Bridlington and local residents who are looking for a new career are being urged to consider becoming licensed private hire or taxi drivers.
According to the Bridlington Echo, along with most areas of the country, the East Riding needs to attract more drivers, as the industry has an ageing workforce, current drivers are getting older, and many have retired in recent times.
Although there is not a shortage of licensed drivers at this stage, the council wants to act now to prevent a potential shortfall of drivers in the future.
Over the coming months, the council will issue case studies on its social media channels, showcasing different business models in the industry, giving residents an opportunity to see what they might be interested in and how challenging but rewarding the job can be.
Cllr Leo Hammond, ERYC Cabinet member for planning, communities and public protection, said: “There is much more to being a licensed driver than you might think, and we hope that more people will want to consider taking this on, which will benefit both themselves and the areas they serve.”
Councillor Hammond added: “Many people don’t realise how many different business models are open to licensed drivers. You can work for yourself and choose your own days and hours, perhaps in addition to an existing job, or you can work for a company and enjoy the benefits that can bring.
“It can be very rewarding work – not only can you set your own schedule, but you could end up driving anywhere in the country, and meeting lots of different people. It’s a very diverse and rewarding role.
“You can also drive an existing vehicle, get your own private hire vehicle, or even share a vehicle. There really are lots of ways in which you can make the role work for you, and turn it into a successful business opportunity."
Initially, all applicants meet with the council’s licensing team, and are advised on how to proceed, depending on whether they would like to be self-employed or to work for a company.
To become a licensed driver, applicants would be subject to enhanced checks on their medical history, criminal history, driving history and their right to work in the UK.
They also have a localised knowledge test, and safeguarding training. To find out more, contact: Taxi.hub@eastriding.gov.uk
Source: https://bridlingtonecho.co.uk/taxi-drivers-needed-as-area-faces-shortage-in-the-future/
Police have released mugshots of three people who tried to force an Uber driver to give them money. The driver was racially abused and beaten up by one of the three.
Changes to taxi fares on the Isle of Man have seen maximum prices rise and the late-night tariff pulled forward by an hour.
A taxi driver has suffered several head injuries after being attacked by two passengers in robbery attempt.
Aberdeen International Airport is holding talks with taxi drivers following strikes over proposed changes at the Dyce hub.
London cabbies call for more government support to help with transition to electric and have teamed up with InstaVolt, the UK’s leading rapid charging network to show how this could be done.
Madeh Ahmadi, from Handforth, pleaded guilty to plying for hire whilst he was not licensed as a hackney carriage at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates’ Court.
Dr Gareth Carey threatened a taxi driver and kicked off his car's wing mirror after failing to pay his £28 fare.
Trevor Storey, 63, was charged £253 instead of £4 when he dropped a customer off on April 14. The machine didn't issue a receipt and Trevor failed to notice the eyewatering charge.
A private hire driver has told how a Household Cavalry horse "smashed" into his people carrier lifting part of the car into the air, as seven horses got loose during an exercise and ran amok.
A previously flat 20 per cent commission rate has been replaced with differing rates dependent on the total number of jobs drivers complete.