Taxi and PHV inspections are a vital part of keeping drivers and passengers safe on the roads.
But drivers in Oldham say they are losing out over the council’s two-day plate policy – in which they have to hand over their taxi badges and are unable to work while the annual licensing MoT inspection is being carried out.
They say this is bad enough, but because the council’s licensing offices are only open Tuesday to Thursday, they can miss out on up to four days’ trade – including the busy weekend periods.
Inspection policy
Explaining the situation to the Oldham Times, one 20-year taxi veteran said Oldham Council’s policy is unfair and penalises the 2,700 taxi and PHV drivers in the borough because the licensing office is only open 15 hours a week.
He said: “This limited availability is causing significant problems for us as drivers.
“It is essential we are ready for work. Our vehicle is the means of our income and, if it is fit for purpose, the office hours should not be the reason we are unable to drive.
“Any vehicle which is licensed or being licensed requires two tests a year, one at the beginning and one in between.
“The second test does not require us to attend the office as the plates are annually issued.
Limited hours
“It’s the first or renewal where the problem lies, especially if you have a test on a Thursday or Friday due to the two-day policy.
“The office being closed Friday and Monday means Tuesday is the earliest to collect plates, causing drivers off the road for nearly four days during the most critical earning period.
“For many of us, this time off the road directly impacts our income.”
“The mental health toll caused by this uncertainty is immense.
“The stress of not being able to provide for our families, while still having to pay for insurance and radio rent without earning anything, adds to the burden.”
Promises
He said taxi drivers have been “promised” that the issue would be addressed, “yet nothing has changed”.
He continued: “It seems that those responsible for these delays are not affected in the same way and do not feel the uncertainty that we do.
“This lack of accountability is unacceptable in any workplace.
“I urge immediate action to introduce same-day service for any vehicle that has passed its MoT.
“Delays and inefficiencies like this are unfair and unjust to those of us who rely on our vehicles to earn a living.
“Most Greater Manchester councils have same-day or one-day collections for plates.
“There are a few who have similar rules to Oldham.”
Quicker turnaround
Oldham Council has apologised for delays that stop drivers from earning a living and has pledged to speed up the process.
Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Decent Homes, said: “We are sorry to hear these concerns and we appreciate the important service our taxi and private hire trade provide to Oldham residents and visitors.
“We know that it impacts drivers where there are delays in processing applications or licence plates after tests have been completed, which is why we are hiring more staff, so that the office can be open for longer and so that we can process plates quicker.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with the trade to address their concerns while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements.”
Vital role
As in many towns, taxi and PHV drivers play a vital role in the community and the driver said working in the borough is largely a “rewarding job”.
In addition to the costs of running a taxi, drivers deal with anti-social behaviour as well as unsocial shift patterns. But in Oldham they also have the added worry that in addition to paying for their annual renewal and inspection, they could be losing up to four-days income before they can get back on the road.
It is understandable that many are concerned about their livelihood and wellbeing. Hopefully the council can extend licensing office hours so drivers can get back on the road the same day that they pass their inspection.
