensure public safety and to support the licensed trade.

The council’s standards for licensed vehicles and drivers are contained in its taxi licensing policy.

While the policy was formally reviewed in 2016 and will last for five years, the council is seeking to make additional amendments to reflect recent changes in legislation and implement additional safeguarding measures.

The council wants to hear your views on the proposed changes to the policy and has started a public consultation which will run until October 31 2017.

All comments received will be presented to the licensing and appeals committee for consideration.

Cllr Kevin Wright, portfolio holder for health and community safety, said: “This is a very important policy for the council and we would welcome the views of anyone living and working in West Lancashire as well as the licensed trade.

“The council would particularly like to hear from people who use taxis regularly so that we can ensure our policy meets the needs of local people.”

To read the draft policy and find out how you can give your views, please visit www.westlancs.gov. uk/yourviews and click on consultations under way.

Comments can be made by emailing licensing.enquiries@westlancs. gov.uk or by post to West Lancashire Borough Council, Licensing Service, Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale, WN8 8EE.

The police and local taxi companies and drivers have been contacted directly to get their views.