Taxi Drivers in North Yorkshire Fear New Rules May Harm Business

Proposed changes to taxi licensing rules in North Yorkshire are causing significant concern among local taxi drivers. The new rules, aimed at increasing the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and adhering to equality legislation, could force many drivers out of business, according to industry representatives.

Changes to Licensing Rules and Requirements

The North Yorkshire Council is revising its hackney carriage policies to meet new guidelines. The draft plan includes restricting new taxi registrations to only WAVs, electric vehicles (EVs), or potentially hybrid vehicles. This shift is being introduced to improve accessibility and sustainability in the local taxi service industry. However, the proposed regulations are facing strong opposition from drivers who argue that the changes could place an unnecessary financial burden on them.

Concerns from Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers, such as Richard Fieldman from Ripon, fear that the proposed changes will force many of them to leave the industry. Fieldman represents around 100 drivers in the region and has warned that the cost of purchasing WAVs could be too high for many taxi operators. He suggests that if drivers are unable to afford the new vehicles, there will be a significant reduction in the number of available WAVs, leading to a shortage of accessible taxis.

Impact of Uber Competition

Richard Fieldman also expressed concerns about the growing influence of Uber in North Yorkshire, which operates without the same licensing restrictions. He argues that Uber drivers have a distinct advantage, as they are not required to use WAVs or electric vehicles, putting traditional taxi drivers at a disadvantage. Fieldman believes that taxi drivers should have the same flexibility in choosing their vehicles as their Uber counterparts.

Public Consultation and Future Discussions

The North Yorkshire Council has acknowledged the complexity of the issue and is planning a 12-week public consultation set to begin in the new year. During this time, stakeholders, including taxi drivers, residents, and the general public, will have the opportunity to share their views. Councillor Gareth Dadd, the deputy leader of the council, emphasized the importance of an open and thorough consultation process to ensure all perspectives are considered.