Taxi rule U-turn demand to go before council

A U-turn over a new rule governing the age of taxis in Derby is to be considered by the council.

In April the maximum age of a newly registered car was cut from 15 to five years, despite opposition from many drivers.

Vehicle owners said the change would drive up costs, potentially forcing some out of business.

A report to the city council, which will be considered on Thursday, said the costs may lead drivers to register with other authorities, but reversing the rule could leave the authority open to compensation claims from those who have already complied.

The council had said the new limit was "to ensure vehicles are in good condition and more likely to meet current safety and emissions standards".

Previously registered vehicles are not affected by the change, and Hackney taxi vehicles - "black cabs"- are exempt.

A petition signed by dozens of private hire vehicle drivers will be handed over at the meeting, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report, from council officers, said keeping the five-year rule in place would be "ambitious for Derby and create the right impression".

It also states keeping the standard would help "reduce city-wide emissions" and removes "older and more polluting vehicles from the licensed fleet".

But the document acknowledges likely additional purchase costs of a vehicle, vehicle tax and insurance.

However, it adds changing the rule could lead to "a perception of inconsistent regulatory decision-making that impacts those who have complied and may open the door to compensation claims".

If the petition is successful, the existing policy would remain in place until new changes to the vehicle age and emissions policy are brought to the next committee meeting.

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