Cumberland Taxi Drivers Voice Concerns Over New Licensing Policy

Overview of Policy Changes and Meeting Highlights

Cumberland Council’s regulatory committee met on Monday, November 11, at Allerdale House in Workington to deliberate on amendments to the proposed Cumberland Taxi and Private Hire Policy 2025. This policy, which aims to standardize licensing and regulations for taxi and private hire drivers within the council’s jurisdiction, has stirred considerable controversy among drivers and operators. During the meeting, councilors reviewed public feedback, discussing several proposed changes, including the removal of an upper age limit for licensed vehicles.

The council initially proposed a penalty point system for taxi and private hire drivers, intending to enforce compliance with licensing requirements. However, this aspect has raised significant opposition. Additionally, the draft policy featured a dress code for drivers, which has since been simplified following public response.

Key Changes to the Policy

The regulatory committee agreed on key adjustments to the draft policy in response to feedback:

• Removal of Vehicle Age Limit: The original policy suggested an upper age limit on licensed vehicles, limiting options for drivers with older vehicles. The committee’s decision to lift this restriction has been seen as a win by drivers who feel that the restriction would have increased their financial burdens.

• Review of the Penalty Point System: The proposed penalty point system, which assigns points to taxi and private hire drivers for non-compliance with licensing criteria, will undergo further review. This system has sparked widespread concern, with drivers arguing that it could impose undue penalties on minor infractions.

• Revised Dress Code: Initially extensive, the dress code has been simplified after drivers voiced their opposition. This change aims to strike a balance between maintaining professional standards and respecting drivers’ autonomy over attire.

Driver Concerns and Public Sentiment

The public consultation, extended in response to feedback, demonstrated strong opposition to specific elements of the policy, notably the penalty point system and dress code. During the meeting, the public gallery was packed with taxi and private hire drivers eager to voice their concerns. Some drivers submitted questions to the councillors, advocating for a policy that considers the challenges faced by drivers in Cumberland.

Christopher Bray, Secretary of the Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Association of Carlisle, expressed disappointment after the meeting, stating, “I can't see what difference it has made today, none whatsoever.” While Mr. Bray acknowledged the removal of the vehicle age limit as a positive change, he voiced concerns that the draft policy could threaten the livelihoods of many drivers. “The age limit had to be lifted so we have got some kind of result,” he said. However, he feared the policy changes could still spell the “end of the road” for some drivers who may struggle to meet new requirements.

Council Response and Next Steps

Jill Perry, the committee’s chairwoman and a Green Party councilor for Bothel and Wharrels, assured the public that the council is working toward a balanced policy. She emphasized that the consultation period was extended specifically to gather more input from drivers and operators, adding, “We’ve listened very carefully to the taxi drivers concerned.” Perry noted that some questions raised by the public were addressed during the meeting, which led to several issues being withdrawn from the agenda.

The council anticipates finalizing the Cumberland Taxi and Private Hire Policy 2025 in January next year, after further revisions and additional input from drivers and other stakeholders. Perry expressed confidence that the extended consultation and adjustments will help shape a fair and effective licensing policy for the taxi and private hire industry in Cumberland.