Darlington cabbies WILL NOT have to paint their taxis Ferrari red

Plans for all of the town’s taxis to be painted the same shade of red as Royal Mail vans have been put on hold following concerns by committee members that manufacturers may no longer be producing vehicles popular with the taxi trade in this particular shade.

Councillor Brian Jones, chairman of the council’s licensing committee, said: “The key aim of the policy is to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, encourage environmental sustainability, and ensure efficient taxi and private hire services in the borough.

“We sought the views of local residents and the taxi trade when drawing up the revised policy and have taken those comments on board.

“We want to ensure those using the taxis and private hire vehicles operating in the borough feel safe and comfortable and that they meet all the standards required.

“We’re also looking to streamline the application process to make it easier for drivers and operators and the proposed changes will provide clarity for the licensed trade and ensure the licensing regime will continue to protect the travelling public.”

Key amendments include the introduction of new age requirements for licensed vehicles to help improve air quality and reduce emissions.

The committee also agreed that a longer-term plan to help reduce emissions be included in the policy as well as a requirement that drivers follow Public Health guidance in response to national emergencies as part of their codes of practice.

On-line Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update subscription will be mandatory to allow a smooth integration with a new on-line licensing application process which is currently in development. It will also allow for more frequent checking of drivers, as required under the new government standards.

A consultation was held during the summer ahead of the publication of a revised draft taxi policy.

If approved, the new policy will come into force from 1 January 2021.

The revised policy and key proposals are available on the council’s website.

It will be considered at a meeting on Thursday, November 26.