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Posted on the 21st May 2025 in PHTM News
EDINBURGH CABS GET REPRIEVE AGE AND EMISSIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED AMID COMPLIANCE STRUGGLES
Taxi drivers in Edinburgh have been granted a one-year waiver on strict age and emissions limits for their vehicles, offering a temporary reprieve from potentially having to sell off older cabs.
City councillors voted on Monday 19 May, to approve the extension, allowing taxis older than a decade to continue operating on city streets.
Under existing regulations, introduced in 2021, petrol taxis and private hire vehicles were originally required to be 10 years old or less and meet Euro 6 emissions standards, or be Euro 5 and retrofitted.
However, the council has consistently approved extensions since 2020, effectively raising the maximum age limit to 14 years. Vehicles exceeding ten years old are subjected to bi-annual inspections to ensure compliance.
The decision to extend the deadline comes as a report to councillors highlighted the difficulties some taxi operators face in sourcing vehicles that meet the current age and emissions criteria. SNP Councillor Norman Work questioned the ongoing nature of these extensions, asking council officer Andrew Mitchell: "Was there any sort of timescale for this? There have been these extensions. Was there any idea how long it would go on for?"
Mr. Mitchell explained that while the initial target for Euro 6 compliance was 2021: "The pandemic intervened, and the committee quite rightly gave an adjustment to the timeline. So the final timeline for Euro 6 then became 2023. The vast majority of the fleet has been compliant for quite some time.
"A smaller number [of drivers] have struggled, either for financial reasons or various other reasons."
However, concerns were raised about the high failure rate of older vehicles during inspections. Regulatory Committee convener, Liberal Democrat Councillor Neil Ross, noted that: "Over two thirds [of vehicles over ten years old] have failed their first presentation for testing." He questioned what more could be done to incentivise better compliance.
Another council officer, Catherine Scanlin, shed light on the challenges faced by drivers: "What we’re finding on testing is that it’s wear and tear of the rest of the vehicle. And with the best will in the world, it’s very very difficult, and very expensive in the main, to keep on top of that.
"So when they’re coming for tests, even when the vehicles are prepped, they can’t foresee some of the issues."
She also highlighted a shift in the trade, stating: "Historically, older vehicles were passed down the line to new people coming into the trade. That’s not possible with these vehicles."
The council's report also indicated that a future update on progress towards a 100% wheelchair accessible taxi fleet would be brought before the committee.
Posted on the 21st May 2025 in PHTM News
CABBIE ATTACKED IN GLOUCESTER SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR RACIAL ABUSE AND STRANGULATION
A cabbie was reportedly throttled and subjected to racial abuse during an assault in Gloucester on Monday, May 19, at approximately 9:35pm.
A 62-year-old man from Gloucester has since been arrested in connection with the incident.
The attack occurred near Wall's Roundabout on Barnwood Road. According to reports, a passenger in a black Skoda Fabia taxi began arguing with the driver before allegedly grabbing him by the neck and punching him.
During the assault, the vehicle's horn was heard repeatedly, and the taxi came to a stop just meters from traffic lights.
The driver managed to pull over and seek assistance from a passing motorist.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed the arrest of the 62-year-old man on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault and non-fatal strangulation. He has been released on bail as investigations continue.
Authorities are appealing to the public for information. A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police stated: "Anybody with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police through the website quoting incident 508 of 19 May."
Police are also keen to speak with anyone who witnessed any part of the event or possesses relevant dashcam footage.
Posted on the 20th May 2025 in PHTM News
NORTH KESTEVEN COUNCIL'S ACTION VINDICATED AS CABBIE LOSES LICENCE AFTER REPEATED SPEEDING
A Sleaford self-employed taxi driver, Enus Karim, has permanently lost his licence to operate, concluding an extended legal battle that saw North Kesteven District Council's decision to revoke his licence upheld by both the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
The saga began in October 2023 when Mr. Karim was initially issued a hire driver licence despite having three speeding convictions.
However, in June 2024, after committing two more speeding offences on consecutive days at the same location, North Kesteven District Council’s General Licensing Sub Committee deemed him "no longer a fit and proper person to continue to hold his Hire Driver Licence due to his propensity to speed and therefore put passengers and other road users at increased risk," and subsequently revoked his licence.
Mr. Karim challenged this decision, first appealing to Boston Magistrates’ Court in December 2024, where his appeal was dismissed and the Sub Committee's decision upheld.
Undeterred, he launched a further appeal to Lincoln Crown Court, which was heard on May 2, 2025. The Crown Court judge again dismissed his appeal, firmly endorsing the council’s actions and the processes taken under their Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
As a result of the court's ruling, Enus Karim is no longer licensed to operate as a taxi driver and has been ordered to pay the council's costs of £800 for the two appeals he initiated.
Cllr Mark Smith, whose remit includes licensing and public protection, welcomed the court's decision, stating: "The primary purpose of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing is public safety. It is rare for taxi appeals to progress to the Crown Court, so it is satisfying that the current policy, and the way it is implemented, have been endorsed by both the Magistrates and Crown Courts."
Posted on the 20th May 2025 in PHTM News
EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL MAKES DECISION ON TAXI FARES
Taxi fares in East Renfrewshire will remain unchanged.
East Renfrewshire Council has completed its review, which includes consultation with the taxi trade.
The decision means that existing fares will stay in place from June 9.
The full public notice can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/366s7x5y.
The council is required by law under section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to review and set taxi fares and charges.
The current fare structure is available to view online and in person at the council's headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, and at 211 Main Street, Barrhead.
The public can submit written representations regarding the proposed charges.
Submissions must be sent to the Chief Officer – Legal and Procurement, Legal Services (Licensing), Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG.
The deadline for submissions is one month from the publication of the notice, which was released on May 7.
Enquiries about the proposal can be made by emailing celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.
Posted on the 20th May 2025 in PHTM News
SPEEDING WILMSLOW PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER SPARED BAN TO PROTECT LIVELIHOOD AND FAMILY HOME
A Wilmslow private hire driver, Mohammed Akhtar, 64, has successfully avoided a driving ban despite being caught speeding, after magistrates accepted arguments of "exceptional hardship" that would be caused to his family.
Akhtar pleaded guilty on April 23 to exceeding the 40mph speed limit on the A555 Ringway Road West in Manchester on October 5, 2023, while driving a Skoda Octavia.
On 18 May, at Bolton Magistrates’ Court, magistrates chose not to impose a 'totting' disqualification after hearing that a driving ban would lead to the loss of his job and put his family home at risk due to an inability to meet mortgage payments.
The court was also told Akhtar "supports the local community assisting elderly people unpaid taking them to and from appointments."
In sentencing, Akhtar was fined £461, ordered to pay a £184 victim surcharge and £120 in costs. His driving licence was also endorsed with four points.
The court took his guilty plea into consideration when imposing the sentence, and he was granted permission to pay the total £765 penalty in monthly instalments of £65, beginning June 4.
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