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.

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