North Yorkshire taxi drivers must have wheelchair accessible

[The Dark Knight]

North Yorkshire taxi drivers must have wheelchair accessible or zero emission vehicles by 2030, council says

Taxi drivers in North Yorkshire are set to be told they must replace their vehicles with either electric or wheelchair accessible ones under new plans from the council.
All new applications for hackney carriage vehicles will need to be wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) or zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), along with a phasing out period for existing cars under the proposals.

The proposed rules will only apply to hackney carriage drivers, who operate from taxi ranks, and not private hire firms.

It comes after incentives for hackney carriage drivers by the council to buy WAVs by waiving the licence fee and relaxing the age limits of the cars failed to increase numbers substantially.








www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/north-yorkshire-taxi-drivers-must-have-wheelchair-accessible-or-zero-emission-vehicles-by-2030-council-says-4757947

[The Dark Knight]

North Yorkshire Council Proposes Major Overhaul of Taxi Services

North Yorkshire Council is preparing to introduce significant changes to its hackney carriage services, with proposals aimed at increasing the number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), while simultaneously improving safety and accessibility for passengers. The council’s general licensing and registration committee will review the proposals on 3rd September, with a potential 12-week public consultation to follow if the executive approves the recommendations on 17th September.

Under the new plans, all new applications for hackney carriage licences would be required to use either WAVs or ZEVs. This bold step aims to boost accessibility for people living with disabilities and reduce carbon emissions across the county. A phasing-out period for existing vehicles is also proposed, with all hackney carriages expected to comply with the new standards by January 2030.

Despite previous incentives, including waiving licence fees and relaxing age limits for WAVs, the number of these vehicles in North Yorkshire has remained stable. The council now hopes to take more decisive action. “We are committed to ensuring the availability of an accessible and affordable taxi service across North Yorkshire, especially for those particularly reliant on it,” said Cllr Greg White, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for licensing.

The council expects that by requiring all new hackney carriages to be either WAVs or ZEVs, it will significantly increase the availability of accessible vehicles while also improving air quality. The introduction of ZEVs aligns with the Government’s environmental goals and will contribute to reducing emissions across the county. Importantly, these changes apply only to hackney carriages and not to private hire vehicles, maintaining a mixed fleet in line with national guidance.

In addition to these measures, the council has also responded to feedback from the trade. Proposed changes include ensuring that all vehicle licences, both new and renewed, meet updated emission standards. The proposals also introduce adjustments to the frequency of vehicle testing, changes to medical assessments, and the option for drivers to apply for a specific type of licence. These changes aim to support the ongoing provision of safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly hackney carriage and private hire services.

Cllr White explained: “This new approach shows that we’re serious about improving services, which are invaluable to so many in our community for their everyday lives – getting to work, medical appointments, education, or simply meeting up with friends.”

If the proposals are approved, new requirements will come into effect for all new vehicle licences starting from 1st April 2025, while existing licence holders will have until 1st January 2030 to comply, allowing ample time for them to make necessary arrangements.

Cllr Tim Grogan, chair of the licensing and registration committee, highlighted the evolving nature of the licensing policy: “The licensing policy is never static; it is always changing, being interpreted or redefined. The committee will robustly debate these proposals to ensure we continue improving our hackney carriage and private hire services.”

If the executive greenlights the consultation, residents and stakeholders will be able to share their views via the council’s website over a 12-week period. The council hopes that these changes will enhance the quality of life for residents across North Yorkshire, particularly for those who depend on accessible and eco-friendly transport options.








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