Guildford Council launches survey to gauge opinion on new taxi and private hire rules

Guildford Council launches survey to gauge opinion on new taxi and private hire rules

Guildford Borough Council has launched a public online survey to gauge reactions to proposed changes to taxi and private licensing in the area. The survey will run to Monday, January 11, 2021. 

Among proposed changes are mandatory fitment of CCTV systems in all vehicles; a requirement for all drivers to sign up to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update service; the introduction of a dress code for drivers; and a ‘fit and proper’ test for vehicle owners to ensure vehicles are not defective. 

Guildford Borough Council is recommending that taxi and private hire drivers must have a six-monthly record check for any new conviction or other information, and must self-report any arrest, charges or conviction within 48 hours rather than 7 days, as at present.

The council also wants to encourage the use of cleaner vehicles. A two-stage policy is being proposed, under which vehicles licensed for the first time from April 1, 2021 must meet or exceed Euro 6 emission standards. All renewal applications from January 1, 2025 must meet or exceed Euro 6 emission standards. Finally, from January 1, 2030, Guildford will only licence hackney carriage and private hire vehicles that are ultra low emission vehicles.

To take part in the consultation, please visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/A1CC1N/