Beyond the Statutory Guidance: Licensing Authorities Discuss a Range of New Standards

This year saw the introduction of the new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards from the Department of Transport (DfT). As councils consolidate this into their regime, many are taking it as an opportunity to consult on additional changes to driver standards. The changes include things like driver dress codes, drug and alcohol testing, uniform signage, stopping mobile phone calls and e-cigarette usage.  

Below we’ll dive into some of the biggest changes on the horizon:  
 

Dress Codes 

Dress codes are a new suggestion being fielded by a number of licensing authorities. The introduction of these rules is being suggested to help reduce complaints and improve the image of the industry.  

Manchester City Council has released documentation on their proposed new dress code. They state that as a minimum standard:  

“...whilst working a licensed driver, males should wear trousers and a shirt which has a full body and short/long sleeves. Knee-length tailored shorts are acceptable,”  

“...whilst working as a licensed driver, females should wear trousers, or a knee-length skirt or dress, and a shirt/blouse which has a full body and a short/long sleeve. Knee-length tailored shorts are also acceptable,”  
 

They also offer a list of ‘unacceptable’ standards of dress, these include:  
 

• Clothing that is not kept in a clean condition, free from holes, rips or other damage.  
   

• Words or graphics on any clothing that is of an offensive or suggestive nature which might offend.    
   

• Sportswear e.g. football/rugby kits including shirts, tracksuits in whole or part or beachwear.    
   

• Sandals with no heel straps, flip flops or any other footwear not secure around the heel.    
   

• The wearing of any hood or any other type of clothing that may obscure the driver’s vision or their identity.  

The introduction of dress codes has sometimes been contentious in the trade, with some drivers feeling that they have been discriminated against on religious grounds. However, this has often been with private company dress codes. Councils that are proposing a dress code all seem to specify exemptions relating to faith or disability.   
 

Driver Drug Testing  

All though there isn’t a formal outline in place for a lot of authorities, they are in the development stage. It would be safe to assume that any testing programmes would follow the plans of other licensing authorities who have already introduced schemes. Liverpool City Council were one of the first licensing regimes to introduce drug testing.  

Approved in 2019, Liverpool City Council’s drug-testing programme was brought in to combat a spate of drivers found to be drug driving. Their policy includes both random and ‘intelligence-led’ testing to ensure that drivers are not working whilst under the influence. They utilise both public feedback to target drivers as well as testing of applicants or existing drivers with a known history of illegal drug use.  

Drug tests have recently been approved for East Suffolk Council’s taxi and private hire licensing. Several licensing authorities are hot on their heels for introducing their own measures. Greater Manchester Combined Authorities are in the process of developing a plan for drug and alcohol testing for the industry.  

Keep an eye on your local news for any information about public or industry consultations.  
 

Clean Air Zones  

Birmingham introduced a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) on the 1st of June 2021. Greater Manchester Combined Authorities are set to introduce their CAZ in 2022. Other councils across the UK have plans to follow suit to be in line with government green initiatives.  

CAZs have been the source of much debate in the industry. Drivers feel that the introduction of new charges for vehicles so soon after the pandemic could be disastrous for the industry. Greater Manchester has allowed a one-year exemption for certain vehicles, including taxis and private hire vehicles. Other authorities have not been as accommodating.  

Keep an eye on your local licensing regimes news as they will be launching public consultations on the proposed schemes.  

It‘s a changing industry, and it can be hard to keep track of all the news and events. To be sure you’re up to date, make sure you follow us on social media to stay in the know.  

For a frank and unbiased discussion of industry news, you can also check out our ‘What Time You On ‘Til?’ podcast, available on all major platforms.