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Posted on the 19th May 2025 in PHTM News
LEEDS HACKNEY CARRIAGES COULD BE FORCED TO ACCEPT CASHLESS PAYMENTS BY JULY
Leeds City Council is proposing a shake-up of licensing rules that could require all hackney carriages in the city to offer cashless payment options. The move comes in response to concerns about passenger safety and complaints that some drivers are refusing card payments despite having the necessary equipment.
While over 70% of Leeds-licensed taxis already provide this service, a council report submitted to the Licensing Committee highlighted worrying accounts, stating: "Recent complaints received raise significant concerns around public safety."
The report specifically mentioned the vulnerability of lone females and young people who might find themselves stranded after running out of cash on nights out.
The report further elaborated: "The majority of drivers already have the facility to take card or electronic payments. However, if the journey is a local one, some drivers are stating that they don't accept cashless payments, despite having the equipment to do so."
Both passengers and drivers have reportedly lodged complaints regarding this inconsistency.
If councillors approve the proposal at the Licensing Committee meeting on Friday, May 23rd, it could become mandatory for all Leeds hackney carriages to offer both cash and cashless payment options from July 1st this year.
The report acknowledged that some drivers might be reluctant to accept card payments for short, metered fares they deem not "financially worthwhile." However, an online survey revealed that a significant majority of drivers support the mandatory introduction of cashless payments.
"In total, 62 per cent of respondents believe that offering a cashless payment facility in hackney carriage vehicles will improve the level of service provided to the travelling public in Leeds," the report noted.
Interestingly, the push for mandatory cashless payments is not solely coming from the council. The report also stated: "The introduction of mandatory card and cashless payments has been requested by the hackney carriage associations through their quarterly trade forums."
The Licensing Committee is now being advised to approve the proposed change at their upcoming meeting at Leeds Civic Hall.
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