Let's talk about taxis

New rules and regulations for taxi and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators are being prepared.

Please give your views before consultation closes on Monday 10 October.

The changes being looked at for Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policies include:

• A code of conduct for drivers including a dress code

• Introduction of a Driver Improvement Programme for existing licensed drivers

• A change in the medical requirements for drivers and the adoption of the DVLA Group 2 Medical Standard

• Changes to current arrangements for vehicle age limits and emissions standards

• A new requirement for private hire operators to assess the suitability of their booking and dispatch staff

• A change to the existing policy on vehicle window tints.

There are currently 1,018 licensed drivers.

Councillor Jill Fletcher is the chair of the council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee that oversees Hackney carriage and private hire licensing. She said: "It's residents and the general public that use the city's taxis and private hire vehicles. As a listening council, we take on board and consider the views of residents in our decision-making.

"We are proposing changes to the way private hire vehicles and taxis are licensed and operated within the city. We will do this by looking to introduce what will be known as the Statement of Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy.

"This will set out in one place information about the licensing and regulation of private hire and taxis.

"The primary objective is to ensure the safety and welfare of the public (with particular regard to children and vulnerable adults), environmental sustainability, and to ensure an efficient private hire and taxi service operates within the city.

"We'd be very interested to hear your views on what you feel about the trade in Sunderland as we draw up and draft these new regulations."

More details are here: Consultation on Proposed Draft Statement of Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy - Sunderland City Council

The work is in line with the Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and will consider matters raised through consultation with drivers and companies in Sunderland.

Cllr Fletcher added: "Feedback and comments from all residents, businesses and partners on these proposals is very welcome. Please do have your say."

This is an important consultation. Please let us know any views, including the overall approach, or individual elements of the proposed policy changes by emailing taxiconsultation@sunderland.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 10 October 2022. Alternatively, feedback can be made in writing and is required to be received by Steve Wearing, (Principal Licensing Officer), Licensing Section, City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3AA by the stated time and date.

Responses will be collated and used to form a report to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.