Opinion is sharply split in Huddersfield as the local council's Licensing and Safety Committee prepares to discuss a controversial proposal next week: allowing Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to be licensed as taxis.
The potential policy change has sparked debate, with concerns about practicality and environmental impact clashing with calls for broader vehicle options and accessibility.
Currently, Kirklees' Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Specification Policy, which dictates vehicle types and standards, bars SUVs from being licensed. This stance was reaffirmed as recently as February 2024, alongside provisions for annual testing and allowing multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).
However, a recent public consultation revealed a divided opinion. While a majority of respondents – 211 out of 372 (57%) – agreed that MPVs and SUVs should not be licensed, strong arguments were also made in favour of the change.
One respondent against the inclusion of SUVs voiced concerns about urban impact, stating, “MPVs are impractical when it comes to seating people in the rearmost seats and SUVs shouldn’t be licensed as we don’t need more SUVs in our town centres or near schools.”
Conversely, proponents highlighted potential benefits for both drivers and passengers. One supporter argued: “If vehicles can carry passengers and their luggage, then any vehicle should be permitted. I've had hips replaced and have problems with some standard cars. 4x4s might just be an advantage round here in winter.”
The proposed changes also include removing specific dimension requirements for vehicles, replaced by a clause linking the number of licensed seats to the vehicle's logbook.
A key provision states that if a customer deems a vehicle unsuitable, the driver must arrange an alternative at no extra cost.
A decision on these proposed changes is expected on Thursday, July 3rd.
The unnamed driver's licence was revoked following his conviction for two offences of harassment without violence.
Despite strong calls from the local taxi industry, the council currently has "no plans" to implement such a policy, citing insufficient evidence of need.
Jennie Harrison, 35, regularly faces last-second cancellations or outright refusals from drivers once they spot her guide dog, despite it being against the law.
Labour Cllr Corrine Chikandamina, who estimates she takes taxis 1,500 times a year, brought the alarming issue to a meeting of the Regulatory Committee on Thursday, June 26.
The test covers all MOT items, plus the council’s supplementary testing items. Upon passing the test, a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
The terrifying spree unfolded late on Tuesday night, June 24, and into the early hours of Wednesday, targeting drivers from three different taxi firms: Capital Taxis, Inverness Taxis, and City Taxis.
Sajid Hussain, who committed two speeding violations on December 17 and 19, 2022, while working as a taxi driver, paid £600 to have false details and fake insurance documents created.
Hampshire Police is urging people to be vigilant after an Uber driver raised the alarm over a suspected courier fraud scam.
A recent safety blitz on private hire vehicles in the Warwick district has led to 12 vehickles being temporarily taken off the road due to various defects, ensuring greater passenger safety.
The DUAA is a new piece of legislation that updates some existing laws about digital information matters.
The disciplinary action is one of several taken against taxi and private hire drivers in the borough between February and May of this year.
Under the new proposals, the base fare for the initial 880 yards of a journey would see an increase from £3.90 to £4.40.
The decision, made at a licensing meeting on Wednesday, June 18, will now open to public representations before final approval.
This backing follows increasing public outcry, notably after the death of 65-year-old Twickenham minicab driver Rob Dale in November 2024.
Taxi drivers had sought to raise the basic fare and subsequent distance charges, citing rising operational costs.
Graham Head, 68, was re-convicted on Thursday 19 June, by a jury at Lewes Crown Court following an eight-hour deliberation.
The proposals were put forward by the borough's taxi drivers, who cited that fares hadn't risen in three years.
The study reveals a dramatic shift in Uber's "take rate," from an initial fixed 20% (later rising to 25%) to an average of 29%, and in some instances, exceeding 50% of a fare.
This ambitious move signals a direct challenge to Waymo's established dominance and intensifies the race as Tesla also vies for a slice of the self-driving taxi industry.
The changes, approved by the new Reform executive panel on Tuesday, June 17, aim to unify the region's disparate taxi zones into one harmonised system and are set to take effect from September.